GEORGETOWN, Feb 4 ― Renowned travel guide Lonely Planet has named The Pearl of the Orient as the top destination for foodies in 2014, according to a report by The Independent.
Penang bagged the top spot beating other culinary spots like Australia, Spain, Italy and the United States. Its food reflects the many cultures that arrived after it was set up in 1786, ranging from Malay to Indian, Achenese to Chinese and Burmese to Thai.
“Penang is known for its hawker fare and among the ‘must-tries’ are ‘char koay teow’, ‘hokkien mee’ and ‘assam laksa’,” says Lonely Planet’s Robin Barton.
According to him, visitors should visit the sprawling Esplanade Food Centre, where hawker food is combined with a seafront location.
“People should also visit the ‘pasar malam’ or night market where the highlight is always the food. You can go to the Jelutong market on a Friday and the Macallum Street market on a Monday. At 2am, a world of different stalls serves peppery pork-ribs soups, skewered fish balls and sweets such as ‘cendol’,” Barton adds.
To cool down, one should try the “air bandung” ― a concoction of rose syrup and evaporated or condensed milk which makes a great accompaniment to Malay food.
Barton ends his review with the famous Malay words of “Sudah makan? (Have you eaten yet?)” ― a phrase often used among the people in Malaysia.
