Georgetown Crawl

We continued exploring the food culture so rich in Penang. Soon, we were discovering our best yet experiences on a monthly basis.

With strong local iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk available for just over RM1 a glass (about US$0.30), we quaffed as much of the stuff as humanly possible. Well, almost.

We began noticing more street art popping up all over as the local town and arts council began developing and restoring the area.

Sometimes, the simplest foods are the most addictive. I could eat Kway Teow Tng any time, any day. It is not a flashy food. Kind of mild and warm and soothing like warm oatmeal or chicken soup, but a good bowl of it always makes my tummy warm and puts a smile on my face.

Char Kway Teow is one of the most hotly debated iconic foods in Penang. Everyone has their favorite they grew up on. And to be fair, there are quite a few variants. Soon, I was collecting my favorites for each style.

The thing I find most endearing about the Penang Hawker scene is that it places good food before all social and economic demographics because it is almost ubiquitous and very affordable. It seems to be the common bond that holds this opinionated and gastronomically spoiled city together.

Accessing the food and cultural gems in Penang can be quite challenging, unless you are on a moped... 

Dim Sum brunch at De Tai Tong Cafe. The wait staff there are crusty old ladies who warm up after you go there a few times and banter with them. Such that on recent visits, they scold me for not coming back quickly enough and teasing me.

I love scenes like these that showcase the artisans in Georgetown--a bygone way of like is so many cities that modernize.

Georgetown is a city best explored unhurriedly over a span of time. It needs a bit of time to warm up to you.

~ Shien