Chinese bars and Penang Nightlife

We frequented a friendly,cosy Chinese bar in Penang and checked out the clubs for the first time in Malaysia...

The Tai Wah Cafe ( Lubuh Chulia), has great ambiance and good priced beer. It is run by a fun - loving old Chinese couple from their home. The 72 year - old man is happy to jump on his treddley at any hour to go on a beer run.

We checked out the bar strip in Penang and danced off in our thongs (flip - flops), along with the well - heeled Malaysian locals. Good fun, but be prepared to pay RM50 (AUD$18.40) for a round of 3 spirits.

Zamin - a Penang local

Zamin shared with us his opinions about Penang, its culture and food. He is a proud local, and we enjoyed quite a few drinks with him at the Tai Wah cafe, where he can be often be found at about 4pm...

We met Zamin over some beers at the Tai Wah Chinese Cafe in Georgetown. He is a proud Penang local, the youngest of 20 siblings. He was happy to share his knowledge of Malaysia, and Penang in particular, with us. We were able to gain some insight into the Malaysian culture and religion, as Zamin was comfortable discussing issues that might be sensitive to some. He is Muslim, but still indulges in the odd alcoholic beverage, while most Muslims do not drink alcohol as part of their religion; here it comes down to a personal choice, and showing respect for other's beliefs. Penang has a relaxed feel to it and the tolerance and respect each culture shows to others results in a generally harmonious enviroment. Zamin's many dining -out tips were all spot on; each recommendation provided a great experience.

Zamin works at the Bayview Hotel, and was kind enough to introduce us to his executive chef Billy Boudville. Billy is quite a character and was amazingly generous with his time; he spent hours with us discussing Malaysian cuisine and provided a range of dishes for us to try. We enjoyed traditional Penang laksa (with a delicious sweet/sour flavour) and Hokkien Mee ( a very rich prawn broth with Hokkien noodle). It was interesting that Billy voiced concern about the poor training some apprentices receive, and the lack of a strong work ethic some possess in recent times -similar to the problems arising in Australia in the hospitality industry.

Joss Sticks, Chinatown. Penang.

The Joss-sticks in Chinatown, Penang, are huge;up to seven foot in length.They add to the amazing atmosphere surrounding the temples in Chinatown, especially during Budda's birthday celebrations.

Penang has an amazing Chinatown, with beautiful, original facades maintained on many of the buildings. The joss shops were doing a roaring trade during the celebrations for Budda's birthday, and there were huge sticks burning outside homes and temples.

Penang satisfies the appetite

Penang provides delightful eating out experiences. Little India and Chinatown are havens of delicious treats, and the Malay options are also plentiful.

LITTLE INDIA: A heady blend of incense, colour and Bollywood music welcome you to 'Little India' in Penang, along with beautiful traditional clothing, food and temples. There are numerous, faultless Indian restaurants, serving roti, dosa, chapati, naan, tandoori, banana-leaf curries and lassi. One of the stand-outs is SMD Food Corner (crn.Lebuh Penang and Lebuh Pesar).

CHINATOWN: Pretty much all of the chicken and rice, noodle and rice porridge stalls in Penang's Chinatown are of a high standard, and great value. For the tastiest, cheapest and most reliable places- follow the locals. It is generally necessary to hover, waiting for a table. The Sky Hotel on Lebuh Chulia, has locals fighting for a seat between 11am and 1pm. They offer succulent roast pork, BBQ pork and roast duck with rice, greens, broth and dipping sauce. Approx RM3.50 (AUD$1.10). Just up the road a few doors is another Chinese joint with yummy yum cha, it winds up about 1.30pm.

MALAY FOOD: Restoron Nasi (Padang), under the International Hotel, 92 Jalan Transfer, crn Jalan Sehala; serves up an array of Malaysian fare of excellent quality. Fish, beef and chicken dishes are available, along with lots of vegetarian options. It is very popular, so best to arrive before 12.30pm. Approx RM5.50 - 7.50 (AUD$2.20), depending on selections.

Behind the Gama Shopping Complex (on Jalan Macalister ), is a small group of Hawker Stands, one on the end produces a delicious traditional Penang laksa = RM2 (AUD$0.70). Washed down with a freshly squeezed sugar - cane juice = RM1 (AUD$0.35) = Bargain!

Sup Hameed on Jalan Penang, opposite the teksi stand, dishes up morish, thick, hearty oxtail soup and beef 'torpedo' (testicle) soup. RM5 (AUD$1.75).

Gurney Drive is a hot spot at night for a enormous range of hawker stand fare. Fried soft - shell crab , with chilli sauce was our favourite.

For a seafood indulgence, we had finger - licking, steamed ,whole seabass with tofu, sour plum, ginger and shallot at Sam's Seafood on the Esplanade in Georgetown (amongst the food court stalls) RM35 (AUD$13).