An Islander's Perspective of Penang
The Maggi Goreng is a street food style consists of fried instant noodles (usually the Maggi noodles) which is common in Malaysia. It is commonly served at Indian Muslim food stalls or usually called ‘mamak stalls’ locally. The noodles are fried and often served with eggs and fried chicken. Maggi Goreng is a Malay phrase which can be translated as “Fried Maggi”.
A popular Chinese street food in Penang and commonly found in Butterworth or Bukit Mertajam area, the yam rice is usually served with a bowl of salted vegetables soup and mixed pork organs.
Toast set with half boiled eggs from Ah Wang Cafe at Tanjung Tokong, Penang.
Lok Lok is another popular hawker style food in Penang. It is basically a type of steamboat consists of having skewered food being dipped into a shared pot of boiling water. After being cooked with the boiling water, the skewered food is then normally dipped with various sauces before eating.
A plate of Chinese fried rice served at the Eng Loh Kopitiam at Bishop Street, George Town.
One of the more common and popular street food, satay can be found in a number of coffeeshops or hawker food centers in Penang. Originally a traditional Malay food, it has since gained popularity among the locals and tourists.
The most famous curry mee stall in Penang is arguably the Sisters’ Curry Mee Stall at Ayer Itam town. Located just across the road from the Ayer Itam market, the two elderly sisters who operate the stall have been in the business since 1940s (sometimes dubbed as Penang’s living heritage). Their curry mee’s chili paste is homemade using their own secret recipe and in this sense, is unique from the other usual curry mee. They operate the stall daily (except Tuesday), from 7:30am till 1:00pm.
This laksa stall at the Ayer Itam Market is popular with tourists and is usually crowded during weekends or holidays. The stall has been in operation for many years at Ayer Itam town.
Loh Bak plate from Kheng Pin Cafe, George Town.
Loh Bak (or Lor Bak) is a popular Chinese dish served in most Chinese kopitiams and hawker center. Loh Bak refers to the fried and rolled marinated minced pork and is commonly ordered together with other type of items such as boiled octopus, prawn fritters and fried bean curd.
A typical set of Tandoori Chicken and Naan bread usually found in the many ‘mamak’ coffeeshops across Malaysia, including Penang too. The Naan bread can be eaten on its own but it is usually served together with the tender Tandoori Chicken, dhal, mint sauce and onions.