Produced by SilverKris for Penang Global Tourism
Penang has at all times been often known as Malaysia’s meals capital, drawing guests throughout the nation, area and world to discover its wealthy, thrilling meals scene. From conventional, genuine eateries to hawker stalls that appeal to hour-long queues to modern new eating places that push the boundaries with native flavours and produce, there’s by no means been a extra fascinating time to eat your manner via Penang. And although finest identified for its genuine native dishes, Penang’s meals is ever-evolving and encompasses a large number of cultural influences and cuisines. The latest arrival of the Michelin Guide confirms what foodies world wide already knew – that the town is a star.
In December, the worldwide meals awards debuted in Malaysia, recognising eating places throughout the spectrum, from kopitiams to fantastic eating institutions. The Michelin Guide landed in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, with Penang scooping up simply as many [stars] because the capital metropolis.
The Michelin Guide landed in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, with Penang scooping up simply as many [stars] because the capital metropolis
“This indeed is a stepping stone and a badge of honour in the gastronomy industry,” stated YB Yeoh Soon Hin, the Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy. “The Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur and Penang will be the first in Asia after the pandemic. To date, it has a presence in 37 countries and we are proud to announce that we are one of them.”
The large winners in Penang have been Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery and Restaurant Au Jardin, every receiving one coveted Michelin star. These are two favourites of the foodie scene which have incited strains of native vacationers and bursts of Instagram images for years.
Familiar Peranakan favourites
Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery is a masterclass in family-style eating places, from the welcoming, unpretentious decor to the in depth menu of Peranakan favourites. The Bishop Street restaurant is true within the coronary heart of Georgetown’s historic cluster of streets, well-known to anybody who’s explored the town’s well-known avenue artwork scene by foot. Auntie Gaik Lean’s kitchen is run by Chef Gaik Lean herself, drawing from her assortment of genuine household recipes, handed down over time from matriarchs of the chef’s household.
Chef Gaik Lean discovered many of those signature recipes from her mom as a toddler, and has stored them well-guarded since. It’s these recipes that preserve Auntie Gaik Lean’s dishes so distinctive and unmistakably genuine, drawing on conventional strategies and the freshest native produce, herbs and spices.
It’s onerous to go unsuitable with a menu this beloved, however begin with a traditional: probably the most well-known of all Peranakan dishes. Curry kapitan is a superb marker of what units Auntie Gaik Lean’s dishes aside, a well-recognized favorite that also manages to shock with its punchy, aromatic flavours. The chef herself has at all times maintained that is right down to the freshness and stability of the all-important spices and herbs – and naturally, the curry paste is at all times constituted of scratch. Pair it with a superbly sweet-spicy sambal brinjal, fish curry tumis loaded with tangy tamarind and fragrant nasi ulam.
New tales informed with Penang produce
Across city you’ll discover Restaurant Au Jardin, an intimate 18-seater restaurant tucked contained in the transformed Hin Bus Depot. This fantastic eating institution gives up considerate, ingenious takes on fashionable European delicacies – whereas staying true to native Penang produce. Owner and chef Kim Hock prioritises working with native farmers and suppliers to have a good time the freshest seasonal produce.
This deal with working with meals that’s in season means Restaurant Au Jardin’s menu is usually altering, however you’ll at all times discover their signature ingenious twist on traditional flavours and pairings. Dishes from their most up-to-date menus embrace a playful mussel & fennel curry served with smoked mussels custard, mango gel and steamed brioche; or a Sardine Parfait that mixes a fragile squid ink and anchovy sable with pickled shallots and sardine jam. And at all times look out for his or her signature palate cleansers between programs – refreshing vegetable and natural sorbets served within the type of mini Magnum ice lotions.
44 different beloved eateries get Michelin nods
Aside from the Michelin star-awarded eating places, 17 extra Penang establishments have been honoured with the Michelin Bib Gourmand, a recognition of wonderful meals served at reasonable costs. You’ll discover these throughout Penang, from native hawker favourites akin to Bridge Street Prawn Noodle and Penang Road Famous Laksa to fashionable eateries like Communal Table by Gēn and Neighbourwood. Finally, the Guide additionally acknowledged 27 extra Penang culinary treasures with a “Michelin Selected” quotation. These included the must-visit Air Itam Sisters Curry Mee, Georgetown’s fine-dining specialists Kebaya and Sri Weld Food Court favorite Ali Nasi Lemak Daun Pisang.
And although Georgetown will get probably the most consideration within the guidebooks, Penang has a lot to supply an adventurous foodie exterior the capital. Plan a route via coastal metropolis Butterworth or Bukit Mertajam and work your manner via nasi kandar, Hokkien mee, Mee Jawa and extra.
“The vitality of a city such as Penang, which includes as many Bib Gourmand restaurants as the capital city, is pleasing and very encouraging for our inspection team, who is looking forward to exploring a lot more of Malaysia, and to tasting the diverse offerings of local culinary talents,” stated Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide.
A desk at Penang’s best-loved eateries has at all times been a hotly contested prize, and with its new stars, honours and all-round well-deserved recognition, Penang’s meals scene has by no means been so internationally beloved. Now’s the time for a foodie journey to the town – simply be sure you plan your route nicely upfront, generously account for ready occasions and name forward every time attainable. Happy consuming!
Featured picture by Restaurant Au Jardin Instagram
For extra suggestions and information on Penang, go to Penang Global Tourism.