KEN HUNTS FOOD: Tean Ean (田园土产) @ Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Georgetown, Penang.

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Tean Ean (田园土产) @ Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Georgetown, Penang.

Tambun Biscuits (淡汶饼), Tau Sar Pneah (豆沙饼) or known as the Dragon-ball Biscuits to many, are well-known as the quintessential gift from Penang; not only do tourists often buy them as souvenirs but the locals love the biscuits as well. However, have you ever thought of where to get some decent yet freshly baked Tambun Biscuits? You might be able to find your answer here at Tean Ean (田园土产).

Founded in the year 1995, Tean Ean Local Products took the prominent location of Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah- the corner unit to the junction of Gurney Drive and Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, adjacent to Northam Hotel. Buying (food) souvenirs or gifts has never been that easy as ample parking spaces are available. Some of the products we get to sample were Tambun Biscuits (淡汶饼), Horseshoe Crisps (马蹄酥) and their (肉骨茶) and I must say that I'm impressed with the quality of their Tambun Biscuits and Horseshoe Crisps. Interested parties can also register for their hands-on Tambun-biscuits baking class.

Many Thanks to Tean Ean for extending the invitation.

Tean Ean is well known for its quality freshly-baked Tambun Biscuits which we were told that no preservatives nor Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) will be added. Tean Ean tries to make the making of their Tambun Biscuits as transparent as possible where guests are able to see through the entire process via their "open kitchen" at the end of the building.

Tean Ean's Tambun Biscuits are priced reasonably in Penang's context and you can now grab yours without putting a dent onto your wallet. There are 5 flavors available in total (subject to availability) and the prices are as follow:

1) Original Flavor- Small (16 pieces/ Rm 5.70 nett), Large (32 pieces/ Rm 9.60 nett)

2) Pandan Flavor- Small (16 pieces/ Rm 6.20 nett), Large (32 pieces/ Rm 10.20 nett)

3) Coffee Flavor- Small (16 pieces/ Rm 6.20 nett), Large (32 pieces/ Rm 10.20 nett)

4) Coconut Flavor- Small (16 pieces/ Rm 6.20 nett), Large (32 pieces/ Rm 10.20 nett)

5) Sambal Udang Flavor- Small (16 pieces/ Rm 7.20 nett), Large (32 pieces/ Rm 12.20 nett)

Unfortunately, we were only able to sample the Original ones. The well-executed Mungbean Paste (the filling) was sweet with a savory end and further enlivened with the aroma inherited from the Fried Shallots. The result of mixing Water Dough and Oil Dough gives the biscuits a flaky with a slight crisp texture on the outside. The biscuits are best to be enjoyed fresh, try not to keep them too long as the biscuits/ fillings will lose the moisture and can be dried, hence, affecting the texture.

Wishing to add some fun and memorable moments to your trip to Penang? Try to go for their hands-on Tambun Biscuits baking class. Trained and experienced pastry chefs will be there to assist and guide you on the correct way(s) on the making of these traditional biscuits. At a cost of Rm 15 per person, guests are able to learn and make their own Tambun Biscuits (4 pieces per person). The learning process takes approximately 10-15 minutes while the biscuits required 20 minutes to be baked (to be taken back by the guest). On top of the hands-on experience, guests are to receive a miniature Tambun Biscuit magnet as souvenir and 8 pieces of Tambun Biscuits. The hands-on Tambun Biscuit baking lesson is available on Monday to Saturday, 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm only. Kindly call them for reservation to secure a seat as seats are limited.

Tean Ean is also proud to present their Bak Kut Teh in which the recipe has been brought down for a few generations. Bak Kut Teh or Pork Bone Soup, a Chinese Soup dish heavily infused with Herbs and Spices. Tean Ean's old recipe is said to contain 17 types of herbs and spices, 6 sachets in a box (Rm 48.90 per box), guests can add in any ingredients of their own preference in the making of the soup (be it Chicken or Pork) but a great tip shared by Mr Teh, where Garlics must be added to bring out the full flavors of the soup. If you are unsure on how to cook the soup, you may always refer to the clear and concise instructions given behind the box.