Located at Church Street Ghaut in Penang, Ah Lai Café is known as the the café under the big tree because the café is literally
under a big tree. Actually part of the place is modelled around the tree as an
effort to coexist with nature.
As a joint that specialises on a particular theme, Ah Lai Café knows that it doesn’t have to offer much. What Ah Lai Café is known for is their ability to switch up a common and lovable dish into something that you never knew you needed ‘till you try it. Introducing Ah Lai’s very own Maggi Curry with Cheese; a somewhat fusion dish that may have already been thought of but still a blessing to have anyway.
The maggi noodles are nicely springy, a feat that is not as easy as it sounds, cooked in maggi’s curry broth with cabbage, carrots, onions, sausages and an egg. It is as common as it sounds but the cheese topping made all the difference for this dish. While the elephant in the room says that this dish is easy enough to recreate in your own home, pair this up with their signature Kopi Peng or Ice Coffee, and it will be reason enough to give this café a visit.
A thing to keep in mind though, this café is can be very
busy especially during brunch times so the waiting game is fully dependent on
luck. The service may be brisk as well, so make sure to toughen up your anxiety
before visiting.
