Special thanks to 68 Sotong Bakar for extending this food review invitation.
Pusat Penjaja Anjung Gurney (新关仔角小贩中心) is the home of many food stalls, one of which is 68 Sotong Bakar (68美味香鱿鱼). This family business is also known as Penang Gurney Drive Sotong Bakar (槟城新关仔角炭烧鱿鱼). As the name implies, the stall specializes in grilled cuttlefish (烧鱿鱼).
The preparation process begins with dried cuttlefish from Vietnam. The mantle (body) is first removed from the head, and then roasted gently so that the cuttlefish becomes less leathery. Next using a hand-crank steamroller, the cuttlefish is flattened and stretched into long, thin sheets.
When ordered by customers, the cuttlefish is cooked over burning charcoal for a second time. Charcoal is generally preferred because it imparts a certain degree of toastiness that cooking gas cannot provide.
When fully cooked, the cuttlefish attains chewy texture that lingers as long as it remains warm. Presented on a wax paper bowl, the cuttlefish is usually eaten with homemade chili sauce with crushed peanuts. There are two serving sizes: RM5.00 and RM10.00.
68 Sotong Bakar also accommodates take-out orders especially from tourists who wish to take this delicacy home. To this end, ready-to-eat cuttlefish is vacuum-sealed such that it remains chewy. The shelf life is around one week. No refrigeration is needed.
Name: 68 Sotong Bakar (68美味香鱿鱼)
Address: Pusat Penjaja Anjung Gurney, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 012-488-9229
Business hours: 5:00pm-10:30pm, closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays
Website: Click here
Coordinates: 5.43998 N, 100.30888 E
Directions: Pusat Penjaja Anjung Gurney is located at the northern end of Gurney Drive (Persiaran Gurney). 68 Sotong Bakar is at the middle of three sections of Anjung Gurney. Street parking is available along Gurney Drive and in nearby shopping malls like Gurney Plaza.
