• This week’s Weekend Ride highlights the superb mee sotong (fried squid noodles) or mee rebus (stewed noodles)

• Good lunch option located at the Esplanade Park Food Court, just 20 minutes from the first Penang Bridge

• Opens Mondays to Saturdays (Closed on Sundays, probably to watch MotoGP or WordSBK races too)

Welcome to another ‘The Weekend Ride’ segment right here on Bikes Republic. This week, we’re featuring one of the most iconic dishes ever to be produced from the little island of Penang; the incredible Mee Sotong (squid noodles) from Hameed ‘Pata’ food place located in Esplanade Park Food Court near Padang Kota Lama.

As we all know, Penang is famously-known as the best food haven in the country. Most of us would agree on this based on the fact that such a small area can house a variety of cultures from in and out of the country. Although most of them may have their differences, the gap was brought closer thanks to the most effective form of peace offering available; FOOD.

With the mash-up of such diversity, going to Penang to settle any cravings is a no-brainer. From nasi kandar to wantan mee, everything is superb but the one thing that’s constantly being reminded in this writer’s mind is the squid noodles.  Not just any squid noodles but the one made at Hameed ‘Pata’ in Padang Kota Lama.

They have a couple of excellent choice either fried or enveloped in a thick and rich broth-like sauce called Mee Rebus or stewed noodles. Ranging from RM5 to RM7, it’s actually a cheap lunch option that packs huge flavours.

Eating this delicacy might be a bit spicy for some but the stall’s next door neighbour provides the best coconut shake on the island. The sweet ice-blended coconut concoction with a scoop of ice cream on top perfectly complements the mee sotong on a nice sunny day.

Getting to Penang from Kuala Lumpur will take a few hours considering a few pit stops in between. A day trip is not for the faint of hearts so we suggest finding a nice place to stay upon reaching the island.

There are so many choices from the super posh to the super affordable so we reckoned you’ll find the right accommodation all for the best squid noodles in town. The closest hotel would be the Royale Bintang Hotel or the Chambers Hotel, both located within walking distances to the food court.

The stall at the food court is open for business from 11.30am to 8.00pm from Mondays to Saturdays. They are closed on Sundays so it’s actually the perfect riding destination during MotoGP weekends where the races are on Sundays. Start your engines on Friday, have a good time in the evening and get the best lunch on Saturday to satisfy any savoury cravings. Head back home on Sunday and get comfortable on the couch while watching the MotoGP race. BEST.WEEKEND.EVER.