Duck blood curry mee? And you are sure it isn’t for vampires? Jokes aside, while one may be squeamish about its use as food, blood has long been a part of cooking in some parts of the world.
And you don’t have to look far for examples. The aforementioned duck blood curry mee is a delicacy which you can find in Penang. Just drive down Burma Road, where the Duck Blood Curry Mee stall is quite easily located with the large sign declaring its presence.
A Michelin stall
Image Credit: Brenda on Google Review (Left), BC C on Google Review (Right)
This stall has garnered quite a reputation among local foodies as of late. To prove this, it has recently been awarded Michelin’s Bib Gourmand. The recognition has no doubt driven its popularity even further.
For a simple establishment, eating here is a comfortable experience. The interior of the restaurant is air-conditioned, helping you to stave off the sweltering afternoon heat. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a hot bowl of noodles in peace.
For the less squeamish
Image Credit: Steven G on Google Review (Left), Thean Wei Boon on Google Review (Right)
In addition to its famous duck blood curry mee, the stall and the restaurant actually has other options available. There are quite a number of rice congees on sale, with different types of toppings for each. There are also other stalls selling Penang classics like chicken rice and char kway teow.
Penang-style curry mee
Image Credit: Ter Shen Ng on Google Review (Left), Andrew W on Google Review (Right)
The curry mee here is unsurprisingly the Penang style rather than the KL variant. Its curry broth has a much lighter colour, but is just as spicy and creamy. Additionally, the noodles are usually a mix of yellow noodles and vermicelli.
Most customers order their curry mee with a side of roasted pork, the bestselling version of the dish. That said, you are more than free to add on other ingredients like dried squid, cockles, bean sprouts and century eggs.
The broth on its own is fragrant and creamy. It is the addition of the stall’s homemade chilli that changes everything with the noodles. For most people, the chilli paste gives the broth a very strong kick, perfect for people who like their broth spicy.
Duck blood cubes
Image Credit: Saki 0915 on Google Review (Left), Alice Woo on Google Review (Right)
But you didn’t come here just for curry mee, did you? You can get there anywhere in Penang, but it’s harder to find duck blood, isn’t it? Just be glad that the stall has resumed using duck blood recently, after switching to pig blood during Covid.
Gelatinous would be the right word to describe these dark red cubes, with a consistency which quite resembles jelly. Surprisingly, the taste isn’t as metallic as one might expect. In fact, it’s accurate to describe it as subtle, savoury and sweet.
With their restrained taste, the duck blood cubes do a good job at balancing the broth’s spiciness. Special mention should go to the roasted pork, with its delightfully crackling skin. It really is the cherry on top this bowl of spicy, bloody goodness.
Worth your time?
As previously mentioned, the stall has other food options if you find eating blood not to your taste. For those with a bit of guts, enjoying a good bowl of curry mee here is likely to leave you satisfied. Noodles, curry, blood and pork; what more could you ask for?
Duck Blood Curry Mee
Address: 223B, Jalan Burma, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Opening Hours: 12 pm – 10 pm daily | Closed on Thursdays
Contact: 012-4382149
Halal Status: Non-halal
You should also check out: For authentic Penang curry mee or any noodle cravings, this KL shop has got you covered
Feature Image Credit: Adrick Loh on Google Review (Left), Sana K on Google Review (Right)
