boon's log 0204.03
Kopitiam
This is Hai Ean Coffee Shop along Burma Road in Penang. This is a real authentic kopitiam (coffee shop in Hokkien) in Penang. Actually, there are quite some authentic coffeshops in and around Penang. Once in these shops, one must pay close attention to the surroundings, e.g. the fan, the furniture, basically, the entire setup of the shop. It gives you a kind of good feeling, beaming you back 30 to 40 years in time. Even though these shops are not equipped with air-conditioners, but it is very cooling, comfortable and cozy...


Kopitiam in Penang

Well, this particular kopitiam is famous for its Hokkien Mee (Penang Prawn Noodles with Pork Ribs in Soup) and Loh Mee (Noodles in thick gravy). Actually, the main specialty is the Hokkien+Loh Mee or locally coined as "Loh cam Teng" meaning "Thick Gravy mixed with Penang Prawn Noodles Soup" - as shown at the bottom in the featured picture. Another popular item is the Koay Teow Teng (Flat Rice Noodle in Soup). Other commendable delicacies include Lobak (deep-fried pork wrapped in bean curd skin) which also includes fried tofu and fried shrimp pancake served with 2 sauces: hoisin & chili; Half boiled eggs and toast with butter and kaya (local bread spread made of coconut and egg with pandan leaves).

And of course, you have to wash them all down with a soothing cup of local coffee. You can drink your coffee two ways in Penang (or Malaysia) - either drink it from the cup itself or pour it out on the saucer and then sip it from saucer, like what the local Ah Peks does. When you see a sight like that, it is like the MasterCard advertisement... Priceless...

Man, all this talking about food is making me hungry. Do give this place a try when you are in the neighbourhood. You'll definitely not regret it... ;)

gotta go get some food...

boon out...