|
 It is the time of the year of the durian season again. Durian also has the nick-name king of fruits is native in Malaysia and a few South-East-Asia countries. Penang is famous for its Balik Pulau durian; being the best place to experience durian on Penang island. Local folks say that Balik Pulau has the most varieties in term of durian's taste and texture.
Last weekend, a group of friends and I were in Balik Pulau for durian hunting trip. I didn't have the chance to go on last year's season. As we arrived, we noticed that the temporary set-up stalls were fewer compared to two years back. It used to be rows of durian stalls on both sides of the main road heading to Balik Pulau town if you are coming from Relau/Paya Terubong junction.
This year, there are only three stalls. The business was pretty good I guess as we paid quite a substantial amount to taste the so-called branded durian. We tried a few brands namely Ling Fong Ciau, Ang Heir (literally means Red Prawn in Penang Hokkien dialect) and Khor Bui. Khor Bui is called after its taste which is slightly bitter at the end. The seller was joking to us that the parents of Khor Bui got divorced and forgot to name the child, so the taste is remembered instead. 
Stuffed with sweet and filling durian, we headed to Penang Balik Pulau new market for some contrary taste. Balik Pulau new market is located beside a newly built bus station about 500 m away from the durian stall. It consists of wet market, dry market and an eatery centre. The famous Pasembor (or called as Raw Fish by the local Chinese) and laksa stalls there were the ones moved from the Balik Pulau old market.
 Most of us ordered the locally made fresh juice; Nutmeg. It can be ordered hot or cold; that came in white color with a sour plum. On the first glance, I thought it was milk! As I am putting up in words, my mouth is drooling imaging a glass of it again! 
According to a friendly stall operator we chatted with, majority of the eatery stalls are open in the morning and some operate until late noon.
As we walked along the alley in the market, I noticed packets of tapioca and prawn chips were hanging at several shops. Selling at RM2.00 per packet, I didn't miss the chance to try the tapioca chips. It was crispy and lovely. At this corner of Penang island, food is always good!
Trackback(0)
 |
Penang Balik Pulau: Durian Hunting and New Market Discovery
TrackBack URI for this entry
