5 Michelin Guide Food You Must Try in Penang
#penangtrip Penang, known as the food capital of Malaysia, boasts a culinary scene that tantalizes taste buds with its diverse flavors and vibrant dishes. Here are five must-try Michelin Guide-recommended foods in Penang:
1. **Assam Laksa**: This tangy and flavorful noodle soup is a Penang specialty. Made with fish-based broth infused with tamarind (assam), it's served with thick rice noodles, shredded mackerel, cucumber, pineapple, onions, and mint leaves. The perfect balance of sour, savory, and spicy flavors makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
2. **Char Kway Teow**: A beloved Malaysian street food, char kway teow is a stir-fried noodle dish that's bursting with smoky flavors. Made with flat rice noodles, prawns, cockles, Chinese lap cheong (sausage), bean sprouts, and eggs, it's cooked in a hot wok with soy sauce, chili paste, and sometimes belacan (shrimp paste) for an extra kick.
3. **Hokkien Mee**: Originating from the Fujian province of China, Hokkien mee is a flavorful noodle soup that's a staple in Penang's culinary scene. The dish features thick yellow noodles cooked in a rich, savory broth made from prawn and pork bones, along with prawns, slices of pork, hard-boiled eggs, and bean sprouts. It's often garnished with fried shallots and served with a side of sambal chili paste for added heat.
4. **Nasi Kandar**: A popular Malay dish, nasi kandar is a hearty meal consisting of steamed rice served with a variety of curries and side dishes. Originating from Penang's Indian Muslim community, this flavorful dish offers a wide range of choices, including chicken, beef, fish, and vegetable curries, as well as fried chicken, fried fish, and boiled eggs. Diners typically select their desired dishes, which are then poured over the rice and enjoyed with a side of pickled vegetables and papadum.
5. **Cendol**: A refreshing Malaysian dessert, cendol is a sweet treat perfect for cooling off on a hot day. It consists of shaved ice topped with green rice flour jelly noodles (cendol), coconut milk, palm sugar syrup (gula Melaka), and sometimes red beans or sweet corn. The combination of creamy coconut milk, fragrant palm sugar, and chewy cendol noodles makes for a delightful and satisfying dessert.
These five Michelin Guide-recommended foods offer just a glimpse of the culinary delights awaiting you in Penang. From street food stalls to upscale restaurants, the food scene in Penang is as diverse as it is delicious, ensuring that every meal is a memorable experience.
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