Eating in Malaysia

CRead We've been in Malaysia for almost 3 weeks now and haven't even scratched the surface of the food scene here. Because of the mixture of cultures, there is a tremendous variety of dishes to try, and we've hardly had a bad meal. More than that, though, is the fact that eating is a fun adventure here! I've mentioned the delicious meals we had in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, but here in Penang we discovered a food court near our hotel that we've been back to 3 times called Red Garden. It is just one of the many, many hawker stalls in this fun city. I picked up a food map that could give you an idea of the variety of food here.

Red Garden is big, loud and colorful, not to mention cheap! You could easily eat for under $5 here,with delicious filling dishes , but you can also spend much more if you decide to try fresh seafood. 

You can choose your seafood then ask the restaurant to prepare it in a wide variety of ways. It seems that many of our meals have included fresh prawns, in a variety of sizes. Generally you order by weight,, or you can also choose small medium or large size portions. Last night on the island we stayed on, we watched as the diners next to us ordered the mother of all lobsters, about 31/2#, then send it to the kitchen to have it cooked in Chinese barbecue sauce. Our favorite is " butter prawns", served with Caramelized chicken floss. Don't ask me what that is, but it is delicious! 

Chicken wings are also popular, and these are the best! You order by the piece, and two large wings are about $1.25.

Probably our favorite dish, though, and one I could eat several times a week( I have!) is Char Koay Teow, wide noodles cooked with egg, prawns , bean sprouts and some greens. This size costs about $1.50 and is filling enough for two. 

At Red Garden you can choose from Japanese, Malay, Thai, Korean, Chinese and more. You pick a table, then go to the small restaurant stall of your choice to order, and  it is brought to your table where you pay. The drinks guy comes around and takes your order, too, which he delivers. 

Everyone seems to be having a good time! Ok, maybe not these people, but most of the others.