I was in Penang just a few days it was announced that both the Penang Digital Library and a big library-like bookstore were opened in Gurney Paragon.
While I’m not the sort who goes to a library when I’m in Penang, news spread via social media that both were impressive and well, very instagrammable.
Ok, you got me at “Instagrammable“. đ
While I can confidently rattled off a list of the âbestâ (well, best according to my taste la) Penang hawker food to anyone who asked; Iâm stumped whenever anyone asked…
When I was young, Bayan Baru equates to PISA, "near the airport", Kompleks Bukit Jambul and in general - nothing of interest. Today as I drove to The Hive by…
Penang was named 2nd top tourist destination for 2017 by CNN recently and as a pure-bred Penangite, I couldn’t help but teared a little when I read the news.
Man, you’re talking about my hometown here yo!
BELOW: Penang chaboh (meaning woman/lady/female) getting excited seeing the ferry. It bought back so many memories for me!
BELOW: Me at the opening of The Top, a new food and entertainment avenue in the newly rejuvenated Komtar in Penang.
I was an invited guest for the opening of The Top Komtar last week.
It has been an extremely busy period since the time I came back until today so pardon the late posting!
Anyhow, a few of my Penang friends posted on Facebook that the entrance fees were not “local-friendly” and seems to be targeting tourists only.
I wish I had more time to explore all of what The Top has to offer and provide opinion on whether the prices were worth it but the media pass allocated only gave me access to Level 65.
PRICES:
Where to buy the best traditional rice dumplings (bak chang) in KL or PJ Malaysia?
It took a while but I’m thrilled to say that I’ve found a superb bak chang (pork meat rice dumplings) that could rival my grandmother’s!
So here it is.
Watch the video for an accurate depiction of what to expect and you will find some images below as well.
VIDEO: Bak ChangÂ
A video is always interesting to see how the rice dumplings are isn’t it? đ
The price is RM9 each; a steal considering the quality of ingredients used and the amount of ingredients stuffed into a rice dumpling.
Each dumpling oozes with savoury and luscious ingredients comprising of 2-3 pieces of juicy of chunky pork belly, a whole salted egg yolk, mushrooms, a whole tender, sweet chestnut plus dried shrimps.
It is a X-large serving size too, almost 1.5 times the size of regular bak chang which makes it a filling meal!
Sometimes the rice for chang can be overly mushy or even undercooked, but years of experience have honed the maker’s skills and I’ve noticed that her rice dumplings are fragrant and steamed to perfection every time.
The current market is at least RM7 -8 (SS2 market, etc) and frankly, the amount of meat and other ingredients in those aren’t close to what you see here.
For someone who is not a fan of noodles in general, I do yearn for a good bowl of Lam Mee.
My place of choice was at a corner coffee shop in Pulau Tikus and their stock (soup) plus their sambal kicks ass!
In KL, a good bowl of Penang Lam Mee can be a bit elusive.
While Lam Mee Ya (a chain of restaurants in the Klang Valley) may be mistaken for offering Penang Lam Mee due to its name, let me assure you that the Penang Lam Mee isn’t that dark brown, starchy gravy version.
Authentic Penang Lam Mee consists of yellow noodles in meat stock topped with prawns, pork, omelette strips and bean sprouts. Prior to serving it will be garnished with coriander leaves, shallots and cut red chillies.
On lazy days or when you’re feeling like whipping up something home cooked, do try our homemade curry mee paste!
