Penang

Foodie heaven

Penang’s capital George Town is dubbed the food capital of Malaysia, if not the food capital of the whole of South East Asia.

In fact, Penang is a feast for all the senses. From Malay to Indian and from Chinese to Thai, the George Town food scene really is remarkable. There is everything from street vendors who grill mouthwatering chicken satays on their their charcoal barbecues to street corner indian restaurants serving fabulous samosas and curries. Like us, you’ll soon cast aside any hesitations about eating street food, and get stuck in with gusto. How many chicken satays is too many, anyway?

Ancient and modern

George Town is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site and it’s not hard to see why. The grand British Raj-era architecture, dwarfed now below soaring Western-style skyscrapers, combined with ancient wooden shophouses and traditional narrow streets that hide a fascinating mixture of Chinese temples, mosques, decorated shrines and unique shops, make it truly fascinating. Your olfactory glands will be overwhelmed by diverse scents, from the rich aroma of coffee roasting over a fire, to the heady mixture of Indian spices emanating from tiny shops.

And, saving the best till last, we think the little-known street art of George Town is magical. It’s a true treasure hunt to uncover the most amusing and intriguing murals on random walls along otherwise unremarkable streets. Many a rewarding hour can be spent on this quest.

Eating and drinking

Any article you read about Penang will wax lyrical about the food. And not without good reason. The food in Penang is a genuine treat. Four of the great cuisines of Asia all compete to delight your taste buds.  Native Malay, Chinese from generations of traders, Indian from the descendants of workers imported by the British, as well as neighbouring Thai make for the most exciting Eastern smorgasbord.

For those brave enough, the hawker food is simply sublime. The hastily set up street corner cafes are usually overflowing with locals and tourists looking rather pleased with themselves. The Penang signature dish is called Char kway teow – a tantalising concoction with seafood, chicken and noodles – definitely not to be missed! And there are, of course, some fabulous restaurants serving international fare, including one that revolves to provide an ever-changing view of Penang. But don’t come here expecting to discover the source of Penang curries, so common among Thai restaurants in the UK. In Penang, a Penang curry is about as common as a frosty morning.

Out and about

Hours can be spent wandering the narrow streets of George Town. It’s a treasure trove. It can also be done by bicycle– cheap to rent and a good way of shedding some of the excess cals that have inevitably been picked up in this foodie heaven. Even a gentle stroll through the park and along the seafront promenade is glorious. Perch on a sea wall and you’ll find friendly locals eager to chat and share insights into their remarkable city.

The street art is genuinely interesting. It takes various forms, from painted murals to physical installations. You’ll find a complete mix of materials. It’s guaranteed to bring a smile.

Aside from the art, the patchwork of narrow streets hide magnificent Chinese temples. The old wooden shophouses and beautifully aged window shutters are picture postcard perfect.

And there is the eating and drinking. George Town comes alive in the early evening, especially around Little India and the bars of Love Lane.

And it’s not just George Town you will want to explore. The surrounding areas, including the cooler climes of Penang Hill, are exciting discoveries too if you have the time.