Rediscovering Penang: Mee Sotong, Pasembor & the Esplanade I Somehow Missed for 30 Years

Let’s get one thing out of the way – I’ve been to Penang more than 1,000 times in my life. That’s not an exaggeration. Growing up just 40 minutes away in Sungai Petani, Kedah, Penang was practically our weekend playground. I’ve done it all — from the ferry rides to Batu Ferringhi beach picnics to shopping at Komtar back when it was the skyscraper in Malaysia.

But here’s the kicker…I don’t think I’ve ever truly visited the Penang Esplanade.

(Source: TripAdvisor @Игорь)

Yep. After all these years of crossing that bridge or hopping on the ferry, it never occurred to me to just… stroll along the Esplanade. Until recently.

Palm trees swaying. Sea breeze in full effect. Joggers, couples, tourists, and locals just chilling. That wide open sea stretching into the horizon — ships in the distance, sun dipping low, sky turning into a painting. It felt like I was in a scene from Langkawi or Bali. Then I laughed out loud because…Wait, Penang is an island!

I just conveniently forgot that fact for the last three decades.

(Source: https://cj.my/132864/esplanade-in-penang-to-feature-unesco-world-heritage-emblem/)

 

The Esplanade: Not Just a Walk in the Park

If you think the Esplanade is just a stretch of pavement by the sea, think again. Here’s what you can do here:

• Watch the sunset (and maybe your thoughts)

There’s something magical about just sitting at Padang Kota Lama, feeling the sea breeze, watching the sky change colours, and letting your brain take a breather. No agenda, no deadlines — just vibes. Bring a mat, or better yet, a friend.

 

• Visit Fort Cornwallis

It’s the largest standing fort in Malaysia and it’s just… there, quietly guarding the edge of George Town. You can pop in for some light historical exploration or just admire the cannons from the outside and pretend you’re in an old pirate movie.

(Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2024/06/12/unveiling-layers-of-history)

 

• Snap that Insta shot at Town Hall

Penang’s Town Hall is a stunner — all-white colonial elegance against blue skies. It’s one of those “wait, this is Malaysia?” kind of buildings. Architectural eye candy.

 

• Catch a performance or festival

The Esplanade area is often used for open-air concerts, cultural events, Merdeka parades — you name it. You never know what you might stumble upon: a lion dance, a marching band, or a random uncle doing tai chi to EDM music (true story).

 

But Let’s Get to the Real Star: The Food

Let’s not pretend — you came here to eat. And two iconic dishes rule the Esplanade food scene.

1. Mee Sotong 

⭐ Rating: 7/10
💸 RM8

I’ve been eating this for years. Even though I’m not a sotong (squid) fan — in fact, I probably only eat it twice a year — this dish makes it to my must-eat list every time. The noodles are slathered in spicy sambal, paired with tender sotong that doesn’t fight your jaw. It’s sweet, spicy, savoury — a flavour combo that hits the Malaysian soul. But fair warning: I came at 7.30pm, and it wasn’t as glorious as usual. The curries had lost their punch, and the dish was cruising into closing mode.

Moral of the story: Come in the afternoon when it’s hot, fresh, and boss-level tasty.

(Source: https://www.hungryonion.org/t/penang-hameed-mee-sotong-at-fort-cornwallis-the-esplanade/10229)

 

2. Pasembor

⭐ Rating: 7/10

💸 RM12

Think of Pasembor as Rojak who went to college, got a degree, and came back with more ingredients than your fridge. Crispy fritters, boiled egg, tofu, potatoes, cucumbers, and if you’re feeling fancy, even sotong — all drenched in sweet peanut sauce.

But here’s the thing: the portion was massive. I was already semi-full from the Mee Sotong, and this just finished me off. Flavours were solid, texture was fun, but halfway through I had to raise the white flag.

Great to share. Or to test your limits.

(Source: https://www.xtra.com.my/pasembur-menari-ini-sedap-sangat-rugi-kalau-tak-cuba/)

 

It’s Never Too Late to See Penang Properly

After decades of treating Penang like a second home, I’m still finding new layers to this place. The Esplanade reminded me that sometimes, the best parts of a destination are the ones you overlook.

So next time you’re in Penang, don’t just chase murals and char koay teow. Take a relaxing stroll along the sea, feel the breeze, eat too much sotong, and marvel at how this little island can still surprise you — even after 1,000 visits.

And if you’re planning a trip, don’t forget to check out www.myrehat.com for the best stays and experiences in Penang and beyond. We’re not just about rooms — we’re about stories, discoveries, and sometimes… accidental squid enlightenment.

 

Till the next revelation,
– Zikri, the guy who forgot Penang was an island.