Aug 13, 20222 min read

Never Underestimate this Chuan from Penang

This 'Chuan' (船) from Penang has all the goodies you might be looking for....

Never underestimate this food truck parked at Persiaran Mergastua in Kepong Baru, as people just come and go. Sometimes, you see a queue; at other times, although it looks empty, most of the goodies are sold out.

You will have to wait for "Uncle" Chuan to fry the next batch of 'Ham Chim Peng' or 'Mini Ma Keok.' By the time we checked out the food here at about 1pm, most of the items are already sold out.

Chuan and his wife are both from Penang and they are well-known for their Penang cuisines.

"Every Wednesday, I have three dishes from a selection of some 60 original Penang dishes," he said. "I don't have a fixed schedule, but customers who want to know what I am preparing this week for them, I can broadcast an update via Whatsapp. They just have to send me a Whatsapp to tell me they want to be updated every week."

Chuan's 'Ham Chim Peng' (deep-fried Chinese doughnuts) is famous with its three versions - the Salty Ham Chim Peng, Red Bean Ham Chim Peng, but being a fruity person, my favourite of the three is the Banana Ham Chim Peng. For health reasons, we have to be moderate with what we eat, especially when it is deep-fried. After all, moderation is still the best policy where food is concerned.

Chuan's Penang Nyonya Bee Hoon is recommended. Topped with spring onion and shredded omelette, the bee hoon is not too spicy that even a young child gets to enjoy it. Since we love the Penang Nyonya taste, this gets our compliments.

If you wish to order the Northern Heritage's special dishes, Whatsapp Chuan to keep yourself updated. Here is a sample of what he would send out to his regular clients:

NORTHERN HERITAGE FOOD

The Best In Town

Dear valued customers,

We will be selling these Penang Dishes on WEDNESDAY, 17th AUGUST, 2022.

You may place your advance orders by WhatsApp. Orders are confirmed and accepted upon acknowledgement.

Payment upon collection.

1). STIRFRIED KAM HEONG FISH HEAD. RM 65.00 per kg. Price depends on size of fish head. Minimum size 1.5 kg.

2). STIRFRIED SMALL PORK INTESTINE WITH PINEAPPLE. RM 25.00 per portion.

3). GULAI NYONYA CHICKEN. RM 23.00 per portion of 10 cut pcs. (Drumstick or thigh cut into 3 pcs).

4). PENANG NYONYA BEEHOON. RM 5.00 per pack.

5). NYONYA BEEHOON WITH GULAI NYONYA CHICKEN (2pcs chicken). RM 10.00 per set.

6). ALL HAM CHIM PENG ARE AVAILABLE.