Balik Pulau

Penang has long been a major tourist destination especially offering its beautiful sandy beaches in Batu Ferringi and also historical attractions in the heart of Georgetown which is the capital of Penang. Penang Island is a paradise for food lovers who come from all over the world to sample the island's unique cuisine, earning Penang the nickname of the food capital of Malaysia. Penang was recognized as having the Best Street Food in Asia by TIME magazine in 2004, citing that nowhere else can such great tasting food be so cheap. Focus for Penang foods normally are within Gurney Drive, Pulau Tikus, New Lane, Swatow Lane, Penang Road and Chulia Street.

Unknown to many new tourist, a small town in the northwestern coast of the Penang Island known as Balik Pulau (simply means 'the other side of the island) has lots of surprises installed for its visitors. Balik Pulau is famous for its durian plantations and it has one of the best durians in Malaysia. Balik Pulau is also known for its ' Assam Laksa', a fish based soup with rice noodles, cut onions, pineapples, cucumbers and vegetables with the sourish "assam". Prawn paste (hae kor) is added as option and cut hot spicy chili to taste. For me, Nan Guang Coffee Shop offers the best laksa in the whole island of Penang. The have 3 selection of laksa soup for their customers. Traditional Assam Laksa, "Siam Laksa' (or also known as 'lemak' laksa) or a mix of both. My personal preference would be "Siam Laksa". Souring a bowl of Laksa goes well with a cup of Nut Meg juice or "Ambra suey boey" juice available in the same coffee shop.

So why not take a drive to Balik Pulau and try something new today. I am sure Alvin Quek and Rachel Fu would agree to this.