Penang Palate Pleasures: A Culinary Expedition

Hungry for more culinary adventures (PENANG FOOD FINDS)? Let's keep the food hunt going! Calling all fellow foodies to join me as we uncover more delicious eateries across Penang Island (PENANG SIGHTSEEING SPOTS). No time to waste - let's dive right in! Because let's be real, food isn't just a necessity; it's a passion that fuels our lives (PENANG THAIPUSAM JOURNEY OF FAITH). So, are you ready to embark on this flavorful journey with me?

Passions Of Kerala (Taman Brown, Gelugor)

As the name suggests, Passions Of Kerala serves up traditional Kerala cuisine, made from scratch. For lunch, the obvious choice is a banana leaf meal. Along with rice, you'll get curries, chutney, pickle, and side dishes. We also added fried fish, mutton parathal, and chicken parathal. As we dug in, we agreed it was a decent meal. However, the bold flavors didn’t really wake up our taste buds or leave a lasting impression.

Penang Ayer Hitam Laksa (Jalan Pasar, Ayer Hitam) 
Despite everything that's happened, Ayer Hitam Laksa is still going strong, and it's my absolute favorite. As a huge Asam Laksa fan, I've tried many versions from street stalls to cafes, but this one tops them all. The thick, fishy broth, its wonderful aroma, the perfect sourness - it's all just right. Every bowl is packed with noodles and generously drenched in the tangy broth. Opinions might differ, so it's best to try it yourself. But for me, it's simply one of the best.

Chew Jetty Café (Pengkalan Weld, George Town)
I arrived at Chew Jetty Café around 10:30 am and luckily snagged a table. This place feels like stepping back in time to an old-fashioned coffee shop. I ordered from the various stalls and dug in. Everything was delicious, especially the Charcoal Fried Kuey Teow, Chee Cheong Fun, and Rojak Buah (Fruit Rojak). The fruit rojak was the standout, thanks to its magical sauce. I came without any expectations and left with a happy tummy.

Gurney Drive Hawker Centre (Pulau Tikus, Jelutong) 
Gurney Drive Hawker Centre is like an iconic landmark and a legend still standing tall amongst other hawker centers. It’s popular with tourists, and I’ve been there about four times. There’s an incredible variety of dishes, so you can stroll from stall to stall picking what you like before finding a table and digging in. Not every dish has been a favorite, but the Prawn Mee definitely stand out.

Winter Warmers Coffee & Tea House (Straits Quay, Tanjung Pinang) 
Imagine a serene moment by the sea, indulging in high tea sets with cakes, scones, and sandwiches beautifully presented. That’s what Winter Warmers Coffee & Tea House offers. With a wide variety of teas to choose from, each sip is delightful. The flavors are simply awesome, making it a truly heartwarming experience. Take your time, savor the treats, and enjoy every moment.

Having stayed in several hotels across Penang Island and experienced their buffet breakfast offerings, two stood out among the rest.

Eastern & Oriental Hotel (Lebuh Farquhar, George Town) 
More than just a meal, the buffet breakfast here is an experience to cherish. Choose from a variety of Malaysian, Asian, and Western delights. And when you settle into the outdoor seating area with a view of the sea, it's a moment of pure bliss in Penang Island's food paradise. I skipped the usual suspects like cereals or the standard breakfast you get elsewhere. Instead, I savored the savory lamb roasts, crispy bacon, delectable ham and a small portion of fried rice, which were simply irresistible. With prompt coffee refills at your disposal, you can leisurely enjoy your meal without a care in the world.

Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa (Batu Ferringhi) 
Another standout buffet breakfast is at Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa. The customer service is top-notch, and the selection is huge. If you're a big eater, you'll love it here. I particularly enjoyed the noodles. You can customize your soup noodles with a variety of toppings and dipping sauces. The pastries and desserts are a visual and culinary delight, beautifully presented in little glasses and truly tempting. This buffet will definitely take your taste buds on a delightful journey.

Penang is a real treat for food lovers, whether you're on the mainland in Butterworth or on the island. Every time I go, I find new places to eat that I haven’t tried before. For me, it's not just about seeing the sights; it's about discovering new foods, which is what being a true foodie is all about. How about you? Do you like trying new places, or do you prefer going back to the ones you already know and love?