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The spice of India
Budget Indian food in Penang is mainly of the South Indian variety. Rice and vegetables are a prominent feature in sumptuous meals like the banana leaf rice; while flour based pancakes and fried rounds of dough with dhall or potato curry are hot favourites for breakfast or tea time snacks.
Muslim-indians are a small minority in Penang with great culinary skills. The not-too-politically-correct coloquial slang of “mamak” is the Malaysian term of description for these people. Mamak cooking is the merging of indian and malay cooking, so expect thick curries with coconut milk and spicy chillies.
Banana leaf rice
White rice served on banana leaf with assortment of vegetables, papedom and curried meat to choose from. Best eaten with hands. A sumptuous meal for any big eater on a budget. Don't forget to ask for yogurt. It goes well with the meal. RM3.00 to RM5.00 per serving. Rasem, a spicy soury drink is usually taken after the meal.
For good banana leaf rice try Jaya at 4 Taman Sri Tunas at Bayan Baru or Ranis Restaurant at Pulau Tikus.
Chapati
North Indian flattened bread made with wholewheat flour. Goes with your choice of curry. Costs between RM1.00 to RM2.00 depending on choice of curry.
Mee goreng and mee rebus
Mee goreng is fried wheat base mee, dry and spicy with potatoes, beancurd, squid and egg. Mee rebus is of the same ingredients except it comes with a thick gravy flavoured with potato and tomato. Both are popular meals that are usually sold together and are easily available in most coffee shops. Cost: RM2.50 to RM4.50
For the best Mee Goreng in town (in no particular order): Corner coffee shop at Bangkok Lane at Pulau Tikus in the afternoons; Mee Sultan stall at Swatow Lane in the afternoons; and the hawker centres at Gurney Drive and Esplanade.
Mutabak
Murtabak is a meat filled version of roti canai. Choice of fillings include minced mutton, beef or chicken in beaten egg, onions and spices. Costs about RM3.00 each. Goes well with chicken curry and preserved onions.
Nasi briyani
Rice cooked with spices and 'ghee' accompanied by choice of curried dishes. Kurma Chicken is recommended as the top choice. Goes well with air manis or a glass of iced rosed syrup drink. Prices range from RM2.50 to RM5.00 per person; depending on dishes ordered.
For the best nasi briyani in town (in no particular order): Hameedeyah Restaurant at Campbell Street; Taj Restaurant at Campbell Street; and Dawood Restaurant at 63, Queen Street.
Nasi Kandar
Indian muslim rice with curried dishes. Derived its name from the shoulder poles (kandar) used by vendors of the past. The assortment of curried squids, chicken, fish, and prawns are worth a try. Prices starts from RM2.50 depending on dishes ordered.
For the best nasi kandar in town (in no particular order): Taj Restaurant in Campbell Street; coffee shop opposite Gama Departmental Store; Kayu Nasi Kandar at Bukit Jambul and Penang Road; Craven Cafe at Lintang Burmah and Merlin Hotel at Penang Street.
Pasembur
Indian salad comprising of shredded cucumber, turnip, bean sprouts, beancurd, and potatoes topped with prawn fritters, spicy deep fried crab, and octopus, covered with a generous spread of spicy nutty sauce. Costs between RM2.00 to RM6.00 depending on choice of serving.
For the best Pasembur in town (in no particular order): Hawkert stalls at Esplanade and Gurney Drive.
Roti canai
Indian bread prepared on the spot by skilled hawkers using 'ghee' to fry stretched and layered dough. Can be eaten with sugar or curry. Super cheap meal from RM0.60 onwards. Roti telur is the same thing with egg while roti sardine is filled with sardines.
Thosai
Indian savoury pancake made from rice flour and served with curry. About RM0.50 per piece. Served with your choice of curry.
Tandoori chicken
The Punjab's most famous contribution to Indian cooking has to be the tandoor – an oven made from clay, a simple artifact which does many things like bake bread or roast chicken on long shewers.
Savour this authentic tandoori chicken usually served with nan bread and curries. For refreshments, try the fresh tang of lassi (yoghut drink), with choices from mango to rose and more. Available at most Indian restaurants and nasi kandar shops throughout Penang.
Our exotic local cuisines for Malay cuisine, Chinese gourmet and Indian Cookery
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