Special thanks to Iutang for extending this food review invitation.
Update: This business has ceased its operations.
Since my previous visit, Hana Cafe (하나카페) at Tanjung Bungah has a new addition: Iutang (油桶).
Iutang used to operate at Gurney Drive (Persiaran Gurney) last year, but today makes Hana Cafe its new home. The relationship between Hana Cafe and Iutang can be better described as some sort of partnership, considering the fact that their menus are already integrated.
Iutang is operated by several college students who pooled their time and resources in this business venture. Iutang derives its name from the Hokkien pronunciation of “oil barrel” (油桶). This is not just a gimmick; the grill is literally made from an actual barrel.
The specialty here is pork sausages. This takes a different route from the mainstream pork burger. Sausages are cooked over charcoal to give a toasty appeal. Unlike many sausage stalls, Iutang uses a griddle (hot plate) instead of a grill so that the sausages do not become too greasy.
Every day, Iutang prepares each sausage from scratch, starting with only minced pork. Each sausage packs a whopping 200 grams if lean meat. No filler is added. The sausage skin is made from pork intestines.
Iutang’s menu has several tiers depending how hungry you are. The Solo (RM9.00) consists of the sausage only. Iutang Original (RM12.00) includes the charcoal bun, while Iutang Classic Set (RM15.00) further includes grilled potato and carbonated drink. Mash & Bang is similar to Iutang Classic Set, minus the charcoal bun.
Iutang’s sausage put more emphasis on genuine minced pork rather than seasoning. Spices are relegated to secondary roles since Iutang wants the pork’s flavor to take the center stage. To reduce grilling time, the sausage is pre-broiled upfront. This also allows the sausage skin to meld with minced pork fillings more harmoniously.
The charcoal bun is mildly sweet in taste and laced with sesame seeds on top. Its texture is the right type for a hot dog sandwich. It is worthwhile to mention that the charcoal bread can be replaced with a baguette or tortilla wrap.
Served with the sausage are enoki mushrooms, caramelized onion, cheddar cheese, tomato salsa and salad dressing. I find the enoki mushrooms to be quite delectable. This is not your average hot dog sandwich.
The potato is also boiled beforehand before grilling. The potato is served with its skin intact. Some people dislike potato skin, but I find it quite appealing. Tomato salsa and salad dressing serve as flavoring. Besides grilled potato, I think Iutang can also experiment with aluminium-wrapped potato with condiments like garlic or mint.
The food portion of Iutang Classic Set is quite filling. It serves well as a proper meal, not just as street snack. Having said so, I feel that some salad on the side should give the meal an extra edge of appeal.
For an additional RM5.00 to the Iutang Classic Set, the carbonated drink can be replaced with any beverage on Hana Cafe’s menu, including coffee or tea.
I think Iutang is one place which deserves a visit whenever you are in Tanjung Bungah. Of course if you have fallen in love with Iutang already, there is nothing else I need to say!
Name: Iutang (油桶)
Address: 11, Jalan Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 016-441-6163
Business hours: 7:00pm-11:00pm, closed on Mondays
Website: https://www.facebook.com/iutangpenang
Coordinates: 5.46577 N, 100.28931 E
Directions: Drive along Jalan Tanjung Bungah (westbound) and look out Copthorne Orchid Hotel Penang on the right. Approximately 100 meters later, there is an overhead pedestrian bridge. Another 100 meters further, Hana Cafe is located on the left. Iutang is located towards the back of Hana Cafe. There is ample parking space in front of the building. In the rare event that front parking is full, there is more parking at the back.