17 Comments
User's avatar
Elizabeth Tai's avatar

As you know, Penang is not just my hometown, it's my heart-town. It's the place my ancestors settled over a century (or more) ago. But Taiping, seriously, I really want to visit it if fate allows me. So far, three times, and I've not succeeded. I've spun a romantic tale where, in my past life, I've somehow offended the gods of Taiping haha.

Anyway, a colleague told me that there's this really famous Yong Tau Foo store in Taiping town that I need to try, so maybe my fourth attempt is the charm?

Expand full comment
Rachel Ooi's avatar

I like the term "heart-town"!

Taiping will always be there, ever receiving. I am sure you will get there eventually :)

Let me know when you try out that store and if you like it! I also recommend trying out Golden Corner for a simple bowl of Kai See Min (chicken noodle soup)! It's different from Ipoh's!

Expand full comment
HyaenaDad 🧨's avatar

Twas beautiful writing, Rachel. I felt that i was walking around the main road where Slang Malam and Panorama hotel sits. (Well, not exactly, but somewhat there).

Was the old aunty selling wantan noodles along the KFC row already there?

Was it after 3 or before 3pm where the first raindrop counts? Haha.

Not to mention that food court where char kuey teow #46 is washed down with leng chee kang or ang tau kar. Brilliant.

There is beauty in life when we finally recognise that there isn't a separate one from the self.

Expand full comment
Rachel Ooi's avatar

I love your memories of Taiping! That's a good question about the raindrop count. And yes, the food—there were so many of them. What is the year range of your memories? My essay spans a few decades, mostly the 1970s-90s.

Expand full comment
HyaenaDad 🧨's avatar

I remembered sporadic trips when i was younger, but those memories that stuck was of the early 2000s. That's when i had the good fortune of joining my (uni) senior's research projects in Matang.

And to think...i haven't even mentioned the food stuff from over then other side yet! Of the rojaks and train station gerais!

Expand full comment
Emily Ding's avatar

Enjoyed reading this. Have you seen the movie Rain Town? Caught it in cinemas in KL some two years ago. The setting was very atmospheric

Expand full comment
Rachel Ooi's avatar

Oh, thanks for reminding me about this movie. It's on my list, and I haven't gotten around to finding where I can watch it.

Expand full comment
Ashleigh at Travel Bugg's avatar

Rachel, what a beautiful piece about your hometown.

You’ve captured the feeling of growing up in a smaller, more rural place so eloquently; it reminds me of where I grew up (a tiny village on the cusp of a major metropolis) even though it’s on the other side of the world.

This makes me wish I’d stopped in Taiping on my way from Penang to Ipoh, really lovely work!

Expand full comment
Rachel Ooi's avatar

Thanks Ashleigh. I'm glad I captured the feeling that resonates—across the world, no less! Someday, there might be a chance to visit :)

Expand full comment
Ashleigh at Travel Bugg's avatar

Rachel, thank you for your reply, I hope so! 😌

Expand full comment
Ingrid Haring-Mendes's avatar

A beautiful piece, Rachel!

Expand full comment
Rachel Ooi's avatar

Thank you, Ingrid ❤️

Expand full comment
Sophie S.'s avatar

This is so beautifully written and so nice to learn a bit more about your hometown!

Expand full comment
Rachel Ooi's avatar

Thank you, Sophie!

Expand full comment
Rachel W.yen's avatar

I love what you've written here about your hometown! Your words paint such a romantic picture. For me, the place that will always hold the most memory for me and that will always feel like my home is also the town I grew up in, Ipoh. ♥️

Expand full comment
Rachel Ooi's avatar

Ipoh! Hello, neighbor. :) our hometowns are inextricably tied together.

Expand full comment
Rachel Ooi's avatar

Thanks, Ashley!

Expand full comment