HK Boy Cart Noodles (香港仔车仔面) @ The One, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Malaysians have certainly professed their love for Hong Kie food, ever since HK Boy Cart Noodles (香港仔车仔面) first opening in central, the response has been more than positive. Fortunately, Penang is included in their recent expansion plan and their first branch in Penang is located at The One Mahsuri, Bayan Lepas. Over the opening weekend, the place was thronged with curious foodies, waiting eagerly in queue to taste the Hong Kong delights. As suggested by the name, the brand's signature dish is Cart Noodles... a popular Hong Kong street food that allows diners to customize and build its own bowl of noodles... with a variety of toppings and ingredients. To suit the theme, the restaurant's interior is designed accordingly... with bold Hong Kong characteristics. Aside from the signature Cart Noodles, the restaurant churns out many popular Hong Kong snacks as well. 

Golden Spoon Charcoal Steamboat (金汤匙火炭炉店) @ Precinct 10, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

One of the latest entrants to the local steamboat scene is Golden Spoon Charcoal Steamboat (金汤匙火炭炉店); conveniently located at Precinct 10 (which solves the parking issue for you), the Teo Chew-styled Fish Head steamboat is now one of the hottest steamboat spots for the families living nearby. It takes up a corner lot so the dining hall is spacious... equipped with air-conditioners, it makes eating in front of a steaming hot pot less-agonizing. There is only one type of broth available here with 3 packages available- Fish Head, Fish Meat or no Fish at all... though you can always opt for the add-ons. Though prices are on the higher side as compared to its competitors, the serving portions are however, larger than expected... so do plan your orders accordingly. 

Penne & Spaghetti @ Raja Uda, Butterworth, Penang.

The name- Penne & Spaghetti speaks it all, it's a place that would excite all Pasta lovers but what amazing is not the menu but the flexibility of the pasta combination as well as its shockingly wallet-friendly price tags. Apart from the standard pasta dishes, the restaurant allows diners to customize their own combination of Pasta, sauce and toppings. Given the fact that the restaurant is fully air-conditioned and the unbeatable prices, the place fits for a casual meal if you are in the neighborhood. 

Sungai Kob Leisure Farm Restaurant (喜洋洋河鲜农场餐馆) @ Karangan, Kulim, Kedah.

Escape the city crowd and head over to Karangan, a quiet-remote area off Kulim Kedah... approximately an hour drive from Georgetown. Karangan is surrounded by many Palm Trees, driving into the area feels like entering jungles but the area houses many hidden Seafood restaurants. One of the latest additions is Sungai Kob Leisure Farm (喜洋洋河鲜农场餐馆), opened in late 2017, the farm is a good 5 minute drive away from the main road of Karangan (via bumpy roads surrounded with Palm Trees and woods). The setting definitely deserves a big "WOW", the dining area is beautifully decorated with many Chinese elements; especially note-worthy is the wooden hut built along the river... allowing diners to kick back, relax and enjoy the sumptuous meal amidst the greens. On the menu, the restaurant proffers a great variety of Chinese dishes with great emphasis on freshwater fish. The standard catch of Patin, Catfish, Tilapia are there but if you have an extra dollar to splurge, expensive option like Empurau is also available. 

Xin Fu Wei Dao Cafe (幸福味道糖水小屋) @ Weld Quay, Georgetown, Penang.

The crowd from this nondescript eatery is mostly made up of tourists... whom casually strolling along Weld Quay or after their visit to the clan jetties but do not be frightened by the foreign crowd. Xin Fu Wei Dao Cafe (幸福味道糖水小屋) is truly an eatery that is friendly even to the locals... you will find a huge banner hanging outside promoting its big range of desserts so naturally those are their specialties. But if you wish to fill up your tummy, they offer locals' favorites- Lam Mee and Hokkien Mee as well.... and if you are lucky enough, you will also find the famous Penang Hill Chai Tau Kuih mobile stall there as well (only on certain days... perhaps weekends). The dining space is a little snug but you will surprised that part of it is air-conditioned. Despite serving tourists (their major clientele) mostly, the prices are still very much local-friendly. This is a place that I would love to have my casual meal there and end with nourishing Tong Sui. 

Da Seo Korean Restaurant @ Queensbay Mall, Penang.

Formerly Omaya, the spot has since been replaced by Da Seo Korean Restaurant... a new Pork-Free Korean restaurant, with lesser choices. The relationship between the 2 brands remains unclear but what we could tell was the similarities on the offering. Though there is a cut on the menu, the signature dishes remain untouched. Neither the prices nor the interior decor did not change much either but the quality deteriorated and did not meet up to our expectations....

Kuih Culture @ Kimberley Street, Georgetown, Penang.

There's so much love for Nyonya Kuih and we can see them everywhere, on almost every occasion- parties, celebrations or ceremonies; not only for the taste but the eye-pleasing colors as well. Kuih Culture, one of the newly opened Kuih shops in the heart of Georgetown; offers an extensive range of Nyonya Kuih with an array of local delights.... and a little Hainanese blend. Expect to find Assam Laksa, Nasi Lemak, Kerabu Bee Hoon to Hainanese Chicken Chop or even icy sweet treats like Ice Kacang and Cendol. It's hard not to notice the display of colorful Kuih near the entrance, while they do stock and display some of them, the selection on display is rather limited (probably 5-6 types of Kuih only). The Kuih is priced higher than most Kuih stalls in the markets but the dining space is definitely more comfortable. Suitable for light meals or afternoon tea. 

Lip's Burger @ Nan Shan Kopitiam, Paya Terubong, Penang.

A relative newcomer to the Penang burger scene, Lip's Burger sets up in one of the busiest food courts in the neighborhood of Paya Terubong. Unlike the typical Burgers, there will be no patties but instead... real, fatty and juicy meat. The meats are fresh and carefully marinated by the proprietor; expect no big and overwhelming menu but a simple, straight-forward one. Prices are typically lower than restaurants but given that it is housed in a food court, there are plenty of options for your dining partners. 

Many thanks to Lip's Burger for hosting us that evening.

Lao Sher Tea House (老舍茶馆) @ Burmah Road, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

There are a handful of hidden lunch places in Georgetown, the secret is well-kept by the white collar workers. Lao Sher Tea House (老舍茶馆) is one of them; it has been operating for more than a decade and has been serving wholesome meals to its diners. Like the name implies, it sells a great variety of premium Chinese Tea but at the same time, offers a Chinese and Thai-influenced menu. Visitors can sip on the slowly brewed Chinese Tea while enjoying the dishes. Prices are very reasonable considering the generous serving portion. There are plenty to choose from and we did not manage to try most of the menu. Nevertheless, we love the home-cooked factor here and how the place runs like a private kitchen... definitely worth checking out. 

Arte Restaurant @ Argyll Road Launches New Menu 2018

Originally started as a casual dining restaurant but along the journey, Arte has decided to up the dining ante, changing its business strategy to position the restaurant as a posh, upscale dining spot that sets to impress. Speaking of exclusivity, the restaurant now opens to a maximum of 16 diners every evening; this move allows them to stay focused on the quality, ensuring the dishes are delivered in top notch quality. There is also a change on menu, instead of a great variety, it now rolls out special prix fixe French-inspired menu with 3 different options- the Gastronomic Menu (Rm 280 per pax), the Prestige Menu (Rm 398 per pax) and the Healthy Green Menu (Rm 128 per pax); with some ala-carte choices for those who wish to select their dishes. The culinary philosophy is to present the natural flavors of the ingredients in its simplest form or with minimal touch. Excellent service and premium dishes, expect a wonderful and memorable dining experience at Arte Restaurant.

On a side note, remember to request for a tour at the Art Gallery on the first floor of the restaurant. 

Many Thanks to Arte Restaurant for hosting us that afternoon.

SoyaTec (缘豆家) @ The One Mahsuri, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

The demand for Tau Hua (Soya Beancurd) is continually growing, the classic dessert is known have a myriad of health benefits and the fact that its simple and light makes it suitable as an afternoon tea time snack or quick supper fix. But the new kid on the block- SoyaTec (缘豆家) offers a slight twist to the local delicacy. It adopts Japanese technology and cooking method... sans Gypsum (石膏粉). On top of that, there's a nice touch to the Syrup in lieu of the traditionally used Black Sugar. The other products- the Soymilk series is also worth-looking. Noteworthy flavors include Matcha, Sesame, Chocolate, Coffee and of course, the classic ones. It runs as a takeaway spot but if you wish to dine-in, there are a couple of tables available too. A must-check out place for ardent fans of Soya Milk and Soya Beancurd.

JiangHu Edo Restaurant (江户) @ Magazine Road, Georgetown, Penang.

You might not even notice JiangHu Edo's existence, the slightly oddball restaurant situated at Magazine Road (few doors away from Magazine 63) specializes in Japanese-Fusion dishes. Sure the name would ring a bell but many have not even heard/ seen the name; the fact that the place carries no signage makes it even harder for the public to notice. Enter via the main entrance at Magazine Road and make your way to the end of the space... a modern dining hall with minimalist type of elegance where sleek and clean utensils are carefully displayed. JiangHu Edo does not offer big menu but 3 types of course dinners and a list of ala-carte items. Prices are middle-upper range... pretty fine offering, more like a choice for times when you need to seriously impress or for occasions. 

Oppa Korean BBQ @ Hillside, Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

With an inviting, homey setting, Oppa Korean BBQ has quickly become one of the favorite casual dining spots in the neighborhood but the Korean restaurant is not new. It started off in Gurney Paragon Mall's food court but has since relocated to this present location near Hillside of Tanjung Bungah. Though the menu is not as extensive as other established Korean joints, the pricing appears to be more budget-friendly. The restaurant is manned by a Korean so the authenticity factor speaks for itself. Reasonably priced, comfortable dining environment; this could be one of the decent options to sate your Korean cravings without putting a dent on the wallet. 

Joies Cafe @ Moulmein Road, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

Started off as a Sourdough specialist, Joies Sourdough has finally expanded and opened a new cafe at the clamoring Pulau Tikus area. Expect the menu to be Sourdough-centric... with various add-ons to the bread; additional offering includes a small variety of Pasta dishes, Pizza and Salad. The health-conscious will be glad to know that Joies does not use Sugar and artificial flavoring for its range of traditional artisan Bread. It was also learnt that Joies Cafe does not serve meat... only plant-based ingredients and dairy/eggs. Modern-chic and comfortable atmosphere, the place is a great choice over breakfast and light-meals (serving portion might be too small for proper meals); superior food quality by the way.

Fisherman's Wharf (槟城渔人码头)- Great Cheap Eats @ Karpal Singh Drive, Georgetown, Penang.

Penang is a State blessed with myriad of street and hawker food; hawker centers are part of our lives and we are never bored of getting excited to visit all these hawker centers! If you are one of us or intend to indulge in a great variety of local food (this is the best way to savor authentic and yummy local delights), make your way to Fisherman's Wharf.... one of the largest food courts in town. The place is not new but was recently taken over by a new management (since last quarter of 2017) and therefore, given a new face to the place. It is now more organized, cleaner with more food choices  available (Fisherman's Wharf houses more than 40 food stalls). The locals' favorites- Curry Mee, Hokkien Mee, Char Koay Kak, Koay Teow Th'ng, Lam Mee, Lor Bak, Bak Kut Teh etc are all there but if you or your guests prefer a little international variety, there are Pizza, Shawerma, Burgers, Japanese and Korean dishes as well. Rest-assured, all items are reasonably priced to the "hawker" standard and will not put a dent on your wallet. It's also worth mentioning that at certain hours, there will be live band performances.... imagine spending your weekend evenings on great food, chilled Beers and live performances at the beach front. Ample Free Parking space too if that's your concern.

This post is brought to you by Fisherman's Wharf.