Relau 88 Assam Laksa @ Relau, Penang.

Penang has never run out of hidden gems, especially when food is concerned. Relau 88 Laksa is one good secret, the Assam Laksa stall housed within a garden supply shop at a corner house along Jalan Paya Terubong at Relau has been serving pleasurable Assam Laksa for months. Since it shares the same place as the garden supply store, the place is surrounded with charming flowers but it does get stuffy under the sultry hot weather. Positive reputation spread through words of mouth, the place is now thronged with patrons in the know. It is particularly busy on weekends, especially for those who yearn for a light, refreshing lunch/ snack. But Relau 88 is not a one trick pony, the locals' favorite icy sweet treats- Cendol and Ice Kacang are also available to cool your summer day.

Assam Laksa (Rm 4.00- small/ Fish Ball- Rm 0.50 each) and Deep Fried Spring Rolls (Rm 0.80 each)

Ice Kacang (Rm 2) and Cendol (Rm 2)

It's a complete meal here at Relau 88- diners may start with appetizers like Deep Fried Spring Rolls or proceed straight to the Assam Laksa and end with a bowl of Cendol/ Ice Kacang. The Spring Rolls were lovely- perfectly crisp and most delicious to go with the rich Laksa fish broth. Relau 88's rendition has a well-balanced flavors of sweet, sour and savory; the extremists who prefer their Assam Laksa sweet or sour may not enjoy this. The set-back of the Assam Laksa was the overcooked noodles, we'd prefer our noodles carry a little bite but Relau 88's seemed slightly overcooked and slouchy. We quenched our thirst with Ice Kacang and Cendol, the latter one stood out better than the former choice. The home-made Palm Sugar carried a delightful smoky sweet flavor and we thought it was rather unique and distinctive as compared to those Cendol found elsewhere.