Red Chopstick (红筷子) has been in this business for a long time. This variety-styled eatery at i-Avenue enjoys a steady stream of customers due to its appealing menu and convenient location.
The name of this restaurant refers to literally red chopsticks at each dining table. I am not sure whether the restaurant’s name or usage of chopsticks comes first. It doesn’t matter as long as the food is great.
Red Chopstick has been refurbished since my last visit. The menu has also expanded significantly, although its popular dishes such as nasi lemak and cendol remain available.
One of the most popular choice on the menu is Kampung Curry Chicken & Lor Bak (甘绑咖喱鸡+卤肉, RM9.90). The heap of white rice on banana leaf is flavored with blue petals of butterfly-pea flower (kembang telang), similar to the way nasi kerabu is prepared.
On the side, there is a piece of curry chicken, lor bak (卤肉), fried egg, spinach and prawn crackers. The chicken is slightly tough and lacking in flavor, but the rich curry gravy makes up for it. In addition, I enjoy the lor bak due to its savory taste.
For noodle, the bowl of Oyster Mee Suah Soup (蚝面线汤, RM7.90) is served with a handful of oysters, a couple of shrimps, sliced pork and vegetables. There are also fried onion and pork lard, but I feel that these ingredients are out of place in this noodle dish. Nevertheless, the overall flavor is acceptable.
For desserts, Red Chopstick is renowned for cendol, such as these bowls of Cendol Ice Special (特味煎堆, RM5.90). There are choices of either jackfruit or red beans. Both are nice choices, so it is a matter of personal preference.
The cendol is appealing for the use of attap chee (亚答子), which are fruits of nipa palm. Palm sugar (gula melaka) and evaporated milk are used to provide some flavor to shaved ice.
The cendol is sweetened in a nice, non-overpowering way which makes it very enjoyable. I really love the role that jackfruit plays here. It appears as if it were specially engineered for this dessert!
According to the friendly proprietor, an improved menu will be introduced soon, so stay tuned if you are a regular customer of Red Chopstick, or thinking of visiting soon.
Address: 1-1-5, Medan Kampung Relau 1, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 016-440-3938
Business hours: 11:30am-2:30pm, 6:00pm-9:30pm, closed on Wednesdays
