A primary schoolmate of mine from Penang reflects on precious moments from a generation past:
Do you remember those lazy Sunday mornings, when the air was thick with the scent of spices and the promise of a hearty meal? Where we’d sit at those rickety wooden tables, eagerly awaiting a steaming bowl of white curry mee.
The first spoonful was always a revelation – the creamy coconut broth, rich and savoury, mingling with the delicate heat of the chili paste. Each bite was a journey through layers of flavour, from the tender squid and chewy tofu puffs to the briny burst of cockles. And let’s not forget the noodles, soaking up every drop of that heavenly broth.
It wasn’t just the food, though. It was the laughter, the stories and the simple joy of sharing a meal with a good friend. Those bowls of white curry mee were more than just sustenance; they were a testament to our friendship and the vibrant culture.
Here’s to the memories and the flavours that will always bring us back to those cherished times.
P.S. I recall the amazing Ah Por who used to sell it in front of the Chinese school opposite the old market. She had this unique set-up with two big boxes, just like the “Kandar style”, and patrons would sit on those short stools to enjoy a hot, flavourful bowl of noodles. It was such a simple yet unforgettable experience!
| Please help to support this blog if you can. Read the commenting guidlelines for this blog. |
Blow whistles can get protection or not? Otherwise how to report civil service and YB corruption? Safety must be assured first otherwise may disappear like Pastor Koh!
Today’s generation prefer to eat at Oriental Kopi and drink at Starbucks or Chagee.
Too bad Tunglang has been missing in action for years, otherwise he would add on his comments on yesteryears food scenes.
Tunglang takes us on a journey half a century back in time to relive his childhood experience of savouring street food in George Town (Feb 2011):
https://anilnetto.com/society/malaysian-history/savouring-street-food-in-1960s-penang/
Nobody writes like him.
He has good knowledge of Penang food.
He should contribute to this column.
Not sure if he is still around.
The Unesco World Heritage Site of George Town is gradually losing its character as gentrification drives out local residents, according to the Penang Heritage Trust (PHT).
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/11/15/george-towns-heritage-under-threat-as-gentrification-drives-residents-away-says-penang-watchdog/156958
The number of residents in the city’s heritage core has plummeted from an estimated 50,000 before its Unesco inscription in 2008 to about 9,000 today. With fewer residents, the cultural festivals that used to animate the city are disappearing
“No Stock Of Stone Water”: Netizens Baffled By KFC AEON Mall Bukit Indah’s Notice
https://hype.my/2024/436323/no-stock-of-stone-water-netizens-baffled-by-kfc-aeon-mall-bukit-indahs-notice/
Poor English or total dependence on Google Translate?
Decades of confused “nationalism”. So, do we import more English teachers now?
Malaysia has secured the third spot in Asia and 26th position in the world for having high English proficiency, as revealed by the 2024 EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI).
https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/malaysia-ranked-3rd-in-asia-and-26th-in-the-world-for-english-proficiency-LC13330308
Sadly most Malaysia Malay youth cannot understand English, let alone speak it.
Rearing tilapia in drain project gets the nod
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/11/03/rearing-tilapia-in-drain-project-gets-the-nod
Meru Raya fire station had started a tilapia-rearing project in a drain as a source of food for its personnel and for their mental well-being. Water from the drain would also be used for the station’s hydroponic farm. Another aim of rearing fish in the drain was to deal with the population of the Aedes mosquito.
If drain water is used, it should be tested often, as it is likely to be contaminated with modern poisons.
In Malaysia, drain water = sewerage water. The fish will be contaminated.
As suckermouth catfish, also known as ikan bandaraya in Malay, goes viral on social media, marine experts are warning Malaysians against eating the fish, as it comes from the country’s most polluted rivers. Its ability to thrive in polluted waters causes the fish to absorb surrounding pollutants such as heavy metals.
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-warns-consumers-against-eating-suckermouth-catfish
Quite close is talipa fish – originated from Africa
The Truth About Tilapia
JAKIM: Spitting on food is an unethical, uncivilised, filthy, immoral and certainly NOT halal
https://focusmalaysia.my/jakim-spitting-on-food-is-an-unethical-uncivilised-filthy-immoral-and-certainly-not-halal/#google_vignette
Well it is still a common practice. You will never know the extra ingredient added in the kitchen before the food is served to you.
The picture you put is an half eaten bowl of noodle – not so appetizing and it is doing injustice to the wonderful Penang hawker food. I suggest you upload a better picture.
Very true. Use a more appetising picture please. Presentation is important niw!
Actually, that was the photo I got from the writer. So maybe he had already tucked in half-way!
Penang’s Michelin Guide Street Hawkers: 888 Hokkien Mee (Prawn Noodle)
Mr Anil
What fish do you eat?
Different categories of fish for different tiers of income?
Don’t eat much fish these days. Getting very expensive!
Avoid Ikan bandaraya as contaminated! Be warned!
Otherwise buy from trustworthy fishmonger at market!
Can accept it in the past when the population is low and not easily spreadable. Nowadays,population has increased many fold and disease is easily spreadable. In busy Bangkok, a lady was doing some cooking beside a bus stop ina busy road. The wok was close to ground and road
Are we becoming world class in food poisoning ? Another case highlighted, this time in Kuala terengganu, involving 22 students and we are suppose to have a world class clean food processing system.
Food poisoning is becoming quite common this days, isn’t it ? Scary !
food handling and hygiene are not taught in school and local government.
Pigeon infestations a problem in Penang. Pigeons’ droppings can cause many fatal diseases.
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/11/02/from-deadly-diseases-to-property-pains-penang039s-pigeon-infestation-public-bane
Is this the main reason why Kamala lost to Trump in the US election?
Yes, probably one of the key reasons.
Likewise can happen in Penang when the locals feel they have been abandoned and DAP cannot take easy win for granted now.
Time to vote PSM and some well-known independents to judge performance
Pierce Morgan correctly pointed out Wokeism became a liability to the Democrats.
Pierce Morgan pointed out the liabilities of Democrats for promoting Wokeism.
Anil do you go the Penang International Food Festival 2024 to savour the Penang food?
No, Radha, I prefer visiting my local favourite outlets.
Can Anil recommend your favourite local outlets for the benefit of those visiting Penang?
Hi Labubu, it depends on what kind food they are looking for. I’m not exactly a foodie. I know a few obvious places. Lots of Penang foodies doing excellent work. And I am sure people in the comments here can help as well!
Anil subtly hinted to tunglang?
If only tunglang could respond to this.
He is the expert in old-school Penang hawker food.