By Rama Gaind.
Food lovers rejoice for now you have a chance to discover the rich heritage of Malaysia’s culinary capital. Here’s an invitation you can’t afford to refuse. The DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang is inviting food lovers to discover the amazing flavours of Penang with a journey of discovery into the island’s unique culinary scene.
Spectacular, wide-sweeping views are yours to enjoy at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang.
Located on the northern coast of Penang, the resort offers easy access to the beach and the sunny island’s many attractions. This stunning seafront retreat is the perfect base from which to explore the gastronomic culture of Penang, which is often labeled the ‘Culinary Capital of Malaysia’.
The new ‘Jom Makan’ (Come Eat) campaign this month will allow guests to uncover the island’s most mouth-watering attractions, from bustling markets to sizzling street food stalls, exquisite restaurants, creative cooking classes and much more.
Penang has developed a vibrant food scene, which stimulates the senses with its fantastic flavors, colours and aromas. It has a rich cultural diversity, including Peranakan, Indian and Chinese influences, plus a tropical climate and abundance of local seafood.
The island’s most famous dishes include nasi kandar or rice served with various choices of curries; laksa, the famous spicy noodle soup; char koay teow, a fried flat noodle dish; a popular Penang version of hokkien mee featuring yellow noodles in prawn soup; and the local tandoori chicken.
All of these delectable dishes, and many more, can be discovered at the street food stalls and local restaurants of Penang’s capital, George Town, and the popular beachfront area of Batu Ferringhi.
Laksa, spicy noodle soup, is a culinary delight.
Culinary treat
The launch of Jom Makan also coincides with the Penang International Food Festival, a culinary extravaganza that returns to the island this September. This annual event is a celebration of Penang’s street food, with 16 days of mouth-watering food and drink on George Town’s Lebuh Pantai (Beach Street).
You can immerse yourselves in a carnival of cuisine, including an invasion of more than 150 food trucks, themed dining experiences, mini festivals and a professional chefs’ challenge.
The resort offers regular complimentary shuttle bus services to and from George Town and Batu Ferringhi, allowing guests to experience this free culinary fiesta and other events such as the George Town Festival.
According to the resort’s regional general manager Jamie Mead, every visit to Penang is a feast for the senses.
“At DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang, we are proud of this rich culinary heritage and encourage our guests to experience every mouth-watering delicacy the island has to offer,” he said. “Our own chefs present an array of authentic local dishes at Makan Kitchen, our lively all-day restaurant.”
Looking down on the swimming pool at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang.
“Alternatively, guests who want to learn more about the island’s food can ask our concierge who will be delighted to recommend the best places to discover local cuisine.”
“I would like to invite all guests to Jom Makan – come and eat with us here in Penang, the culinary capital of Malaysia.”
Island markets
Images of Penang morning market, lengthy customer queues at hawker stalls and Penang night market during the festive season are in abundance. Visitors who want to discover daily life in Penang can choose to visit the island’s markets such as Chowrasta Bazaar, where locals flock to buy fresh meat and fish, along with a wide range of sweets and pickled fruits. Then after dark, in a vibrant and colorful setting, Macallum Street night market is the perfect place to savour incredible local street food.
Guests can also experience a wide variety of hawker stalls and amiable family restaurants in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed George Town. There are fascinating street art, museums, galleries, cathedrals, mosques, temples and themed cafes. At the Long Beach Food Court in Batu Ferringhi, diners are allowed to choose from a remarkable array of delicacies.
Why not join cooking classes and completely immerse yourselves in Penang’s culinary culture. The Tropical Spice Garden Cooking School provides the perfect introduction to the island’s most popular dishes, while Nazlina’s Spice Station takes guests on a tour of the local food markets before returning to George Town for an atmospheric alfresco class.
Even children get the opportunity to learn. The Kid’s Club at the resort hosts children’s cooking classes, introducing a new generation of potential chefs to the wonders of Malay cuisine.
Char koay teow, a fried flat noodle dish, that’s sure to satisfy the palate.
While you’re there, at DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang, you should also plunge into the sparkling swimming pool, book a massage, admire sea views or get energised in the fitness centre. It’s just a quick stroll across an overhead bridge to the quiet and sandy ‘Miami Beach’.
Out and about
The family-friendly resort is home to Malaysia’s first teddy bear-themed museum, TeddyVille. Also, take the time to discover an abundance of things to see and do near the resort. Pack a picnic and ride the funicular train up Penang Hill; a popular haven for locals due to the cooler climate, stunning views and lush greenery.
Visit Kek Lok Si, one of the best-known temples on the island, enjoy a relaxing stroll through the tranquil Botanical Gardens, take a trip to Butterworth and back on Malaysia’s oldest ferry service, which has been operating since 1920. If you’ve not had enough of food, then take a trip to the beautiful seafront boulevard of Gurney Drive to experience lots of cafes and restaurants serving delicious local specialties.
You can learn, and experience, everything that Penang has to offer with special rates that include daily buffet breakfast for four people, plus warm chocolate chip cookies on arrival. It’s the time to explore.
DETAILS BOX
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang
56, Jalan Low Yat Batu Ferringhi, Penang, 11100, Malaysia
T: +60-4-8928000
F: +60-4-8928033
