That’s the beauty of the food scene in Elmhurst area of Queens — there’s always something for any occasion. Even when you made a hike all the way from NJ to only hit the permanently closed door of the restaurant you were planning on. There are five more equally interesting places across the street. And to the left. And to the right. Decisions, decisions…
Originally, Tibetan-Sichuan was on our mind but that didn’t work out. Not sure how we ended up at this Malaysian-Taiwanese but Pulau Pinang turned out to be a gem.
Lucky, we hit it during the off peak hours — our hunger pangs fell on that slow time when lunch was done but it was too early for dinner. By the time we were leaving, the place was packed with obvious locals.
The menu was extensive, prices were reasonable — why can’t we eat a lot like we used to? The service was hospitable and so quick. Everyone was moving at quite a pace — the phone was ringing off the hook and take out orders were flying. Good sign. Like in many ethnic restaurants, at the table in the corner, some prep was taking place — eggplants and bitter melons were being stuffed with ground pork. Despite all of that we did not feel forgotten.
Here’s our catch.
Belacan Special. Crunchy spicy okra, eggplant, green beans, and new to us stinky beans in a fermented shrimp paste based chili sauce were hands down addictive.
Stinky Tofu. Maybe for some it is stinky, for us those were crunchy juicy hot spicy salty cubes of umami. Not being a tofu aficionado that fermented deep fried version I can eat all day every day.
Beef Rendang. Malaysian classic made to perfection. It was spicy and so well seasoned. The sauce was not leaky all over the plate but thick and easy to scoop. And the meat was super tender.
Homemade Roti Canai with Curry Sauce. We struck out with this one not ordering it. But who knew! Once the restaurant started filling up, every single table — every single one! —ordered this flaky pancake. Some ordered two or three. Since we were stuffed and it was time to go, I took a picture of the order next to us.
And the ride home — never skip a subway ride from Queens.