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Penang mourns passing of co-founder of iconic Air Itam Sister Curry Mee
GEORGE TOWN: Penang bids farewell to culinary icon Lim Kooi Lai, one of the sisters behind the legendary Air Itam Sister Curry Mee.
Lim, who died yesterday, left a rich legacy that has touched generations of Malaysians and food lovers worldwide.
Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng paid tribute to Lim, remembering her not only for her food but also for her warmth and humility.
"Her warm smile, gentle greetings, and those bowls of curry noodles filled with love and heart have long become one of the most familiar and comforting memories for many of us," he said on Facebook.
Lim, along with her sister, Lim Kooi Heang, began selling their signature curry mee in 1946.
Over the decades, the sisters became cultural and culinary icons in Penang, often seen serving their famed noodles while seated on low stools, surrounded by loyal customers.
Their simple yet flavourful dish, rich with coconut milk and topped with cuttlefish and tofu puffs, became synonymous with comfort food in the region.
The sisters' contribution to Penang's food heritage was immortalised in a mural near the Air Itam market, celebrating their decades of dedication and passion.
Their stall was also featured in the prestigious Michelin Guide, listed among 80 selected restaurants, cementing its reputation as a must-visit for both locals and tourists.
The sisters, in their 90s, retired a few years ago and the curry mee stall is now being managed by the younger generation.
News of Lim's passing has sparked an outpouring of grief and fond memories across the state, with many expressing gratitude for the joy and warmth she brought through her food.
