Malaysia, Truly Asia (Penang)

One of the best pairings of soup and rice is the salted vegetables soup with a bowl of braised yam rice. The version at Hon Kei Food Corner is done very well with the soup having a refreshing tangy flavour with the addition of minced pork and pork balls. The tomatoes also added a nice sweetness, all pairing well with the accompanying yam rice. The best kind of foods that you will want to eat when the weather turns cold.

Located along a side alley is a nondescript stall selling the most comforting kway teow thng in the morning. Add their ginger-infused meatballs and this will set you right for the rest of the day. The silky smooth kway teow paired with the savoury clear broth is the combination that warms the heart and soul.

Popular among the locals, Nasi Kandar Pelita is one of the largest nasi kandar restaurant chains and operates around the clock. It is especially comforting to eat nasi kandar for supper before heading to bed, with my standard order of ayam goreng, sayur kobis and telur masin, finishing with kuah campur over the rice. Bonus picture and additional order of a type of roti canai order that is not commonly seen elsewhere. There might be various ways to order it, but I usually call it the prata tsunami.

The master of the wok wears a pair of googles while frying up plates of char kway teow. Not fried over charcoal but he still manages to conjure up some cookery magic in this plate with the key highlight being the huge crunchy prawns that he added into it.

When in Penang, the one thing that you have to eat before leaving is the charcoal fried duck eggs char koay teow. If there is an opportunity to go a place that only the locals patronised then you have to get off the beaten track and take the chance with it. Over at 阿兴鸭蛋炒果条, the addition of the fried duck egg is the crowning jewel to an excellent plate of wok hei, slow burn spicy fried koay teow.

Thai food seems to be a trend in Penang, with many places selling some form of tom yum dish. Though the restaurant is located at a touristy area, Ka Bee Cafe is mainly patronised by the locals for their tom yum cintan mee with fried fish and minced meat. The tom yum is on the sweeter side with a tangy spicy flavour, making it very appetising and comforting to eat.

The char koay teow in Penang just hits differently from the ones in Singapore as the version here is savoury and spicy, and there is an option to use duck eggs instead of the regular chicken eggs. The creamier texture and wok hei makes it a must-try when you are here.

You know you have stuck gold when you've found a bowl of excellent Penang Laksa with more than 20 years history right smack in a coffeeshop along the main road. The 虾膏, tangy assam gravy and fresh fish were all paired harmoniously to create a spicy, savoury and sour bowl of goodness.

Another recommendation from a local, the oyster omelette is a small pushcart located opposite the Beach Street Fire Station. The oyster omelette here is slightly different back home, the flour batter is fried until super crispy before cracking an egg on top. After which, fresh oysters are added and a special gravy is poured onto it before serving. Not for the faint hearted.

Located opposite the Beach Street Fire Station, there is a coffeeshop that houses a beef soup koay teow and oyster omelette (both recommended by our driver, Uncle Sunny). We managed to rush there for our last few pit stops before heading back to Singapore. A hidden gem that the locals go for their food fix.

What will you do if you noticed a cafe that bakes their own artisanal bread from a masonry oven and makes their own yogurt? You give your support of cause. The poppy seed bagel with cream cheese and mango walnut yogurts make for an excellent tea time snack.

26.12.2014 \\ The rain got heavier and we decided to make a trip down The Alley which was along the way to our next destination. Famous for their cronuts and churros, we ordered the churros set with salted caramel dip to share. A warmer in the cold weather.