Penang Food For Thought: Chia Bee Bah Kut Teh

Chia Bee Bah Kut Teh (知味肉骨茶) a popular eatery in Alor Setar. It is located next to Sentosa Regency Hotel. As recommended by locals, this marks my second visit to this restaurant.

The signature dish here is Fried Fish (炒鱼). The choice of fish is shark. There are two versions of this dish. The gravy version suits my palate better, whereas the dry type has stronger aroma.

Today's cooking is the gravy version. This fish enjoys heavy seasoning from fermented bean paste (豆瓣酱), shredded ginger (姜丝), fried garlic (蒜茸) and green onion (青葱). This recipe is unique and is unlike anything else that I have encountered before. I think it would be a sin not to try this dish when visiting Alor Setar.

The dish of Kam Heong Mantis Shrimps (甘香虾蛄) has irresistibly sweet-spicy coating that makes it so appetizing. The aroma of this dish is appealing too.

As for seafood, Stir-Fried Lala (炒啦啦) is served today. This dish has a moderate level of spiciness.

Meanwhile, Stir-Fried Squid (炒鱿鱼) has firm and crunchy texture. Served with dried chili, onion and scallion, this dish is slightly spicy.

As for vegetables, Fried You Mak (清炒油麦) is cooked with watery gravy to retain the leaves' juiciness. Carrots, baby corn and oyster mushrooms are also thrown into the mix.

Fried Sweet Potato Leaves (清炒番薯叶) is another vegetable dish that we ordered today. While I was growing up, this is one of my favorite vegetables because the leaves are soft and silky.

Overall, the food at Chia Bee Bah Kut Teh is reasonably good. In particular, the Fried Fish remains as the must-try dish for anyone who visits Alor Setar for the first time.