A curry puff (Malay: Karipap, Epok-epok; ) is a snack of Southeast Asian origin. It is a small pie consisting of curry with chicken and potatoes in a deep-fried or baked pastry shell. The curry is quite thick to prevent it from oozing out of the snack.
A common snack in Malaysia and Singapore, the curry puff is one of several "puff" type pastries with different fillings, though now it is by far the most common. Other common varieties include eggs, sardines, and onions or sweet fillings such as yam.
Curry puffs are enjoyed throughout Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Myanmar and Thailand. It also shares many similarities with the empanada, a popular pastry in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries.
In Malaysia, curry puffs are commonly found sold freshly fried at many Malay, Chinese and Indian food stalls and even at trendy cafes.
Another Malay version of this snack is known as epok-epok and teh-teh which is smaller than the curry puff. The curry puffs from Indian bakeries differ from epok-epok in the use of 'layered' pastry that creates a flaky crust. Other varieties of the epok epok are filled with a half boiled egg instead of chicken. Another alternative is tinned sardines.There are also vegetarian curry puffs that are in fact not spicy and made from shredded radish, tofu, potatoes and grated carrots. They are often eaten with sweet chili sauce. There is also relatively large and nice looking version of curry puff called shell curry puff sold in shopping malls of Isetan and AEON and others in Malaysia.
Manufacturers have developed a version of the curry puff that can be frozen and later reheated by the consumer. These are suitable for the export market and can be produced in volume for shipment to various regions, such as the Middle East, where there is demand. In addition, new fillings have been experimented with, including tuna and black pepper.
In Indian food stalls in Malaysia, it is quite common to find vegetarian curry puffs with potatoes, carrots and onions as fillings.
~Wikipedia~
Sup Kambing or Sop Kambing is a mutton soup from Indonesia, commonly found in Indonesian cuisine and Malaysian cuisine. It is prepared with goat meat, tomato, celery, spring onion, ginger, candlenut and lime leaf, its broth is yellowish in colour.
In Malaysia, sup kambing is associated with Muslim Malaysian Indian community and believed to be of Indian origin. In Singapore, the dish is also associated with the Muslim Indian community of the island.
Ingredients
There are many versions of sup kambing recipes, however there are two main groups of sup kambing traditions; the Indonesian version are derived mainly from Arab, and to some extent, Dutch influences, while Malaysian and Singaporean version is often called as sup kambing Mamak which solely derived from Muslim Indian influences. Other main differences are the Malaysian and Singaporean version consists of the chunks of goat meat in yellowish, rather thick and oily broth with rich spices; while in Indonesian version, the goat meat often also includes its bones (ribs or leg bones), has a lighter broth and balanced spices, and it also contains slices of vegetables including tomato, leek, celery, carrot and sometimes potato.
A simple sup kambing recipe uses goat meat, slices of tomato, leek, celery, and ground spices which includes; ginger, pepper, garlic, shallot and salt. However, another elaborate recipes might add more complex spices, which might includes cardamom, cinnamon, candlenut, nutmeg, clove and star anise to add aroma and taste.
~Wikipedia~
Penang to beautify side, back lanes to attract visitors
The Penang Town Hall building in the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site. NSTP/File pic
It is business as usual in Penang in the wake of the political crisis in the country as the state government continues with its development plans for the benefit of the people.
At 8am yesterday, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow launched a project to upgrade and beautify side and back lanes for bicycles, as well as pedestrian routes within the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site.
He said back lanes in the city were alternative access routes for members of the public, besides serving as maintenance paths, and they would be enhanced with art, landscaping and street furniture to attract visitors.
“These lanes will be upgraded to provide space for recreation, neighbourhood activities and greenery in the city.
“The facilities can also be used for a variety of activities by the local community.
“This will create a sense of safety, cleanliness and wellbeing so that the lanes can be used at all times,” he said when launching the project stretching from Lebuh Ah Quee to Lorong Pitt here.
He said Penang was the best example of a city that achieved the Sustainable Development Goals, including healthy living and wellbeing of the people, equality, good jobs and strong economic growth, as well as a sustainable city and society.
“Penang is one of the leading cities in the world, but we still give priority to our environment and heritage sites amid rapid growth.
“The facilities, services and infrastructure we offer have turned the heritage site into a destination of choice for the local community and foreigners to visit, relax and live in.” Bernama
Penang Hill funicular train service to shut down for 7 days
The Penang Hill funicular train service will be temporarily shut down for seven days. -NSTP File pic
The Penang Hill funicular train service will be temporarily shut down for seven days from June 18 for the second bi-annual scheduled maintenance works.
According to a statement issued by Penang Hill Corporation (PHC), the train operations will resume on June 25.
"PHC schedules two major scheduled maintenance every year for the funicular system under the supervision of the engineers from the funicular manufacturer (Garaventa AG from Switzerland) to ensure tip-top running condition and meet stringent safety compliance.
"PHC also conducts regular checks and maintenance of its funicular system on daily, weekly and monthly basis, plus routine inspections that are carried out after operation hours," the statement said.
According to the statement, during the shutdown period, visitors may opt for the privately-operated jeep service from Botanical Gardens, or take the existing hiking routes to reach the summit area of Penang Hill.
"PHC would like to thank all visitors for their patience and continuous support to Penang Hill. Any inconvenience caused is very much regretted," the statement added.
Members of the public can contact PHC at 04-8288880 or send an email to inquiries@penanghill.gov.my for any clarification. -- Bernama
Pisang goreng (fried banana in Indonesian/Malay) is a snack made of banana or plantain, covered in batter or not, being deep fried in hot cooking oil, and is popular in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei.
Pisang goreng is most often associated with Indonesia, and indeed the country has the largest variety of pisang goreng recipes. However, this fried banana snack is also considered native to neighbouring countries; particularly Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore.
It is consumed as a snack in the morning and afternoon. In Indonesia and Malaysia, pisang goreng is often sold by street vendors, although some sellers have a storefront from which to sell their wares.
~Wikiepdia~
Maiden flight brings 188 from Taipei to Penang
The Starlux carrier receiving a water canon salute at PIA.
IT was a warm welcome for 188 passengers onboard Taiwan’s brand new carrier, Starlux Airlines, after touching down at the Penang International Airport (PIA).
The new carrier made its inaugural flight from Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) in Taipei to Penang last Thursday.
As passengers disembarked from the aircraft, kompang troupes played loudly and the airlines’ staff distributed goodie bags to the passengers.
The new airline, using the Airbus A321neo with a 188-seating capacity, will operate one flight daily between Penang and Taipei.
Starlux Airlines chief executive officer Glenn Chai said they believe that there is great potential between both cities in terms of travelling opportunities.
“Penang is a city with amazing history and scenic views, and we think Penang is underrated among Taiwanese.
“As such, we chose Penang for our maiden flight to Malaysia, as we believe both cities can boost one another’s tourism sectors, ” he said during the press conference at PIA.
The Airbus A321neo with 188 seats features eight seats in business class and 180 in economy class.
“Each seat in both classes is equipped with a personal entertainment system featuring a 10.1-inch 720p screen, which is the first on narrow-body aircraft in Taiwan.
“Besides, Wifi service is also provided in both classes, ” he added.
Penang tourism development, arts, culture and heritage committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said they welcomed the inaugural flight, which was the first new international flight in ‘Experience Penang Year 2020’.
“The commencement of a new direct flight route brings many benefits.
“Besides increasing connectivity to facilitate easier travel arrangements, each aircraft will also bring in flight crew members.
“These flight crew members can experience Penang and return to share with their relatives in Taiwan about the interesting attractions in Penang and Malaysia.
“As such, we hope that the crew members of Starlux Airlines will also be able to take this opportunity to experience the charm of Penang as a melting pot, true to its identity as The Diversity of Asia, ” he said in his speech.
The Starlux Airlines flights will take off at 3pm daily from Penang and arrive at TPE around 8pm while inbound flights will depart at 9.20am and land at PIA at 2pm.
~The Star~
Penang's Gurney Wharf expected to be completed by August 2021
The Penang government expects the Gurney Wharf project to be completed by August 2021.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government would sign the agreement to appoint the consultant for the Gurney Wharf project at some point in February.
"After that, there will be a contract, a tender to be called to appoint a contractor to start planting trees and planning the landscape as well as ensuring that the waterfront project would be completed in the next 18 months.
“We hope by 2021, not only the residents from Pulau Tikus, but also people from Penang will be able to enjoy a new waterfront at Gurney Wharf.
“This is in line with the state government’s vision of becoming a green and smart state that can inspire the nation,” Chow said in his speech during a Chinese New Year open house event at Pulau Tikus here, today.
Gurney Wharf, a new seafront public park, is a state government initiative, with its conceptual master plan by Grant Associates, an internationally-renowned consultant architect firm.
Grant Associates has been involved in various international projects including in the United Kingdom, such as the The Hive, Bristol Harbour Site and Cambridge Accordia, and also Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay.
--BERNAMA
