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.
