IN KUALA LUMPUR

IT'S all about food at the moment. When Malaysia first talked about claiming ownership on certain local dishes, many people were upset while chefs and food experts felt that such a move was uncalled for.

And now, the food fight seems to be coming from the hawkers in Penang — the food capital of Malaysia.

They are disappointed that some famous Penang food such as assam laksa and nasi kandar are not listed on the government's National Heritage website.

The website displays 100 types of heritage food and drinks.

Assam laksa seller Ang Kar Seong, 60, told The Star that Penang assam laksa is special because of its fish and tamarind-based soup.

Mr Ang has been selling laksa for the past 50 years, and his stall is extremely popular among locals and tourists.

Even I can clearly remember the location of his stall. It is at the corner of the T-junction that leads to the old Air Itam wet market. Tourists can’t miss it when they are on their way to visit the famous Kek Lok Si temple.

Another hawker also complained that Penang curry mee, better known as curry laksa in Klang Valley, is not listed on the website.

Not on the list: An old lady preparing a bowl of Penang curry mee that has
coagulated pig's blood, cockles and tofu pok (fried beancurd).
PHOTO: Elizabeth Looi

But does it really matter whether a certain type of food is listed as being a heritage dish? And who can tell for sure that all the listed heritage dishes and drinks are really good?

I doubt assam laksa or curry mee will be less famous merely because it is not listed on the national heritage list.

Let's just eat and be merry. I'm off for a nice bowl of prawn mee right now.

Some more great food that's not on the national heritage list:

Deep fried Chinese doughnut with sesame (hua chee) is not
listed as heritage food but it sure tastes good when you dip it in
black coffee for breakfast. PHOTO: Elizabeth Looi

Nevermind if hum chee peng or savoury pancake is not considered
as heritage food, it continues to be a favourite among the locals.
PHOTO: Elizabeth Looi