Amongst its many culinary offerings, Penang is famous for its unique take on curry mee. There are many places within the state which claim to be the best curry mee spot. One popular spot has to be Air Itam Sister Curry Mee, a long-standing establishment.
Founded in the 1940s
Feature Image Credit: Traveller Jun on Google Review
This humble eatery has been around since the 1940s. It was founded by the sisters, Lim Kooi Heang and Lim Kooi Lye, who set up shop to support their family in the post-war years. What was meant to be a lifesaver has since become a foodie magnet.
Michelin-recognised curry mee
Feature Image Credit: Zack Huang on Google Review (Left), Jaycee Lam on Google Review (Right)
For decades, Penangites have been slurping up noodles here without a thought in the world. In fact, the status of the stall has gotten so grand that it has been recognised by Michelin. No small feat for a stall with such humble beginnings.
These days, the sisters who used to sell their curry mee whilst seated atop stools are nowhere to be seen. They retired some time after the pandemic and have since passed the business down to their kin.
While the sisters are no longer around, their recipe is still kept the same as it was all those years ago. It is a good place to stop by should you be visiting the nearby Kek Lok Si Temple. Do be warned that the place gets crowded on school holidays.
A simple stall
Feature Image Credit: Alison Tan on Google Review (Left), Janfui Boon on Google Review (Right)
The eatery is not so much a brick-and-mortar business as it is a roadside shed. One part of the stall is the cooking area. Here, you can spot pots of curry mee being boiled atop charcoal fires. Apparently, the charcoal fire enhances the curry soup.
Once you are seated, it only makes sense to get yourself a drink. In addition to the usual offerings like herbal and Chinese tea, you should order a glass of Ho Kar Sai. It is an energising choco-coffee drink popular in Penang.
How’s the mee?
Feature Image Credit: Rodney Ong on Google Review (Left), Pohboon Yeo on Google Review (Right)
As for the curry mee itself, the soup is definitely a standout. Light and sweet, it is definitely a change of pace from what you usually find in the Klang Valley. The charcoal fire brings out the soup’s umami, before mixing it with the flavours of the other ingredients.
Such a humble dish comes with generous portions of chilli paste, cuttlefish, beancurd and of course, pig’s blood. Also, the chilli paste is adequately spicy, the noodles springy and the pig’s blood gives everything a mildly salty, metallic taste.
Worth your time?
The only drawback, if it can be called as such, of the curry mee here is that the portion can be relatively small. Of course, it’s no problem! So, just order two bowls the next time you show up here.
Air Itam Sisters Curry Mee
Address: 612-T, Jalan Air Itam, Pekan Ayer Itam, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang
Opening Hours: 6.30 am – 11.30 am weekdays | 6.30 am – 12 pm weekends | Closed on Tuesdays
Contact: 012-4108152
Halal Status: Non-halal
You should also check out: This Cantonese restaurant has been serving Pei Pa Duck for 77 years and always has a long queue
Feature Image Credit: Linda Fong on Google Review (Left), Chong ZZZ on Google Review (Right)
