PART 2: Makan-makan
As-salamu'alaikum.
It goes without saying, that Penang is famous for its variety of delicious local cuisines. And yes, the main reason we went to Penang this time around was because of my craving for nasi kandaq. I'm still craving by the way. Read here if you don't know what nasi kandaq is.
1) Breakfast at Deen Nasi Kandar in Jelutong.
Different people have different tastes. Some might like other nasi kandaq. But Deen Nasi Kandar is my personal favourite. The curry mix is its forte. As for the lauk (dishes), there's the usual varieties of chicken, fish, beef, prawn, squid, eggs and veggies. The price is reasonable and not overpriced like some places. In fact it is cheaper than some other famous nasi kandaq. Do try Nasi Kandar Deen if you're in Penang. Highly recommended. I give it 5/5
Tips:
* Don't tell them which curry to mix. Just let the staff do his job and you'll get the best out of it. They know their trade.
* Order extra plate of rice (with curry).
2) Restoran Nasi Kandar Deen Baru, Relau.
I was informed by a local Penangite friend that Deen Nasi Kandar has a branch. So on the 2nd day, we headed to the Deen branch at Relau, Bayan Lepas for breakfast. This place is roughly 5-6 minutes drive from our TH hotel which was really convenient for us. The curry mix, taste-wise is almost the same as the Jelutong (original) albeit a little bit spicy (pedas) than Jelutong's. And the place is not as crowded as Jelutong. So you don't have to put up with long queues. Highly recommended. I give it 4.7/5
3) Medan Renong food court, Padang Kota Lama (near Fort Cornwallis, Georgetown)
I read a lot of negative reviews online about this eatery. But you never know till you try it first. There are a lot of stalls selling Mee udang, Pasembur, Char Koay Teow, Chicken rice, Ais Kacang, Kerang Bakar etc. Some dishes are quite expensive here, some are reasonably priced. I'm just going to mention the food that we ate at this place. We were not disappointed. Some that are worth mentioning here are:
Cendol pulut from Din Ais Kacang stall. RM3.50 per bowl. Mouthwatering indeed. We drove up here all the way from our hotel in Bayan Lepas 3 times during our stay solely for the cendol pulut. Highly recommended. I give it 4.7/5.
Coconut shake. If I'm not mistaken, there is only one stall in the food court that sells coconut shake. You shouldn't miss it. RM3.00 per glass. I give it 4/5.
This is the coconut shake stall. On the right of the stall is a Laksa Penang stall. The laksa is cheap and tasty. Price RM3-4 depending on whether you want egg with the laksa. No picture of the laksa dish by the way. Should try if you're in this area. Recommended (by my wife). The kerang bakar was also nice, you can simply order from any of the kerang bakar stalls here.
This is the food court. It was raining on our first day here as you can see. It's next to the ocean. On sunny days, the open air area is usually filled with customers.
Tip:
* Always check out the price of the dishes before ordering. Some dishes can get really expensive especially Pasembur, Mee udang varieties and Char Koay Teow. I ordered a Meehoon udang from one of the stalls here, I'm not going to mention which stall but it was quite pricey. I didn't expect to pay so much for an average taste dish.
4) Danish Briyani House, Relau, Bayan Lepas
Located in Relau, this eatery is within close proximity to Nasi Kandar Deen Baru. The shop lot is only across the road from Deen Baru. Was recommended by a friend for its briyani dish. We ordered Beef Briyani, Chicken Briyani and Tandoori set. The beef briyani was delicious. But the same couldn't be said on the chicken tandoori which was a bit off for me. And the chicken briyani is barely passable. Would only recommend the beef briyani. I give it 4/5. We didn't try the lamb briyani, but maybe in the next trip insha Allah.
* Beef Briyani dish.
5) Pak Hussin Tom Yam, Sungai Ara, Bayan Lepas
On the first night, we were invited by my Penangite friend for dinner with his family and another friend (and a family of 7) at Pak Hussin Tom Yam in Sungai Ara. It took only 5 minutes drive from our hotel. The place was jam-packed when we arrived at 8:40PM. Fortunately our host made early table reservation and pre-ordered the meals. So it didn't take long for dinner to be served on our tables, seeing the place was full house. I didn't have the time to take any photos during the dinner session as we were busy enjoying our foods.
Our host ordered more than 6 types of dishes plus rice. We had tom yam, deep fried fish, omelet, chicken, fried squid, spicy prawn, beef and veggie dishes. Overall it was quite satisfying. The place is clean. So if you like malay-thai seafood cuisine, and if you don't mind the crowd, give this one a try. I give it 3.8/5.
* Photo courtesy of http://mamemoireditzy.blogspot.com
Tip:
Make an early table reservation and pre-order the foods. Expect the place to be very crowded during dinner time.
PAK HUSSIN TOMYAM
Lot 14 Kg. Tersusun
SG. Ara 11900 Bayan Lepas
Pulau Pinang
Tel : +60164572503, +60164904087, +60164063762
Note: Got the contact numbers from other blog.
6) Mamma-Mia Coconut Ice Cream, Lebuh Pantai, Georgetown
Located in Lebuh Pantai. If you're not familiar with the narrow streets of Georgetown, it is quite hidden from the main road and could be difficult to look for as the traffic can be congested during peak hours. Search for Lebuh Pantai on your GPS/maps beforehand. Priced at RM6.00 this dessert is quite refreshing during hot or rainy weather. Also available in Klang Valley. I give it 3.7/5
Coconut Ice Cream.