This holiday season, my heart is full of nostalgia as two amazing aunties whipped up delicious muruku today.
These crunchy, spiraled snacks made from rice flour and lentil flour, flavoured with spices like cumin and sesame seeds, have brought back the warmth of Christmases past.
As they expertly twisted and fried each batch this afternoon, I was reminded that they were not just creating treats; they’re preserving a cherished heritage.
Let’s celebrate the beauty of tradition and the flavours that connect us to our roots!
In a world often consumed by the fast pace of life and the blur of trends, there arose an extraordinary individual whose compassion shone brightly amidst the chaos.
Bele Joseph was the driving force behind Lighthouse Feeding Centre, a beacon of hope for the poor and needy. Founded in March 2003 by Fr. Fabian Dicom, the center flourished under Bele’s dedicated leadership.
From a humble beginning with six clients, Lighthouse has grown to serve 120 today, transforming countless lives.
The Lighthouse
Long before the concept of community kitchens became a fashionable cause, the church had the foresight and dedication to address a fundamental human need: the sanctity of nourishment, dignity, and care for the less fortunate.
With an unwavering commitment to those in need, Bele and his team turned the soup kitchen into a beacon of hope for the community, right in the heart of George Town, Penang.
The Lighthouse (situated on the grounds of the Church of St Francis Xavier on Penang Road), was not merely a place to serve meals; it was a sanctuary where individuals were treated with respect and kindness.
From the onset, the team understood that hunger is just one aspect of hardship. They recognized that true support goes beyond a warm bowl of soup or rice, vegetables and curry … it includes the human experience of comfort, cleanliness, and care.
With a heart as vast as the mission they pursued, Bele and team integrated services that were revolutionary for their time: shower facilities that restored cleanliness and dignity, and clean clothes that symbolized hope and respect. In doing so, they transformed the simple act of providing food into a multifaceted approach to uplift the lives of the vulnerable. They gave people not just nourishment for the body, but also nourishment for the soul—a chance to reclaim their dignity and feel human again.
Bele with Ed at a Lighthouse Christmas party
The team laboured long hours, often behind the scenes, forging connections with those in need, learning their stories, and fighting fiercely against the stigma that marginalized them.
Their influence extended beyond the kitchen; they inspired a movement, rallying volunteers and community members to join in this essential cause, cultivating a spirit of generosity and shared responsibility.
As we reflect on Bele’s legacy, we realize that the vision of The Lighthouse – “A Place of Hope” – a Community Service Centre by Caritas Penang (formerly known as Penang Office For Human Development or POHD), the social arm of the Penang Diocese, has transcended mere service.
The team, headed by Bele until his illness in recent years, taught us the true meaning of community.
They have shown us that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, deserves warmth, dignity, and opportunity. They have challenged us to look beyond the superficial and recognize the humanity in each person who walked through the doors of a soup kitchen.
Bele was happiest among his clients especially at Christmas time Bringing festive cheer to The Lighthouse
Today, as we honour Bele and accompany him on his final journey, let us carry forward the mission, and serve with the same kindness, offer help with the same passion, and advocate for those in need just as Bele and his team did.
His spirit lives on in every meal served, every weary soul comforted, and every act of kindness extended to those who need it most.
Bele and a festive volunteer
To the one who helped open our eyes and our hearts, we say thank you.
May we continue to be inspired by your compassion and commitment to a world where no one is left behind.
A decade ago, Penang-born Tiffany Choong began sketching daily in her art journal, as part of her Happiness Project.
The self-taught artist discovered the joys of sketching through her global travels, which in turn it is said, gives her “a sense of purpose that fuels her soul.”
Just in time for Christmas, Tiffany presents EVERYDAY PENANGThe Art of Joy.
She delivers playful pen and ink sketches, having drawn inspiration from simple objects she takes in daily.
Each sketch takes the reader not only into the “inner Penang” through the eyes of the artist, but is also paired with little pick-me-up quotes and words of wisdom along the way.
The visual treats found on every page of the compact book, is one which will spark joy with Penang residents and Penangites-at-heart, thanks to boutique publisher Clarity Publishing, who has connected Tiffany’s hometown and heritage with themes of love, loss and identity, including traditions and rituals.
As we wind up 2023 with an attitude of gratitude, the book serves as a gentle and colourful reminder to ourselves that “the simple joys of life will always shine through, if we let them.”
We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve moved back to Batu Ferringhi and are now operating at our cozy new stall at No 3A-3G, Jalan Sungai Emas, Batu Ferringhi. You’ll find us conveniently located along Jalan Sungai Emas, right across from a car wash station.
In addition to our famous Hainanese Spring Rolls, we’re now serving up delectable Hainanese Chicken Chop! Our operating hours are 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM.
Come on over for our exciting new offerings and the same great traditional Hainanese taste! We can’t wait to see you soon! Team Hainan Treasures)
They survived the pandemic by cooking their famous Hainanese Spring Rolls (also known as Choon Pneah) and delivering these golden bites to loyal customers at designated spots.
Since 2002, Wilson Lim and his mother have worked tirelessly at a food court located along the Batu Ferringhi tourism belt, and had successfully introduced this Hainanese snack to both tourists and locals.
Their relocation into George Town recently has spelt easier access to their faithful (and hopefully, new) followers.
Nagore Square
Wilson and Joe are now operating from a cosy spot in Nagore Square and are there daily from 4pm-10pm (except on Wednesdays) and serve the rolls pipping hot with their signature dipping sauce.
Lest you get confused if you go to Batu Ferringhi and meet their clone there, here’s Joe with a friendly message …
The meals may have been way below their past award-winning and ‘atas’ levels, and much has already been said about it in past weeks.
While the airline sorts out its catering dramas, let’s continue to focus and support our national flag carrier – Malaysia Airlines – for its outstanding crew, new planes and all things that remain amazing about Malaysian Hospitality (MH).
Thank you MH1148 for bringing us home safely and on-time today. If there were any food issues to a destination like Penang (which we did not experience), most residents were more focussed on the nasi kandar and char kuay teow awaiting them on this isle of foodies.
We used to chase headlines and bylines up till two decades ago. Esah as she is fondly known (by me) had a great nose for news and could be counted on to deliver updates in a timely and accurate manner, as befitting scribes at our national news agency, Bernama.
Today, she presents something else altogether to her audience. This home cook and excellent baker has proven her worth over many festive open houses we have been invited to.
She seems to have come full circle and operates a stall at the very spot we journalists used to hang out for breakfasts and countless cups of teh-tarik and kueh at teatime!
Next time you are in Pulau Tikus, swing by Jones Road (off Kelawei or Burma roads) before 2pm from Monday to Friday (except on public holidays).
P.S Her made-to-order rendangs and frozen curry puffs (which can be air fried) have received the thumbs up and even been on road trips to neighbouring states in their frozen form.
It is not a place one associates with great sugee (semolina) cake, but this is Penang, and you just never know what lies behind a door, the side of a backlane or even a monsoon drain here!
In this case, it’s a grand mansion by-the-sea, known simply as 32 Mansion. I always admire businesses with simple names coined from their addresses or postcodes. (the street address being 32 Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah).
A visit to this 1920s sea-fronting Italian villa, is a history lesson in itself …
(Extracted from the business operator’s website)
BUILT FOR LEONG YIN KEAN, THE SON OF TIN MAGNATE LEONG FEE, WHO HAD FALLEN IN LOVE WITH ITALY WHILST A STUDENT AT CAMBRIDGE, THIS ELEGANT ITALIANATE VILLA ON GEORGE TOWN’S NORTH BEACH LOOKS OUT OVER GARDENS ONTO THE SEA. IT WAS DESIGNED BY CHARLES MILLER (OF STARK & MCNEILL) AND IS LOCATED ON “MILLIONAIRE’S ROW” (NORTHAM ROAD BUT NOW RENAMED JALAN SULTAN AHMAD SHAH).
THE MANSION WAS BUILT IN 1926 AND MODELED AFTER THE OPULENT VILLAS IN LONDON’S REGENT’S PARK. SADLY, LIKE MANY OF PENANG’S MANSIONS, IT FELL INTO A STATE OF DISREPAIR AND HAD BEEN USED AS A MOTOR-BIKE CENTRE CALLED BIKER’S PARADISE AND HAD AS MANY AS 30 TENANTS LIVING IN PARTITIONED BLOCKS ALONG ITS ONCE ELEGANT ROOMS.
RESTORED TO ITS FORMER GLORY IN 2000 BY ESCOY HOLDINGS IT IS A MODEL OF HERITAGE CONSERVATION BY ADAPTIVE RE-USE AND IT NOW HOUSES THIRTY-TWO AT THE MANSION AND BEACH BLANKET BABYLON.
Back to their sugee cake … it can be found on Beach Blanket Babylon, or BBB’s dessert menu or pre-ordered as a fresh and buttery takeaway (it’s advisable to order the full-sized sugee cake at least 3 days ahead).
While BBB is better known for its crab laksa, the humble sugee cake has received equal praise from those who appreciate this baked goodness, for which many Eurasian, Peranakan, Chinese and Indian aunties (and uncles) guard the recipes fiercely.
Step into the home so cosily and welcoming created by Kah Hock, for either a slice of his sugee cake or the rest of the great spread offered.
Walk away with not only a satisfied meal, but endless shots of this great home and (it’s grounds) for your countless Instagram and other social media posts!
They are usually up at the crack of dawn to prepare the batter of rice flour, eggs and sugar for their ‘apom manis’, which is known to locals as apam, apom lenggang and local crepes or pancakes.
Ravi (above) and his wife Devi (below) greet all customers with warm smiles and have no problems with remembering orders or the sequence they are placed.
Bone and I had a lovely time today watching them deftly prepare our special order and place them expertly in plastic containers with their signature banana leaf for styling purposes.
The humble push cart located outside the New Cathay coffee shop in Pulau Tikus, George Town is frequented by locals and tourists from 7.30am till around 11am from Mondays till Saturdays. Takeaways have and continue to be enjoyed by local and foreign royalty, and other dignitaries.
A pack of 5 apom manis is priced at RM4 and no accompaniments are needed as they melt in your mouth. A “premium” or more “atas” version is also available with an egg on top.
Thank you Devi and Ravi for opening earlier than your usual operating hours today, just so that our special visitors to Penang could enjoy your delicious apom manis for breakfast🙏🏼
She promised us Dec 1, 2019 as the date the E&O Hotel would open the doors to her newly-upgraded Heritage Wing, and Alison Fraser kept to her word.
The custodian and general manager of Penang’s Grand Dame of Hospitality – the Eastern & Oriental Hotel – greeted members of the media and bloggers to the hotel ahead of its annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony and played the gracious hostess.
The walkabout around the newly spiffed wing was a treat and left us all happy that the 134 year-old ‘Grand Lady’ is now refreshed and ready to “welcome home” travellers and Penang residents to her beautifully and luxuriously-appointed suites and to savour fabulously-developed food and beverage offerings.
The WiFi connection has been boosted, delicious beddings spread out, Panpuri Spa amenities placed in all the rooms, and other luxuries both big and small await the guests.
Dear and familiar faces like Jimmy Lee, Jesvinder Singh, JJ and the khaki-uniformed doormen will be on hand to welcome the paying public when doors officially open for business on Dec 20.
The now-famous front desk which featured in the opening scene of the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ will no doubt be a talking point for those hanging out in the lobby or checking in.
And who among us is not looking forward to a spot of the hotel’s famous afternoon tea in newly-created spaces around the property?
I know some of my friends who have checked out the Farquhar’s Bar and are looking forward to spending many happy evenings there after Dec 20!
Kudos and special mention to Faisol ‘Davo’ Abdullah for the spanking new and sharp uniforms designed.
Congratulations again Alison for all the hard work put in and showing us yet another female GM who stays at the top of her game!!!
The view from the parking lot at sunset is a warm enough welcome to Penang’s latest accommodation-by-the-sea, Hompton By The Beach.
Dottie and Steph are very blessed to be taking in such beauty when they step into work each day was my first impression when taking in this sunset.
The hotel and its staff are unpretentious , judging from the warm hospitality, genuine smiles and good food served earlier.
The fresh salmon and tuna won me over and were such a welcome from the usual frozen variety found in other establishments.
The festive-themed buffet dinner was all about freshness and good taste and it did not have the taste of the usually mass-produced food found in hotel buffet lines.
Even the Christmas desserts – like the fruit cake and panna cotta – had a home-made touch and taste to it.
The Seafood Galore Buffet Dinner on Saturdays and Sundays from 7pm-10pm is priced at RM108 nett for adults with free flow of beer and red and white wines (senior citizens are charged RM88 nett). The buffet only option costs RM78 nett per person (senior citizens aged 55 and above pay RM58 nett) Kids aged 12 and below dine for free. And the best part is that it is served in the hotel’s sea-fronting Spice Garden outlet on Level 11.
A special promotion currently has buy 3, pay for 2, buy 5 pay for 3 and buy 7 pay for 4 deals respectively.
Call 04-3733233 to book your tasty dinner with an awesome view!
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