NationalGeographicTravellerAustraliaandNewZealandWinter2018

NyoNya laksa
A rich and spicy soup with a coconut
milk base, this is comfort food at its
best and a fine example of Nyonya
cooking – a unique blend of Chinese
and Malay cuisine found in Malaysia and
Singapore. Throw in some noodles and
whatever else you’re craving – prawns,
tofu, cockles, bean sprouts, boiled egg
or chicken – and enjoy.

Char kway teow
It translates as ‘stir-fried rice-cake strips’
and that is pretty much all there is to
this popular noodle dish. Wide, flat rice
noodles are stir-fried in dark soy sauce
and a touch of belachan (shrimp paste)
and tossed with cockles, prawns, chives
and egg. It’s not particularly good for
you, but it sure is delicious.

lor bak
Not all sausages are created equal and
lor bak is a good example of that. Take
minced pork, water chestnuts, five spice
and a few other secret ingredients, mix
them together, wrap it all up in a tofu
skin and deep fry. The result is highly
seasoned sausage with an irresistibly
light and crispy outside. It’s best
enjoyed with a chilli dipping sauce.

roti CaNai

Inspired by the south Indian influences

that have crept into Malaysian cuisine,

roti canai is a popular flatbread that is

oiled and cooked on a skillet. With its

flaky exterior and soft interior, think of it

as an excellent Asian take on a croissant.

Chilli Crab

Avoid wearing white and prepare to

get messy. This is a meal you have to

work for, but it sure is worth the effort.

Whole crabs are stir-fried in a special

chilli sauce and served family style with

mounds of steamed rice to soak up the

sauce and cool the burn. The table will

probably look like a crime scene by time

you are done, but at least you won’t

have to bother with the clean-up.

at a GlaNCe

PeNaNG FooD & beaCh

★★★★

DeParts Daily

tr aVel st yle Tailor-made

hiGhliGhts

•   Explore Penang, Malaysia’s

prized island, with its beautiful

coastline, wonderful cuisine and

colonial buildings

•   Penang  is  renowned    for its food    scene,

so enjoy dim sum, explore Little India

and visit local food markets

•   Cycle   the countryside,    visiting    local

villages and their artisans, as well as

sampling local produce along the route

iNClUsioNs

Five nights’ accommodation, some

meals, transfers, half-day dim sum and

street art tour, half-day cycling, services

of  local   English-speaking    guides.

From AU$1,189* / NZ$1,279*

*Prices are per person, twin share, based on

low-season travel. Terms and conditions apply.

wINTER ISSUE 2018 141

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