Penang Food Adventures: Mainland Discoveries

Hey, remember how I showed you around Penang's sightseeing spots (PENANG WONDERS)? Well, now it's time to dive into Penang's food scene! Forget fancy restaurants, we're talking about the real deal - street food galore! There's so much to choose from, you won't believe your taste buds. Penang is like heaven for foodies. So, stick with me, and let's go on a culinary adventure (PERAK EATS) - Penang's mainland food spots awaits (KUANTAN FOOD DISCOVERY).

Chai Leng Park Hawker Food Stalls (Butterworth)

Cleanliness and hygiene may not be the selling point here, but for those of us who prioritize flavor over frills, this spot hits the spot. Picture this: you're a typical Malaysian, unfazed by seating arrangements, just eager to dig into deliciousness. That's where Chai Leng Park Hawker Food Stalls come in.

My personal favorite? The Lok-Lok Steamboat. Imagine strolling between stalls, selecting your favorites from a vast array of options, then returning to your table to dip them into the communal pot of steaming broth at its center. And don't get me started on the dipping sauces - they're a flavor explosion!

 

But that's not all. There's also Leng Chee Kang for a refreshing sip and the delightful Fried Kuey Teow, not to mention the tantalizing Fish Head Curry. There's something for everyone here.

Nasi Kandar Aliyar (Chai Leng Park, Perai) 
At Nasi Kandar Aliyar in Chai Leng Park, Perai, breakfast means savoring their renowned Roti Canai. It's all about the fluffy, soft, and freshly made roti, served "banjir" style - flooded with fish curry and dal curry. Wash it all down with a cup of teh tarik, and you've got yourself a breakfast that's simply delightful. Unlike the tough and chewy roti canai you might find elsewhere, the ones here are a true treat. And let's not forget about the curries - they're equally deserving of praise for their deliciousness.

Kulim Road Best Cendol (Taman Tenang, Bukit Mertajam)

Thankfully, the lines weren't too long, so I quickly ordered my cendol and settled in. The mid-afternoon heat made it all the more refreshing as I savored the blend of steamed pulut, coconut milk, brown sugar, and green cendol. The pulut, in particular, was a delightful surprise, adding a unique texture to the mix. Yet, indulging in the cendol first meant there wasn't much space left for the tempting Pasembur later on.

Restoran Good Master Bak Kut Teh (Taman Mutiara, Bukit Mertajam) 
The bak kut teh at Restoran Good Master truly captivated me. We queued up to place our order, but luckily, being among the first customers, the wait wasn't too long. Once we ordered from the lady, we found our seats and then indulged in the pleasure of selecting and making our own tea from the variety in the basket.

The bak kut teh arrived piping hot in claypot, brimming with tender pork and a medley of vegetables, all bathed in a flavorful broth. The broth struck a perfect balance, not too strong yet rich in taste, leaving a lasting impression. I savored every bite of the bak kut teh, especially when paired with the spicy kick of chili and garlic in soy sauce. The continuous flow of customers spoke volumes about the bak kut teh's popularity at Restoran Good Master.

Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandar (Bukit Jambul, Bayan Lepas) 

During lunchtime, the place was buzzing with a lively crowd. Thankfully, we managed to secure a table after a bit of a wait. We stood patiently in line to choose from the selection of pre-cooked Nasi Kandar dishes, and then we dug in. The meal consisted of mutton curry, stir-fried bendi, potatoes, papadam, and rice, all accompanied by the flavorful sambal cili kering, which I like to call "gun powder" for its intense flavor.

 

Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandar is indeed like a legendary restaurant. We enjoyed our dining experience there. You should give it a try, as the selection for Nasi Kandar is pretty good. Although I was tempted to try their roti tissue, unfortunately, my stomach couldn't handle any more.

While staying in Butterworth, I experienced buffet breakfasts at various hotels, but I'll only mention two of them. One was impressive, while the other was just decent. As for the rest, I prefer not to name them since they didn't offer anything remarkable, and some even had buffet spreads that were less than fresh. You could tell just by looking at the food displays, and after tasting, I nearly felt sick.

The Light Hotel Buffet Breakfast

The buffet breakfast at The Light Hotel was truly impressive. There was a wide variety of choices, including both local and Western options. What really stood out were the local delicacies, like the kuih-muih, which retained their authenticity and deliciousness. The service was also commendable. However, if there are events or functions at the hotel, be prepared to wait for a table. Some guests tend to linger even after they've finished their meals, making it challenging to find seating.

Ixora Hotel 
The buffet spread at Ixora Hotel was somewhat limited, but it was still a decent option. They offered a mix of local and Western choices. However, the taste wasn't exceptional, during my first stay. Unfortunately, when I returned a year later, I found that the quality had declined.

These eateries offer just a glimpse of my food discovery on Penang mainland. Keep an eye out for the next part, where I'll share more about the eateries I've tried on Penang Island.