In 1786, after its initial development, Penang Island immediatelybecame a free port and a strategic military base which westerncountries vied for. Very soon Penang blossomed into an important economic centre in the18th century, and it was during that time when Indian tradersbrought curry to the island.India is truly the curry empire, even the word âcurryâ originatedfrom a Tamil word that means âsauceâ. The British first introducedcurry to the western countries, and from there it began to spreadto the East and became a hot favourite among the easterners,especially the South-east Asian countries.Curry immediately became a hit in Penang after its initialintroduction, finding its rightful place as the main ingredient forcooking various dishes. People mixed curry with all sorts of food,adding splendour and style to the spicy assortment.