With the abundance of good Thai, Indian and Chinese restaurants in the city, I find that Malaysian cuisine is often overlooked. Yes, their cuisine draws from these countries, but it has a distinct flavor all its own and should be explored. Pulau Pinang (named after the Malaysian island) in Elmhurst, Queens is a terrific place to start. The restaurant before was named Penang, but it has been under new management for the past two years and it has never been better.

Though only an appetizer, there is no dish that is so recognizable as being "Malaysian" as Roti Canai (pronounced Roti Chin-ni) It is a crispy Indian style pancake served with chicken curry as the dipping sauce. It is so popular that I can't recall a time when dining with others that someone did not order this tasty simple dish to start with. 

Hainanese Chicken is a nice balance to some of the more spicy Malaysian dishes. The chicken is steamed and served with two different sauces, one soy based, the other with more fire.

Beef Rendang, one of the true classics of Malaysian cuisine, and my personal favorite. Beef cooked with coconut milk, chilies and spices (including cinnamon cloves) cooked over low-flame and simmered for hours. It has some heat, but not to the point where the spice overwhelms.

The manager of Pulau Pinang, Yoke Hong (on the right) with waitress Jiang. They are more than happy to explain the foods of Malaysia and the country as a whole if you are interested.

The interior of Pulau Pinang is attractive with soft light blue walls accented in orange, and like the ethnic make up of the country (28% Chinese, 15% Indian) one will find images of the Buddha and the Hindu God Ganesh as well.

Malaysian language lesson - "Hello" (Selemat Tiggal)  "Thank you"  (Tera mikasi)  

Interesting fact about Malaysia - The world's largest is flower is on the Malaysian island of Sabah. It's name is Rafflesi, and is 3 feet in diameter.

Address - 82-84 Broadway Elmhurst (Queens)   (718) 672 - 7380