Kompleks Penjaja Desiran Tanjung is a government-built food court in Tanjung Tokong. Hidden somewhere between Island Plaza, Straits Quay and Vantage Desiran Tanjung, even many locals are still not aware of its existence. Roti Bakar Kacang Phool Penang is by far the most prominent of the some-50 stalls here.
Opened 9 months ago, this business venture was the brainchild of an aspiring entrepreneur who has been operating an online bakery business called Sugar & Salt Patisserie. The home-based bakery is wildly popular for its Red Velvet Ice Cream Cake Roll, which attracted clientele throughout the country.
With her mother's assistance, this mom-and-daughter family business places great emphasis in freshness and originality. All ingredients are either made on the spot, or prepared at home earlier in the morning.
As the name implies, the signature dish at this stall is Roti Bakar Kacang Phool (Foul Medammas Toast). The meal includes a bowl of ful and toasted Hainanese bread. Although this street food is typically served with pita bread, pita is impractical here due to limited space for an oven.
Ful (فول) is a Middle Eastern dish made from broad beans, stewed with meat and spices into a gravy of thick consistency. Although originating from Egypt, it is now commonly served throughout the Middle East. This stall is one of the few eateries in Penang, if not only, which sells this dish.
This version of ful is stewed with beef and a special blend of spices. Chicken version is also available. The broad bean gravy is served with fried egg, green chili peppers and onions. A squeeze of lime juice helps to enhance the gravy's savory flavors. Overall, the ful is seasoned in a balance manner without feeling too purposeful.
On the side are thick cuts of Hainanese bread that are toasted with butter. The proprietors are adamant about not using margarine, which is much cheaper but does not taste nearly as good as butter. For additional RM3.00, one can also upgrade the toast with garlic butter and a slice of cheese.
Apart from novelty, the selling point of this dish is the freshness of its ingredients. One can really appreciate the tedious effort in preparing food from scratch, as opposed to using canned and bottled ingredients that most stalls opt for. All things considered, the price at this stall is quite reasonable despite increasing cost of raw ingredients over the months.
Other popular dishes at this stall are Roti Jala Baldu, Chicken Fajita, Huevos Rancheros (Mexican breakfast) and English Lattice Apple Pie. For large orders, delivery service is also available. The proprietors also accept catering requests, and occasionally participate in local events such as Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.
Name: Roti Bakar Kacang Phool Penang
Address: 1, Kompleks Penjaja Desiran Tanjung, Jalan Desiran Tanjung 3, 10470 Tanjung Tokong, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 019-220-1355
Business hours: 8:30am-9:00pm, closed on Mondays except public holidays
Coordinates: 5.45230 N, 100.30848 E
Directions: Driving northbound along Jalan Tanjung Tokong, turn right at the traffic lights immediately after Island Plaza. Turn left after 200 meters. Kompleks Penjaja Desiran Tanjung is located 200 meters on the right. Roti Bakar Kacang Phool Penang is the first stall at the front. There are parking spaces at the side of the food court.
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