Penang Street Eats

Islandwide

I spent four days and most of the waking hours during this visit, eating my way though this island, famed for its chilled out lifestyle and the most incredible street eats.

What is hidden beneath all that fresh lettuce is a very tasty pot of ba kut teh, a pork rib dish cooked in a fabulous herbal soup. Unlike the versions served in Singapore which are clear and peppery, the Malaysian style uses a dark soup base and is chocked full of herbs. Yums!

There is no such thing as "bad food" in Penang. Even the most ubiquitous looking stalls serve the most amazing meals. We stopped by this food centre on Ferringhi Beach and found the most amazing prawn noodle soup, fishball noodles and Penang style fried kway teow (flat rice noodles stir fried with sprouts and seafood).

I am not a fan of lor mee - noodles served with a dark sticky sauce and eaten with a dash of vinegar, fresh garlic and chilli paste, but a taste of this dish at a roadside stall (where else?!) made me a convert.

We had what the locals called Hokkien char - thick noodles stir fried with a sweet dark sauce with veggies and seafood. It was pretty fragrant, and tastes even better with sambal blachan (a spicy chilli dip).

We stopped by this roadside stall that serves fresh coconut - of the drink variety - the coconut is just cut up with a very deft hand and parang; and sea coconut - which you carve out with your fingers!

A drink that I was just introduced to - a pickled nutmeg juice. Part sour, part sweet, but altogether great for that hot afternoon. Aha! The Penang version of chee cheong fun (steamed rice sheets) is served with a prawn paste sauce unlike the sweet sauce in Singapore. It's somewhat of an acquired taste. The savoury flavours work pretty well with the silky soft rice rolls.
A fresh skin popiah (roll stuffed with stewed turnip and flavoured with sweet sauce, chilli and garlic), only the Penang version is eaten quite damp, with a little soup at the bottom of the dish.
The most refreshing ice kachang - shaved ice coloured by a variety of syrups (including sarsi!) and the freshest of corn, with many other hidden delights under the ice. Delish!
As you can tell, this is an extremely late post since I had lo hei (Chinese salad tossed with raw fish), which is typically served over Chinese New Year. And in true Singaporean fashion, I had to combine it with nothing less than a chilli crab dish, of course!
Nasi Lemak (rice cooked in coconut milk) often served with fried ikan billis (anchovies), a fried egg and sambal blacan (a chilli dip). Fab meal for breakfast or lunch (and some say dinner!)

Siem Reap Eats

Though not a regular visitor to Cambodia, the very mild and delicate flavours of Cambodian dishes have left quite an impression on me. Being in the Indochina region, the dishes shares traits of Thai and Vietnamese cooking though in a very different way. The spices used are generally very delicate, and layed in flavours. Also, the curries tend to be milder and have a hint of sweetness in them. Lemongrass is predominant in most dishes. Here are some of my favourites ones.Noodles in a light broth.

The signature fish curry.

Chicken salad.

Bagels and Cream Cheese, NYC

One of my favourite ways to start the day in the Big Apple. Preferably toasted!

Lombardi’s, NYC

Lombardi’s
32 Spring Street, Manhattan

A SOHO institution I was told. Yummy slices of thin crust pizza just the way I like it. I am starting to get the impression that in NY, you simply have to queue for a good meal.

Burgers, NYC

Burgers

Le Parker Meridien
118W 57th Street

We spotted this burger joint tucked in a corner, hidden behind thick velvety curtains. But that which was unveiled was an absolute dive, complete with a “please order only from the items written on the board” and grab your own seat policy. The burgers were juicy though the fries were a tad ordinary. But it was delicious and very affordable for NY nonetheless.

Be prepared to stand in line for your lunch.

Norma’s, NYC

Norma’s

Le Parker Meridien
118W 57th Street

I had two very memorable brunches here. It’s not easy to get a seat and they don’t take reservations. The average wait is about an hour for the table but it’s well worth the wait.

Breakfast favorites are given a way delicious twist, just like the blueberry pancakes flooded with the freshest of blueberry sauces (homemade no less), enchiladas filled with piquant egg and mince mix with spicy salsa… The experience is made all the more enjoyable with its little treat before the dishes arrive of a mixed fruit shot and that never ending glass of fresh squeeze oj. I can have breakfast here, everyday.

Beach Road Food Centre

Beach Road Food Centre
505 Beach Road

I returned shortly after, following the wafts of the fragrant claypot rice that I had spotted on my last visit here. I am quite a claypot rice fanatic and am always on the lookout for the next better interpretation of the dish.

The smokey smells was just too enticing. The stall at the Food Centre, on the ground floor, offered a pretty good rendition. With chunks of chicken and salted fish and great value for money, this is one place that I will keep in mind when craving strikes when I am in the city.

Beach Road Food Centre

Beach Road Food Centre
505 Beach Road

Our next dining adventure saw us in Beach Road, led by the tempations of this stall on the second floor, run by a Belgium chap, serving waffles and fruit with chocolate (Belgium no less) dip. The chocolate was delicious alright, but the doughy waffles were far from ideal. I preferred mine with dip.

Just further up from this place was a fried kway teow (stir fried flat rice noodle) stall that claimed that they used no lard in their cooking. That to me was sacriledge especially with this iconic Singaporean dish. Amazingly, it didnt taste like it was in want of the fat. However, what was clearly missing was the lap cheong (waxed meats) which gives the dish an added dimension.

While we were at it, we also tried the soto (Malay style chicken soup) on the ground floor and some satay. All yums.

Wine Garage

Wine Garage
30 Merchant Road #01-07
T. 6533 3188

We wrapped the evening up with a stop for sweets at Wine Garage, just up the street from Central Mall.

The menu at the Garage is always yummy, especially with their small plates selection that goes great with wine.

This evening however, I had a chance to savour their desserts. We had a special selection of roasted spiced almond and the molten choclate cake. But what really intrigued me was the milk pudding. It had the consistency of almond pudding but only silker and more way lighter, topped with a dollop of nutella and fresh cherry sauce. The combination was simply exquisite and left was wanting more.

Central TomTon

Central TomTon
#03-88 Central Mall, Eu Tong Sen Street
T. 6327 7887

Next on the Central "menu" was this shabu shabu place (Japanese hot pot). We were enticed by its promise of black pork, a Japanese specialty that is made even better by the accompanying citrus dip.

The dish was very average. It paled in comparison to the same dish I had in Tokyo. The servings were tiny. The dip bland, and the price - very much more than in Japan. It was disappointing.

When dining in Singapore, my preferred shabu shabu spot would still be Ohsumi.

Marutama Ramen

Marutama Ramen
#03-90 Central Mall
Eu Tong Sen Street

I was thrilled to bits that my foodie pal was in town, at least for a few days, to put more eating places to the test and we decided that Central Mall was it for that evening. Touted as the new "Little Tokyo" its filled with many little Japanese spots including this ramen place.

We ordered the special, the aka-ramen which was served with a seven nuts soup base and meat balls. Quite yums. What I like specially is the noodles. Its hand made by the shop and does not come with the starchy strands that is common in most ramen places. I could eat it all without feeling stuffed midway.

Prices were affordable also - most noodles averaged S$12/US$8, and you can add on other ingredients to the bowl.

Fabbrica Restaurant and Wine Bar

Fabbrica Restaurant and Wine Bar
18B Dempsey Road
T. 6479 7808

I was so hungry I forgot to capture images of the main course. But the dessert was as good as the pasta. I had the panna cotta and the molten chocolate cake. Both were fab.

Not surprising, the restaurant is homed by an Italian chef and his wife. The fact that its set among the beautiful green surrounding of the Dempsey area, makes it all the more attractive.

Toast Box

Branches islandwide

Though available all day long, this is one of my favourite breakfast sets on the weekend. Half boiled eggs with thick toast slathered in creamy peanut butter sauce, and cup of traditional coffee shop style tea. What better way to start the weekend!

Z’en Japanese Cuisine

Z’en Japanese Cuisine
#01-75 UE Square
T. 6732 3110

I came by lured by the large Japanese crowd at this restaurant and also from bumping in a Japanese chef friend here. And my hunch was right - we ordered a set to share. The variety was fabulous - from seared tuna, and sashimi, to roast duck and daikon salad. Every dish was a pleaser. Well worth visiting again to try the other items on the menu.

Hong Kong Café

Hong Kong Café Marina Square Ground Floor

I tried this only because the combination was just too bizzare to not try - instant noodles with egg and pork floss. I confirmed my suspicion. It was just too strange. Works with pineapple fried rice, with bread, but with noodles...

Tong Po Siew Kun, Hong Kong

Tong Po Siew Kun
Across from North Point MTR

This is a really interesting find. A walk through a deserted wet market to the third floor unearthed this lot of eating places that was so packed to the brim you just had to see it for yourself.

We were recommended to try the roast chicken here, which was tender as can be, covered with a layer of crisp fried garlic. We also had the garlic crab, which was very fragrant. We had the roe cooked with egg which yielded yet another dish.

In our greediness, we also ordered the peppery intestine soup which was served in a bucket like dish. In that cool weather, it tasted exqusite. The selection here is just mind boggling.

Krispy Kreme, Hong Kong

I wanted to find out what the big deal is with this brand of dounts with so many people taking boxes of these round confectionary home with them whenever they travel to a location with a Krispy Kreme.

I ordered my usual - jelly filled donut - and find it no different from the Dunkin Donuts I used to hanker after every now and then in Boston.

Verdict (I am almost sure that I am going to get jeers for this)- its a nice donut but no different from any of the other good ones out there so long as its eaten fresh.

Lan Fong Yuen, Hong Kong

Lan Fong Yuen
G/F Gage Street, Central (near the escalator)
T. 2545 3895

I had a morning to try more items from this popular corner cafe. I ordered the instant noodles with ham, and served in a home made soup. One of the best I have had so far in Hong Kong.

Lucky Dessert, Hong Kong

Lucky Dessert
G/F, 532 Jaffe Road,
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

I have found dessert heaven in Hong Kong. Lucky Dessert now is now one of two (or three) on my "must-go to" dessert places in the city. My favourites there is the mango sago dessert - chunks of fresh mango dressed in fresh mango sauce and topped with fresh pomelo, and the most divine of muay chi - a rice cake stuffed with more fresh mangoes. Its absolutely to die for. They have durian versions of these desserts, but I cant quite comment since I am no durian fan.

La Lucciolo, Bali

La Lucciolo
Jln Oberoi, Seminyak

This must be my favourite Italian restuarant. They serve the most amazing food - from salads to pastas, dessert to drinks. And the fact that its set in this simple but gorgeous place right on the beach makes it even more fabulous.

My favourite starter here is the zucchini flower stuffed with pumpkin puree, dipped in a tempura batter and fried. Delish. The pastas here area also amazing delicate in its flavours.

On another occasion I tried the corn fritter pancakes for brunch and that was just as good.

Oh, and I forgot to mention the delicious granitas here.

What can I say, I adore this place!

Kafe Warisan, Bali

Kafe Warisan
Jalan Raya Kerobokan
38, Kerobokan
T. 62-361 731175

This is touted to be one of the best French dining spots in Bali. I went down one evening with high expectations. There was a nice vibe to the place with outdoor dining set in an old building.

I ordered the French onion soup and the baked goat cheese tart, both of which I felt was alright - its good food, but it was just lacking that "x" factor. I am not sure if its because I stuck only to the appetisers but there was not much in that meal that would entice me to come back to try more.

Trattoria, Bali

Trattoria

Jln Laksama, Seminyak

Another favourite of mine in Bali is this simple Italian restuarants that serves up yummy pastas at very affordable prices. For dinner, I had a calamari salad with rocket, and pasta.

The highlight though was the dessert of mascapone cheese and nutella - simple but hits just the right sweet spot.

One thing I noticed though, the place has grown since I first discovered it years ago and the food, though still good, is not as great as when I first ate here. It still offers great value and a very nice buzz.

Made's Warung, Bali

Made's Warung

Seminyak & Kuta

I had my first Bali meal on arrival at the all time favourite Made's Warung. I always come here for my regular does of nasi goreng (fried rice), that came with a delicious satay (grilled meat on skewers) with peanut sauce and a glass of the superbly divine fresh ginger tea.

My other favourites here is the soto. A spicy chicken soup that is laden with bean sprouts, vermicelli and chicken. And the ikan pepes a spicy steamed fish dish that goes extremely well with rice and the simple bean stir fry that comes with it.

Nasi Kandar Perlita, Kuala Lumpur

Nasi Kandar Perlita
134 Jln Ampang
T. 02-2162 5532

Nice find - nasi padang (a selection of dishes with rice) with an extensive selection. Be prepared to brave the crowds though. Its a popular one with the locals.

go2bloom, Los Angeles

go2bloom
5544 W Pico Blvd

T. 323 934 6900

Gorgeous organic breakfast of addicitive pancakes with fruit and an absolutely delicious omelette.

Gonapachi, Los Angeles

Gonpachi
134 N. La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
T. 310-659-8887

It was a new addition to La Cienega and we wanted to see if we can add it to our list of to eat places here. And I am pleased to say - we can. Interesting spot to stop by when shopping in town. Good quality Japanese dishes (we tried the tofu, duck soba and some yakitori dishes), set in a quiet environment. Nice break from the madness of the malls.

Napoli, Bangkok

Napoli
Sukhumvit Soi 22, Bangkok

Okay, it may not be quite the thing to go Italian in Bangkok but if you've got to, then this place is definitely worth a try.

A cosy little place tucked away amid the madness of Sukhumvit where the food is good and the service friendly.

Order The Venetian pizza where the chef turns a simple pizza into a whimsical rendition of a bridge in Venice – parma ham is draped over two breadsticks. The crust is thin, the pizza crunchy, just the way I like it.

The spaghetti vongole comes in a claypot with a doughtop. I like the way it comes to your table and when the girl peels off the top, the aroma just strikes you – actually, more than an aroma because it is laced with garlic.

This is a drier version than most spaghetti vongole I have tried but it's heavenly.

To top off a great meal, the owner offered us free Grappa. Hey, what more could anyone ask for? - SHY

Pocky, Tokyo

The variety of snacks in Japan is mind boggling. Even for a simple item like Pocky – choclate covered sticks, you can select from regular to this sticks, milk, white, dark chocolate, with nuts, with coconut sprinkles, with green tea flavour… mind-boggling!!!

Tonkatsu, Tokyo

It was the final meal in Tokyo before we head for home and we just had to try the dishes that we didn’t manage to fit in the last week – oyakodon (egg and chicken on top of rice) and tonkatsu (deep fried pork fillet with rice) that came with a sesame dip on the side. We even had the Japanese style steak. I love eating in Tokyo.

Japanese Jelly, Tokyo

Available everywhere

I was never a fan of prepacked jellies but friends said I had to try the ones in Japan. They have a range, from the very inexpensive to the designer grade. I tried the ones sold in the food hall (even there, there was a wide range to choose from), and it was yums. Melt in your mouth with fruit at the bottom.