Friday, April 28, 2017

Floating Seafood Paradise Restaurant (钓鱼台水上海鲜) @ Bukit Tambun, Simpang Ampat, Penang.

Bukit Tambun is the de-facto Seafood place for Penangites- when we want to look for fresh and inexpensive Seafood, Bukit Tambun is the place to go. The recent development of Batu Kawan (the neighborhood next to Bukit Tambun) has brought in large influx of visitors. The demand for fresh Seafood has increased tremendously and many new Seafood restaurants have sprung up in the recent years. Floating Seafood Paradise is one of them. But apart from offering extraordinary seafood dishes, the dining atmosphere is one of a kind too... the restaurant floats. It sits on a man-made fish pond and one would feel the 'rocking dizziness' (like being hit by waves while on boat) while dining in-house but that's part of the package. There's no menu here but the server will recommend whatever they are ready to serve on that day. To find the place, drive along Jalan Bukit Tambun and look for the signage on your right, turn in and you will find it shortly on your left. 

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

ÉNFD @ Immigration Road, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

ÉNFD is an abbreviation of 'Énfold'- pronounced as 'unfold' with a meaning of 'gather and envelop' people through good food. It runs like a private kitchen, though walk-ins are welcome, the dining space is limited and could only host no more than 15 diners at a time. The dining hall preserves the sense of heritage with minimal interior decor; probably meant to encourage and enhance camaraderie amongst diners. It is a space that one could really talk and engage with each other. On the menu, the list of magical offering is unique and creatively crafted by the team behind ÉNFD; with focus on using Herbs and Spices ('local flavors') to intermingle with international flavors. The conservatives will find the menu too playful and to me, this is the attitude in lacking especially in the culinary scene in Penang. The brunch menu is only available on Saturdays and Sundays, from 11 am to 3 pm.

Note: There is no signage or noticeboard in front of ÉNFD, it is therefore suggested that interested diners are to make advance reservation before their visits.

Monday, April 24, 2017

[Food Guide/ Kuliner Medan 2017] 48 Hours Food Hunting in Medan, Indonesia (棉兰, 印度尼西亚).

Sister city to Penang, Medan is merely 50 minutes by flight from Penang and it is known as the food Mecca of Northern Sumatera. The place has a good blend of local Indonesian delights and Chinese -influenced (particularly with Hokkien roots) dishes; but the international food scene is also equally exciting either. Having introduced a few food places in Medan in my previous entry, this blog post shall cover a few more food places for travelers to Medan, especially if you intend to plan for a short getaway to Medan.

Moving around Medan: Medan has a fair share of Grab and Uber drivers, the rates are very competitive and usually 30-40% lower than normal Taxis. It is therefore, more wallet-friendly to move around the city by using Grab or Uber. A local sim card with internet would usually cost around Rp 60,000. 

1) Bihun Bebek Atak (德记鸭米粉)
Pork-Free
Prices are nett
Address: Jalan Boulevard H-119, Kompleks Cemari Asri, Medan Estate, Percut Sei Tuan, Kota Medan.
Business Hours: 7:30 am to 9:30 pm. Opens Daily.

Saturday, April 22, 2017

Taiwan Travel Expo- Lohas Taiwan (乐活台湾) Is Set To Happen At Gurney Paragon Mall Penang

It takes a lot of your time and effort to do research especially if you are planning a holiday yourself. If visiting Taiwan is part of your travel plans this year, mark your calendar as the first Taiwan Travel Expo is set to happen at Penang Gurney Paragon Mall on 5th May 2017 to 7th May 2017. Visitors to the Taiwan Travel Expo can expect to see special deals for airfare, Taiwan travel and cruises packages. Hand-picked Taiwan Tourism players like Taiwan Leisure Farms Development Association (台湾休闲农业发展协会), Tungsin Industry Culture Development Association (东势产业发展协会), Nantou B&B Association (南投县民宿观光协会), Flower Home (花露休闲农场), Sheipa Leisure Farm (雪霸休闲农场), Shante Hotel Chitou (溪头夏缇饭店), City Resort (中南海酒店), Vigor KoBo Co Ltd (维格饼家股份有限公司) and Jia-Jia Traveling Accommodation and Creation Co (佳佳旅住文创股份有限公司) are amongst the participating members in this Taiwan Travel Expo 2017. For a hassle and planning-free travel, you may engage the 12 participating local travel agents for their exclusive offers on Taiwan tours.

Friday, April 21, 2017

So Thaisty @ Bayan Baru, Penang.

So Thaisty started out as a Thai Tea parlour but recently, it has rolled out its food menu. Housed in a snug shop lot right to the Bayan Baru mosque (facing the Bayan Baru wet market), So Thaisty is known to serve thirst-quenching Thai Tea but its newly introduced food menu focuses on noodle-dishes. Noodle-lovers would be glad to know that no common Thai dishes such as Tom Yum or Kerabu but instead, some unconventional Thai-inspired noodle dishes. Though the menu is small, the flavors are big; the Chef pays great attention to small details as to the use of herbs and spices. Given the satisfying quality, we thought the dishes are competitively priced. It is also noteworthy that So Thaisty does catering as well, so it might be a decent option to cater for the Muslim crowd (manned by Muslim Chef and proprietor). 

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Japan's Doutor Coffee @ Gurney Plaza Penang.

If you thought the Japanese cuisine only involved slurping ramen or eating raw fish, Doutor Coffee is here to prove you wrong. Having successfully launched 3 outlets in Malaysia (2 in central region, 1 in souther Malaysia), Doutor Coffee continues to expand its reach to Penang, opening the group's 4th restaurant at Gurney Plaza (al-freso zone between the mall and G Hotel). Doutor Coffee started in Tokyo's Harajuku district a few decades back; fast-forward today, the brand has international presence in Taiwan, Singapore and now in Malaysia. The Japanese-influenced cafe offers a wide range of Japanese-Western dishes at unbeatable prices; none of the items are priced above Rm 20 (with no service charge and government tax), making it one of the most affordable places to dine in at the mall.

Many thanks to Doutor Coffee for hosting us that afternoon.

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Chang Thai Restaurant @ All Seasons Place, Air Hitam, Penang.

Wang Thai at All Seasons Place has been serving up Thai food for the residents in the neighborhood for quite some time but recently, there's a stiff competition for Thai food, particularly within the commercial building of All Seasons Place. The new addition- Chang Thai Restaurant is the new venture behind Tomyummy Noodle House. It has plenty of Thai-influenced dishes to offer- from Kerabu to Fried Fritters, Tom Yum, Seafood and classic stir fry dishes. But prices are on the higher side and the food quality is merely passable-satisfactory. 

Monday, April 17, 2017

Nagisa Tei Japanese Udon (渚亭) @ Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

Nagisa Tei is probably one of Penang's best-kept secrets, the secretive Japanese Udon parlor is housed in an ordinary-typical terrace house along Tanjung Bungah. It's not a one-trick pony, it churns out excellent Tempura dishes as well. The Japanese Chef (likely expats living in Penang) makes his own Udon noodles but the menu is small, it offers a small but carefully selected Udon choices. The dining area is at the end of the house and offers breath-taking sea view (the terrace house connects to the public beach); Nagisa Tei is probably the only Japanese Udon parlor in Penang that offers such an atmosphere. Though air-conditioner is not available, the sea breeze will keep any heat-intolerant cool. While we love the outdoorsy-beachy atmosphere, we thought the noodles were disappointingly average. If you are looking for a quiet place or to escape the mall-crowd, Nagisa Tei might be an option for you.

Direction: Turn right into Medan Tanjung Bungah (from the traffic light in front of Flamingo Hotel Penang) and go straight until you hit a junction. Turn left and you will find Nagisa Tei on your right shortly.

Sunday, April 16, 2017

Tong Lek 8 Cafe (同乐8炸鱼肚米粉) @ Macalister Road, Georgetown, Penang.

A comforting bowl of Fish Head Bee Hoon is always desirable, especially on a chilly rainy day. If you are into the soupy fish delicacy, look no further than Tong Lek 8 Cafe at Macalister Road (opposite Guang Ming Daily Office). Meal times can be less-stressing as the fish head noodle-specialist offers a vast selection of fish-related noodle dishes as well as some sides at very affordable prices. The regulars love their fresh, thickly sliced fish as well as the add-ons (such as Pork Innards, Seafood etc). Though the seats are narrowly-arranged, the fully air-conditioned restaurant is a decent place to stop by for a quick meal. 

Friday, April 14, 2017

Zuzudo Ramen Bar @ G Hotel Penang.

Zuzudo Ramen Bar is a new compact Ramen eatery housed within G Hotel Penang (at the al-fresco dining area between G Hotel and Gurney Plaza), the name 'Zuzu' resembles the sound when slurping noodles... in Japanese language; it does give some hints on how confident are they when it comes to their Ramen noodles. The usual menu seems impressive but the offering is limited during this soft launch period; the menu is dedicated entirely to serve Chicken Ramen (various flavors and no pork here). To our surprise, the prices are wallet-friendly yet, they don't skimp on serving portion; the only concern here is that the place gets warm especially on sultry hot afternoons so the heat-intolerant might find the lack of air-conditioner disturbing. If there's a Ramen lover in you, you should give this place a try.  

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Ng Hang Kee Fresh Water Food (黄汉期河鲜) @ Bagan Samak, Bandar Baharu, Kedah.

Ng Hang Kee Fresh Water Food is probably the most unappealing restaurants at Bagan Samak, Bandar Baharu (the village known for dishing out inexpensive and fresh river food), but it is probably the most attractive for budget-watchers. Located at one end of the village (right next to a field), Ng Hang Kee is a long established restaurant with simple, straight-forward setting (with no air-conditioner)... just like any other Zhu Char places. The menu is however, smaller compared to other restaurants in the vicinity. No clear menu will be given but the experienced server will recommend the freshest catch available. The place is good for a casual and inexpensive meal but as far as variety is concerned, this place might not be the best option.

Monday, April 10, 2017

Cook Idea Sa Ho Fen (好煮意怡保沙河粉) @ Chai Leng Park, Prai, Penang.

Cook Idea Sa Ho Fen is a big name at Chai Leng Park.... and has a huge facade too. It is known to serve some of the best, classic and unfussy Ipohan-influenced Hor Fun dishes. Seats were almost filled up as early as 9 am; the Hor Fun specialist also offers deboned Chicken, blanched Bean Sprouts to complete the set of the Ipoh Nga-Choy-Kai/ Kai-See Hor Fun (Ipoh-Bean Sprout Chicken with Hor Fun). There's no need to stumble over a menu- grab all the quintessential dishes and you are good to go. Food selection aside, the place is well-maintained with clean floors and bright space.... definitely a comfortable place to have a casual meal with family or friends. 

Sunday, April 9, 2017

Bouncy Cafe and Food @ Jalan Mahsuri, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Bayan Lepas might not be a famous area when it comes Italian-style fare but the Italian game is getting stronger. Bouncy Food first started as a burger joint but has since started to introduce more Italian-inspired delights to the menu. The cafe is not new and perhaps, have been around for more than 6 months; those who are working around the industrial zone would not be new to the name (it can be found near to the traffic light in front of Kampung Jawa/ same row as 888 Hokkien Mee). The menu gets a little upgrade recently with the introduction of some uncommonly seen (in Penang) Italian classics like Tagliatelle and Gnocchi. A place worth-exploring particularly for Pasta lovers.

Saturday, April 8, 2017

[Penang Fashion Week 2017] Fashion Redefined @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

Penang Fashion Month 2017 returns for the third time, as one of the fashion leading and premier lifestyle malls in town, Gurney Plaza is all set to showcase some fashion previews- Spring and Summer 2017 involving several premium and fashion-forward brands such as Sacoor Brothers, Dorothy Perkins, Bonia, TSL and Fossil etc. The occasion is celebrated throughout the weekend from 7 April 2017 to 9 April 2017. 

One of the highlights for the 'Fashion Redefined 2017' weekend at Gurney Plaza is the WOW Mirror Virtual Fitting where shoppers get to experience virtual fitting with the choice of apparels from participating outlets; instant-prints and soft-copy for social media postings are available... free of charge (p/s: guys might want to dress in ladies apparel for fun, vice-versa).

Rewards for Shoppers:
Spend RM 600 & above to redeem a set of Fashion Week Vouchers (Fossil, Bonia, Duchess & Co, Merimies, Seen and Goldheart) while HSBC Credit Card holders need only to charge RM 500 to their cards. Limited to 100 sets and one redemption per shopper per day.

Many Thanks to Gurney Plaza for extending the invitation.

Friday, April 7, 2017

Lan's Corner Ikan Bakar @ Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

Imagine the freshest seafood on a sizzling hot pan doused over a thick, spicy-sweet sauce and give it a quick stir fry; when served with a squeeze of Lime juice, you know there's a soft spot for the Malaysian in you. Since its opening in October 2016, Lan's Corner Ikan Bakar that sits on a little hill at Tanjung Bungah (right next to the post office and Sunshine Bay Seafood Restaurant) has garnered an appreciate following. It is known to dish out some of the best Ikan Bakar in the neighborhood. There are a few cooking methods to the local seafood-produce listed on the menu, depending on your preference but we'd recommend their 'bakar' style with home-made sweet-spicy sauce. Prices may not be cheap but certainly commensurate with the portion and quality (especially freshness). Plan your visit here early as long wait is expected after 7 pm (and limited parking space).

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Teels Heritage Cafe @ Ghee Hiang Burmah Road, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

Ghee Hiang is a prominent name in Penang, made known for its outstanding Sesame Oil and the de-facto Penang food souvenir- Tau Sar Pneah/ Tambun biscuits but it has got a more ambitious plan for its new branch along Burmah Road. The latest addition at Burmah Road is vibrantly painted in blue-red color combination, the ground floor operates like an ordinary Ghee Hiang biscuit parlor while the upper floor is transformed into a classy-elegant cafe that serves Malaysian-fusion dishes at unbeatable prices. The dining rooms are cozily decorated to suit all occasions and the servers are professionally dressed up; while every evidence gives a hint that the offering may cost a bomb in Teels Heritage Cafe but the true fact is, it is competitively priced just like an average cafe does. Not only does the interior decor is camera-impressed, the dishes are exemplary in their presentation as well. The cafe is just exceptional in every way. 

Opening Promo: Join as a member at Teels Heritage Cafe to enjoy 10% discounts on all bills for Rm 100 (one year membership). During this promotion, members will get Rm 110 voucher in return (can be used in the same visit/ voucher lasts for 2 months).

Many thanks to Ghee Hiang for hosting us that evening.

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Li Bao Tang (立寶堂) @ Armenian Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Ditch the pretentious and hipstery desserts and go back to the classic ones, find your traditional Chinese elixir at Li Bao Tang (立寶堂), a brand dedicated to serve timeless Chinese sweet treats that are believed to carry medicinal health effects. The brand has long-established in Penang and has been churning out Chinese Herbal Tea or Gui Ling Gao (龟苓膏) but their recent expansion has an interesting twist to it. The newly opened branch at Armenian Street (opposite the famous "little children on bicycle" mural) brings you back to Hong Kong in 1960's. Not only that it is well-furnished with fancy wallpapers, it has some real gadgets to enhance the experience too. Expect to see some retro saloon setup and a fashionably nostalgic Mahjong table with a spittoon placed next to it; while they have nothing to do with the food, it sure adds some marks to the dining experience. Though the menu seems great, more than of the items are not available (at least they were not available on my visit). If variety is not what you seek for, it's a fun place to visit and to have your share of the nourishing and invigorating Tong Sui.  

Monday, April 3, 2017

Braised Beef Brisket Noodle @ Wei Liang Coffee Shop, Georgetown, Penang.

Having been in business for years, Wei Liang is certainly a local favorite; the Chinese-noodle joint is constantly crowded and never falls short of customers. Gourmands who are in the know will make their way there for their braised Beef Brisket Noodle, an incredibly tasty Cantonese-influenced delight that is uncommon in Penang. But it does not really matter if you are not a big fan of Beef, their Pork Rib Noodle and Pork Leg Noodle are good enough to please any stubborn palates. A series setback is however, the odd business hours... probably meant for early risers, the owner started the day early and the noodles often sold out by noon; so the best time is visit is probably in the early morning. Wei Liang Coffee Shop can be found at Jalan Kuala Kangsar, a short road right next to Kimberley Street and Keng Kwee Street.

Sunday, April 2, 2017

G Ball- G Hotel's Business Appreciation Dinner 2017

Once a year, G Hotel gathers its business stakeholders in a business appreciation night named 'G Ball'. In 2017, the glamorous evening themed 'The Greatest Show' transformed the hotel's grand ballroom into a circus-themed dinner with fun-filled game booths that guests can partake. It was an exclusive evening dedicated to acknowledge and expressing thanks to the hotel's business partners. The ball held on 24 March 2017 was an event to remember with beautiful people around, exciting games to participate, delicious food to enjoy and most importantly, luxurious prizes to be won. The hotel is also experienced in hosting big scale corporate events and seminars, kindly inquire within at +604- 238 0000 or visit the official website at http://www.ghotel.com.my/. 

Many thanks to G Hotel for hosting us.