CNN International’s new travel website (CNN Travel), has named Penang as one of 17 Asia’s best destinations to consider for the next adventure.

The article, published yesterday, singled out Penang as a mecca for food and architecture lovers. it was written by Kate Springer, a Hong Kong-based freelance writer and editor, with focus on travel, dining, culture and environmental reporting.

Her work has been published by CNN, Conde Nast Traveler, National Geographic, Vogue, Munchies, BBC Travel, Fodor’s, Time, HK Magazine, Sotheby’s, Tatler, Home Journal, Time Out Hong Kong, Revolution Magazine, Liv Magazine, Expat Parent Magazine, Horizon Magazine, Where, The List, Post Magazine, Superfuture, Fast Media and WBEZ (Chicago Public Media).

On Penang, Springer said: “Located off the western coast of Malaysia, the island of Penang is a mecca for food and architecture lovers.

“George Town, the island’s main city, makes for an ideal home base, thanks to a dynamic cityscape that’s punctuated by British colonial architecture, Buddhist temples and ornate Chinese manor houses.

“This seaside city is known as one of the world’s top food destinations, serving up a delicious mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisine.

“You’ll crave dishes like Hokkien mee (fried prawn noodles), roti canai (an Indian-influenced flat bread dish with dal or curry) and Penang laksa for years after visiting.”

Besides Penang, also named were Bhutan, El Nido in the Philippines, Bali in Indonesia, Seoul in South Korea, Rajasthan in India, Siem Reap in Cambodia, Hong Kong, Hanoi and Phu Quoc in Vietnam, The Great Wall and Xi’an in China, Chiang Rai in Thailand, Luang Prabang in Laos, Kathmandu in Nepal, Yogyakarta in Indonesia, Kyoto in Japan, Sri Lanka and Maldives.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has since taken to his official Facebook page to urge visitors to visit Penang for an unforgettable experience.

“It is a great honour for Penang. We need to ensure that we do not rest on our laurels.

“The state Tourism Committee chairman (Yeoh Soon Hin) is working very hard to transform this important economic sector so that we continue to be a destination of choice and provide job opportunities for our people,” Chow said in an immediate WhatsApp response to the New Straits Times.

On July 13 last year, Bangkok-based CNN Travel senior producer Karla Cripps, in her article “George Town, Penang: Asia’s greatest street food city?” wrote at length on Penang’s street food culture and the state as an eater’s paradise.