Authentic Nasi Lemak @ Jin Hoe Cafe, Penang

Nasi Lemak is one of my favourite things to eat for breakfast. Normally there would be a packet waiting on the table every other Saturday thanks to mom and dad. There is something about the texture of the santan infused rice with sambal that feels so comforting. To me nasi lemak tastes like home.

There's a rather peculiar story of how I stumbled across this cafe. It happened last year while I was having my hospital attachment in Penang. I was having dinner alone at the Pulau Tikus Food Street. Since the place was full, two local elderly men shared a table with me which I presume is part of their week yamcha session.

Soon we began talking and eventually arrived at the topic on Penang food.  We had quite a long conversation about where-is-good-to-eat-what and such. They shared their sentiments on how commercialised and expensive Penang food has become. Most of the hawkers are old and their children have no interest in taking over the business.

Then they started raving about a place where I could get really good nasi lemak. I listened carefully. One, I love nasi lemak. Two, they practically scoffed at all the places I've eaten at so far, some which I thought was amazing so this must be good. They gave me directions to Jin Hoe Cafe and I headed there the next morning.

The verdict? This nasi lemak is in a league of its own. It taste nothing like the conventional nasi lemak you find on the street. Instead of the usual bright red sambal they use sambal belacan, which is a very distinct feature of the dish. I recognised the taste because mom makes something similar to go with steamed kangkong at home. As you can see the set up is very simple; a small portion of rice with some cucumbers, fish, asam friend prawns and a dollop of the glorious sambal. I would advice people to be cautious with the sambal though because it really packs a punch.

This is my first time encountering this version of the nasi lemak. I was told that this is how nasi lemak is served back in the day when Afros were in and the Beatles ruled the airwaves. I think that dishes like this have a story of its own; a taste of culture and the life lived by the previous generations. Do pay a visit if you are in the area!




Jin Hoe Cafe
46, Jalan Cantonment,
Penang.
(Its near the Pulas Tikus area)