We take the Peugeot 3008 to Penang to find out if this is true or not
For decades Penang has been growing as a Foodie destination for Malaysians and it continues till today. So, as a food lover and while my taste buds are still working fine, we decided to take a road trip in our Peugeot 3008 to Penang on a quiet weekend to find out if Penang is still the top foodie destination.
With any long weekend break in Malaysia and Penang, turns into a traffic nightmare. Tight streets, heritage buildings and too many motorized traffic makes the popular areas hard to reach and even worse, almost impossible to find parking.
On our journey, we stopped at Sungkai for breakfast. Just past the toll plaza and about 500 meters to a right, heading into town there is a family selling very tasty nasi lemak. Plus, they make a good cup of coffee. Try it on your next drive up North or if you coming down South.
Taking a slow drive on the tolled highway with no traffic was great. But when we saw the signboard ‘IPOH’ we had to visit our favorite dim sum restaurant. Its just about 20 minutes from the Ipoh South toll plaza and with ample parking. You will not be disappointed with the taste, selection and must try fried carrot cake which we think is the best in the country.
A quick stomach fill-up and it is back on the highway to Penang. Since we can only check in at 3pm (this must change in Malaysia) we took our time and after crossing the bridge it took us 1 hour to reach our hotel. Check in and a short rest, it was time to drive to Tanjung Bungah for char kueh teow (CKT).
Yes, this once upon a time CKT was served from a motorcycle side-cart and today it is a restaurant with ZERO parking. So, be patient and find a curbside space and get your duck egg CKT. Now the next generation is frying and serving this CKT and there seems to be no reduction in taste as the CKT is still be prepared on the motorcycle side-cart.
Next, a visit to the Chowrasta market to buy dried anchovies, dried fish and some biscuits. Yes, this market is well known for a lot more, but we come here for these items only. Parking is near impossible so best to let the co-driver get down and do the buying and we drive round in circles slowly like many others.
Time for a quick nap before dinner.
Dinner time and we were not going to Nasi Kandar. Yes, Nasi Kandar originated in Penang and MOST Nasi Kandar restaurants and stalls today in Penang are overrated and riding on the success of the past popularity.
Instead we were looking for Penang Lobak. A short drive to the corner of MacAlister road and Lorong Baru, a few minutes looking for parking in the tight side street and a short 15-minute walk and we arrived at New Lane night stalls. We needed to find a table due to the local crowd and our patience paid off. 3rd generation serving Lobak and it was worth the wait. Friendly service and decent prices.
Time for much needed sleep.
Next morning, Sunday, bright and early drive in the rain to Air Itam wet market at the foot of the famous Kek Lok Si temple. Easy navigation with our Peugeot 3008 and we got there without any fuss. Parking was not easy and we needed to take a 20-minute walk. But well worth it as we found a food court across from the wet market and after a tasty Kueh Tiew Teng breakfast (was also looking for the famous popiah lady, but she had JUST retired …. sigh) we walked across to a pre-war shop-lots and found with a variety of Penang snacks on offer at sensible prices.
All done and it was time for some upmarket coffee. We heard about China House on Beach street and took a drive. Found parking right in front of the shop and we ordered the Breakfast special which is a Beef patty loaded with scrambled eggs and bread on the side. We ordered a Latte with ‘spices’. It a must try at least once Latte.
A very filling meal that took us time to finish and with that we had enough to ‘fuel’ in our belly to get us home.
Check out at 12am (this has to change) and we drove back to Klang Valley without a hitch. We had used only about RM120.00 worth of fuel with our petrol sipping Peugeot 3008 despite taking a number of detours and driving in heavy traffic around Penang island on a weekend.
