A new China Chinese Mee Tarik restaurant has opened up at The Zen Bayan Lepas. Managed by a group of Chinese Chinese Muslim, the eatery specializes Lan Zhou hand-pulled noodles complemented by a selection of Chinese stir fries and barbecue items. The space is air-conditioned though the ventilation could be improved — diners may leave with a hint of cooking smell. Dishes are reasonably priced and come in generous portions, making it a decent option for a quick, fuss-free meal.
Talk Talk Kopi is one of the many Halal options in Sunshine Central Mall Penang, it is also one of the earliest tenants to join the mall during its opening end of last year. The Kopitiam-style eatery offers Malaysian delights like Nasi Lemak, Kaya Butter Toast, Curry Chicken... and some uncommon ones include Ramen Udang (a different version of the Malaysian Mee Udang), Koay Teow Basah etc. Dishes are reasonably priced, not a bad choice if you are looking for some Malaysian dishes.
Located just across from Mercure Hotel in Tanjung Bungah, Jiao Zi Dian 饺子掂 is a cosy, air-conditioned eatery that specializes in handmade Chinese dumplings. The place is run by a lady originally from China, now calling Penang home. While dumplings take the spotlight here, the menu also features familiar Chinese stir-fry dishes like Fried Vermicelli Noodles and Fried Rice. With its comfortable setting and wallet-friendly prices, it’s a spot worth noting for dumpling lovers.
Tucked along Lebuh Victoria in Georgetown, BElement by Monism is a new dining spot that blends semi-fine dining elements with the relaxed atmosphere of a casual café. The eatery began welcoming guests in late December 2024 and offers a comfortable space for diners to enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals in a calm, contemporary setting. For lunch, the menu offers good value with a range of dishes priced from RM19.90, making it a pleasant option for those seeking an affordable yet refined dining experience.
Dolly Dim Sum has officially opened its first outlet in Penang, now welcoming diners at the Lower Ground floor of Sunway Carnival Mall. This popular Halal Dim Sum chain is known for its modern setting, consistent quality, and reasonable prices—offering an impressive spread of Dim Sum and Chinese dishes, all pork-free and Halal-certified. A great addition for those seeking affordable Halal Chinese cuisine in the north.
Many Thanks to Dolly Dim Sum for hosting us.
A new addition to Island 88, Alfresco Dining is the latest culinary venture by renowned Chef Petr Feher, a Czech-born chef whose impressive portfolio includes stints at E&O Hotel Penang, The Datai Langkawi, Siam Kempinski Bangkok, and Four Seasons Hotels around the globe.
Bringing his years of international experience to the table, Chef Petr curates a menu that fuses Western and Asian flavors—featuring some of his all-time favorite creations. The concept here is modern yet casual, with a focus on serving quality food at accessible prices. One part of the space embraces an outdoorsy, laid-back ambiance, perfect for those looking to unwind with good food and a drink or two.
Many Thanks to Alfresco Dining for hosting us.
Known as the "Rain Town," Taiping is approximately an hour’s drive from Penang Island. This charming town, home to a predominantly Chinese community, has long been known for its delicious food offerings. Our most recent visit in 2024 revealed even more new and exciting spots waiting to be discovered. Follow us in this food guide as we walk you through some of the interesting eats Taiping has to offer!
Popular local Penang Koay Teow Th'ng brand- Loh Kei 罗记 has recently expanded its footprint to a new coffee shop, bringing more food options to the Tanjung Bungah neighborhood. Housed in Leisure Cove Hotels and Apartments, Loh Kei occupies a big space on the ground floor. The coffee shop is air-conditioned. On top of its signature Koay Teow Th'ng, the menu now includes a variety of local favorites like Hokkien Mee, Western delights (available from 11 am onwards), Porridge and Rice dishes etc. A convenient spot for nearby residents to grab a quick and affordable meal.
Housed in a restored Indo-Malay bungalow along Hutton Lane, The FOUNDERS Hutton offers a calm and inviting space for casual dining. The interior features a clean and modern design, with both indoor and outdoor seating options. The place has been gaining popularity among locals for its laid-back atmosphere and versatile menu, which consists of a mix of Western and Asian-inspired dishes. Prices are reasonable, and the offerings are pork-free, making it suitable for Muslim diners. On weekends and public holidays, live band performances are held in the evening, adding a little extra to the overall dining experience.
From humble beginnings at a food court near Weld Quay back in 2018, SmokePapa BBQ has since found a new home at Bishop Street, continuing its mission of bringing Texas-style smoked barbecue to the heart of Penang. Helmed by Pitmaster Chef Hong, the restaurant focuses on barbecued meats done low and slow—its signature smoked ribs being a crowd favorite. The menu spans across various cuts, from poultry to heartier meats, all crafted with smoky depth and bold flavors.
Many Thanks to SmokePapa BBQ for hosting us.
A new addition to Taman Pekaka, Fujian Min Cuisine quietly opens its doors with a focus on comforting Fujian (or Hokkien) fare. During its soft-launch phase, the restaurant introduces a small menu that pays homage to traditional Fujian flavors, expect to see really classic Fujian dishes like Oysters Pancake, braised Seafood Noodles or Stew Rice etc. The interior is clean and welcoming, with well-spaced tables offering a comfortable dining environment for groups and families alike.
At the helm of an ex-hotelier, Meng Kei Chicken Rice 鈱记滑鸡 at CY Choy dishes out soft and tender boiled Chicken daily, together with carbohydrates like Rice, Porridge, Noodles etc. The restaurant is spacious and air-conditioned. With reasonably priced items, Meng Kei is a familiar spot among those living and working nearby, the restaurant sees a steady stream of regulars who keep coming back for more.
Laoliu Pickled Fish 老六酸菜鱼 is one of the rare places in Penang that specializes in serving Pickled Fish or Suan Cai Yu; a popular Sze Chuan delicacy with Fish served with broth and pickled Mustard Greens. The restaurant at Penang Road (opposite Cititel Penang) serves only a type of main dish- the Pickled Fish available in 3 different types of broth (Golden broth, Tomato broth and Pickled Greens broth) with some Sze Chuan-inspired sides. More for novelty experience and not exactly the most economical meal (expect to pay at least RM50 per pax for a meal here).
Horangi Korean Kitchen is one of the latest names to join Penang’s growing Korean dining landscape. Located along Jalan Dato Keramat, the restaurant presents a cozy and casual space for diners to enjoy a variety of Korean dishes. The menu features a selection of BBQ meats, traditional stews, pancakes, and banchan (Korean side dishes). Set meals are available, offering a combination of grilled items and classic Korean fare. With its casual dining atmosphere and full-flavored offerings, Horangi adds another option for Korean food lovers in town.
Tucked in the Jelutong neighborhood and right next to the Perak Road Wet Market, Tian Xia Cafe 天下茶室 dishes out local Penang delights like Char Koay Teow, Penang White Curry Mee, Koay Teow Th'ng etc. The eatery is housed in a corner lot of a residential house. Menu is not big but more than good enough for a casual quick fix. Dishes are affordably priced with Koay Teow Th'ng priced from RM6. Definitely a spot worth checking out. My suggestion- visit the place after the wet market is closed, it is easier to find yourself a parking lot compared to the mornings.
