We headed off to a couple of boutiques around town before ending up for a tea break cum pre-dinner at New World Park:)
It was almost 5pm when we got there.
This was the first time I came since they have moved from the conventional hawker stalls by the roadside to this newly established food court complex building.
I must say it improved in terms of the cleanliness and also the level of comfort.
One is definitely spoilt for choices as the food variety here varies from local hawker delights to Japanese and even Western.
It is no wonder this place is gaining popularity among the tourists amidst the regular locals.
The sushi here were sold in pre-packed plastic boxes ranging from a minimum of 2-3 sushi fit for a single person or even a large box of 8-9 sushi. Prices range from RM5-RM12 per box.
This was the one priced at RM8 which contained approximately 8-9 sushi for your liking.
Another local favorite would be the yam cake or more fondly known as the "Or Kueh" in Hokkien.
Made of battered yam with corn flour, this serves as a local snack which can be eaten at anytime of the day.
Another local Penang delight would be this flat rice noodles which can be either rolled or in flat pieces served with the sauce of your choice.
Fondly known as Chee Cheong Fun, take note that this version originate from the Pearl of the Orient and may take much effort to look it up in other states in Malaysia.
Priced within a range of RM1.20-RM1.50 (depending on the number of rolls), the common sauce to go with it is either the sweet sauce, plain soy sauce, or shrimp paste or if you are adventurous enough, you can actually try the combination of the sauces. You can also opt for the chilli sauce atop the rolls for a spicy taste to it.
*Take note that the shrimp paste is a locally made paste and may not be appealing to everyone due to the strong smell it exudes*
This is another thing the gals had a craving for; glutinous rice wrapped in lotus leaves which can come with many types of condiments ranging from meat to grounduts, etc.
Popularly known as "Ba Chang", this is no stranger during the 5th month of the Lunar Calendar when the Chinese/Taoist community observe the Tuen Ng Festival where this delicacy can be found in an abundance.
Due to the popular demand, it is now widely available anywhere and at any time throughout the year.
This version was wrapped with thin cubes of meat in it.
This is a mixed version of the Fried Shrimp cake or also known as "Heh Chyi" with an assortment of fish cakes as well.
The sauce to dip with the fish/shrimp cakes was light chilli sauce which came in a round bowl sprinkled with crushed peanuts
Popiah; another rendition of Penang's proud delicacies. This local version is contains finely sliced mengkuang, carrots, beancurd, bean sprouts and eggs wrapped in the specially prepared popiah wrappers.
This is definitely a healthier choice of local delights given the ingredients were purely made of vegetables.
There are 2 versions of popiah; the dry one and the wet one which comes along with the sprinkling of the soup as you can see here.
This is a Chinese version of pancake; this is the thin crust version which is also known as Ban Cheng Kueh here in Penang.
Innovation and creativity has brought this delicacy a long way as it now comes in different flavour and types ranging.
However, the original flavour still remains on top of the new wave; which was the plain ol' pancake sprinkled with crushed peanuts and sweet corn and also a dash of butter.
For drinks/desserts, we ordered yet another popular favorite which was ABC or Ice Kacang. This unique dessert is basically composed of shaved ice with syrup and condensed milk and also along with an assortment of red beans, sweet corn, grass jelly and cendol and sometimes topped with peanuts and ice cream.
Now this Swatow lane area/New World is famed for the Fruits Ice Kacang where you have the option of topping your Ice Kacang with fruits.
This is an example of an Ice Kacang with Mango topping which was ordered by 2 of my friends
You can actually choose for more than 1 fruit and go up to any kinds of fruits as you wish; provided the charges accordingly to the amount.
Here is the spread of food on the table to feed 5 girls; or rather 4 girls since I only had my Ice Kacang:)
New World Park Food Complex was indeed a reviving twist to the old Swatow lane hawker stalls; as it is now the home to not only the old hawker stalls but also various eateries, gift shops and boutiques. In fact, it even to an extent reminded me of Central Market in KL; and I think it was a great idea to have shops and eateries under one roof which made it easier for the shoppers.
A rather unique and interesting place to check out
In short, it is just another world of its own.
