In today's Wall Street Journal Asia 'Weekend Journal' we take you for a stroll along the soi (alleys) of Chiang Mai's moat-encircled Old Town and to Penang, in search of the story behind one of the Malaysian state's iconic dishes: assam laksa.
For us, the highlight of the former is lunch at Huen Phen, a restaurant specializing in northern Thai dishes. (Go during the day when lunch is served in the casual front of the restaurant, flavors are authentic, and the place is packed with locals. Come evening meals are served in the restaurant's rear; though the decor is lovely, dishes are decidedly toned down to cater to farang palates.)
Needless to say, the best part of the Penang food story was the research: downing bowl after bowl after bowl of what is probably our favorite Malaysian dish.
That first photo is a masterpiece!
Posted by: Simon | 2009.10.30 at 23:50
Robyn - is this bowl of laksa from Kek Seng?
Aiyayah, it's morning and you are killing me, I am practically drooling now.
Posted by: Rasa Malaysia | 2009.10.31 at 01:55
It's always so pleasant to read your blog posts, coz all the photos are oh so beautiful!
Posted by: KennyT | 2009.10.31 at 02:14
Oh my! That walking tour is simply wonderful; I have printed it out to take with me. I was actually happy to read it, as I was beginning to wonder - having spent the last week reading about Malaysia - if we should maybe just skip Thailand (we've got almost nothing booked, save a guest house in Melaka and one in Penang)and spend the whole month there. But now I'm anticipating Thailand too!
Posted by: Lynn | 2009.10.31 at 03:03
Hey we were in Chiang Mai last week - I thought the Sunday street food market was amazing!
Posted by: Street Foodie | 2009.10.31 at 13:12
Simon - the photographer says 'thank you'!
Bee - not sure. Will have to consult Dave on that.
Kenny T - many thanks!
Lynn - oh no, don't skip Thailand. If you're game I recommend renting a car in CM and driving to Lampang and beyond -- either west for the Mae Hong Son loop or east, to Nan province, which is beautiful. Our favorite place to stay in CM is Baan Orapin. Google it -- lovely, comfortable guesthouse in a great location just across the river from Wororat Market. Have a great trip!
Street Foodie - yep, it offers a good intro to various local specialties.
Posted by: Robyn | 2009.10.31 at 22:49
Penang does whip up some of the BEST laksa. bar none.
those thick, succulent & mashed mackerel paired with the smooth, slithery rice noodles. and the pungent, tangy and fiery soup .... wow.
Posted by: J2Kfm | 2009.11.02 at 20:32
I'd love to try this. Unfortunately there are few authentic Malaysian restaurants in Toronto. And it's a long drive for me to the city. Sigh.
Posted by: Beth | 2009.11.03 at 05:16
Looks the same as Malaysia one. Wondering how’s the taste like?
Posted by: Horlic | 2009.11.03 at 17:28