Meet The Floggers (Chapter 2) : Of All Things Indian in Penang

Thanks to CK Lam, I was duly introduced to Ken of Foodpoi, and Lingzie in a food crawl session of sorts when I was back in Penang. Deja vu? Yeah, two floggers gatherings back to back, in the same week. (click HERE for the one in KL few days before this one)

Intricate details, alluring decor, & classic ornaments creating a warm, homely ambience

Initially planned for TWO restaurants, the session was subsequently shorten to accomodate a lengthier chat, without the need to rush and gorge/choke on our food.

We ventured to Market Street in Penang, an area populated by the Indian community. Hence no prize for guessing what we had for dinner.

Karaikudi Restaurant @ Market Street, Georgetown, Penang - Such splendid colours

Karaikudi Restaurant was featured in many, many Penang food blogs sometime ago, when the floggers were invited for a joint-review session. So if the name does ring a bell, you know where to look for the other reviews!

Chettinad Filter Coffee (RM2.80) and Masala Tea (RM3)

Serving a delectable mixed selection of Northern and Southern Indian cuisines, Karaikudi has two outlets on the island, one being this one on Market Street, while another supposedly 'higher-ended' one at Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

Chilli Paratha (RM5)

The filter coffee (akin to Madras coffee from Ananda Bahwan) at Karaikudi's was smooth, but that was all to it. Not milky, creamy nor even strong, the coffee served its purpose as a teaser, at best. Especially to one who's accustomed to caffeine shots day in and day out, this one was mild enough to be drank sans the sugar.

The Chilli Paratha was way out of our expectations. Or possibly mine only. Ken did all the ordering, and we merely did what floggers do best ; Snapping photographs & Eating. The paratha was chopped finely, together with the chillies, tomatoes, onions, etc, then stir-fried with a hint of sour, slightly spicy sauce. And served together with 2 accompanying sauces, one being the classic yoghurt, another was a creamier coconut chutney-like gravy.

Mutton Masala (RM18), Roti Romali (RM4), Ghee Tosai (RM3.50) and Chicken 65 (RM9)

Mutton masala was intensely flavourful, but lacking in the love-it-or-hate-it gamey taste. Which, may be a blessing in disguise for most. Romali roti is a healthier choice than the usual roti, or even cheese or garlic naan. Rolled up in a spring roll-like manner, the soft, fluffy bread was almost devoid of any flavour, perfect as complement to the stronger tasting curries and condiments.

The Thosai was shaped like a cone, typical of mamak-style servings of Roti tisu (Kayu's towering version comes to mind!), but at the end of the photo session, the cone sagged a little, and we had to prop the bread up for more shots. As no one likes saggy stuff, right? Tastewise? Not something that'll jump at you, nor tantalize that tastebud.

But the Chicken 65 here is good. Even better than Kalai's version, with more meat and juice in tact. Served on a metal plate, in bite-sized form and garnished with fresh onions, this dish can be a snack on itself.

Easily noticable from afar

Location : Karaikudi Restaurant @ 20, Market Street, 10200 Penang. Tel No : 604-263 1345 or 263 1359. Another branch at 1K, Jln Sungai Kelian, Taman Sea View, Tanjung Bungah, Penang. Tel No : 604-899 6466. Opening hours : 11am til 11pm.

Other reviews include : Ck Lam, Lingzie, Stevengoh, Penangtuapui, Crizlai, and many more. Pardon me, I'm rushing for time as I'm typing this!

Some good old milk to drown the sorrow .... i meant, calm the fire.

Ken brought us on a joyride after the meal, making rounds in Georgetown (hey,that rhymed!), painstakingly introducing good finds in every nook and corner. CK Lam and Lingzie are seasoned foodhunters as well. Made me felt a little dwarfed and insignificant, at times. ;)

For a taste of traditional milkmen's REAL cow's milk (aka Susu Lembu), with extras in the form of additional milo powder, or an egg, or even better, their signature Almond/Badam Milk (Susu Badam) with miniature grapes/raisins, and cashew nuts.

The cauldron with thick curds swirling .... Badam Milk, only at Kapitan, Chulia Street

CK Lam was the culprit, and now I'm the addict. Being a fresh milk fan, I'm sold at the thought of drinking a wholesome, hearty glass of milk, what's more with addition of grinded almond (at least I think that's what it is, with a tinge of yellowish hue), and some bites in the form of raisins, mini grapes (real tiny but sweet ones) and soft cashew nuts.

The Badam Milk (RM2.50) and the Original Fresh Milk (RM1.50)

Don't look down on that unassuming glass of milk. After one glass, you'll probably wished a bed was provided on the sides, so you can reach slumberland in an instance! Haha, you know what they say bout a cup of warm milk before bed.

To those wary of almond tea, almond milk, or any almond-flavoured beverages at all, don't fret. Unlike the usual almond tea served in Chinese kopitiam, with a heavy scent of erm ... cockroach's droppings (or so they said, not me), the Badam Milk here is thankfully devoid of that annoying, acquired taste.

If you lurve your milk, you've got to try this!

Location : Kapitan Restaurant @ 93, Lebuh Chulia, 10200 Penang. Opens 24 hours per day!

Read more from The Star's blog, StevenGoh, vkeong. Kapitan's famous for their Tandoori chicken, Naan and Briyani as well.

Sapped my energy's more like it .... slept like a baby thereafter!

With that, I'd like to end with gratitudes all around, to CK Lam, Ken and Lingzie for the wonderful tour around Georgetown in few hours. Hahahaha... let there be more gatherings in the near future, ok?