Gonzo Travels

Off the cuff writing about the travels of a guy who people expect to be married, have kids, work the 9-5 and do all the other status quo nonsense.

A typical building in Penang, Malaysia

Penang, Malaysia

I’ve read that most people come here for the food, and I can’t really question that, having eaten fantastic food from hawker markets and cafes over the last week.  I’ve been staying in Little India, and as you can guess this area has food from North and South India, excellent Snacks such as samosas and bhajis, various takes on Biryani (mutton being my favorite), and tooth rotting sweets such as Ladoo and Jalebi.  I’ve had Roti Chana for breakfast on multiple occasions, which is a buttery, flakey flatbread served with a hot spicy gravy.

Further afield, there are roadside stalls selling various rice and noodle dishes, such as Mee Curry – noodles with chilli, prawns and egg.  Hokkien Mee, again noodles in a hot broth made from pork and prawn shells, served with prawns and other additions such as pork belly, ley or knuckle.

Another sweet favourite has been Apom,  a crispy textured rolled pancake with a soft centre, made from rice, sugar and coconut milk.    And I can’t leave out pandan pancakes, delicious. Drinks wise, it’s been the milky coffee made with condensed milk either hot or over ice quenching my thirst, and occasionally hot, sweet masala tea.

An unusual Mosque in Penang, Malaysia

Aside from the food goodness, there’s plenty visually here.  The heritage buildings are beautiful and more are being restored all the time.  The famous blue building (not the main picture) is worth a visit, and not too expensive for a 45 minute tour.  The kind guys from the hostal gave us a drive around too and brought us lunch, insisting when I offered to pay!  Also the mosque is impressive and unique with its star of David windows.