Monday, June 30, 2014

Ling Mian Fang (琳面坊) @ Carnavon Street, Georgetown, Penang.

It is easy to find Ling Mian Fang (琳面坊), the eye-catching coffee shop occupies three shop lots along Carnavon Street and interestingly, it serves Lam Mee only. A question that pops up in my mind immediately: what makes it stands out among the ubiquity of Lam Mees? The layout of the coffee shop is simple and standard but I did notice there is a twist to the conventional Lam Mee- Dry Lam Mee and their own creation, Special Lam Mee. Spiciness is what distinguishes between the normal Lam Mee and Ling Mian Fang's special Lam Mee. Prices are generally reasonable, though a little higher than those available in hawker centers but what Ling Mian Fang offers is a cleaner and spacious seating for its customers. 

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Ramadhan Buffet Dinner @ G Cafe, G Hotel, Penang.

As the month of Ramadhan hovers over the horizon, many are wondering where to get the Buka Puasa feast fixed. For the year of 2014, G Cafe of G Hotel Penang impresses us with their extraordinary gourmet offerings. The restaurant proffers a series of unique menu (to be rotated), carefully designed not only for the local palates but it has sufficient choices to please everyone as well. 

Ramadhan Buffet Dinner (29th of June to 28th of July 2014):
6:30pm to 10pm. Daily.
Rm 88++ per person.

Aidilfitri Buffet Lunch (29th and 30th of July 2014):
12pm to 2:30pm.
Rm 68++ per person.

Aidilfitri Buffet Dinner (29th and 30th of July 2014):
6:30pm to 10pm.
Rm 88++ per person.

Many Thanks to G Hotel for extending the invitation. 

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Basil, Le Bistrot @ Kek Chuan Road, Georgetown, Penang.

**Basil has ceased its business operations since then.**

Basil, Le Bistrot... a newly opened restaurant cum cafe tucked within the heritage houses along Kek Chuan Road, opposite to Dolce Dessert Cafe, is a subsidiary to the Valerie Group, which owns a bakery at the Lower Ground Floor of Gurney Plaza. Slightly different from Valerie, Basil, Le Bistrot seeks to serve up more than just bread and pastries. The owner wishes to serve a wide range of delicate Western dishes at very affordable prices; with a couple of playful and frisky dishes. The contemporary design of the restaurant exudes a pleasing sense of tranquility with its own personal touch- the exposed pipes and light-bulbs hanging in the air. Seating is rather limited at the moment, though they have plans in expanding the dining area upstairs; advance reservation is highly recommended should you are planning to visit the place in a large group. 

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Jamuan Buka Puasa [Buffet] @ Sarkies, Eastern & Oriental Hotel (E&O Hotel), Penang.

The name Sarkies (of Eastern and Oriental Hotel Penang) is synonymous with good quality and consistently good food. It is again, the time of the year where diners get to indulge in some gloriously good Malay food as the month of Ramadhan ushering in. For the year of 2014, Sarkies of Eastern and Oriental Hotel Penang debuts a series of Ramadhan menu in conjunction to the Puasa month. Diners can look forward to a wide variety of traditional Malay delicacies as well as the regulars' favorite dishes.

Jamuan Buka Puasa: (available from 28th of June to 27th of July 2014)
7 pm to 10: 30 pm, every Sunday to Tuesday.
RM 96++ (Adult), Rm 48++ (Children)

7 pm to 10: 30 pm, every Wednesday to Saturday.
Rm 110++ (Adult), Rm 65++ (Children)

Salam Aidilfitri Hi-Tea: (available on 28th and 29th of July 2014 ONLY)
12 pm to 2:30 pm on Monday (28th of July 2014) AND Tuesday (29th of July 2014) ONLY
Rm 78++ (Adult), Rm 39++ (Children)

Salam Aidilfitri Buffet Dinner: (available on 28th and 29th of July 2014 ONLY)
7 pm to 10: 30 pm.
Rm 110++ (Adult), Rm 65++ (Children)

Many Thanks to Eastern & Oriental Hotel Penang for extending the invitation.

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Food Hunters' Guide @ Parit Buntar (巴里文打), Perak.

Planning on a short getaway from Penang? Why not head to one of the nearest places (to Penang) with many hidden gems around? Parit Buntar is approximately 45 minutes drive from Penang island and it is an ideal place for food hunters to spend half a day there for a great food adventure. During my recent visit there, I did manage to hunt down a few decent places which I thought it will be great for me to share them out with my readers and fellow food hunters. This blog post includes some worth-trying eateries in Nibong Tebal as well. 

First Stop: Ang Poh Kuan's Nasi Lemak

Friday, June 20, 2014

Lang Hoose @ Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

It's very easy to miss this place- drive along the bustling one-way Beach Street in the heart of Georgetown, you will find a curious and no-frills cafe on your right. It seeks to serve up more than an ordinary cup of Coffee and some less-exciting sandwiches. "Lang Hoose", which refers to"Long House" in Scottish; is a hotel cum cafe and bar. Traipse yourself up the steep flight of stairs and you will arrive at an open-space bar full of playful and eclectic tables with personal touch. The cozy setting of the bar channels a calm and restful vibe, making it an ideal spot to wind down and chill out with your friends. The cafe, on the other hand, is not a hipster place where you get to find some quirky elements to take a couple of selfies. However, it is definitely worth a look as the place offers some great dishes at very affordable prices (Carrot Cake for Rm 5 nett, seriously Alyson?). 

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Love A Loaf Bakery Cafe @ The One, Bayan Baru, Penang.

Love a Loaf is no ordinary bakery, their concept is simple- customers get to purchase their freshly baked artisan bread and have a sip on their skillfully brewed coffee on the spot. The bakery cum cafe concept may be common in other states of Malaysia but it is not too commonly seen in Penang just yet. Unlike any bakery next door, this humble bakery sells a rather unique range of Bread and Pastries at unrivaled prices; Strawberry Yogurt Sweet Bread, Cranberry Cream Cheese, Japanese Matcha Mochi, Fromage, Croissant Danish are some of the notable choices. A light push on the classy glass door and you will be greeted with a faint aroma of Bread and Pastries. Apart of their daily fresh bakes, Cakes are also available and guests may have a preview at the refrigerated counter. Despite they may not have the perfect setting for you to wind down, the bakery is a good place to have a quick afternoon tea and catch up with your friends. Love a Loaf Bakery Cafe is one of the new tenants of The One at Bayan Baru (facing the open-space car park). 

Ken's suggestion: It will be the best if you could make your visit there between 12pm to 1pm, that's the time where all the Bread and Pastries are available and freshness is guaranteed. 

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Angkiki Steamboat Hot Pot @ Anson Park, Georgetown, Penang.

Despite the roaring steamboat restaurants mushrooming in Penang, one still finds it tough to find a cheap and good steamboat place especially if you wish to cut through the novelties and get straight down to the solid basics. The opening of Angkiki Steamboat is definitely a good news to local foodies. Expect no classy setting nor very cozy ambiance but rather, it is housed within a very simple and no-frills hawker center along Anson Road. Angkiki Steamboat provides unabashed steamboat packages at very affordable prices. Their specialties are their soup bases- Nyonya Assam Pedas and Tom Yum which are carefully designed to suit the locals' palates. Wallet-friendly, ample parking space, worth-trying soup bases, aplenty choices are some of the reasons why this place is worth a look. 

Many Thanks to Angkiki Hot Pot for extending the invitation


Set for 8 pax- Rm 138/ current promotion (valid until 31st of August 2014)- Rm 99 *recommended for 6 pax though*


Set for 2 pax- Rm 48/ current promotion (valid until 31st of August 2014)- Rm 29

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Coffee Smith (咖啡史密斯) @ Maritime Piazza, Karpal Singh Drive, Georgetown, Penang.

Opened for just a few days, the place has already proven to be another popular cafe cum restaurant for hipsters. Coffee Smith had fans licking their lips in anticipation, evidently seen from the long queues and the crowd that thronged the place over the past few days. It is also the first restaurant opened for business in the new commercial building- Maritime Piazza at Karpal Singh Drive/ Jelutong Promenade. Coffee Smith is a franchise restaurant from Taiwan and currently, the only one here in Malaysia. The first thing that amazes you after you have stepped in the restaurant would probably be their contemporary design (exposed pipes and floating light-bulbs) and their fun-lively furniture. Coffee Smith specializes in serving Western-Italian food, though prices might be on the higher side but they commensurate with the quality of the ingredients. However, service was a little lackluster and slow probably they are still new. Nevertheless, this restaurant is definitely going to be the "talk of the town", make your reservation fast if you are planning on a visit soon! 

Saturday, June 14, 2014

"Wines of the World" @ The Best Brew, Four Points by Sheraton Penang.

Wine aficionados and wine lovers will be glad to know that Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Asia Pacific debut a special promotion in conjunction with the launching of their latest promotion- "Flight of Three Wines" package. The "Flight of Three Wines" package is an extension to Starwood Hotels & Resorts' "Wines of the World" program. Featuring more than 250 wines from approximately 30 quality wineries in 11 countries across 5 continents, the program aims to make Starwood Hotels & Resorts a destination for great wine experience, no matter where travel takes you. 

Many Thanks to Starwood Hotels and Resorts for extending the invitation. 

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Joyeux Cafe @ Nagore Road, Georgetown, Penang.

A new cafe along Nagore Road (next to Mon Delice Patisserie)- Joyuex Cafe has its own personalities- it may not be as trendy as compared to other cafes in town. The interior of the cafe is rather simple, with no eclectic furniture nor heavy elements in decorations. It gives you the feeling that this is an intimate cafe in your neighborhood. On the menu, it could be a little limited currently (they are still new) but they do offer a few dishes starting from breakfast to lunch and dinner (yes, desserts too). Prices may be a little steeper (small portion anyway) as compared to other cafes but we were very happy with the outstanding quality and remarkable flavors. However, do note that the cafe has limited seating, advance reservation is recommended if you are coming in a group. 

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Some Things Never Changed @ TGI Friday's Queensbay Mall, Penang.

Do you return to your favorite restaurant(s) for a dish that you love? I certainly do. TGI Friday's steak is one of my favorites and I tend to think of this place whenever I crave for one. The restaurant has devised a sturdy menu since its first opening in Malaysia and the pork-free status has added another welcoming touch to our Muslim friends. The restaurant is also well-known for its impeccable service and extensive menu. I'll share some of my favorites in TGI Friday's in this post and it will be great if you can share some of yours with me too.

This post is brought to you by TGI Friday's Malaysia.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Kulim Best Cendol @ Jalan Kulim, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Quell the sweltering tropical heat by having a bowl of incredibly refreshing icy cold Cendol, especially when you are having a trip to the famous tourist attraction at Bukit Mertajam- St. Anne Church. You may find this little unpretentious stall by the road side selling Cendol. Manned by an old Malay couple, their Cendol defies the conventional ones where an extra touch of Pulut/ Glutinous Rice will be added for the extra chewy bite. While we thought the Cendol was not outstanding, we were sold by its hearty yet inexpensive price tag. You may wish to add this to your itinerary should you are planning a trip to the church. 

Sunday, June 8, 2014

DCOVA Cafe @ Logan Heritage, Bishop Street, Georgetown, Penang.

A stroll along Bishop Street, you will arrive at a new but curious cafe that seeks to serve a cup of good coffee and a selection of breakfast menu with a few selection of pastries/ cakes. Similarly to its precedent- Lighthouse Coffeebar, DCOVA Cafe specializes in offering coffees as well. They have an extensive range of coffees that pleases everyone. Decor is minimalist in shades of black and white, soaring ceiling adorned with mellow lights bestows a comfortable yet cozy ambiance while the seating could be more spacious to provide ample comfort; it is a very pleasant place to rest your feet and unwind. The cafe proffers all-day breakfast menu but with very limited choices at the moment.

Saturday, June 7, 2014

6-in-1 International Buffet with Chef Seth @ Spice Market Cafe, Shangri-la's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Penang.

Have a taste of India at Spice Market Cafe, Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa Penang as the restaurant invites award-winning Chef- Chef Seth Shantanu (from Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort, Kota Kinabalu) as their guest chef to present a series of his signature dishes in their 6-in-1 buffet promotion; together with the dedicated local culinary team here in Penang which shares a common passion- to serve the best dishes to diners.

Wait, there's more! Spice Market Cafe continues to surprise its diners with its unbeatable prices for their buffet spread. While the P60 promotion continues for every Monday and Tuesday (for more information, please hop over to here), the restaurant rolls out a new promotion- P70 for every Wednesday and P80 for every Thursday. It works the same way, in which diners get to enjoy a 30% discount for the restaurant's International Buffet on every Wednesday and 20% discount on every Thursday.

Many Thanks to Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa for extending the invitation. 

Prices for the buffets are as follows:

International Buffet Dinner: Sunday to Thursday
From 6:30pm to 10:30pm.
Rm 128++ (Adult), Rm 64++ (Child)
P60 on Mondays & Tuesdays
P70 on Wednesdays
P80 on Thursdays

Seafood Theme Buffet: Friday and Saturday
From 6:30pm to 10:30pm
Rm 148++ (Adult), Rm 74++ (Child)

For inquiries or reservations, kindly contact Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa at +604- 888 8888.


Chef Seth Shantanu

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Secawan Hutton @ Hutton Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

Secawan Hutton is another one of the latest cafes to burst on the Penang cafe scene; the cafe does not have any heavy and catchy elements in decorations but it does have an instagram-worthy mural wall paint though. As the cafe is very new, their menu is not fully ready and available yet. Cafe hoppers might wish to wait for a couple of weeks before they could offer their breakfast and brunch menu (which includes Egg Ben, French Toast and Big Breakfast). At present, the cafe has a few choices of Cakes and Sandwiches available. Despite prices might be on the higher side, but they commensurate with the quality and ingredients. I can see that this cafe could potentially be one of the better cafes in Penang that offers comfortable environment, lip-smacking food and a decent cup of Joe. Secawan Hutton is only a few shops away from House of Udang Galah along Hutton Lane, or a few walks away from New World Park. 

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Tofu Cafe @ Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

*Tofu Cafe has since ceased its operation.*

With myriad of options available in Penang now, finding a decent place for a weekend brunch is never an easy task. "Where for brunch?", should this question pops up in your mind, consider Tofu Cafe. The primary business of Tofu is their Hostel while the Cafe serves as a complement to the hostel guests should they feel like having brunch. However, the Cafe is open to the public on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. The snug little quaint cafe has limited seating, thus, it is not quite accommodating for larger groups. Menu-wise, Tofu Cafe does not have much to offer currently, but we were satisfied and happy with the quality and taste. While our brunch was a resounding success, we thought the service could be friendlier. 


Monday, June 2, 2014

Barista @ Vistana Hotel, Bukit Jambul, Penang.

Barista at Vistana Hotel defies the conventional way of how hotels serve food; it seeks to offer a quick grab-and-bite concept. It does not only limit to the hotel guests but the general public is more than welcome to savor their food as well. What Barista really offers is convenience, the little kiosk opens for 24/7 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) and can be an ideal place for a quick recharge and have a sip on their freshly brewed cup of Joe. Budget-conscious customers will be glad to know that all the prices stated are inclusive of Service Charge and Government Tax; nett prices in other words.The menu and prices are standardized across all Baristas at all Vistana Hotels (Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Kuantan). Barista at Vistana Hotel Penang can be found on the left of the reception and a stone's throw distance away from the main entrance to the hotel. 

Many Thanks to Vistana Hotel Penang for extending the invitation.

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Duck Meat Koay Teow Th'ng @ Xin He Coffee Shop, Anson Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Being an ardent fan of Koay Teow Th'ng, I am always on the look out for a bowl of good yet inexpensive Koay Teow Th'ng. My recent quest has brought me to this place- Xin He Coffee Shop. Tucked within a shop houses along a narrow Service Road off Anson Road, the unpretentious coffee shop serves two types of food only- Duck Meat Koay Teow Th'ng and Chicken Rice. The place has certainly gathered an appreciate following of regulars. Despite not mind-blowing, this place could be an ideal place for those who needs a quick fix on Koay Teow Th'ng without putting a dent on the wallet.