Luca at his new Italian street food outlet in Lebuh Carnarvon
By V. Sivaji
Adding to the plethora of street food and hawker food in Penang, comes the first Italian street food outlet in Penang or even in Malaysia.
The Luca’s Panzerotti Cafe in Lebuh Carnarvon in the heart of George Town (off Chulia Street).
Owner and chef, Gianluca De Biasi or Luca is an Italian national who has settled down in Penang.
For the uninitiated, Panzerotti is a savory turnover, originating in the cuisine of central and southern Italy, which resembles a small calzone, both in shape and dough used for its preparation.
Easier described, it is like our local curry puffs but bigger in size and the fillings differ with various ingredients like cheese, mushrooms, tomatoes, thus offering a crunchy, crispy exterior and pillowy interior.
Luca even imports the tomato purees from Italy too.
“This is my mother’s recipe and as Italians we are proud of our food and heritage. We only use fresh and premium ingredients in our flour and fillings, so you can be rest assured of the taste and flavour.
“I come from the Puglia region of Italy and panzerotti is one of the popular street foods there”, shared Luca.
He added that he uses sourdough to prepare the panzerotti and It is advisable to eat the panzerotti while hot.
What more, Luca himself designed the signages and posters and the layout of the kitchen and seating arrears in the cafe too.
There are also signages on his walls to advise guests how to handle and eat the panzerotti while hot. He also has daily specials and other varieties of Italian food.
Then Luca also offers authentic Italian coffee choices and desserts for guests.
Other choices at the cafe are the “Classico” which comes with Pomodoro, Mozzarella, Origanoan Evoo, “White Lava” consists of Mozzarella, Smoked Provola, Parmigiano, and Black Pepper, clients can also add-on Gorgonzola Blue Cheese with added charges, then there is the “Funghi & Patate” containing Mozzarella, Potato Cream,Mix Garlic, Mushroom, Evoo with added choices of Truffle Pate or Turkey Ham.
Next is. “Taras” filled with Pomodoro, Mozzarella, Tuna Fish, Eggplant Mash, Capers, Red Onion, & Evoo with the option of homemade hot chilli and finally the “Luca” consisting of Smoked Pomodoro, Mozzarella, Egg fried eggplant, aged Pecorino & Basil. Guests have a choice of adding on Angus beef mini meatballs or Truffle Mushroom Pate too.
“I also make my own fresh juices, namely the Watermelon & Lime juice, Pineapple, Orange & Apple juice and Orange, Carrot & Lemon juice, Mango, the Orange & Coconut juice too.
Guests can either opt to eat-in, takeaway or delivery. Luca is helped by his Malaysian wife and a helper at the new outlet which opened a week ago.
Go check out the new eatery if you are around the area. They are open from 12pm to 10pm daily. (Scan QR code below to place your orders).
