It is total chaos to tourists but a routine morning ritual for the locals in Air Itam. The whole road is lined with vendors selling every imaginable things including live snakes, live snakes eggs, frogs, tortoise as foods and puppies. The puppies are pets, don’t worry.
The busy road is still open to vehicles like noisy bikes, smokey public buses and cars. So, one has to inch in and out of the stalls, watching out for vehicles. But over here, pedestrians rule so cars have to watch out for people and not the other way round, it seems.
I do not mind braving the vehicles, human traffic and long walk (from our car) for this Siam Ee curry mee. The curry mee is the only one around Penang that tastes like this. My hubby finds it too plain and not lemak. I find it full of character because one can squat and eat, next to the two Siam Ee-s chatters. Siam Ee means Aunties from Thailand. I do not know how they got this name but I used to eat there when I was 18-22. However, I never got a chance to eat there for more than 20 years, I think.
But after so many decades, dear old Siam Ee is still as strong, healthy and friendly. Inspite of her age, she is so agile, remembers orders and the curry mee is served really fast. Siam Ee just sat down at her stool so if you want your curry mee, you have to wait and bring it to your own table. There are a few tables under the sheds.
If I have my way, I would squat there on the tiny stool and eat my curry mee. But hubby’s face will turn black if I do that. So, we had our bowls of curry mee on regular table and chairs. I think the mee tastes better if you are squatting, you know?
The curry mee gravy is clear and not thick with coconut milk. However, there is sweetness in the soup, with Siam Ee’s secret ingredients. The chillies are super spicy. There is no fancy garnish. Only dried squids cooked till soft, tau pok and pig’s coagulated blood.
The two ladies are getting on with age, so if you want to sample eating curry mee, squatting under a tree, next to a river, then you better make the trip soon.
Siam Ee curry mee is at the end of the Air Itam market road where the river is. (near to Jalan Kampong Pisang). The landmark is the Chinese Hokkien Methodist Church of Air Itam.
11 thoughts on “Air Itam Siam Ee one of a kind curry mee”
Momo
(January 11, 2009 - 6:10 pm)The last time I was there ( tooo long ago) I saw a huge live snake being sold.Of course there were the live tortoises and frogs!
Wah, this market really ‘got feel’ one! I also ate the curry mee. My only problem with this place is not knowing where to park the car. It’s like havoc.
Sshhh Lilian, you think the mee got anti-aging one or not? The aunties never grow old!
I think we better go eat there more often!
lilian
(January 12, 2009 - 12:07 am)Momo – That’s what I told my hubby, eat already cannot grow old. He pulak said, “Chey, Siam Ee no eat her own curry mee wan, that’s why she never grow old. Only you eat, kena her Siam khong tau got lah.”
cymbellynne
(January 14, 2009 - 1:16 pm)Lillian, I just have this over the weekend.
I used to stay in Air itam but now moved to Island Glades so have to travel so far to eat.
Next time you try the curry mee with fried noodles. I prefer the fried noodles over the fresh noodles. More fragrant.
adrian
(January 29, 2009 - 10:01 pm)hi there i am from singapore and my family is looking for an old friend
by the name leong chan yee.
does any of u knows her
ps help us
adrian n beatrice
jasmine
(March 15, 2009 - 2:09 pm)Hey Adrian & Beatrice,
you guys really made me famous. I got an sms from my pal this just now to inform this.
Guess what? I was reading the book you given to me “the Courage” from the ministry and my thought went to both of you. I wonder how you daughter now. Should be around early20s. tateh….then the sms came in…
chanyee
lilian
(March 15, 2009 - 10:45 pm)WOW, Adrian and Jasmine
I am so amazed my little blog managed to get you both reunited. Bless you all! I think this is what we call God works in mysterious ways.
Thanks Jasmine for all the nice suggestions and tips.
adrian
(March 17, 2009 - 9:07 pm)chan yee,
God works wonders in our lives.
we all miss you and were just talking about you
Grace and beatrice were just wondering where are you now
and what are you doing?
I chance upon this web site looking for food and the thought of
posting a search for you came in.
do u mind to sent us your email so we can keep in touch.
Grace is now 16 and her sister Lydia is 11.
adrian
adrian
(March 17, 2009 - 9:13 pm)thank you lilian,
thanks for notifying chan yee for us.
appreciate you so much
yep yep..Our God works wonders cos he is all knowing and omni present
when we visit penang , sure to patronise your place.
if you guys are dropping by singapore…do let us know ya
Shalom and God be with you all the time
and all the time God will be good.
adrian
adrian
(April 3, 2009 - 10:40 pm)hi chan yee,
is all well with you and your family
and Grace would be glad to be in touch with u
jasmine
(May 23, 2009 - 3:39 pm)Hi Adrian & Lilian,
Sorry guys…I was packed with work.
I’m glad I come back to check this out again. It’s very interesting especially as Penangites, I will see what is true or not….
Nice meeting you Lil’.
My e-mail is leong.jasmine@gmail.com
adrian
(January 7, 2010 - 11:48 am)thank u jasmin..I must tell u that there is only 2 reason why I will go penang
haha..the food off course and other reason..the bonding of nice people like u
hey..do sent my regards to your parent..hope they still remember us…
me ..beatrice and grace…now lydia…whom u have not met nor seen..
God bless..
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