A visit to Penang would not be complete without trying out the famous Penang cendol. Certainly the best in the world. Fortunately the stall was within walking distance from our lodge and so we headed in the direction of Penang Street. Ah.. the slippery texture of the cendol and the sweet creamy syrup. It was heavenly. Dad said : "We must come here at least twice a day - every morning and evening."
Another 'must eat' is Penang Laksa - only uniquely Penang. Thick white noodles soaked in fish based soup with loads of sliced pungent onions, crunchy cucumber, sprinkling of pineapple pieces, laced with prawn paste and topped with mint leaves. It's an acquired taste. The best penang laksa stall is sited under a tree,opposite the Tan Jetty. Not many locals know of this secret .
One unique settlement found in Penang is the jetty settlements. When the Chinese first arrived in Penang, they wanted to build their houses ton the land. The British, however, imposed a hefty tax for building on British soil. The poor Chinese immigrants, having no other recourse, dismantled their junks and built shelters along the jetty. - thus outsmarted the British. Soon the jetties developed certain characteristics, with each clan congregating along certain jetties. Soon, the Lims have their own settlement, called the Lim jetty, the Tans', the Chew's, etc........Each clan looked after the welfare of the new immigrants. We looked for the Lee jetty but there wasn't any.
Not satisfied with just eating at the stalls, we even bought some food back to the lodge.
Penang by night - a pedestrian view.
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