Woodlands Indian Vegetarian - Penang

If you compare Malaysia and Singapore there is one cuisine that is significantly better in Singapore opposed to its neighbour - Indian food.  For regular readers of my blog, you will know that I am an avid fan of Indian food.  It has always been the cuisine that has felt closest to my heart.  For Penang, there are really very limited options for Indian food.  Although Penang technically has a 'Little India' in Georgetown, it is nothing like the enormous vibrant Little India that exists in Singapore.  Today I will be reviewing one of the few vegetarian Indian eateries in Penang - Woodlands.  The other major vegetarian Indian eatery Sri Ananda Bahwan is located just opposite from Woodlands, on the same road.










Woodlands Vegetarian Restaurant
Location: 60 Lebuh Penang, Georgetown, Penang
Contact: 04-263 9764
Opening Hours: Daily 8.30am-10.00pm 


To kick things off I went for the Banana Bajji.  Bajji (bahji) comes in many different forms, but basically they are deep fried finger food snacks.  I remember growing up in England, one of the most popular Indian snacks was onion bahji served wih mint chutney - I still miss it!  These banana bahji's were pretty forgettable overall, with there being little banana actually inside.  Instead, it was quite doughy on the inside, with little taste.  Not something that I would order again.  There are a total of four pieces.

Price: RM2.10.     5/10
Even those with extremely limited Indian food vocabulary, will undoubtedly know the notorious South Indian snack/meal dosai.  This Masala Dosai was grand, thin, crispy and an utter joy to consume.  The dosai comes with the usual array of Indian chutneys derived from coconut and tomato.  There was also a intensely flavoured sambar.  The only thing I felt that could be improved was the quality of the potato masala, which was at the center of the dosai.  It was quite dull, with there being little flavour.  Overall a pretty well cooked dosai though.

Price: RM2.80.     7/10


Conclusion - Out of the two Indian vegetarian eateries in Georgetown, I would have to say that I find the quality of food slightly better at Sri Ananda Bahwan.  Having said that, there is not a huge difference in food quality, and the ambiance is slightly better at Woodlands, so it is certainly worth visiting if you're craving South Indian food.

Overall Rating
Food - 6/10
Ambiance- 8/10
Service - 6/10
Value - 7/10