Ensuring clams have no slime

Not many are fond of this shellfish because of the sliminess. Here's how I get rid of it.

Young Malaysian Coconut water - Health benefits

When the weather is scorching like what happened today in Georgetown , this becomes the No.1 bestselling drink .

But it's not only good for cooling down the body and quenching thirst, it can also bring down mild fever.

If you've been throwing up or purging continuously for days, take it in small sips, to prevent dehydration. It's capable of reenergising the body, especially when it is very weak.

Sarumi - the little known salad, consumed by Penangites

 

 

Many have been wondering how Penang women stay youthful, with lithe sexy figures even when approaching 70.

While genes play a major role, exercise, fresh air from the sea and the hills, a passion for life and I dare say,love too, are major contributory factors .

 

However, women from other states have been speculating for decades, that perhaps, it could be due to foods, such as assam laksa and heh koh.

To me,other than fresh shore oysters,the Ampla fruit drink, this bitter vegetable below, could well be one of the reasons.

( You can count fish out, because, even flies won't go near these formaldehyde soaked carcasses nowadays.)

 

Sweet Potato Leaves

What started as a dish borne out of neccessity, during the Japanese occupation in the 40s, is today offered in most small chu cha restaurants around Malaysia.

The plant grows abundantly on a raised bed of soil, providing a cheap but very rich source full of antioxidants (beta carotene) as well as nutrients like xanthin and lutein ( all of which are good for the eyes )

Not to mention a really tasty and very healthy dish. 

Pegaga Juice ( U )

The local name for this drink is Cheh Chao or green grass. Some people mistake this drink for wheatgrass when it is really Indian pennywort, or daun pegaga, a bitterish ayurdevic herb.

This herbaceous creeper is known as brain food that can heal and protect the nerves, heart and skin.

Malay and Indian people eat this raw like a salad, to reap its maximum benefits.

Penangites on the other hand,turn this into a juice, served with ice and syrup, for instant relief especially when the weather gets too hot .

As you can immediately feel the heat lifted from out of your head, it can be quite addictive.

Beneficial as it may be, it is better to go easy on the juice as you can develop giddiness if you consume this on a regular basis. Once a month at the most .

I know of only 3 places in Georgetown where you can get this drink.

Lebuh Cecil's afternoon wetmarket , a stall along Lebuh Keng Kwee and another stall at the entrance of  Datuk Keramat wetmarket before a fresh coconut water shop and the police station.

Frog Porridge, Goodall Cafe ( NH )

Some people believe that frogmeat is supposed to be beneficial for cleansing our blood and perking up our constitution.

It is considered good for treating exhaustion, great for strengthening the immune systems in small children. Even better for women who seek a radiant complexion.

Almost wiped out and hunted to extinction, most of it that makes it to our table today is farm produced.
The method of slaughter however is starkly cruel on the same level as dog and whale meat.
Thus if you find this delicacy shockingly unagreeable, I would advise you not read on.

To make it sound more palatable, it is sometimes called 'tin kai' or padi chicken.
Whether it is farmed American bullfrog or river frog,whatever they label it,it is still frogmeat.

Penang Otak-otak - Health benefits ( PF )

Out of state visitors rarely attempt the Otak-otak dish ,let alone consider it a treat.

Perhaps the name itself acts as a major turn off.

Directly translated from the Malay language it means "brain" and it doesn't help that the package opens up to look like utter mush.

The Penang version is markedly different in size,colour,shape and taste, from those found in the southern states and beyond.

Made from a paste of whisked eggs,coconut cream,small slices of freshly deboned fish,turmeric and herbs,till it reaches the consistency of a soft custard like brulee,before being skillfully cocooned in a banana leaf origami ,the yellow paste is steamed in parcels rather than flat grilled till red.

Portions are larger and fresh herbs such as,wild betel and kaffir lime leaves,are an indispensable part of the recipe.


 

When consumed on a regular basis it acts like an internal douche in helping to keep the female reproductive organs healthy,while easing flatulence and constipation.
Addition of the fresh turmeric helps tighten the vagina,which loosens with age or childbirth.No need for invasive surgery.
Just relish every spoonful.

To me,I like the ones sold in Lam Heng Cafe,based on the fact that it is hotter than usual till my eardrums feel they are about to burst.