*This article was published in the New Straits Times (Life & Times) on 21st August 2010.

Tanjung  Tokong Malay Village, which was once a sleepy “kampung” in the 60s and 70s, has grown into a suburb with rows of flats, overshadowing what is left of the kampung houses. Gone are the seafronts directly opposite the village where the natural sand split and mangrove trees grew. The village now faces vast reclaimed land and its sea view is blocked by modern concrete houses and high rise towers.

Despite the modernisation, the residents have maintained the uniqueness of Malaysian culture — the evening food bazaar, or commonly known as “pasar malam”. The Tanjung Tokong night market operates every Saturday evening and is one of the designated Ramadan food bazaars.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: Bihun, Chicken Rendang, Chilli Paste, Concrete Houses, Distinct Aroma, Fasting Month, Food Bazaar, Fried Noodles, Kuih Muih, Lemang, Malay Cuisine, Malay Village, Malaysian Culture, Mangrove Trees, Murtabak, New Straits Times (Life & Times), New Straits Times (Life & Times), Putu Mayam, Sheer Variety, Spicy Chilli, Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Tokong Penang, Village Charm, Wawasan

The celebration of the holy Ramadan festival brings along a unique experience that can be enjoy by all Malaysian, the food bazaar. During this festive season one can get to sample a variety of authentic and delicious Malay cuisine which is freshly prepare for the Muslim to break their fast.

One popular food bazaar in Penang is at Jalan Makloom, parallel road to Jalan Sungai Pinang. The place is jam packed with 50 over hawker stalls and stretches all the way to Jalan Perak.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: Ban Chang, Barbecued Chicken, Chicken Rice, Chopped Tomatoes, Cross Culture, Delicious Aroma, Flat Pan, Food Bazaar, Food Haven, Hawker Stalls, Hawkers, Holy Ramadan, Jalan Musantara, Jalan Perak, Laksa, Malay Cuisine, Malay Kuih, Mediterranean Cuisine, Murtabak, Palm Sugar, Parallel Road, Pasar Malam, Penang, Pita, Popiah, Ramadan Food Bazaar, Sungai Pinang, Tomato Sauce, Udang

*This article was published in the New Straits Times (Life & Times) on 18th August 2010.

Hameediyah Restaurant, a century-old eating house established in 1907 is among one of the oldest restaurants in Penang. The restaurant with a yellow facade located on Campbell Street serves South Indian cuisine and is well known for its nasi kandar. Those who have tried the curry dishes in Hameediyah are hooked by its intricate flavors.

Having stood the test of time and firmly established its name in Penang, the owner has since embarked on the next stage with the opening of another outlet two doors away. The new outlet, Hameediyah Tandoori House is definitely a friendly neighborhood restaurant. It has moved away from the traditional look.

This new shop has a spacious and cleaner environment, with pleasant food presentation (only white plates are used), while still retaining the flavors of Hameediyah that many of us grew up with. This restaurant is fully air-conditioned, so diners need not sweat it out while dining.

Interior of the new outlet

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: Briyani, Campbell Street, Canai, Cili Jerok, Daging Rendang, Eating House, Flavors, Food Presentation, Hameediyah Restaurant, Hameediyah Tandoori House, Itik Kari, Kambing, Kambing Kurma, Kari Kepala Ikan, Kurma, Murtabak, Nasi Briyani, Nasi Kandar, Neighborhood Restaurant, New Straits Times (Life & Times), New Straits Times (Life & Times), Papadum, Peanut Sauce, Pickled Onions, Restaurants In Penang, Rice Crispy, Rm1, Rm4, Sambal Nyior, Shop Layout, Side Dish, Side Dishes, Signature Dish, South Indian Cuisine, Tandoori Chicken, Thick Coconut Milk, Two Doors, White Rice