Penang: Malaysian Cuisine
Posted by Ben on May 06, 2011 in Boston, Featured, Restaurants
Tags: boston, Chinatown, Malaysian Cuisine, Penang
This post is by Eat With Me contributor Ben.
Located at 685 Washington Street in Chinatown, Penang is an affordably delicious dining experience with an array of Malaysian appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Although Malaysian cuisine is oftentimes outshined in America by the more popular menus of China and Japan, it is certainly an eating opportunity that should not be overlooked for Boston residents. Penang’s dishes are perhaps best described as a best-of-both-worlds fusion of Chinese and Indian cultures, and, as you can imagine, the results are astounding.
My date and I started with a home-made Roti Canai (or an Indian Pancake) for an appetizer, which was recommended to us by our wait staff. The Roti Canai is priced at $4.50, and it came with a bowl of curry chicken dipping sauce. The cake was airy and crispy, meant to be picked at by hand and dipped into the curried sauce. I admit: I succumbed to the dreaded double dip on several counts, but then again, it’s hard not to with something so good.
For my entree I ordered the Vegetarian Casserole, priced at $11.95, and my date got pork with rice and dried vegetables, priced at $6.95. As delicious as his meal looked and smelled, I doubt that it could compete with my casserole. All vegetables were wonderfully steamed—still crisp, rich with flavor, and not too crunchy—the sauce had a mild but notably spiced kick, and the tofu was prepared to perfection. Additionally, the casserole was served in a sizeable clay pot; I couldn’t believe I was getting so much food— and such good food— for the amount that I was spending.
The grand total for the meal and tip was just under $30, and no complaints or shortcomings were had. In addition to the food, the wait staff was diligent, passionate, quick, and never intrusive on the meal or conversation. Overall, the evening was wonderful; authentic, well-served, and perhaps most importantly: delicious. Penang brings Malaysian cuisine to the people of Boston, and it is best that they take advantage of it. Their menu is most certainly worth a bite… or two.
