Food for Thought

Let us visualise a hypothetical nation with the following characteristics.

An identified segment of the population in this imaginary country has been given both financial and non-financial benefits in an entrenched mentality of political induced given rights and not through sheer personal effort, thinking and innovation. Such rights have been long embedded in the minds of the recipients, due to perceived past injustices and through the weight of numbers, racial prejudice, the ability to exclude and the manipulation of so-called democratic smokescreens.

Yet the very peoples such benefits were meant to provide for continue to be oppressed - and the majority of the wealth of the country ironically continues to be held by a chosen and connected few.  The government of the day feeds on discriminatory practices which logically leads to significant brain drains, voluntary emigrations and tampering with historical facts.

Classes are created to divide and rule, with the powers that be bestowing apparent superiority on one group of human beings, who  are then pitted against other human beings.   Logic and rationality are defied in societal and judicial decisions.  When religion and misplaced national pride are further utilised in this powder keg, and diversity strongly rejected, the consequences can be severe, the writing is already on the wall and a country, that once welcomed ideas and change, becomes insular and unstable.

The nation is further hijacked by radicalism and conservatism, swirling in its own deceit and delusional sense of righteousness.  Homogenous ideals flourish to constrain development and destiny whilst competitor nations absorb the best of human beings rejected by their own place of birth.  There are flare ups of unavoidable civil violence and community disorder.  Extremism and intolerance are nurtured, attracting such like leaders to rule and leading to the inevitable path of a disrupted society.

Am I referring to Germany in the Nazi years, or feudal China on the last legs of a dying dynasty? Or am I asking you to reflect on your local shire or suburb?   I recall African tribal wars, colonial era stiff upper lips and slavery in the old USA.  Each aspect mentioned echoes possible  human behaviour, thinking and organisation in any geographical place, especially when there are insufficient checks and balances.  There can be pockets of such instances occurring, if not all of the above.  What are you, as a  responsible member of society and as an enlightened human being, doing, in every small or big way you can, to protect your self and your family, from stumbling into this kind of fate?

Old Quarter, Georgetown, Penang

Decaying brick work, narrow lanes and modern vehicles - it can be an exotic mix but the old Quarter of Georgetown  needs more funding and continued urban renewal with purpose, commerce and viability.

Plates used for fine dining at a Straits Chinese restaurant hark back to the past - the design could be probably an English perception of old China rather than what was produced in Imperial China itself.

Talk the walking trail around Georgetown, stop for a variety of cuisines and drink plenty of water - paying attention to detail is mostly rewarding. The mural above, Little Children on a Bicycle, located along Armenian Street is illustrative of the work of Ernest Zacharevic from Lithuania, who has his creative skills displayed around the old quarter.

The brotherhood between the cities of Georgetown and Adelaide continue to manifest and evolve,
ever since father Francis Light and son William founded their respective cities and made a mark in the history of two nations.

Cover of box containing baked yellow bean paste biscuits originating from the Fujian community of Penang - the tau snear pnieh.

Part of a mural labelled Boy and the Dinosaur, also from Ernest Zacharevic and found along Ah Quee Street.  A challenge of such street art in a place with equatorial weather is to cope with the elements but defacing of such art has also been due to vandalism.

Pencilled drawings can be more simple but also create the atmosphere of an era gone by.

The side of the iconic Goddess of Mercy Temple in Georgetown exemplifies various architectural styles - from Victorian England (top foreground); from southern China (side right); and from southern India (foreground).

Boy on a Bike, also along Ah Quee Street, blurs the distinction between dimensions and suggests  a memorable time in adolescence.

A trigger to remind of days in the early 20th century for Penang - the popular form of public transport for families and terraces on a street.  I saw this in front of the Noordin Mews.

Marble topped tables and rattan chairs can remind one of lazy and sultry afternoons under a ceiling fan in the heart of the Old Quarter.

A lively spark beside a bright coloured fire hydrant.

pool Towels for guests at one of the several renovated heritage styled residences for travellers.

The origins behind Queen Street in Georgetown, bordering between Little India and Chinatown.

Delicate dessert served as  an unusual form of moon cake.

A guest house for the young backpacker, rather clean and inspired by a Japanese concept.

Twelve Cups Cafe - Georgetown, Penang

Mention Whitetaways to a Brit colonial who used to reside in the old Malaya - and he or she would beam up, ready to recount the atmosphere and stories of the period, when Whiteaways was a grand department store and the longed for goods and clothes from the mother country were found. The posting from the wet and swept isles so long ago and so far away, when ship travel was predominant,
to the humid and heady monsoon island of Penang, was already an adjustment to cope with and anything to occasionally delight and quash any home sickness was significantly appreciated.  The old place is gone now, now replaced by recent renovations to lure tourists and locals alike to visit again and consume, to spend mostly evenings away and to provide an entertainment hub.   One of such innovations is the Twelve Cups Cafe.

The Hokkaido Milk flavoured Mille Crepe.

The interior of Twelve Cups is lined with bold sweeps of yellow, white and pastel, underscored by boundaries of brown, maybe comparable to the juices, desserts and cakes served here, plus the coffees made to your order. The evening we were there, a resident artist was drawing various miniatures of the Eiffel Tower and this had instantly drawn a circle of observers to the counter, mainly mothers and kids. The cafe has taken a portion of the former Whiteaways Arcade, now unrecognisable inside, but still with a strong facade presence outside, at the corner of Bishop and Beach Streets in the Georgetown quarter of Penang Island, not far from the ferry pier and still surrounded by branches of banks.

 It had been a rainy evening, one of several consecutive nights that week and we were somehow glad that we had a respite from the showers when we tried after dinner ambience there, watched the mostly young crowd and soaked in the cafe scene. This was not a place to just connect to free wi-fi but gather in groups, show off the latest casual wardrobe and somehow mix in a place other than work or school. The demographics were mostly of Chinese descent, potentially on the cusp of studying in overseas universities, or just having a break from such regimes. Twelve Cups has a signature dish - the Mille Crepe. This French recipe uses caramelised sugar and maple syrup-Scotch pasty cream between its layers. "Mille" means a thousand. The menu is written on a chalk board and we could not help being captivated by part of the lyrics of the hit "Feeling Good" displayed on the wall - complete with a painted depiction of a Penang Island trishaw and two actual wheels.

Yes, there are exotic versions of Mille Crepe available at this cafe, including Matcha Red bean, Earl Grey, French Vanilla and chocolate. So you cannot be blamed if you find yourself swirling in a fusion blend of Japanese, British, French and Australian influences. I was reminded of Sydney style barista cafes and bakeries, enjoyed the casual atmosphere and found the coffee good. Twelve Cups has the full spectrum like Americanos, Espressos, Cuppaccinos, Latte, Mochas and Macchiatos. Although no true blooded Italian would consume lattes beyond 11am in the morning, in a city which had nurtured and facilitated multiculturalism long ago, old rules and conventions are cast aside.

 The cake counter had a variety to choose from even after 10pm. Lifestyle on a tropical isle is to stay late, have happenings after midnight and sleep before sunrise. Although the Mille Crepes often had creamy stuff or crunchy crisps between their layers, I did not find them over whelming or too rich to the taste. Coffee, ice cream, sugar, good service and smiles do mix well in this cafe. Prices are reasonable between ten and twelve Malaysian Ringgit. There are night clubs, lounges and wine bars in this precinct - and Twelve Cups may be just another step in night hopping for many of its patrons. For visitors wanting to get away from the spectrum of heritage architecture and environs in old Georgetown, the Twelve Cups offers a vibrant alternative. I was told the cake flavours seem to skew on East Asian tastes and usually Western styled creations are more rich on the palate. The Twelve Cups is best as a walk in cafe, as vehicle parking can be challenging.

Passions of Kerala Restaurant, Georgetown - Penang

More than memories of backpacking - aromatic briyani rice on a rectangle sized banana leaf ala natural plate, accompanied by (clockwise from 11 o'clock) shall veg curry, hot sauces and sambar.

There is an art and etiquette to eating with hands from a banana leaf laid out in front of you.  At the very start, it is required to wash your hands, which can be obvious.  You are then asked your preference of steamed white rice or tomato flavoured rice laden with cooked spices, raisins and finely chopped nuts.   As with most Middle Eastern, South Asian and south-east Asian cultures, you always eat with your right hand - the other hand is reserved for other specific uses.   Condiments, garnishings and vegetables are provided in several forms and you just take it all on your banana leaf, which soon gets crowded.  Meat and seafood dishes which you  have chosen additionally from the menu are then served in separate plates.  When you have finished your meal, you can show satisfaction to your host or the chef and restaurant by folding your emptied banana leaf inwards towards you. Do the opposite if you are unhappy with the quality and taste of the food served.

After all this awareness, I nevertheless opted for the use of folk and spoon at a banana leaf and curry restaurant in the heart of Georgetown.   I had no recent practice using my hands ( a technique that requires being able to push a dollop of rice into mouth with a finger) - and so I had missed this unique opportunity to re-try this interesting practice that reduces the use of utensils at meal time.

Kerala cuisine or Sadya evolved from the heavy influence of the land lying along the Spice Trade, in the path of Arab, Portuguese, Dutch and British sailors and being subject to the socio-commercial implications of the monsoons, when travelling historically relied so much on weather and wind direction.  The Thalassery Briyani  from the Malabar area epitomises such influences with its dual utilisation of both chicken and seafood.  Kerala is part of the Tamil language speaking zone - and Tamils have traditionally formed a significant minority of the populations of both Singapore and Malaysia.  Many a traveller in this region is familiar with the puttu, sambar, dosa and Paal-Appam at breakfast time along busy road stalls and in tourist food hubs in this part of the world,    These dishes are part of the Kerala tradition and  just refer accordingly to steamed rice and grated coconut, chutney-like condiments and pancakes.

Chicken curry with an authentic twist, a delightful change from what is usually available.

Deep fried fish is bathed in a thick and flavoursome curry.

Seafood stands out in this cuisine and you can have a wide variety of options in this space. Squid and prawns are part of this menu but what captivated me was the crab masala.  Masala is a term that refers to a blend of spices to produce a heady mix and flavour. Generally the dishes here are noted for their rich but rewarding curries. Service is efficient and tables were quickly filled up at the lunch time we were there, a working day. The restaurant is air conditioned and spacious. Penangites love their fried fish which are then consumed in a variety of cuisine styles, whether with a light gravy or soaked in curries. The coast of Kerala, on the south-west coast of the Indian sub-continent, with cities like Kochi, Payyanur and Thiruvananthapuram, does significantly affect this specific cuisine, apart from the unique herbs and tropical flora and fruits that dot its hinterland. Prices charged are most reasonable and offer a refreshing value when compared to eating similar meals in Singapore or Sydney. Henry, who took me there, remarked that the standard of Indian food here is as good as to what backpackers and tourists may find in exotic cafes and shops in Little India, about ten minutes away by car in Penang's old quarter. Passions of Kerala Restaurant is open daily, with lunch served from 1130am and dinner provided from 6pm. Its location in the New World Park entertainment and street food precinct is popular and relatively easy to find.  Apparently additional rice and vegetables are offered to customers at no additional cost.  There is another branch of the passions of Kerala in suburban Georgetown in the Bukit Gelugor area on  the way south to the airport.

Portions of delightful accompaniments, some spicy and others not so chili hot, are dished out neatly in front of you.

What are the essential differences between Kerala curries and their northern cousins in India? The ubiquitous use of aromatic curry leaves, the careful pouring of different types of fresh coconut milk at critical stages of the cooking process and the prevalent presence of cinnamon, pepper and cardamom perhaps contribute to the distinctive taste of this specific cuisine. There is definitely a sense of the heavy tropical air from Kerala cuisine.

 Interesting enough owner Gary Nair also offers kiwi flavoured lhassi yogurt, something which restaurants in New Zealand and Australia may consider, especially with the availability of this gooseberry fruit in the Antipodean countries. I tried this type of lhassi and I liked it. Pappadums offered were small sized compared to what you find in Sydney or Wollongong.  Indian food inevitably contains a strong element of vegetarian - the dish that stood out to me was the sharp but stimulating lime acar, with julieanned strips of hard vegetables marinated with a sour and spicy marinade.

If you have time for only one dish, I strongly suggest the mutton masala (photo below). This meat of goats, as opposed to sheep, has a more powerful natural odour, so is best cooked in a curry with several spices.  I was more than satisfied with our meal of several dishes and could no longer try the Kerala desserts - okay, maybe  the next time around!

Miraku Japanese, G Hotel - Georgetown, Penang

Cold tea flavoured infused soba (buck wheat noodles) were sitting on a bamboo weaved mat on a shallow bento box.  It was a lovely time catching up with Michael, who had studied at university in Wollongong and his family, which included a good mate and his own wife and two boys.

The only apparent condiment, sitting precariously on top of the sloping long noodles, were delicate pieces of sea weed and intense tasting small fish, with their eyes gleaming up at me.  There are many utensils in a Japanese meal, with ladles, chopsticks, sauce plates and small bowls, all looking petite and in the deep colours that Japanese culture appreciates. Ten of us were provided a private function room in a restaurant sited on the first floor of a trendy hotel.   It is best to savour the well appointed surroundings inside the restaurant rather than have takeaway, which Miraku offers as well - mainly don sets accompanied by steamed rice and small servings of salad with mayonnaise.

The venue was spacious, with both sliding door locations and outside seating.  Decorative and studied presentations of meals were emphasised throughout, with obvious well arranged meals served like miniature pieces of art.   Apart from the expected offering of Japanese beer and sake, including brands like Shouchikubai Nigori, Suishin, Kirin, Yebisu and Sapporo, the drinks list was highlighted by Ruffino wine and ume shu or plum wine options.  Tea choices were rather like cocktails or mixed with fruity options.

Tradition does run deep in the Miraku (which signifies a place where one can enjoy great food), as illustrated by the offering of a quail egg to take with the soba (refer to photo above).  Appetisers of note are the grilled skewer scallops, fermented soya beans, crispy deep fried white bait and a whole garlic (Ninniku Age).  For those on the run, the lunch sets can be considered - I recommend the Hokkai Chirashi for those who like their raw seafood and their signature Miraku bento set itself - looking as much pretty as tasty.  Premium items are available as part of a Grand or Course menu.

My group had plates passed around the table often as supplementing our personal main choices. The staff seemed well trained and were quick on their feet that Sunday afternoon. the most interesting side and communal dish taken that day was one labelled a Ladies Special - delicate tofu in a hotpot exquisitely steamed with some fresh greens.  Kar Wai's sons thoroughly examined the room even if they had been there before. My group chatted about outsourcing, changing competitiveness amongst economies and more in a cocooned environment.  The rains may have poured down incessantly for days in Penang Island but in the Miraku, we found refuge, good company and tasty cuisine.