Penang by Kardia Williams

Last week I headed to Penang, which is a Malaysian restaurant located in Chinatown. Although the restaurant was chilly inside, (your guess is as good as mine as to why the air is on, on a cold, rainy day in April), the piping hot dishes offered were meant to warm your tummy. This Malaysian hotspot offers a very diverse menu for the daring and the not so daring. You can have your choice of Chicken Feet Casserole if your palate is feeling adventurous or Curry Tofu with Rice, if you'd like to stick with something more familiar. I enjoy a variety of exotic delicacies, but this time I decided to stick with the familiar.

I started off with the Homemade Roti Canai, which is an Indian pancake served with a curry chicken and potato dipping sauce. Let me just say that it was pure heaven! It is very similar to another "pancake" appetizer that is served at Rangoon.



My companion had an entree called the Nasi Lemak. The Nasi Lemak is a hodge podge of coconut rice, anchovy, curried chicken and hard boiled eggs. The anchovy gives the dish a slightly fishy, but very interesting flavor that is very different from anything I've ever had, (in a good way). I simply love hard boiled eggs, so they won me over with that one.



When I ordered my entree the waitress asked if I wanted a half portion or a full portion, so we could share. I told her a full portion and that I planned to have the entree to myself. She gave me a confused look and trotted off to place our orders. Once I received my food I understood the reason for her facial expression. My Penang Kari Ayam, which is chicken served in a thick, coconut sauce, was clearly meant for more than one person, but I enjoyed every moment of trying to finish it!




All meals are finished with complimentary oranges, but I decided I wanted to finish mine with something I've never had before, Fried Ice Cream. I have always wanted to try this dessert but never knew of any places that served it, so my eyes lit up when I saw it on the menu. I was not disappointed . Penang serves their Fried Ice Cream , (which happened to be filled with coconut ice cream, joy!), with fried bananas and a raspberry dipping sauce, (double joy!).



Penang is very popular and gets packed, so be prepared for a little wait, (there was actually a line out the door when I was there). You are going to love your experience there, just remember to bring a jacket.