What's the next best thing to do if you want to visit the Land of Smiles but can't just yet? Head over to Taman Jelutong in Penang and tuck into an authentic meal of Thai pasembur, herb fried chicken and mango sticky rice!
TUCKED away in the mature residential area of Taman Jelutong and close to the popular Batu Lanchang Market is a recently opened outlet that is receiving rave reviews for its tantalising selection of authentic Thai cuisine.
Even before stepping inside, catchy murals depicting easily recognisable scenes from our northern neighbour give hints to the delectable goodies that await in this notable dining destination strategically located between Penang Bridge island exit and George Town.
Nestled along the bustling Lebuhraya Gelugor and powered by native chefs from southern Thailand, the Secret Tunnel has built up a sizeable group of loyal patrons who appreciate the unique choices available as well as the casual setting which gives the tastefully renovated single storey corner house a cosy ambience.
EAT
With a thick menu of non-Halal Thai food, diners are definitely spoilt for choice as everything on the seemingly unending list appear tempting in their own way.
At first glance, the eye-catching presentation and mouth-watering aroma head the list of outstanding attributes that set the choices here at Secret Tunnel apart from the rest.
Using a combination of imported ingredients from Thailand and fresh local produce, the chefs lean heavily on cooking techniques inherited for generations and honed in their Songkhla and Haadyai home towns to whip up authentic rural fare like the unique Thai pasembur which cannot be found anywhere else in Penang.
Delightfully presented on a large platter, the colourful combination features glass noodles, bean sprouts, deep-fried firm bean curd, hard boil egg, crispy prawn fritters and fresh greens. Generously drenched with a thick and slightly spicy sauce that offers an instant tangy kick, this delicious profusion is the perfect appetiser for diners to start their memorable culinary journey through the Secret Tunnel.
Unbashfully yearning for more of the tasty prawn fritters, I decide to make an additional order when the serve staff arrives with the Thai style herb fried chicken and chai buey.
Served piping hot with steamed fragrant rice and braised soya sauce egg, the well marinated chicken thigh is delightfully crispy on the outside and the special paste of Thai herbs and spices is clearly evident as the flavour permeates the meat.
Juicy on the inside, the lean and tender free-range chicken flesh tastes even better than the ones savoured as finger food at a renowned Songkhla street stall years ago before the Covid-19 pandemic flared.
With the fried chicken tasting truly heavenly on its own, the remainder of the rice is enjoyed with the chai buey, a popular mixed dish commonly found in Malaysian Chinese homes after Chinese New Year.
Comprising of choice leftovers that are allowed to simmer in a rich mixture of spices, salted vegetables, dried chillies, ginger and mushrooms, this rich zesty broth improves in both taste and texture over time.
Other chicken dishes popular among diners are the Thai style steamed and roasted chicken rice. Sampling the tasting portions of both, my preference leans slightly towards the latter no thanks to my biasness towards all things fried.
To be fair, the steamed chicken rice possesses attributes desirable by those who are health conscious. With very little fat under the thin layer of skin, the tender flesh exudes a subtle flavour that blends well with the soya sauce and garlic oil combination.
Although the piping hot fragrant steamed rice, that bursts with flavour from a delightful blend of chicken stock, ginger and pandan leaves, is rather similar to those found at neighbourhood outlets, it is the complementing garlic chili sauce that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning of connoisseurs.
PICK
Apart from the main dishes, popular side orders and desserts here include fried spring roll, fish ball seaweed soup and mango sticky rice.
The wide acclaim enjoyed by Secret Tunnel's fried spring roll is justified at first bite, As flavourful as those commonly sold at Thai night markets, these crispy snacks are best enjoyed piping hot together with its spicy dipping sauce.
Deep fried to perfection, this popular appetizer boasts of savoury fillings like chopped vegetables, minced meat chicken and shrimp.
The fish balls, on the other hand, are springy and fresh. Served in a tasty light broth filled with generous seaweed strips, they go well with the accompanying chilli infused soya sauce.
By the time the mango sticky rice is served, it is obvious that the Secret Tunnel has saved its very best for the last. Thanks to subtle improvements made, this common street food in Thailand is successfully transformed into a dish that oozes with flavour and quality.
Instead of just steaming plain glutinous rice, the chef ingeniously adds pandan which leaves a pleasing greenish hue and heightens the aroma.
Together with a generous helping of premium mango slices and crispy yellow lentil dhal, the end result is so tasty that a single serving is seldom enough.
While the usual array of thirst-quenching drinks like freshly prepared fruit juices and local sensations help bring out the best in the food, all-time crowd favourites are the Thai-inspired soothing milk tea and cooling pandan-lemongrass concoction.
MOOD
The relaxing ambience allows diners to bide time to enjoy truly memorable meals either indoors or alfresco style outside.
This section of Taman Jelutong is fast gaining reputation as a prime Penang dining area. Unlike George Town, the roads here are wider and there is ample parking available nearby.
PAY
Prices start from RM 7 and RM 5 for basic chicken servings and side dishes, respectively. Special requests for add-ons are entertained but be ready to pay more.
VERDICTS
SERVICE Polite and efficient. The serve staff are always at hand to provide useful tips and give practical suggestions. Service is efficient as food start arriving mere minutes after orders are taken.
I SAY Definitely must try!
FAST FACTS
THE SECRET TUNNEL
60, Lebuhraya Gelugor, Taman Jelutong,
11600 Penang
TEL 017-636 2639
EMAIL [email protected]
HOURS Daily 10.30am - 9.30pm
Claim GrabFood Discount Code for extra discounts on your next meals.
