chewster

I was born and rasied in Penang so I am partial to Penang food. As you know, Malaysia is a multi-cultural, multi-racial country. As a result, there are 3 food categories so to speak - Chinese, Malay and Indian. You may find some similarities between Malaysian food and food from its neighboring countries, such as Thailand and Indonesia. I love the hawkers food in Penang. They are everywhere and inexpensive. Gurney Drive is a popular area but when you are there, ask the locals where you should go. Here are some suggestions: - Char Koay Teow - this is a favorite! It is like Pad Thai but without the crushed peanuts, and is usually made with shrimp and can be made spicy. It is usually cooked in a wok and the rice noodles taste better if slightly charred. - Laksa - another local favorite. It's a fish-based noodle soup dish. There are 2 types of laksa - sour and savory. In Penang, you'll get the sour version. - Char Hor Fun - it literally translates to stir fry rice noodles. This dish resembles the Beef Chow Fun dish we get in Chinese restaurants except that it's not made with beef and the dish come with a little "gravy." - Mee Goreng - aka stir fried noodles. This is traditionally an Indian dish, and is made with potatoes, crushed peanuts, tofu, shrimp and bean sprouts. - Nasi Lemak - aka savory rice. The rice is cooked in coconut milk, and topped with anchovies (spicy), cucumbers and curry. - Curry fish head - this is a local delicacy. Of course, if you don't think fish head is gross - Roti canai - this Indian dish is basically bread dipped in curry - Rojak - this is another local favorite of basically chopped up fruits blended in a rather thick sauce (sweet) - Lor bak - fried pork rolls (I can't think of a better description) dipped in sauce, also served with fried shrimp and/or tofu - Chicken rice - there are 2 types of chicken that go with the rice (cooked in chicken stock) - steamed and roast. - Satay - it's a must! - Chendol - this is dessert! It is a cup of coconut milk, sweetened with palm sugar with green jelly-like strings with red beans and shaved ice. Enjoy!

Hi! I have never posted but this topic intrigued me ... for I chose to be gluten-free. I have had success baking gluten-free desserts, such as cookies, muffins, pies and cupcakes! I use almond flour to substitute for wheat flour. I also use coconut flour. But I find that desserts made with coconut flour tend to be less moist than those made with almond flour. A good source of almond flour is Trader Joe's. They sell a 1lb package for $3.99, and it is the best deal I have come across in the DC area, though it's not blanched almonds. I have not found a difference between blanched vs. non-blanched except for the price. I purchase granola from http://paleopeople.com/ and http://stevesoriginal.com/. The former is a women-owned small business. The granola comes in packs of 1oz and 5oz, and they are moist and so delicious! Steve's Original has other products, such as jerky and kits, but I have only ordered his granola. It comes in a bar/block, and is very yummy as well. They are equally convenient as snacks when I travel. Finally, I would be happy to bring some of gluten-free desserts to the next DR outing, whenever that is!

Hi everyone--I've been lurking here awhile and just decided to do my first post. I love food, restaurants, and all the DC area has to offer culinarily. I'm looking forward to learning and participating with this cool community! Thank you.