LaksaShiok

If you were to drive pass the Atria Shopping Center area, there are certain hidden gems of good food that you can find around there. One of it is this quaint little place that will certainly bring up the fire in northern nonya palate into your stomach. The interior of the restaurant is unique with old things such as antiques and little things that surprises each first-time goers to this place. Most importantly, I simply felt so warm and cozy dining in this place, of course not to mention that the food is a joy and delight to us.

The Ikan Asam Pedas, or in Peranakan households, Ikan Garam Assam is a must have to go with plain and hot rice. Beware as it is certified to be firey and sourish to the max! But the sourness and the spiciness didn’t cover the sweet and wild taste of the gravy, nor did it cover the freshness of the fish, as it is also quite fresh to our standards. The lady’s fingers is a perfect complement as it creates a beautiful contrast to the colors and presentation of the popular northern concoction.

Small, but not least. The otak-otak, though can be found anywhere around the peninsular, is actually quite different from its southern counterparts. The northen version emphasises on the thick coconut milk and the fragrance that permeates with the aid of the “Daun Kaduk”, kaffir lime leaves and the banana leave casing. It is also certified to be firey and is sure to put normal beings on fire.

The Perut Ikan is not a concoction that everyone may know about. True to northern nyonya style, a mixture of wild leaves being sliced till fine is matched with “perut ikan” with a wonderful tasting spicy concoction that is quite refreshing and nice. However, this dish may need to have an acquired taste and may not be for everyone.

Something far from the spicy meal: Fried Bean Sprouts with Salted Fish. Which is also quite nice as they are crunchy and for non-spicy foodies, a god-sent that you do not have to eat plain rice for dinner after all!

The Kari Kapitan (Kapitan’s Curry) is another classic wholesome curry that is cooked nyonya-style which is heavy emphasis on the lemon grass, kaffir lime leaves and the thickness of the red and yellow gravy. This dish is unique in this place as it has a ‘bread-like’ taste that has a good effect with the plain rice, not to forget the chicken is soft and tender, and not hard and overcooked at all.

One would not miss Inche Kabin when visiting Penang as the northern style of fried chicken permeates a spice-like aroma that will certainly put a delight on everyone. The meat itself is tender and juicy and fried to perfection. Children will certainly enjoy this dish.


At last after a firey hot meal of peranakan meal, its time to cool down with a delicious plate of fried ice cream and the mouth watering pengat pisang, which is somehow similiar to bubur cha-cha but only served on weddings. What a great relief from the fiery meal that we had. Do come and visit this place, when you crave for authentic northern peranakan style cooking. Its home-style cooking will also relish sweet childhood memories as you soak in the idyllic atmosphere and great food.