Wednesday 27 July 2011

Dear Penang Assam Laksa,

You have done great honour to Malaysia by coming in at Number 7 in CNN's World's 50 Most Delicious Foods. It's a pity your Penang counterparts - Char Kuey Teow and Nasi Kandar did not make it into the list. But nevermind, at least you're ranked higher than Singapore's Chili Crab (No. 35).


"Penang Assam Laksa - Poached, flaked mackerel, tamarind, chili, mint, lemongrass, onion, pineapple … one of Malaysia’s most popular dishes is an addictive spicy-sour fish broth with noodles (especially great when fused with ginger), that’ll have your nose running before the spoon even hits your lips." - CNN's World's 50 Most Delicious Foods



My uncle told me that the best Penang Assam Laksa is sold at the foot of Kek Lok Si Temple. He whacked 2 bowls in one sitting when he was there earlier this year. But personally I prefer the assam laksa that's sold on Lebuh Keng Kwee where the famous Teochew Cendol is also located.              

Penang Assam Laksa, you not only made yourself famous but also the little island of Penang. But then again, Penang is already famous after coming in at Number 8 in Yahoo's 10 Islands to Explore Before You Die. Both you and the island of Penang do make a dynamic team by consistently emerging tops in lists pertaining to travel and food.

Penang Assam Laksa, whilst I'm still wondering how the hell did Chicken Rice (No. 45) and Rendang (No. 11) ended up as Singaporean and Indonesian dishes respectively (in the same CNN poll), I would like to thank you for putting Malaysia on the world tourism map.


Penang food lover,
Julie Lim




5 comments:

khengsiong said...

I still prefer the assam laksa of my home state Perak. It's not as sweet as the Penang version.

khengsiong said...

I didn't expect assam laksa could be up against the likes of pizza and sushi.

Julie Lim said...

Kheng Siong,

I too can't imagine the humble assam laksa being ranked higher than more internationally known food like sushi and pizza as you mentioned. But good lah, at least more people will be aware of the Penang Assam Laksa from now onwards.

I haven't heard of the Perak version, but I'll remember to watch out for it the next time I'm in the tin mining state :-)

gbeejipp said...

Bravo to Penang Laksa and its state of origin. It has always been one of my favorite dishes. I did try the one at Lebuh Keng Kwee on my last visit to Penang but I really thought it wasn't as good as the one at the Kek Lok Si temple. IMHO. :-)

Julie Lim said...

Jipp,

I had to Google IMHO to find out its meaning. Anyway, I added a new word to my vocab :-)

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