Penang685 Washington St.

Chinatown, Boston 02115

(617) 451-6373

If you've ever dined out in Chinatown, you might have been overwhelmed by the amount of Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean restaurants that have found their homes in Boston's little-Asian backdrop. However, if you're not in the mood for dim sum, spring rolls or kimchi, there is another Asian dining alternative that most overlook. Malaysian cuisine is part Thai, part Chinese and yet it is altogether its own unique and delectable experience.

Penang-Boston is part of a chain of restaurants by the same name that serves up delicious and affordable Malaysian fare. New York City alone has five Penang bistros, and for good reason. The restaurants have both a date-friendly and family-friendly atmosphere, with cozy wood furniture and warm lighting, as if you've stepped into a wharf-side eatery in the Orient. In Boston, the restaurant is just bustling with activity and conversation every weekend.

Despite the full house, the staff at Penang is attentive and friendly. Appetizers such as the irresistible Roti Canai, described on the menu as a crispy Indian-style pancake with a curry chicken dipping sauce, was delivered a few minutes after placing the order. It is worth getting more than one of the roti, at $3.25 a plate,. The Penang Satay Beef ($6.25) satisfied a craving for red meat, although the satay sauce was a little too sweet for the meat, which seemed slightly overcooked. Entrees followed soon after the appetizers. Some main dishes, such as Hainanese Chicken with Rice ($5.50) come with a side of raw vegetables similar to a light salad and a generous serving of scrumptious chicken-flavored rice, which can also be ordered for rice-less entrees at a dollar a bowl.

Other main dishes include Clay Pot Pearl Noodles ($6.75), an ample-sized dish with an assortment of vegetables, shrimp and chicken in a heavy gravy and Nasi Lemak. Nasi Lemak also comes as a fried house special ($6.95) and includes coconut fried rice with shrimp, ham, and egg. It is about as substantial as a large side order of fried rice, so if you want a little more variety, try the Nasi Lemak combo ($6.50), which includes a large portion of the rice, a side of raw vegetables (usually cucumbers in a light vinaigrette), curry chicken and cold anchovies similar to those served with Korean dishes. The Mango Shrimp dish, also available with chicken, is a must-try for those with a taste for sweet, fruity entrees. A personal favorite was the Malaysian style spare ribs, which came hot and tender with a crispy coating. A side order of coconut rice ($1.00) complemented the dish, although the very large portions meant that a take-home container was definitely needed.

Altogether, Penang is a culinary experience that cannot be missed. Appetizers range from approximately $3 to $7, while entrees are $6 and up, which may either be rice or noodle dishes or the more exotic fare like stewed frogs (for a partial menu, see go.boston.com/penang). The price range is definitely well within the confines of the college student's wallet, so the next time you and your friends are in the Chinatown/Back Bay area, skip the same old Chinese food and stop by Penang. Your taste buds will not regret it.