Koay Teow Th’ng in Penang — A Bowl of Comfort Worth Seeking
The Clear Soup That Defines Penang Mornings Penang is surprisingly filled with a lot of Koay Teow Th’ng stalls.At first glance, the bowl looks simple — flat rice noodles in a clear broth — but once you start tasting around, you’ll realise how much it varies from stall to stall.Some use duck for deeper flavour, others swear by chicken or […]
Peranakan Cuisine: A Culinary Legacy of Culture and Flavours
Introduction to Peranakan Culture and Cuisine The word Peranakan refers to the descendants of Chinese immigrants who settled in Southeast Asia—particularly in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia—between the 15th and 17th centuries. Over centuries, these communities blended Chinese traditions with local Malay and Indonesian influences, resulting in a rich and unique culture known as Peranakan or Baba Nyonya heritage. Peranakan […]
The Nine Emperor Gods Festival: How Penang’s Taoist Ritual Shapes the Food Scene
Every year, Penang comes alive with devotion, rituals, and dazzling ceremonies during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival (Kow Ong Yah Festival). The celebration doesn’t follow the Western calendar—it is observed during the first nine days of the ninth lunar month in the Chinese calendar, usually falling around September and October. Centered at temples like Tow Boo Kong in […]
Hokkien Mee (Prawn Mee) in George Town: 10 Must-Try Bowls
Penang Hokkien Mee = prawn mee. Not to be confused with the dark, stir-fried “KL Hokkien mee,” Penang’s version is a bright, spicy prawn-and-pork broth served with yellow noodles and bee hoon, topped with prawns, pork slices, egg, bean sprouts—and that all-important sambal. Whether you’re planning a hawker-hop or looking for your next regular bowl, here […]
Why Street Food Deserves More Respect
Street food has always been more than just a quick and affordable meal. In Southeast Asia and beyond, it is the heartbeat of local culture, an expression of community, and a living archive of culinary heritage. Yet, despite its significance, street food often struggles to be valued in the same way as restaurant dining. It’s […]
10 Char Koay Teow Stalls in Penang Everyone Talks About
When it comes to Penang street food, one dish almost always tops the list — Char Koay Teow. Smoky, spicy, and wok-hei kissed, this stir-fried flat rice noodle dish is beloved by locals and foodies around the world. Every Penangite has their favourite stall, and debates over which is the best can go on forever. Here’s my […]
Why Food Is the Best Way to Understand a City
When you arrive in a new city, the first instinct might be to visit the iconic landmarks, snap photos of famous buildings, or tick off “must-see” attractions from a list. But if you truly want to understand the heartbeat of a city, its culture, and its people, there’s no better way than through its food. Food […]
The Ultimate Guide to Penang Hawker Spots
Penang is world-renowned for its hawker food culture, a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan influences that has shaped the island’s culinary identity. If you’re visiting or even living in Penang, no trip is complete without exploring its bustling hawker centres. These open-air food courts are the heartbeat of Penang’s food scene, where locals and […]
The Ultimate Nasi Kandar Guide: 10 Legendary Spots in Penang
Few dishes are as iconic to Penang as Nasi Kandar. Once a humble meal sold by Indian-Muslim hawkers carrying baskets of rice and curries balanced on a pole (or kandar), today it has become a national obsession. With its roots in Penang, Nasi Kandar is more than just food—it’s a cultural experience of bold spices, overflowing gravies […]
The Evolution of Char Koay Teow: From Pushcart to Instagram Sensation
Few dishes embody Penang’s food culture as completely as Char Koay Teow. What began as a simple street-side meal cooked on makeshift pushcarts has transformed into a global food icon — one that sparks queues, cravings, and now, Instagram feeds filled with smoky, wok-fired noodles. In this article, we trace the journey of Char Koay Teow […]