Nasi Lemak Udang Joo Hooi Café Penang

Most are familiar with this coffeeshop along Penang Road on Penang island. One of the ultimate must-visit for all food fans, locals/oustationers/foreigners. Unfamiliar name? It's because the stalls are more famous. Try this:- Teochew Cendul stall, Char Koay Teow and Assam Laksa. You know, the one that charges RM0.30 extra (or is it more?) for the bowl of cendul if brought into the shop from the stall outside. Now you know which coffeeshop I'm referring to, right? I can stop describing right?

The following may be a new discovery for most. Let me introduce you to an unsung unassuming unattractive small packet of rice found here. Nasi Lemak Sambal Udang aka Fragrant Coconut Milk infused Rice with Spicy Shrimps. A must try as it is not easily available anywhere else be it in Penang or Kuala Lumpur (actually I've not seen any in KL yet).

Location: Wraped in packets on plates set on tables in the coffeeshop. I think the packets were marked 'A' (Err actually-hor, better confirm with the waiters there. Usually I just do that thus did not memorise the alphabet on the packet). I just know those marked 'B' were not. They contain either anchovies or a small piece of salted fish. Good too but my favourite is the 'udang'.

So can tapau/pack for me? If can carry heavy loads of icy cendol, pungent assam laksa and sizzling hot char kuey teow, no problem with 1 or 2 of this cool compact rice, huh. *rubbing hands in anticipation*.

Oh just in case you are curious, the drink in the picture is not kopi-o (black coffee) but 'pat-pao-teh' (Eight Herbs/Goodness Tea in Hokkien). Very refreshing. Many like to add milk in it too - 'pat-poh-gu-ling' ie 'gu-ling' being milk in Hokkien.