The Penang Travel Blog

Visit the Penang Hawker Food Blog

2007-06-05T01:56:00.001+08:00

Penang has the BEST HAWKER FOOD in the World. So why not blog about it? Forget about tea and toast or your pasta, dig into some Assam Laksa and Char Koay Teow!

Visit the Penang Hawkerfood Blog at http://makanpenang.blogspot.com

You won't regret it!

Sua Chooi season

2006-07-05T00:40:00.000+08:00

Sua Chooi season
Originally uploaded by penangdoc.

Looks like the sand whitings are biting in Tanjung Bungah. These 48 whitings of a very respectable size were taken off Pulau Tikus within 2 hours.

Putu Mayong

2006-05-04T23:42:00.000+08:00

Putu Mayong
Originally uploaded by penangdoc.

An Indian dessert made from freshly steamed rice flour that looks like a net. This is eaten with resh grated coconut and brown sugar.

Char Koay Kak

2006-05-04T23:41:00.000+08:00

Char Koay Kak
Originally uploaded by penangdoc.

A cousin to the famous Penang Char Koay Teow, this has the noodles fried in chunks with seafood. Very nice.

Oyster Omellete

2006-05-04T23:39:00.000+08:00

Oyster Omellete
Originally uploaded by penangdoc.

Or Chien in Hokkien. Very tasty and worth a try. I like this one found at night in Bee Hooi coffee shop in Pulau Tikus.

Ban Chang Koeh

2006-05-04T23:38:00.000+08:00

Ban Chang Koeh
Originally uploaded by penangdoc.

Literally a thick pancake filled with peanuts, brown sugar and butter. Eat hot!

Pizza, Loh Bak and BBQ Fish

2006-04-15T12:42:00.000+08:00

Pizza, Loh Bak and BBQ Fish
Originally uploaded by penangdoc.

Just another normal meal at the coffee shop. Is that fusion or what?

Loh Bak

2006-04-15T11:36:00.000+08:00

Loh Bak
Originally uploaded by penangdoc.

Flickr

2006-04-15T11:05:00.000+08:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Loh Bak

2006-04-15T10:59:00.000+08:00

Loh Bak
Originally uploaded by penangdoc.

Yummy hundred year old eggs with pickled ginger. Boiled baby octopus. Fried prawn and meat roles...mmmmm

Curried Quails Eggs

2006-02-23T15:25:00.000+08:00

Curried Quails Eggs
Originally uploaded by penangdoc.

Yum and packed with cholesterol.

Beef Noodle Soup

2006-02-22T00:27:00.000+08:00

Beef Noodle Soup
Originally uploaded by penangdoc.

Very nice and beefy.

Thaipusam!

2006-02-11T22:28:00.000+08:00

It's a bit wet this year, but no less colourful and stunning. Here are some pics that my friend took today in the Thaipusam Hindu Festival here in Penang.

More Pics

Fried Rice

2006-02-11T15:40:00.000+08:00

Fried Rice
Originally uploaded by penangdoc.

Even a simple fried rice dish is a delicacy. Prawns and salted fish adds interesting flavours.

Roti Canai

2006-02-10T15:12:00.000+08:00

Roti Canai
Originally uploaded by penangdoc.

...being made in action. Deelicious.

Sushi

2006-01-31T17:34:00.000+08:00

Sushi
Originally uploaded by penangdoc.

Surprisingly sushi is very popular in Penang. Not too expensive and also readily available in Tesco and Cold Storage. Lotso restaurants too.

Best Rojak Sauce in Town

2006-01-29T15:45:00.000+08:00

Best Rojak Sauce in Town
Originally uploaded by penangdoc.

You can buy this back from the Swatau lane coffee shop. Delicious!

Nasi Lemak

2006-01-26T10:42:00.000+08:00

Nasi Lemak
Originally uploaded by penangdoc.

Yummy breakfast.

Flickr

2006-01-15T00:30:00.000+08:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Sweet n Sour Crabs

2006-01-08T09:51:00.000+08:00

Sweet n Sour Crabs
Originally uploaded by penangdoc.

Had this last night at the End of the World restaurant...you must be ready to get your hands dirty.

Clam Stir Fry

2006-01-08T09:49:00.000+08:00

Clam Stir Fry
Originally uploaded by penangdoc.

Briefly stir fried in ginger and sesame oil, these clams, called Kapah, are very sweet and tasty.

Pandan Coconut

2006-01-08T09:23:00.001+08:00

Pandan Coconut
Originally uploaded by penangdoc.

This is really delicious and refreshing. Very fragrant.

Papaya + Milk

2006-01-08T09:23:00.000+08:00

Papaya + Milk
Originally uploaded by penangdoc.

For the adventurous...try this gastronomical combination.

Quails Egg in Barley Soup and Gingko Nuts

2006-01-04T11:31:00.000+08:00

Quails Egg in Barley Soup and Gingko Nuts
Originally uploaded by penangdoc.

This makes a nice warm desert, it's a tasty combination.

Wan Tan Soup

2006-01-02T14:58:00.000+08:00

Wan Tan Soup
Originally uploaded by penangdoc.

Won Tan dumplings in a nice clear soup with spring onions and vegetables. Lunch for me.

Barley Peng & Kopi O Peng

2006-01-02T00:35:00.000+08:00

When you are at the coffee shop, make sure you order the cold refreshing barley water on the rocks. The local black coffee has a kick too, cold or hot.

Claypot Noodles

2006-01-02T00:32:00.000+08:00

Fancy a hot pot of noodles? This is another tasty treat, noodles or rice cooked in a clay pot with chicken, an egg. Nice.

Penang Ferry

2006-01-02T00:21:00.000+08:00

Make sure you don't miss the ferry trip between the island and the mainland. The 15 minute ride only costs 60 cents per passenger.

Murthabak

2006-01-01T23:27:00.000+08:00

Murthabak
Originally uploaded by penangdoc.

Indian roti canai packed with minced beef or chicken and onions and eggs. Eaten with curry and pickled onions...wohoo. Nicer than a burger any time.

Sar Hor Fun

2006-01-01T19:56:00.000+08:00

Sar Hor Fun
Originally uploaded by penangdoc.

Ahh this is what I had for dinner. Wok fried flat noodles with a garnishing of seafood, sauce,pork and liver. Deeeeelicious.

Ais Kacang in Gurney Plaza

2005-12-22T14:16:00.000+08:00

Gurney Plaza is one of the big shopping complexes at Gurney Drive. There is a food court in the basement that serves a mean ice kacang for only $2.50 each.

Beef Ball Soup n Noodles

2005-12-22T14:13:00.000+08:00

This is pretty tasty and a nice combination.

Tandoori Chicken

2005-12-20T20:45:00.000+08:00

Tandoori Chicken
Originally uploaded by penangdoc.

Had this for dinner tonight...nice seasoned chicken with indian bread with mint dip, curry dip and plum sauce dip. Yum.

Ayam Berlado

2005-12-18T19:17:00.000+08:00

Ayam Berlado
Originally uploaded by penangdoc.

Or in other words, Chilly chicken...yes there is some chicken under all that chilly. Yummy!

Hawkers Galore

2005-12-14T23:35:00.000+08:00

Around every corner, you will find small stalls selling cheap and tasty food. The trick is to pick the stalls that are very busy, with hot woks so you know it is popular. Generally do not order the cold dishes but go for the freshly fried or boiled soups to avoid getting a queezy stomach.

Exotic Tropical Plants

2005-12-12T21:16:00.001+08:00

Well if you are into plants like orchids and exotic fruit like Durian, Dragon Fruit, Mangoes , Penang is a great place for it. This is a Night Blooming Flower that has big fragrant blooms at night. It's in my garden.

Teh Tarik Besar!

2005-12-11T22:02:00.000+08:00

Now there's nothing much better than a big glass of frothy Teh Tarik (Tossed/Pulled Tea) to complete your meal in Penang. It's strong aroma and surprisingly robust taste makes you want another one. If you are adventurous (and have a strong stomach..) order a Teh Tarik with Susu Lembu (Milk fresh from the Cow...literally unpasteurised milk straight from the udder!). It adds a strong flavour to your brew.

Sup Kambing

2005-12-11T21:56:00.000+08:00

Ah there's nothing like a hot bowl of Mutton & Onion Soup (Sup Kambing ie. Goat Soup!) on a rainy day. Throw in 2 thick slices of Benggali bread and you're good to go!

Bread on Wheels

2005-12-11T21:45:00.000+08:00

The Indian Bread Seller is still a common sight here. He brings fresh bread to your doorstep along with other goodies like candies and jam. All off it dangles off the corners of his bicycle. A real Meal on Wheels!

Curry Mee

2005-12-11T16:16:00.000+08:00

Curry Mee
Originally uploaded by penangdoc.

Another delicacy, noodles in a seafood curry with mint leaves, and ...congealed blood.

Penang Bridge Live Webcam

2005-10-18T15:49:00.000+08:00

Fancy looking at a LIVE WEBCAM OF THE PENANG BRIDGE? Check it out. It's the longest bridge in Malaysia and spans 13km of which 7 km is over the sea linking Penang to the mainland. Notorios for jams, it survived the Tsunami without any problems.

"The Bridge was built by the Government at a total cost of RM800.00 million (excluding the cost of land acquisition). With 3 interchanges, the 13.5 km Penang Bridge of which 8.4 km is above water was officially open to public on 14 September 1985. It has 533 spans of which 192 spans for the Bridge is above water.

Constructed with a 6.2 km dual carriageway and 2.2 km three lanes at the Main span, this Bridge is the only physical link between the Mainland of Peninsular Malaysia and Penang Island. Seen from the Penang Island interchange, the channel crossing consists of elevated bridge structures known as "Cable Stayed Concrete Girders". Being famous landmark in the country, Penang Bridge has contributed significantly to the development of Penang both as a tourist and industrial centre.

Its distinctive design and features saw the Penang Bridge won awards. In 1986, it has won the Grand Award in the United States of America Engineering Excellence Competition sponsored by the Council of Consulting Engineers, Washington. In 1993, it won the FIABCI Special Award (Development and Construction Phase Category) from the International Real Estate Federation of Malaysia."

Curry Mee

2005-10-18T15:44:00.000+08:00

Mmm fancy some mee in your curry? Another delicasy not to be missed in Penang. Ask the hawker not to put too much chilly in it if you want to save your stomach from tremors!

Fancy some Fishin'

2005-10-18T15:34:00.000+08:00

There are places not far fr Penang along the coast and inland that can give good fishing. This is a Barramundi (called Siakap locally) which was caught by a friend.

Ice Kacang with Fruits

2005-08-25T15:19:00.000+08:00

This in my opinion is the best Ice Kacang in Penang, in Swatau lane. The speciality is the extra fruits you can add in ... jackfruit (nangka), papaya(paw paw), bananas, etc. Really hits the spot on a hot day.The top picture is without the fruits, the bottom one has fruits covering the already plentiful ingredients. Please don't think the stuff you eat at the hotel is a real ice kacang till you have tried this! And it costs only 3 ringgit for the works!

Mooncake Festival

2005-08-25T14:38:00.000+08:00

It's the mooncake festival time here, also in conjunction with the Chinese month of the Hungry Ghost.

"THE Mooncake Festival, also known as Mid-Autumn Festival, falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month which is Sept 24 this year. Historically, it was a harvest festival for farmers but traditionally, womenfolk worshipped Chang-Er, the moon goddess.
Mooncakes are also known as ``reunion cakes'' as family members gather to partake of the sweet confectionery.
Mooncakes are eaten throughout the month before the actual festival day. They make meaningful gifts for kith and kin.
In the evenings, children gleefully carry lanterns of all shapes and sizes. The bearing of lanterns and the origin of mooncakes date back to a 14th century revolt by the Chinese against the Mongols.
In 1376, the Chinese overthrew the Yuan (Mongol) dynasty (1280-1376) in an uprising brilliantly hatched by lantern-bearing messengers who delivered mooncakes with hidden messages.
Legend has it that the time and place of the revolution were concealed in the mooncakes sent to friends and relatives. The midnight massacre of the Mongols was led by Liu Bowen.
Today, altars are set up outside the house facing the full moon on the night of the festival. The ``harvest moon'' is at its brightest and roundest this time of the year.
Offerings of mooncakes, mini yams and water caltrops are laid out for Chang-Er, also known as the Moon Lady. Round fruits are offered as the shape symbolises the fullness of the moon and family harmony."

As for me, I think they taste real good...yum yum! The orange middle part is the yolk of a salted egg...the best part of all!

Lok Lok

2005-08-25T14:33:00.000+08:00

Another authentic hawker dish ...dishesI might say. The center of the tin table houses a boiling pot of water in which you dip your skewered food in. There is a variety of food from cuttlefish, prawns, vegetables, meatballs, cow stomach and intestines, quails eggs etc...Just dip it in for a few minutes and you're good to go!

Yu Char Koay and Peanut Soup

2005-08-25T14:30:00.000+08:00

This is a sort of savoury sweet dish with a type of fried bread called Yew Char Koay that is a slightly salty. The soup is a sweet peant based soup. Actually the bread can be dipped in anything from hot black coffee to porridge...and yes it's yummy!

Curry Mee

2005-08-25T14:26:00.000+08:00

Curry mee ...very spicy but very tasty! It's a combination of noodles in a coconut-milk curry with chilly, shellfish, prawns, mint leaves and congealed pork blood. Erm...if you are a bit squemish, ask them to leave out the congealed blood and sea cockles!

Coconuts at Abu Siti Lane

2005-08-19T17:41:00.000+08:00

Coconuts at Abu Siti Lane
Originally uploaded by penangdoc.

One of the best places to quench your thirst is at Abu Siti Lane in Georgetown. Here you can have a fresh coconut skillfully shaved and opened with a machette. After you enjoy the sweet juice, you can eat the flesh.

Rojak : Before and After

2005-07-20T14:23:00.000+08:00

Yumm...now the secret to good Rojak is the Rojak Sauce. It has to be thick enough and sweet and spicy. Rojak is a special sweet and sour Malaysian salad of cucumbers, mango, cuttlefish, pineapple and mangkuang(i don't know the english name-a type of gourd. Top it off with a generous sprinkling of peanuts. The sauce has shrimp paste, chilly and molasses and it's really unlike any salad you've tasted. Eat it quickly before the juices come out of the fruits throush osmosis...but as you can see it was delicious!

Swatau Lane Coffee Shop

2005-07-20T14:06:00.000+08:00

One of the best Ais Kacang with Fruits is to be had at Swatau lane, just off Burma road, behind the Penang Plaza(Giant).

I would recommend the Ice Kacang with Fruits and Ice Cream, plus the Rojak and Curry Mee....mmmm!

Caught a big Puffer

2005-07-13T11:09:00.000+08:00

Caught a big puffer and thought of making some sushi...but did a catch and release. It's nice to see the big fella swimming away into the clear water!

Just back from Langkawi

2005-07-13T11:04:00.000+08:00

Langkawi island is about a 20 minute plane ride or a 2.5 hour ferry ride from Penang. Not too far and it's a very nice place to visit. I went there mainly for a fishing trip with friends. This is at Pantai Rhu, one of the beaches that faces the Thailand border. Very nice sunset!

Penang Taxi Contact Numbers

2005-07-08T14:21:00.000+08:00

It's almost impossible to hail a taxi unless you are in the town center or close to the hotel. So to save you the hassle, do call and book the taxi before hand. If possible get the hotel concierge to book and pay for you so you won't get cheated. A small tip is still appreciated.

Penang Taxi Booking

Penang Georgetown Taxi Service 04-226 3015
Penang Jade Auto Company 04-262 5721
Penang Taxi Drivers Association 04-642 5961
Penang Sunshine Taxi Services 04-226 2411
Penang Super Taxis (Radio Taxi) 04-2299467
Georgetown City Taxi 04-2290501

Ais Kacang

2005-07-08T11:14:00.000+08:00

Ah another favourite desert in Malaysia. Long before Coffee Bean had frappacinos, ais kacang (litereally iced beans) were all the rage. Fantastic for the hot weather, it's a concoction of shaved ice, kidney beans, corn, jelly, raisins, nutmeg, rose syrup and sarsparilla syrup with a scoop of ice cream, and evaporated milk....wowo!

Assam Laksa

2005-07-06T11:16:00.000+08:00

Ah another authentic Penang Hawker Dish, Assam Laksa. How do I describe it? I guess it's a noodle dish with special noodles made from rice flour. What makes it special is the fish soup and hey-korr (a black prawn paste) with pineapple, fresh mint leaves and herbs. It has a pungent aroma and a sour bite, very nice. You can get it at most hawker centers in Penang, but I like the ones sold along Gurney Drive.

Night View at Penang Hill

2005-07-05T10:24:00.000+08:00

Around 7pm, the lights start blinking on in the city of Georgetown with the Penang bridge in the background. The air is cool up here, about 15-20 degrees celcius at night. Stroll around and dine at the hotel down the road. Try out the steam boat food in the cool night air...nice.

Penang Hill Train

2005-07-05T10:05:00.000+08:00

Penang Hill is another trip not to be missed if only for the panoramic view of Penang. The best time to go is in the late afternoon to catch the view of the city lights coming to life. To go up, you can hike up, or take the cable railway to the top, about a half hour ride.

Penang Buttefly Farm

2005-07-04T13:43:00.000+08:00

Did you know Penang has a very nice Butterfly farm hidden away in Batu Feringgi? It's not big, but it houses thousands of butterflies, very exotic and humid. Worth a visit here.

Satay = mini kebabs

2005-07-04T11:02:00.000+08:00

Another dish not to be missed is Satay! They are like mini kebabs roasted over a charcoal grill and eaten with peanut dip and cucumbers and ketupat (a rice cake). There is a choice of chicken, beef, mutton and sometimes...intestines. Yum!

More Pics by Bigfish

Sunset Beach

2005-07-04T10:47:00.000+08:00

Sunsets in Penang can be very beautiful. Take the time to relax by the beach preferably with a tall tropical drink and take in the sunset from about 6.30pm to 7pm. I admit I haven't taken the time to do that in a long while. Thanks to my friend MyBest for his beautiful pics.

MyBest's Pictures

Penang Trishaws

2005-07-04T10:33:00.000+08:00

Ah the Penang Trishaws, the king of the road! Imagine a busy road with cars in both directions...and a bicycle travelling in the middle of the road oblivious to everyone. Tourists love them, as it is a good way to see the city sights in Penang. Just make sure they don't rip you off. Get the hotel bellboy to arrange a trip for you instead of haggling with them. Definitely worth a trip.

Watches & Trinkets at Batu Feringgi

2005-07-04T10:02:00.000+08:00

Batu Feringgi is the stretch of beaches where all the hotels are. At night stalls appear all along the road from 7-11pm selling all kinds of souvenirs from watches to batik sarongs.

Pics by Shutterjam

Orangutan = Man of the Jungle

2005-07-02T14:34:00.000+08:00

Actually you won't find them in Penang, but at the nearby Taiping Zoo. They are very peaceful docile creatures, and very intelligent. My friend MyBest took this excellent picture.

Char Koay Teow

2005-07-02T10:57:00.000+08:00

Fried Seafood Flat Noodles or Char Koay Teow is a Penang Specialty. If you haven't eaten Char Koay Teow, you haven't been to Penang! It tastes real good, but has to be eaten hot from the frying pan with a liberal garnishing of prawns and cockles. If you are worried about Hepatitis A, better ask them to leave out the cockles.

Black Pepper Crabs

2005-07-02T10:30:00.000+08:00

Yum...had some black pepper crabs at the End of The World in Batu Feringgi...very tasty!

6 months since the Tsunami

2005-07-02T09:31:00.000+08:00

If you visited Penang today you wouldn't find any evidence of the Tsunami that hit us. Yet it's on our minds, because the impossible had happened. People stood and watched the Tsunami approach because we never ever knew that the sea could kill. But we have learned, and are lucky that we were spared the worst from this disaster.

Effects of the Tsunami

2005-07-02T09:20:00.000+08:00

It's been 6 months since the Tsunami changed our lives forever. I read this and was amazed at the power of this earthquake...

"Peninsular Malaysia moving in wrong direction after Dec 26 quake
By Fay Angela D?Cruz and Anita Anandarajah

KUALA LUMPUR, Thurs:
PENINSULAR Malaysia is moving in the wrong direction. It should be shifting eastward, but since the Dec 26 earthquake, it has been moving westward.
Survey and Mapping Department data show that tidal waves from Sumatra have dragged the Sunda Plate (on which the peninsula sits) westward.
This is unusual, as the plate had been shifting eastward by 3cm every year.
The southern tip of Johor has moved 2cm westward. In the north, Langkawi has shifted 18cm westward toward the epicenter of the earthquake.
Survey and Mapping Department (Jupem) director-general Datuk Hamid Ali said the shift in land mass was not significant enough to require redrawing the map of the country."

Hidden Temples

2005-07-02T09:07:00.000+08:00

Many temples lie hidden within the maze of streets in Georgetown. Some are only accesible on foot, but worth the effort to visit.

The Pagoda

2005-07-01T17:00:00.000+08:00

Georgetown is the main city and it's a contrast of modern and traditional, colonial history and many cultures make a very colourful potpurri of life. The Pagoda lies at the foot of Penang Hill and has a staircase lined with shops that leads right to the top. Definitely a must visit here. You can feed the old turtles here with "Kangkung" vegetables for long life. (Tip: Buy the vegetables from the market at the base of the Pagoda, it's like 10x cheaper!)

Hawker Food 24/7

2005-07-01T16:55:00.000+08:00

You'll always get a steaming bowl of spicy noodles any time of the day for less than 1USD...so you'll never ever go hungry here. This stall is famous for it's Hokkien Mee (Noodles in Prawn Soup) which is so delicious that by the time I remembered to take a picture...I already finished eating it!

Pasar Malam = Night Bazaar

2005-07-01T16:40:00.000+08:00

There are a lot of small shops along the roads of Penang. There are some nightmarkets that sell cheap goods and food. A colourful night bazaar.

Penang International Dragon Boat Race

2005-07-01T12:55:00.000+08:00

Dragon boat racing is a sport that has existed for centuries. Founded in China, it combines the power, speed and endurance of 12 or 20 people. Manned by paddlers, steerers and a drummer, the exquisite dragon boats surge towards the finish line, accompanied by the thunder of drums and roar of the crowd.
Outside of China, Malaysia was the first country to hold dragon boat races. In 1934, dragon boat racing was first introduced as a sporting activity in Penang.
In 1956, Penang’s first dragon boat race was held to commemorate the Georgetown Municipal Council’s 100th anniversary. 10 years later, the sport was revived as part of Pesta Pulau Pinang (Penang Festival). A truly international event.

Kopitiam = Coffee Shop

2005-07-01T12:30:00.000+08:00

As my friend Azhari puts it..
Okay, for those who are unfamiliar with the term Kopitiam, let me say something here (you can correct me if I got the wrong impression). Kopitiam is a Chinese word which loosely translates to Coffee Shop. In turn, it's a local Chinese diner. There could be two or three characteristics that make these shops unique.

The first one is the classic porcelain cups with green decorative motives.. You can't miss that if you come to these places - much like the designers' mug like those in Starbucks, Coffee Bean, GJ and stuff.
The second one is the marble top tables. Not to say these are rare but most of the newer designed tables are much, much lighter than these. Cleaning these marble top tables are easier too.
The third could be the square white tiles which are arranged from the floor up to your shoulder-height on the two (sometimes three) opposite walls. There are other eatery places with similar concept but this suits well with a kopitiam.
The fourth (optional) element is the patrons to these places. Most of them (on weekends) wear casual clothings rather than their business attires. Once you step into these places (especially in the morning), there's some kind of feeling that the time flies slowly, admiring the view (even if the view is just the bustling traffic) and looking at other people enjoying their food. It seems like you want to get away from all your responsibilities and just take your time to enjoy yourself....

Durian Tips

2005-07-01T10:32:00.000+08:00

An interesting write up from www.durianplace.com
"In Asia, durian is said to have "heaty" properties—eating very much will give your body a heated sensation for a brief period thereafter. I have found this to be true from my own experience. It’s not necessarily unpleasant, it just happens, and is part of the overall durian-eating experience (along with classic satisfied durian-scented burps!). Durian is not recommended eating if you have a high temperature from some illness, though. It follows that durian’s heatiness contributes a subtle paradoxical appeal and delight to durian ice cream.
I’ve noticed that durians wrapped in a newspaper and plastic bag for awhile do emit actual heat — the fruit and wrapping and air inside all get heated up. A pity durians aren’t common in cold climates, and that their heat is wasted on tropical residents who already have a lavish abundance of it! Certain other fruits such as mangosteen and citrus are said to have "cooling" properties and are recommended as an antidote to a feeling of having eaten too much durian (and it can be hard to stop!)
If eating several varieties of durian at the same time, eat the best last because the best’s aroma and flavor will cover all the others, and if you eat the best first, you won’t be able to experience the others.
If faced with the pleasant task of eating several varieties, the preferred order of eating is the more moist varieties first, ending with the more "gummy" varieties (which are regarded in Malaysia as the best). (This is more a Malaysian-style durian situation, as Thai varieties of durians are generally larger, people tend to eat only one Thai variety at a time, and there are fewer choices of variety in the marketplace.)
To remove the odor of durian from your hands, wash your hands with durian seeds; amazing, but it works (thanks again to T.S. Chang at Bao Sheng Durian Farm in Malaysia).
Durian is not recommended for consuming with alcoholic beverages, as the combination of natural substances is a powerful producer of internal gas.
Sound durian fruit will store satisfactorily in refrigeration for up to 3 weeks at 59º F. [15º C.].
Durian is not only exquisitely delicious but richly nutritious, a complete natural meal in itself high in carbohydrate, proteins, fat, minerals, and vitamins.

It's Durian Season Here in Penang!

2005-07-01T10:15:00.000+08:00

Durians...the King of Fruits, the season comes twice a year here in Penang. Once in June-July and once in November-December. This thorny fruit protects a rich yellow fruit unlike all others. You either love it or hate it...I love it! It tastes like custard and smells like sh*t! But there are many different types with different tastes and interesting names!

Local Delicacies!

2005-06-30T14:13:00.000+08:00

Hawker food is cheap and tasty here in Penang. A typical meal would cost you about RM$3 which is less then 1 US dollar (1USD=3.8Ringgit). Just make sure you choose the nice and hot ones and you should be safe from any stomach bugs!

No more Haze!

2005-06-30T13:12:00.000+08:00

The Haze seems to have lifted now, leaving clear skies once again! Great!

Fishermen

2005-06-29T17:29:00.000+08:00

Fishing is an important part of life, but there are less and less fishermen nowadays. Especially after the Tsunami, it's hard to make a living. Still the sea is a source of life.

Turtle Shaped Penang Island

2005-06-29T17:26:00.000+08:00

Penang is shaped like a turtle and is mainly populated on it's eastern shore, facing the mainland. Well it sort of looks like a turtle...

Meet more of the Locals

2005-06-29T09:51:00.000+08:00

There were a mix of local race queens there also. Well they were very friendly and nice. The truth is most Penangites are very friendly, but most of the time we don't go around dressed like this! T-shirts and jeans are fine.

Japan GT Race Queens in Penang

2005-06-29T09:42:00.000+08:00

Besides the monkeys, the Japan Race Queens came by for a photosession last week. My friend bbear is a budding professional photographer and took tons of pictures of the fauna and flora (...erm you know what I mean).

Bbear's" Photoblog

Monkey Business at the Botanical Gardens

2005-06-29T09:40:00.000+08:00

The Botanical Gardens are famous for it's tropical fauna and flora. And the many monkeys! Careful though, they may snatch your camera and food if you are not careful!

The Haze is Clearing Up!

2005-06-29T09:34:00.000+08:00

It has been very hazy here this week due to the forest fires in Indonesia. Thankfully it has begun to clear up and things are nearly back to normal here.

Welcome to my Hometown!

2005-06-17T09:56:00.000+08:00

Welcome to my humble website which is all about my hometown Penang. I hope you enjoy your stay here! Penang is a small island state of Malaysia and has a rich colonial and local history. A great place to visit,relax, shop, and eat to your heart's content.