Penang today is very much an amalgam of the old and the new – a bustling port, a heritage city and an industrial base. Perhaps it has more to offer per square mile than any other place in the world. For sheer variety of locales, cultures and foods, Penang is hard to beat. Here are stories about Penang and more.
The 'roti man' or bread vendor is quite a common sight in Penang. They are usually on their rounds in the mornings and from tea time, plying their stock-in-trade in a road contraption that resembles a hybrid between a motorcycle and a 'meat safe'.
Hameediyah Restaurant in Campbell Street serves good murtabak. Established in 1907, this is one of the oldest Indian Muslim restaurants in Penang.
For those who appreciate bold and exciting flavours, Thai cuisine is sure to captivate. Known for its delicate balance of sweet, sour, salty and spicy notes, it offers a vibrant culinary experience. From aromatic herbs to fiery spices, each creation takes your palate on a fantastical journey. In Penang, the availability of Thai food stalls and restaurants assures you will be spoilt for choice.
Loh Kei Duck Meat Koay Teow Th’ng finds its home at the side wing of the State Chinese (Penang) Association (SCPA) on Perak Road. Just across the way, Ang Hoay Loh Restaurant occupies the other wing.
Where would you go in Penang to buy a birthday cake or to enjoy a delicious slice? Although choices are aplenty, I would frequent just a handful of cake houses here in Penang. Among them is Passion Heart Café, located at 23, Jalan A.S. Mansoor, off Jalan Transfer.
In the 1900s, a group of Chinese sports enthusiasts established the Penang Chinese Recreation Club, a heritage clubhouse. Located at its premises in Victoria Green are two dining outlets – CRC Restaurant and CRC Victoria Cafe. Situated across the road from CRC is the "new" CRC Chinese Restaurant, sharing the same building as the North Malaya Cheah Si Chong Soo. Today, both the "old" and "new" CRC Restaurants are popular choices among Penangites for family meals, birthday celebrations as well as wedding and corporate dinners.
Yes, this is how popular roti canai is in Penang, available all day long at almost every street corner. This simple flatbread is adored by both young and old, men and women of all races in the country.
Situated within the UNESCO World Heritage site of George Town, Penang, The Leith Hotel Penang emerges as an exciting new boutique destination, seamlessly blending historical significance with contemporary sensibilities. Formerly known as the Waldorf Hotel, this landmark, recently leased in 2023, has been thoughtfully reimagined, offering a fresh perspective on its storied past while providing guests with an exceptional blend of comfort and cultural immersion.
Tucked at the back of Jelutong Sunshine Kopitiam is an unassuming noodle stall run by the ever-friendly Madam Tan Saw Guat and her daughter. Here, they serve up a humble yet heart-warming dish – Hailam Char (Hainanese stir-fried noodles) – that is as comforting as it is delicious, a true taste of nostalgia for anyone who appreciates authentic flavours.
Right off the bat, I have to tell you that I am going to be biased. David Kaw is a close friend of the family for ages and we are all huge fans of his culinary creations. Too many birthday dinners, wedding anniversaries and special occasions have been celebrated at Salsas Penang. And every time, David has taken great care of us making each event memorable.
Penangites just want it all – fresh seafood, delicious flavours, beautiful presentations, a cosy ambiance, great service and above all, cheap prices!
Morpheus Restaurant Penang is located at Lorong Aboo Sittee in the bustling city of George Town. It first opened its doors to the public in April 2023 by head chef and owner Andy Lai. Using top quality ingredients, each dish is crafted to showcase the coupling of culinary artistry and elegance. Here is an account of my inaugural dining experience at Morpheus.