[ad_1]
Nestled on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Penang beckons with its irresistible mixture of historical past, tradition, and delicacies. Although two days might solely supply a glimpse of this fascinating island, you may embark on a whirlwind tour that covers the must-see highlights. I got here right here as a weekend journey from Singapore given its proximity and I feel that’s sufficient time to see the highlights of Penang.
There actually isn’t that a lot to see on this colonial city of Malaysia. The shophouses within the metropolis heart are very picturesque however there merely isn’t as many conventional sights in and close to Penang as say someplace like Chiang Mai or perhaps a place like Yogyakarta which has the well-known Borobudur temple.
With that stated, what Penang does excel at is wonderful meals for very inexpensive costs. If you happen to’re into avenue meals tradition and just like the tastes of Chinese language-Malay cooking, then Penang is the spot for you. I roughly spent all the two days consuming from place to position attempting out the native meals. Hopefully you’ll be into that too as a lot of this submit might be targeted on the meals!
khoo kongsi temple beneath white sky in penang malaysia
” data-medium-file=https://johnnyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pexels-photo-9495962-300×200.jpeg data-large-file=https://johnnyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pexels-photo-9495962.jpeg decoding=async width=1200 peak=800 src=”information:picture/svg+xml,%3Csvgpercent20xmlns=%22http://www.w3.org/2000/svgpercent22percent20width=%221200percent22percent20height=%22800percent22percent3Epercent3C/svgpercent3E” alt=”khoo kongsi temple beneath white sky in penang malaysia” class=”ezlazyload wp-image-63716″ data-ezsrcset=”https://cdn-0.johnnyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pexels-photo-9495962.jpeg 1200w, https://cdn-0.johnnyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pexels-photo-9495962-300×200.jpeg 300w, https://cdn-0.johnnyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pexels-photo-9495962-768×512.jpeg 768w” sizes=”(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px” ezimgfmt=”rs rscb7 src ng ngcb7 srcset” data-ezsrc=https://cdn-0.johnnyafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pexels-photo-9495962.jpeg>
The place to remain in Penang
Penang is definitely fairly an enormous metropolis and Penang correct is just not the Penang you need to keep at. For all vacationers, you’ll need to keep in George City which is the colonial heart with a correct previous city that gives you all of the sights, sounds, and smells of your desires. Penang is vastly completely different from different elements of Malaysia just like the Sabah province the place I dived the Sipadan reef.
There are many lodging in Penang that matches all budgets. I stayed in an ideal lodge within the metropolis heart for about $50 an evening that was inside strolling distance to all the pieces.
Center Finish – $50 to $100
Excessive Finish – $100+
Penang is a meals lovers paradise
Listed here are a number of the prime dishes and meals gadgets you should attempt when visiting Penang:
Penang is a meals lover’s paradise, famend for its various and flavorful delicacies. I spent most of my complete two days consuming my means via town attempting as many issues as attainable. The meals in Penang is kind of just like the meals in Singapore. You’ll discover a lot of the identical gadgets right here as you’d ifnd a a hawker market in Singapore. Nonetheless, the flavors in Malaysia are only a bit stronger and in some way tastier. Even the Singaporeans agree and lots of of them come to Penang to chow down.
- Char Kway Teow: A stir-fried noodle dish made with flat rice noodles, prawns, Chinese language sausage, egg, and bean sprouts, all tossed in a savory soy sauce. It’s usually cooked with chili paste for an additional kick.
- Laksa: Penang is legendary for 2 forms of laksa: Asam Laksa (a bitter fish-based soup with tamarind) and Curry Laksa (a coconut milk-based curry soup). Each are scrumptious and supply a singular mixture of flavors.
- Hainanese Rooster Rice: Tender poached rooster served with aromatic rice, accompanied by chili sauce and ginger paste. This dish is easy however extremely satisfying.
- Rojak: A flavorful fruit and vegetable salad with a candy and tangy shrimp paste sauce. It’s a pleasant mixture of textures and flavors.
- Nasi Kandar: A hearty meal of steamed rice accompanied by a wide range of curries, meats, and greens. It’s usually served with a beneficiant ladle of flavorful sauces.
- Mee Goreng: A spicy fried noodle dish sometimes made with prawns, tofu, and a wide range of greens. The secret’s the flavorful sauce that coats the noodles.
- Penang Hokkien Mee: A aromatic and savory noodle soup with prawns and slices of pork. The broth is simmered for hours to realize its wealthy taste.
- Satay: Skewered and grilled meat, usually served with a scrumptious peanut sauce and accompanied by rice desserts and cucumber.
- Pasembur: A Penang-style salad that includes a combination of seafood, greens, and prawn fritters, all drizzled with a spicy peanut sauce.
- Apom Manis: Skinny, crispy pancakes with a candy heart, usually made with coconut milk and sugar. They’re a well-liked avenue meals snack.
- Cendol: A candy and refreshing dessert made with inexperienced rice flour jelly, coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and crushed ice. It’s particularly pleasant on a scorching day.
- Ais Kacang: A colourful dessert with shaved ice, candy syrups, and an array of toppings like purple beans, corn, agar-agar jelly, and extra.
- Otak-Otak: A spicy fish cake wrapped in banana leaves and grilled or steamed. It’s a flavorful and fragrant snack or aspect dish.
- Lor Bak: Deep-fried pork rolls or prawn fritters served with a dipping sauce. The mixture of crispy exterior and tender inside is pleasant.
- Murtabak: A stuffed pancake stuffed with a combination of minced meat, onions, and spices. It’s a flavorful and filling dish.
- Roti Canai: Flaky and crispy flatbreads served with dhal (lentil curry) or different curries. They are often loved plain or stuffed with varied elements like egg or cheese.
- Prawn Mee: A flavorful noodle soup made with a prawn-based broth, prawns, and bean sprouts. It may be spicy and is a favourite amongst locals.
Day 1 of Penang
I arrived at night time simply in supper time. The Seize from the airport to George City is about half-hour and can value you roughly 20 MYR (~4.50 USD). As quickly as I checked into the lodge, it was off to the races to search out one of the best meals in Penang.
7:30pm – Teksen Restaurant
The primary cease on the record is on the well-known Teksen restaurant within the metropolis heart. Teksen has been round since 1965 and has been the go to no-frills eatery for generations of foodies and locals alike. Teksen serves conventional cantonese fare in a laid again and informal setting. The meals right here is scrumptious, contemporary, and inexpensive.
I had their sambal kangkong, salt and pepper squid, and tamarind prawns. Their pork dishes appeared wonderful as nicely. Anticipate an extended queue right here as it’s well-liked with vacationers and locals alike. They’re solely open for dinner from 6pm to 9pm.
9pm – Cocktail bar at Archipelago
Day 2: Full day in Penang
9:00am – Dimsum at Fu Er Dai
Begin the day proper by having a conventional dim sum meal on the extremely well-known Fu Er Dai restaurant. This dim sum restaurant may be very well-liked with the locals in addition to with Singaporeans or Chinese language that go to Penang. The dim sum right here is rattling good and happy all of the cravings I had for these scrumptious shrimp dumplings, sesame balls, char siew buns, glutinous rice, and extra.
Fu Er Dai is old style in its method. You’ll obtain a bit of paper which you’ll convey to the entrance of the restaurant and you may select the dim sum gadgets you need. The employees will mark your paper with what you may have and if you’re end on the finish, you convey your paper to the cashier and take a look at accordingly.
The meals right here was completely scrumptious with a number of the meatiest prawn dumplings I’ve ever had. The fried egg custard buns have been among the many greatest I’ve ever had.
Dimsum is a breakfast/lunch affair so be certain to eat this earlier than midday in any other case the restaurant begins to shut and the contemporary gadgets are already gone.
11:00am – Stroll alongside the marina and discover the municipal court docket home
After Fu Er Dai, stroll alongside the marina and admire a number of the previous colonial fashion buildings that Penang has to supply. These embody the courthouse and the municipal buildings.
12:30pm – Lunchtime with Laksa
For lunch, it’s time to attempt the well-known Penang fashion laksa and Char Kway Teow. There are numerous locations within the metropolis to have penang fashion laksa and there’s no higher place to attempt it than the well-known Air Itam Laksa subsequent to the Kek Lok Si Temple. This stall has been round for generations and attracts massive queues of locals and vacationers alike to their stalls each weekend.
Assam Laksa is the laksa to attempt in Penang which is characterised by its bitter and tangy broth stuffed with unique veggies, chunks of fish, rice noodle, and chilis. I actaully want the asam laksa fashion to the curry laksa which is extra prevalent in Singapore.
2:00pm – Kek Lok Si Temple
Perched atop a hill in Penang, Malaysia, the Kek Lok Si Temple, or “Temple of Supreme Bliss,” is a testomony to the island’s wealthy cultural tapestry and spiritual range. This colossal Buddhist temple, amongst Southeast Asia’s largest, harmoniously blends architectural components from Chinese language, Thai, and Burmese traditions.
At its coronary heart stands the Ban Po Thar, a towering seven-tiered pagoda adorned with intricate carvings, statues, and vibrant tiles, representing the aspects of Buddhist teachings. This pagoda epitomizes non secular devotion and architectural splendor.
Ascending additional, guests encounter a colossal bronze statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, radiating compassion and hope. Surrounded by smaller statues and pavilions, it creates an environment of serenity and reflection.
The temple’s distinctive options embody the Tortoise Liberation Pond, the place devotees launch tortoises as an act of compassion, and the Thousand Buddhas Pavilion, housing numerous small Buddha statues for meditation and introspection.
When visiting, dressing modestly is an indication of respect, and comfy footwear is advisable because of the quite a few steps. Don’t neglect your digital camera to seize the breathtaking views of Penang from the hilltop.
Kek Lok Si Temple transcends its position as a spot of worship; it’s a cultural treasure that unravels Penang’s heritage and the unwavering devotion of its folks. Whether or not you search architectural wonders, non secular solace, or cultural exploration, this non secular marvel leaves an indelible mark in your coronary heart and soul, symbolizing unity in range and the enduring energy of religion.
4:00pm – Noon Chendol Dessert
When in Penang, you should attempt the well-known Perenakan dessert referred to as Chendol. From the temple, you may seize again to the well-known Chendol spot.
At its core, a typical serving of chendol consists of a number of key elements:
- Inexperienced Pandan Worm-Like Jelly: The distinguishing characteristic of chendol is the inexperienced, pandan leaf extract-infused jelly. This jelly, which resembles worm-like strands, carries a singular aroma and a refined sweetness. Its texture is barely chewy, contributing to the dessert’s general attraction.
- Coconut Milk: Chendol is historically introduced in a bowl or glass generously stuffed with creamy coconut milk. The coconut milk brings a wealthy and creamy component to the dessert, completely complementing the sweetness of the opposite parts.
- Gula Melaka (Palm Sugar) Syrup: To sweeten chendol, Gula Melaka, often known as palm sugar, is employed. It’s sometimes melted right into a syrup, imparting a particular caramel-like taste to the dessert. This syrup is generously drizzled over the coconut milk and jelly, including to the general sweetness.
- Crushed Ice: Crushed or shaved ice is a vital component of chendol, serving to maintain the dessert cool and refreshing. Because the ice melts steadily, it creates a delightful distinction between its chilliness and the creaminess of the coconut milk.
Whereas some variations of chendol might incorporate further elements akin to purple beans, candy corn, or glutinous rice, these 4 core parts—pandan jelly, coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and crushed ice—stay fixed. The harmonious mix of flavors and textures in chendol makes it a cherished dessert throughout the area, providing a pleasant mixture of sweetness, creaminess, and refreshing coolness, particularly appreciated within the sweltering tropical climate.
Whereas Chendol doesn’t look interesting at first look (what are these unusual inexperienced issues??), I can guarantee you it’s really very tasty and nicely definitely worth the go to.
Dinner – Auntie Gaik Lean’s Pernakan meals
Perenakan meals is a should attempt when visiting this a part of SE Asia. Perenakan is a time period to outline the folks which are combined Chinese language and Malay ethnicity. This group was a big a part of the historical past of this area throughout colonial instances. The meals that got here out of this association is as scrumptious as it’s distinctive.
Auntie Gaik, the guts and soul of the restaurant, is commonly seen greeting visitors with a pleasant smile. Her ardour for Peranakan cooking is obvious in each dish that comes out of her kitchen. As you sit down, you may’t assist however really feel such as you’re about to embark on a culinary journey with a loving member of the family.
The Peranakan Feast: A Symphony of Flavors
The menu at Auntie Gaik’s is a pleasant tapestry of Peranakan flavors, showcasing the distinctive fusion of Malay and Chinese language culinary traditions. Every dish is rigorously ready with contemporary elements and a real love for the craft.
- Nyonya Laksa: One in all Auntie Gaik’s signature dishes, the Nyonya Laksa is a bowl of consolation that encapsulates the essence of Peranakan delicacies. The creamy coconut broth is infused with fragrant herbs and spices, making a harmonious mix of flavors. Topped with prawns, tofu puffs, and shredded rooster, it’s a dish that embodies the complexity of Peranakan delicacies.
- Assam Pedas: One other must-try is the Assam Pedas, a tangy and spicy fish stew. The tamarind-based broth is a symphony of flavors, with hints of lemongrass, galangal, and chili. It’s a dish that tingles the style buds and leaves you longing for extra.
- Ayam Pongteh: For many who want a milder taste profile, Auntie Gaik’s Ayam Pongteh is a tasty selection. This slow-cooked rooster stew options earthy flavors of fermented soybean paste and is commonly loved with steamed rice.
- Kueh Pie Tee: Don’t neglect to begin your meal with Kueh Pie Tee, delicate and crispy pastry cups stuffed with a aromatic combination of julienned greens and prawns. They make for a pleasant appetizer that’s each crunchy and flavorful.
Day 3: Half day in Penang
For the final and last day of this two day weekend itinerary, begin the time without work with breakfast at one of many many stunning cafes within the metropolis. In fact, the cafes right here can’t evaluate to the cafe tradition of Bali however they’re undoubtedly up there with one of the best of them. Penang may very well be an ideal place for digital nomads on the lookout for small metropolis life. When you’ve had your morning espresso, it’s time to eat the well-known Roti Canai
9:00am: Roti Canai at Gemas Street Brothers
Roti Canai is certainly one of Malyasia’s hottest dishes. Influenced by the Indian inhabitants that reside in Malaysia, Roti Canai is an ideal crispy and chewy roti bread served with varied types of curry. The most effective place in Penang to have it’s by far the Gemas Street Brothers on the outskirts of the city. It’s positioned in the course of nowhere however folks understand how nice it’s and flock to this location.
The roti is at all times made contemporary and the curries are exploding with taste. I obtained two rotis for myself as they have been simply so scrumptious.
12pm: Char Kway Teow
Lastly, it’s time to eat extra meals in Penang. Char Kway Teow is on the menu because it is likely one of the well-known Chinese language-Malaysian dishes that you should attempt. Char Kway Teow is broad rice noodles stir fried with bean sprouts, crispy pork bits, seafood, and darkish soy sauce. The most effective ones are cooked over a charcoal wok which imbues the smoky wok taste to the dish.
The most effective place to eat Char kway Teow in Penang is certainly the Siam Street Charcoal CHar Kuey Teow street aspect restaurant.
Finest time of 12 months to go to Penang
The most effective time to go to Penang, Malaysia, largely depends upon your preferences for climate and the kind of actions you’d like to interact in. Penang experiences a tropical rainforest local weather, which implies heat and humid climate all year long. Right here’s a breakdown of the seasons that can assist you determine when to go to:
- December to February (Cool and Dry Season):
- That is thought-about the height vacationer season.
- The climate is cooler and fewer humid throughout these months.
- Ideally suited for outside actions and sightseeing.
- Anticipate bigger crowds and better lodging costs, particularly round Christmas and New Yr’s.
- March to April (Transitional Interval):
- These months are nonetheless comparatively dry and nice.
- A superb time to go to if you wish to keep away from the height vacationer season however nonetheless take pleasure in favorable climate.
- Could to November (Scorching and Moist Season):
- This era experiences the very best rainfall and humidity ranges, particularly from June to August.
- Could is usually a transitional month with occasional rain.
- The upside is that you could be discover higher offers on lodging throughout these months.
- If you happen to don’t thoughts occasional rain showers, you may nonetheless go to and luxuriate in Penang’s indoor points of interest, cultural experiences, and culinary delights.
- September to October (Intermittent Rainfall):
- These months is usually a good compromise between climate and affordability.
- Whereas there is perhaps occasional rain, it’s not as intense as the height monsoon season.
- Penang Competition Seasons:
- Take into account visiting throughout particular festivals to expertise Penang’s distinctive cultural celebrations. For instance, Chinese language New Yr and Thaipusam are vibrant and colourful festivals celebrated with nice fervor.
Proceed Studying:
[ad_2]
Source link
