Portraits of Penang

                 Father and son koay chiap makers, Lebuh Kimberley

With each visit to Penang we like it more.

There's the food, of course - undoubtedly Malaysia's best. And the stunning prewar architectural gems of Georgetown. But there's more to it than that. Penang's got soul. It's got a living, breathing street culture. It's laid-back. It's friendly. Unlike another UNESCO World Heritage location we recently visited, it's not just a collection of historical sites and buildings that for all intents and purposes have pretty much been stripped of local life and now exist primarily for the enjoyment of tourists. In fact, its amazing how well Penang - and Georgetown - have maintained their identity in the face of rising tourist numbers over the years. We hope they continue to do so.

               Waiter, Kedai Makanan Veloo Vilas, Lebuh Penang

This week we're moving house, and Dave put together this collection of images to help me maintain my Penang state of mind long enough to finish an article about what makes the place so special. There's a story to go with most of the photos. We promise to share once the dust settles.

                               Fish seller, Pulau Tikus market

                          Tan Choon Teong, laksa maker, Balik Pulau

Lau Joo Choon, heh chee and lor bak maker, Kheng Pin Coffeeshop, Jalan Penang

                             Fruit selling sisters, Lebuh Cintra

                                   Tosai master, Veloo Vilas

                        Soy sauce makers, Pulau Tikus market

             Hokkien opera performer, Yap Kongsi, Lebuh Armenian

                               Stir-fry master, Lebuh Carnavon

                              Pigeon feeders, Lebuh Queen

                  Ikan bakar king, Song River Restaurant, Gurney Road

                           Hainan chicken vendors, Kheng Pin

                 Roast meats seller, Sky Restaurant, Chulia Street

                                  Silversmith, Balik Pulau

                               Artist Simon Tan on Penang Hill

                           Fish seller, Campbell Street Market

Comments

[K L Chew]

Working here in dry hot Oman, with plain Arab and standardised Indian food, your photos and description of the food in Penang is making my stomach rumble and my mouth drool. I do miss Penang food and can only dream now of going back there to make a pig of myself of all the delicious hawker food there. Best hawker food in the world. Thank you so much.

[gwyneth cornrow]

I'm from Penang and live in Bangkok also, but I think you missed the real flavor of Penang. You got some things right (Pulau Tikus) but Balik Pulau?