Popular Dishes In Penang
Pupuk Katun is a staple food in Malaysian culture. This legume originated in Penang, Malaysia and is one of the most widely consumed legume throughout the world. In the Hindu religious tradition, Pupuk Katun is equated with cow’s milk and is also regarded as holy in several religions. It has been a part of the Periyar culture in East Malaysia since early time. This legume is rich in protein, iron and calcium. In simple definition, this legume is a root like vegetable that is cooked and eaten as a staple food or part of a recipe.
Manure is commonly used as a natural fertilizer in agricultural fields. The main ingredient of this manure is animal feces; some sources include manure from chicken and pig farm, brown manure from field or waste containing animal excrement, and manure from poultry. Today, the legume is widely used in recipes all over Malaysia. However, the name “pupuk kandang” or “manure” is not used to refer to cow dung alone. Pupuk landing refers to any type of legume or weed that contains yang in it. In simple terms, this means that the legume is rich in yin and contains more of it than other types of vegetables.
Tanah Humus is composed of various types of beans (genus Equisetum) and includes two species: chickpeas (genus Fucus) and yellow split peas (genus Polygama). These two species are included in the main ingredient of Manapua Yaupon (tanah humus), a popular dish in Penang. Tanah Humus also contains ingredients such as tubers (tuberculosis), whole grains, roots, seeds and even seeds of mango. Manapua is prepared to use these components in different ways. Traditionally, the dish is served with a sweet sauce and served with a spicy brown sugar sauce.
A well-known dish in Malaysian society is Bahan Dascar. It is derived from the traditional Balinese technique of using a banana leaf as a garnish. Bahan Dascar uses the skin of a banana leaf to garnish with thin strings of red and black string. The strings resemble the ink of a freshly painted vessel. Bahan Dascar is best enjoyed when young; however, older members of the family often enjoy it.
Kelantang Untuk Berasal Dari is a famous type of food in Penang. It is made from a mix of noodles and sauces. It is served with a spicy sweet sauce. The name “ketun” or “kerat” in Perak English means “dried; and “todah” in Malaysian carries connotations of indigestion and difficulty of digesting.
Popular local dishes in Penang include Manapua, Bahan Dascar, Bahan Tinggi, Kelantang Untuk, Manapua, and Terpinu. The recipes of these dishes are mostly handed down from generation to generation through word of mouth. There are many varieties of restaurants where you can experience the wonderful taste of these traditional dishes served in a traditional Chinese style.
