Balik Pulau Assam Laksa

CNNGo International Food Survey has voted Penang Assam Laksa world’s No. 7 most delicious food and it is the only Malaysian food that was in the ranking! Whether you love or hate this dish, nobody can ever deny that it is one of our most unique hawker food that is authentically originated from Penang. Perhaps the government should quickly patent it before our neighboring Singapore claims it to be their dish just like what they have done with Yee Sang. However, I doubt it will be the case as Singapore already has their own version of Laksa which is more popularly known as Curry Mee in Penang.

Just like any other hawker food, you can find Assam Laksa almost anywhere you go in Penang. Since you are about to try the number one Penang hawker food, why not go the extra mile and do it in the deep interior of Penang island that is Balik Pulau. Located on a high plateau tucked in between the hills of Penang, Balik Pulau has been a sleepy town for centuries. Only recently that we witness developments in the area thanks to the scarcity of land and rising cost in other more popular spots on the island. In fact, more and more people are moving to Balik Pulau, judging from the number of residential projects launched by major developers. People come here for the simplicity of life; freshness of the atmosphere and of course Durian. 

Balik Pulau is easily accessible as there are now 3 road linkages that connect this sleepy town to the rest of Penang Island. You can drive from Batu Ferringhi, Air Itam and Bayan Lepas. All these roads provide you with breathtaking driving experience as you get to enjoy the natural beauty of the pristine hills and see the other side of Penang as you ascend halfway during your journey. The western end of the island is relatively under-developed which is a blessing in disguise as the area has been spared from the destructive force of modern development.

Balik Pulau is a very small town and once you are in the center of it you can easily spot the old market. You can visit this place anytime of the year, not just during the Durian season. Try the famous Laksa located in a humble kopitiam right next to the old market. Business started in the afternoon. You can order the deep fried spring roll to go with this dish as people usually dip their spring roll into the laksa soup. This is how the locals like it so you might as well try it.