My descriptive article assignment

The wafting aroma of good food coupled with the busyness of the crowd often indicates an eatery’s quality in preparing a wholesome meal. One doesn’t have to look too far to gauge it. Since the dawn of time, human beings were in need of replenishment, more so delicious ones. It has not been a wonder then, that Penang has also become a destination for gastronomical adventures. Food lovers or foodie alike would search high and low for a new place to dine and be merry. Neither the rush hour traffic, nor the apparent remoteness of a place would deter them. However, foodies rely heavily on word of mouth, and now food blogs to give them the insight on which is the best place to eat. It is then a purpose of this article to explore some of the famous and lesser known places to eat in Penang. Be warned before you proceed, contents are known to cause drooling, hunger pangs and the excessive need to grab the nearest thing to munch on.

A central icon to the gastronomical delight of Penang has to be it’s assam laksa. Many talk and rave about it, but which is truly the best? There are some great local selections and opinion on to which tastes the best. One famous hotspot for assam laksa would indefinitely be the Air Itam market. Air Itam is located at the foot of the Kek Lok Si temple. The stall that sells this delicious dish only opens in the afternoon. Locals can picture the 2 stove stall that is overflowing with mint leaves, shredded vegetables, cucumber, onions and the thick aroma that wafts through the air. Located at the side of a shop near the road, the prawn sauce noodle dish is coupled with an icy cool cendol from the neighboring stall.

Another gathering place for fans of assam laksa is in Penang Road. Just a stone’s throw away from Chowrasta Market, the humble kopitiam shop boasts of a special family recipe in assam laksa. This version is slightly different as the spiciness is milder and the broth is thicker. Nevertheless, patrons can also have a bowl of cendol to complete the picture. After a satisfying meal, patrons can stroll in the Chowrasta market and sample some of its sweet and sour preserved food and fruits, particularly the ever-popular nutmeg.

A lesser known version of the Penang laksa is the Malay version. The smooth broth flows with coconut milk, spinach, cucumber, onions and a generous serving of fish meat, even with eggs added to the signature of Malay laksa. A perfect example of this would be a small stall, located almost in the heart of Georgetown, at Lorong Haji Sulaiman.

In continuation with the noodle frenzy, a must try would be the mee sotong at Esplanade. Esplanade is a famous area for events and festivals where the green blades of grass dance in the gentle breeze. Across the green field would be the food court, right next to Fort Cornwallis. The Fort Cornwallis is a historical fort left by the British Empire. With over 20 cannons and infrastructures like bunkers and holding cells, it is a big tourist attraction. It is right next to this tourist spot, lies the modest stall that sells mee sotong. It opens for lunch hours and customers from the nearby government buildings are known to flock to the vicinity. The springy tenderness of the noodle is made heavenly with the succulent taste of the squids. With smooth and mild gravy, it is a taste that is chopstick licking good!

For those who have a knack for eateries with a long line of history, one can check out a shop at Lorong Seratus Tahun. Although not as long as the name of the street suggests, the shop has more that 30 years of history, and even a branch in Puchong, Selangor to boost, doing what it does best, serving piping hot bowls of white curry noodles. Opened only for breakfast, your bowl of white curry noodles here will be served steaming hot, and the spiciness can be adjusted on your own. Customers are given a separate bowl of sambal to be added in. You can add as much as your palate desires.

Not to be outdone by this, a unique Nyonya-style curry noodle is moreover available, once again in Air Itam’s market. To the delight of many, this is the sole stall that sells the noodles in the whole Penang Island! Its second to none status is achieved by a fresh supply of ingredients, comprising of mint leaves, fish ball and also its healthy option of less coconut milk. A wonderful affair of its supple noodles, palate pleasing broth and fresh ingredients mingles to tickle the taste buds.

Dessert aficionados would not be disappointed with the bubur gandum in Little India. Little India, as it’s name suggests, is a street lined with shops trading Hindu articles of worship and other Indian necessities including saris, henna art and Bollywood movies. Smacked in this plethora of sights and sounds, lies a stall offering bubur gandum. The dessert is made with boiling porridge with wheat and other ingredients. Its sweet taste is akin to a bowl of red bean soup, albeit, a notch higher in satisfaction. Upon request, soft and fresh home-baked bread is provided for dipping. Nothing lesser than heaven for the sweet tooth.

Penang not only boasts of its cultural heritage, but also a fusion of international food. A restaurant in Mount Erskine would be an impeccable example of western cuisine. Located in Mount Erskine, Batu Ferringhi, the restaurant is known for a full house every night. It’s fame is such that many just remember the place by the location, rather than the restaurant’s name. Signature dishes, including grilled meats, are made unto perfection, with its juice and tenderness intact. The chef’s high standard ensures a stable amount of juicy, tender ribs, flawless grilling, and ultimate customer satisfaction.

Last but not least, nasi kandar is an iconic famous food in Penang. An affordable but modest eatery would be Restoran Jaya, beside the 8 PAGI convenience store in Minden. Famous for it’s nasi daun pisang, a fresh serving of honey glazed chicken and goat milk is enough to melt your palate away. Not to mention also its steamy santan rice, and a variety of other side dishes to choose from. With such an option, dinner is never the same again.

There can be no end to fine eateries and dishes that please the stomach. Food has not just become a necessity, at times, it is even a luxury. An apt question before the next saliva-drooling, hunger-inducing food search is, do you eat to live, or do you live to eat?

*Thanks to the lynx for the information and matt, juliet, and gary for proofreading this..^.^v