Penang Hawkers' Food (Part 5 of 6)

We started our round Penang run from Sungai Nibong and stopped at a stall for the ubiquitous Kuay Teow Teng and Kopi-O. The price is 2/3 that of KL though with a smaller portion.

The trip to Balik Pulau brings back memories of time past or time passed. We drove through serene Chinese and Malay villages with the lush greenery in their compound. There were many fruit trees. Especially nostalgic was the sight of tall ccoconut trees with its fronds swaying in the gentle wind.

We went looking for the Balik Pulau laksa at the town area but it was not opened as yet but was directed to the Balik Pulau Municipal Wet Market. It was pleasant surprise. Clean and the crowd was there except that the take-up of the stalls is still not up to mark.

So we have our laksa. Typical Penang laksa where the taste is not as strong as that in KL but more aromatic. I like the Bunga Kantan (Torch Ginger), where it is hard to get in KL. The Nutmeg juice we ordered was excellent and refreshing.

At the edge of the Market I was mesmerized by a village house of years gone by. It attracted me as it was double storey. Untypical. It was the last one standing. Standing in between development and the farm/jungle behind. The Nutmeg drink seller told us that Soong Ai Ling, the Malaysian model (not the Soong Ai Ling of the Soong sisters of China) was born in the house.

From Balik Pulau to Teluk Bahang we stopped by Tropical Fruit Farm which is very popular ith foreign tourist. At Teluk Bahang we have seafood at TaiTong. Then onwards to GeorgeTown.

Back to the city we made a beeline to Penang Road for some more hawkers' fare. The Cendol was the main reason. The Teochew one is well patronized while the other equally old is also good with its own clientele. After picking up some biscuits from Ghee Hiang we took the cosatal highway back to Sg. Nibong.

Chaw Kuay TiawGhee Hiang