Another Malaysian city has been recognised for its food, and this time it’s Penang’s street food that take the limelight! The recognition of Penang as an icon for street food was given by Hong Kong-American celebrity chef and food writer, Martin Yan, during his visit to Penang recently for the Battle of the Chefs 2018. The 69-year-old chef praised Malaysian chefs for keeping the culture of street food intact for over 100 years.

“Over 175 years they are still cooking street food. That is great. One can only do that if one cooks with passion. Penang chefs cook with passion. They cook the dishes fresh and serve to their customers,” said Yan, according to the New Straits Times, after the closing ceremony of the event held at Setia Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre (SPICE) in George Town on Sunday.

He also highlighted the specialty and uniqueness of street food as people were able to watch their food being prepared in front of their eyes, which can be eaten and enjoyed in a jiffy. Some restaurants have also adopted this concept indoors with the open kitchen concept.

“Foods that are prepared on the street are considered street food but if you serve street food in the restaurant or hotels it can become Michelin-rated food,” he said, as reported by Malay Mail.

Penang’s Chief Minister, Chow Kon Yeow, was also present at the event and said that he hoped the Penang Chefs Association would learn culinary arts from Yan to boost food tourism in the state.