Fuku Eatery & Desserts @ Mano Plus, Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

One of the latest hits in Penang- Fuku Eatery & Desserts at Mano Plus has been storming social media with its aesthetically pleasing outlook; the building houses both Fuku and Mano Plus... an artsy space with a surreal mix of artistic atmosphere and tummy-pleasing offering. This is the first brick and mortar Penang flagship store for Mano Plus... which showcases a variety of simple, but creatively crafted products for modern lifestyle experience. Fuku on the other hand, is a casual dining spot (sharing space with Mano Plus) that offers a simple Japanese-influenced menu. Apart from the alluring food offering, we believe the combination of artistic charm contributes to the pulling factor as well (the place is constantly thronged with visitors since its opening).

Mee 8 Cafe (食面八坊) @ Chai Leng Park, Perai, Penang.

Noodle lovers can make your way to Chai Leng Park, the food galore has just received a new addition- Mee 8 Cafe. The offering may seem similar to Pan Mee but its actually Dao Xiao Mian (knife-cut noodles); the noodle-specialist adopts a rather odd ordering system but if you are a new comer, there will be a dedicated server to assist you. The options are limited for mains but there are many combinations available when it comes side dishes; though serving portion is a little small, the price is of affordable range. Not too shabby if you are looking for a comfortable space that offers good variety of side dishes. 

[Hotel Review] DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang @ Batu Ferringhi, Penang.

A short 15 minute-drive away from the bustling Georgetown, this newly refurbished resort located at the Northern island offers a pleasant refuge after a hectic day exploring the heritage city. The resort faces the beach while the other sides are surrounded by serene greens. The 316-room and suite resort is the only resort under Hilton's group in Penang. All rooms are equipped with modern facilities with majority of them feature private balcony and partial/ full sea views. The modern resort can be a good choice either for a quick family getaway or brief business stay; it has answers to all your requirements- fitness center, swimming pool, spa center, business meeting rooms and a ballroom. For those who wish to be closer to nature, simply walk across the overhead bridge to 'Miami Beach' of Batu Ferringhi. Also, the resort is home to Malaysia's first teddy bear-themed museum, TeddyVille (hotel guests get to enjoy discounts). It's also note worthy that the resort provides complimentary shuttle to tourist attractions in Georgetown and Batu Ferringhi.

Many Thanks to DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang for hosting us.

12 Senses Cocktail Bar (龍虎門) @ Lebuh Presgrave, Georgetown, Penang.

Everyone enjoys to be part of a secret, which explains why the speakeasy bar scene is burgeoning. There has been a few speakeasies in Penang made known to netizens via social media and people are thrilled to explore all these hidden gems. Housed in one of the common-unnoticed heritage houses at Lebuh Presgrave, the place is relatively easy to find but visitors tend to question if this is 'the' exact place due to the absence of proper signage. Walk in the place and you will find yourself standing in front of a solid, rigid door that does not seem to be move a little when pushed or pulled. The key lies at the wooden dummy meant for Kungfu trainers behind. Push the 'hand' down and the door will open magically. Step inside and you will find yourself instantly teleported to a space with ancient Chinese-styled interior... with traditional Chinese knick knacks adorning the walls and a small stage in the middle. The server will greet and escort you to your table, if available. Pretty chic, cool place for a drink, a short escape from the usual, busy modern bars.

Le Harlequin Cafe @ Maritime Automall, Karpal Singh Drive, Penang.

With a name like Le Harlequin Cafe, one would expect the place to serve up Coffee or Cakes but in actual fact, it brings stir-fried Seafood to the table. Like some of the restaurants in town, the Seafood will be first cooked and seasoned, then serve on the table. Diners will then wear gloves to pick up their choice. Not so much on the variety but the thrill to explore the mass together with a group of dining-mates. Prices are generally more affordable than some establishments in town but the lack of choices makes it a place more for novelty than absolute taste. On a side note, the servers did not seem to be flexible enough to accommodate our requests (on rearranging our seating and placing orders).

[New Spring Menu] Ultimate Chef's Tasting Menu @ Farquhar Mansion, Georgetown, Penang.

Positioned as one of the luxurious restaurants in town, this discreetly elegant restaurant is the de-facto place for a classic but extravaganza tasting menu. To constantly entice and excite the dining obsessives in town, Farquhar Mansion has been actively rolling out new menus. For the Spring 2018 Chef's Tasting Menu, the restaurant focuses on simplicity and bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients. The Ultimate Chef's Tasting Menu is priced at Rm 278 (excluding service charge and taxes) per pax with an option for wine pairing (additional Rm 180 per pax).

Many Thanks to Farquhar Mansion for hosting us that evening.

Lou Xiang Seafood Porridge (楼香海鲜粥) @ Simpang Ampat, Penang.

A short drive from Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah bridge (also known as the Penang 2nd Bridge) will land you at the southern mainland of Penang... an area with many hidden gems waiting for foodies to uncover. At the heart of Simpang Ampat, Lou Xiang Seafood Porridge (楼香海鲜粥) is like a communal dining space for the residents residing in the neighborhood, serving staples and tummy-pleasing dishes like Koay Teow Th'ng, Fish Noodles and Crab Porridge. In fact, the Seafood Porridge is also known to serve some of the greatest Crab Porridge around (and braised Chicken); many travel far just to have a taste on the Porridge. Be there early if you want to skip the queue, it gets crowded in the evenings, especially on weekends. We must concur that this is indeed one of the better places for Crab Porridge, their braised Chicken with Soy Sauce is not to be missed either. 

Yu Pin Ji Steamboat (鱼品记泉水蒸汽石锅) @ Abu Siti Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

There's been a spate of new Steamboat restaurants opening in Georgetown, diners are overwhelmed with choices. Yu Pin Ji Steamboat (鱼品记)... opened its doors slightly before Chinese New Year, has been under the spotlight of many since then. One of the main reasons being the flashy, gigantic signage displayed outside the restaurant. The place offers fancy steamboat options alongside with some classic ones; the menu is China Chinese-influenced, featuring an array of Sze Chuan Spicy dishes and steamboat ingredients. Prices are on the higher side but given the fully air-conditioned space, top-notch service and generous serving portion, we thought it was worthwhile.

Putien (莆田) @ Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang.

Penang has no shortage of great Chinese cooking but many are still excited over the news that Putien, a Michelin-starred restaurant is coming to Penang. The name Putien has resemblance over Putian, a coastal suburb of Fujian, China; like what the name suggested, the restaurant specializes in offering authentic Fujian cuisine. The brand started out in Singapore (in year 2000) but has since grown into an internationally recognized brand with close to 50 branches in Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, China and Taiwan. Over the years, the brand has won numerous awards and the most notable one being the Michelin awards, one of the highest honors in dining... a one-Michelin star in the recent Michelin Guide Singapore 2016 & 2017. The brand carries agricultural produce and seafood directly from Putian, with its array of handcrafted products, Putien is commited to deliver the best it could to the foodies in Penang. Putien's latest addition is located on the 6th floor of Gurney Paragon Mall, right next to Rakuzen and Sushi Zanmai. 

Many Thanks to Putien for hosting us.

Kio-Ka Noodles (桥下面馆) @ Bishop Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Penangites' all time favorite staple- Koay Teow Th'ng, received an upgrade from Kio-Ka Noodles, the new kid on the block offers Koay Teow Th'ng with style (and a variety of add-ons). The timeless cook-to-order Koay Teow Th'g remains as popular but for those with deep pockets, having Grouper Fish Koay Teow Th'ng or adding Prawns to the delicacy is an option. The menu is Koay Teow Th'ng-focused, with a small spread of side orders. It's hard to relate from the interior decor, it somehow gives us an impression that the place serves Nyonya food due to the shades of Straits Chinese/ Peranakan elements. Though affordable priced, the choices are rather limited but if you are looking for a comfortable, air-conditioned space to enjoy a quick meal, this place is a decent choice. 

Hoshino Coffee (星乃咖啡店) @ Queensbay Mall, Penang.

Hailed from Japan, Hoshino Coffee has taken the town by storm since its opening a few weeks ago. The well-established Japanese brand has presence over Singapore, South Korea, China and Malaysia... with the newly opened branch at Queensbay Mall being the first branch in Penang. Apart from its highly acclaimed Japanese Coffee, the restaurant serves a variety of Japanese-Western food like Pasta, Paella, Omu Rice, French Toasts and Souffles. The overwhelming responses discouraged many from patronizing the shop, we must admit that it did take us 3 visits (absurdly long queue) before we could even enter the restaurant. Decent food with generous serving and wallet-friendly prices; we are not surprised with the constant influx of patrons keep returning for the food.

Whisk @ Queen Street, Georgetown, Penang

One of the long-established cafes in town- Chai Diam Ma is taken over by Whisk recently. Whisk appealed to netizens from its aesthetically pleasing sweet treats... specially rolled out for Valentine's Day. The interior decor remains unchanged but the menu has taken a spin... with new items like Salmon Don, Breakfast Toasts and a range of their home-made desserts... seasonal items available with constant upgrades to the menu. The place is quite rundown (though some would call it nostalgic-charm) and the air-conditioners were not functioning properly (due to wooden flooring), we do not see the place as a comfortable space to chill out... for if you are there for the food, the menu is not shabby (though a little small). 

Olivia's Pasta & Pizza @ Batu Lanchang, Jelutong, Penang.

Olivia's Pasta & Pizza is a tiny neighborhood restaurant in the neighborhood of Batu Lanchang, offering a range of Western eats at relatively little bucks, particularly Pasta and Pizza... pitched perfect for local and wandering food explorers. Those staying in the vicinity can now crash tackle a plate of Pasta somewhere near home. The place boasts over a casual, intimating setting with a simple, classic menu featuring some Malaysians' favorite Western dishes. It will work for a casual meal but it does not seem like an ideal place for occasion. Olivia's Pasta & Pizza can be found behind CIMB Bank Batu Lanchang.

Bibimbowl @ Summerton, Bayan Baru, Penang.

A proper Korean meal is never cheap but with the addition of Bibimbowl, Penangites can now enjoy delicious Korean quick fix at affordable price tags. As the name suggests, Bibimbowl is a space dedicated to serve the Korean mixed-rice; it is a simple, casual space that offers quick service. Apart from the signature Bibimbap, diners can find some Korean delicacies such as Cupbowl (mixture of Rice, meat and Korean Glass Noodles), Tteokbokki, Mandu etc. Prices are generally cheaper than most established Korean eateries so if you are craving for Korean food and in short of time, give this place a go. 

Bingsu 9 Korean Dessert Cafe @ Maritime Automall, Karpal Singh Drive, Penang.

The sultry tropical heat strikes and Penangites do know where and how to beat the heat. Bingsu 9 Korean Dessert Cafe has got to be the busiest cafe during this Chinese New Year holiday, visitors thronged the place and it was packed to the brim as late as midnight. It only sells Bingsu (Korean Shaved Ice) and Waffles but still making some bank. Visit in the evenings and likely you will have to wait outside, the queue to get a table requires wait as long as 1 hour. The cafe has a Bingsu-focused menu... in addition to the standard Pat Bingsu and Injeolmi, there is also a slew of other flavors like Matcha, Chocolate, Mango, Strawberry etc (9 flavors in total thus, the name of this place) as well as an array of Waffle-treats. Unless you have ample time, this place is not suggested for the time-sensitive or those dining in a group, hoping for a comfortable-cozy atmosphere.