Eating Penang - Two Dishes You Can't Miss

Two Sister's Char Kway Teow, Kafe Heng Huat

It's All About Penang Char Kway Teow

Some memories don't fade with time. I had my first plate of Penang Char Kway Teow on a Malaysia road trip with my family and I've never really forgotten the taste. We'd spent a long day on the road and when we finally reached Penang, the skies had turned dark. We were all so hungry we literally turned in to the first coffee shop we saw. It was an impossibly rustic set up (isn't it always these places churning out the best grub?) but their Char Kway Teow seriously blew me off my feet. There is something about the cleaner flavours without sweet sauce - the chilli shines so much more. I can't even explain it coherently anymore, but that was the beginning of my crush on Penang Char Kway Teow. I haven't returned to Penang since.

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Fantastic Street Food in Fez, Morocco

Moroccan Mint Tea, Coffee

Start the Day with Moroccan Mint Tea (and Coffee)

Street food in Morocco is a dizzy affair. At once familiar and exotic, the subtle twists that made certain dishes completely different really blew me away. We spent three days in Fez, (and two in Marrakech,) but I suspect we have barely scratched the surface of Moroccan street fare. Each morning, we would begin our day at a completely local joint for mint tea and coffee. Tasting coffee all over the world is one of my favourite travel to-do, even if I can't put a finger on the differences sometimes. The moroccan mint tea, a local favourite, was both soothing and refreshing. It may look a tad intimidating and unpolished, but it really wasn't as overpowering as it looked - Mint tea in Morocco is made using brewed green tea as the base, so mint leaves are only thrown in at the last moment. Note of caution: Steeping the mint leaves for more than two minutes may cause acid reflux!

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Dalat Street Food - As Fresh As It Gets, Vietnam

Banh Mi with Roasted Pork Belly

Have you ever heard of Dalat? Picture a less crowded Saigon, chilly temperatures in the vicinity of 12 degrees Celsius, a whole lot more French-inspired architecture, hilly terrains, slightly less motorcycles, picturesque nature sights courtesy of the highland climate and perhaps best of all, street food that are a whole lot fresher. I am convinced that the chilly climate results in a natural refrigerating system that helps keep street stall ingredients at its freshest. Considering most ingredients are left in the open the entire day, you can literally taste the difference. Perhaps this was why we were so impressed by the Banh Mi we had in Dalat, since the dish involved assembling pre-cooked ingredients. The difference isn't as obvious when it comes to dishes that are cooked on the spot. The Banh Mi pictured had a crustier baguette, perfect pickles (the pickles in one of the Banh Mis we had in Saigon were actually bitter), fresher meat and even fresher greens. It's slightly pricier cause of the cheese, but very, very tasty, refreshing even. I wish I tried the Banh Mi Thit Nguoi (Banh Mi with Deli Meats) too.

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Street Food in Saigon, Vietnam

Flat Rice Noodles with Pork Slices, Intestines and Quail's Egg

What I observed was that the snacking culture in Vietnam isn't nearly as popular as that in Thailand. The focus seems to be more on meals (noodles, rice, etc). At night, beer with snacks are popular, but the snacking isn't done throughout the day. Still, Vietnam has a lot to offer, and you'll find many pleasant surprises if you try as much as possible to dine like the locals. This was the first bowl of noodles M and I had in Saigon, and it was a really great start. I still haven't managed to find out the exact name of this noodle dish (anyone?), but the noodle toppings comprised of  tender pork slices, intestines and a quail's egg. The flat rice noodles had unique jagged edges that lent a nice texture. It was delicious. We found the stall in the Pham Ngu Lao area when we were trying to find our hostel. If you happen to spot it, definitely give it a try!

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Street Food at Chatuchak, Bangkok, Thailand

Coconut Ice-cream

Our Saturday was spent exploring the never-ending maze of street stalls that was Chatuchak. The stalls were so varied, you would probably be able to find almost everything here, from second-hand shoes to local designer tees to homeware to pets. It was great just strolling around and taking in the sights, though the sun tried a little too hard to join in the fun. This coconut ice-cream saved us!

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Street Food Heaven, Bangkok, Thailand

Pad Thai Street Stall

Bangkok is street food heaven! Last week, M whisked me away to Bangkok for a short 5 day trip. We stayed at Citin Pratunam, a budget hotel that happened to be right at the scene of an entire stretch of street food. You can imagine just how thrilled we were.

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Tai O Street Food, Lantau Island, Hong Kong

Tai O Village

Adorable, isn't it? This is what first greets you when you step out of the bus upon reaching Tai O Village.

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Sheung Wan Da Pai Dong, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Sheung Wan Cooked Food Centre (da pai dong)

One of the things I love most about living in a new city, is that you really get to discover things you don't normally see as a tourist. Did you know that tucked away on the second level of the Sheung Wan Municipal Services Building and Civic Centre is an entire floor of da pai dong?

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