Cafe World War II @ Ghee Hiang Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

One of the oldest brands for Tambun Biscuits- Ghee Hiang is known for churning out pastries and biscuits but they have recently welcomed a nice addition to their outlet at Beach Street... opening up a new cafe inside the shop. Unlike Teels at the Burmah Road branch, Cafe World War II offers a local, Chinese menu featuring an array of Hainanese breakfast items (like Toasts/ Soft-Boiled Eggs), Rice dishes and some specialty Coffees. Nothing spectacular on the interior decor nor seating arrangement but a simple space over a casual meal. But do avoid peak hours when planning your visit unless you want to to sign up for a long-hour meal and muscle your way through to get the orders served on your table (we did not have a pleasant experience if you must know).

Xiao Long Kan Hotpot 小龙坎老火锅 @ Sunrise Tower, Gurney Drive, Penang.

Of all the dining trends from China, Hotpot is probably the most favorited one; the Hotpot culture is also deeply rooted in most Chinese families in Malaysia. Hailed from Chengdu, China, Xiao Long Kan Hotpot 小龙坎老火锅 has recently expanded its Malaysian market by opening 3 new branches across the nation- 2 branches in central region and 1 up north at Penang (Sunrise Tower). With over hundreds of branches worldwide, the brand seeks to offer the best Hotpot experience to Malaysian diners, not only in terms of flavors but the entire dining experience as well. Using only the best quality herbs and spices imported from Chengdu as well as cooking method/ preparation used in mainland China (Master Chef is flown in from Chengdu to train the local team), the consistency is therefore maintained. Walk in the restaurant and you will feel instantly transported to China... from the interior decor to the eating utensils to how the servers dressed; everything seems to remind you that you are signing up for an authentic Chinese meal. Like a true hotpot restaurant, the menu comprises of many options- from different cuts of meats to various types of seafood, innards, meatballs or noodles. A true hotpot experience that any hotpot lovers should not miss.

Many Thanks to Xiao Long Kan for hosting us that evening.

Tang Xiao Ya 糖小鸭 @ Sri Bahari Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Home to some deliciously tender Roast Duck, Tang Xiao Ya 糖小鸭 is a duck specialist that recently opened its doors in Georgetown. If you are Mandarin-literate, you would have a rough idea on what the place could potentially offer. Opening at quite an unusual corner of Sri Bahari Road, Tang Xiao Ya has woo-ed the interest of many duck lovers over social media before its official opening. There are some ovens right next to the entrance so as you step in the place, you will get a whiff of the Roast Duck aroma. The place has a simple seating arrangement just like any casual restaurant; there's also a table displaying an array of colorful dessert ingredients at the end of the dining space (for unlimited helpings of DIY dessert at Rm 10 per pax). The menu is rather straight-forward... only Roast Duck, Rice and a limited offering of sides. 

Mr. Flacko @ Prangin Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

If you are into Tex-Mex cuisine, there is a place for you in Georgetown. Found at the junction to Fish Lane and Prangin Lane, Mr. Flacko is a new addition to the Penang food scene. It does not have fancy, elegant decor but a simple dining space housed in an old Penang heritage house. The menu carries a fairly large selection of Mexican delights, including the usual Burritos, Tacos, Tortillas, Quesadillas... with an array of their home-made desserts (which has got nothing to do with Tex-Mex offering). Prices are very affordable but taste-wise, there are plenty of rooms for improvements. 

Bee Chin Heong Old House Restaurant 美真香老房子 @ Kimberley Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Run by a local tycoon, owner of Bee Chin Heong 美真香... whom is passionate about cooking aside from running his businesses. He sets up a dining space in one of the Old Houses 老房子 (belongs to Bee Chin Heong and painted in pink) along Kimberley Street. Step in the space and you will find yourself surrounded with Chinese antiques and large, wooden dining tables. The place opens for both lunch and dinner but there is no menu for lunch. The owner will cook up whatever available and serves; so the interesting part is... you would not know what's for lunch until you are there (priced at Rm 16 per pax/ 3 dishes with rice and a soup). The menu dinner is fixed on the other hand, and would require advance reservation. There are a few different tiers with the cheapest start from Rm 41 per pax to Rm 220 per pax, depending on your budget. We had a mid range version at Rm 100 per pax....

Shunju Japanese Cuisine @ Icon City, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Taking over Tokyo Kitchen at Icon City is Shunju Japanese Cuisine... there is not much change in terms of interior and exterior decor but there are some new additions to the menu. Like its predecessor, the Japanese restaurant offers a big Japanese menu... from appetizers, Sashimi, Sushi, Yakimono, Nabe, and various Set meals. Prices are on the steeper side though. 

The Black Market @ Chow Thye Road, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

Up your lunch game at The Black Market, one of the latest additions to Chow Thye Road. The cafe was previously at The Glass House of Hin Bus Depot but has since relocated to this new location. Its easy to miss the place as its quietly tucked at one of the houses near the junction to Chow Thye Road and Irrawaddy, with a small signage. The interior is simple and rustic... with some playful industrial-styled dining tables and chairs as well as a couple of cozy sofas. It offers a Western menu... featuring Pasta, Burgers, Pizzas and some meat dishes. Not bad for a quick fix but to be honest, we expected more from them.

Hameediyah Restaurant @ Campbell Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Crowned as one of the best Nasi Kandars and the oldest Nasi Kandar establishment in Penang, Hameediyah has been serving gourmands for more than a decade. The restaurant has been churning out delicious curries since 1907... using recipes passed down from previous generations. The proprietor insists on using freshly ground herbs (no commercial paste is used); all Chefs are to follow the recipes and procedures accordingly. At any times, the restaurant would have around 35 types of curries on offer (apart from those made to order dishes on the menu) with their Beef Rendang, Chicken Kapitan, Ayam Bawang amongst the popular options. The good quality control is one of the key reasons that the restaurant could withstand the test of time. Over the years, the restaurant has served customers from all walks of life (both locals and foreigners) and a place for both casual dining or any family occasions. 

Many Thanks to Hameediyah for hosting us that afternoon.

Mykori Kakigori @ D' Piazza Mall, Bayan Baru, Penang.

One of the well-known dessert brands- Mykori Kakigori, has chosen Penang's D' Piazza Mall to open its 30th branch in the nation. Established in 2016, the brand has widely expanded in few years... with many branches across the country. The brand boasts over its Japanese shaved Ice dessert (otherwise known as Kakigori) as well other sweet treats incorporating fresh fruits and ice creams. The menu features around 20 types of Kakigori with countless combinations of other sweet treats. Prices are most affordable but do expect a bigger crowd especially during its grand opening period. The branch at D' Piazza can be found right in front of the D' Piazza Condominium entrance (not the side facing the main road). It is note-worthy that Mykori is a Muslim-friendly cafe.

Howaitokuren Japanese Restaurant @ Lembah Permai, Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

Howaitokuren Japanese Restaurant is one of the latest additions to Lembah Permai, like most Japanese restaurants, this place carries a big Japanese menu... featuring quite a great deal of Japanese delights ranging from Sushi, Agemono, Nabe, Ramen and Don. The interior decor however, does not quite reflect the Japanese- theme but rather... a comfortable, well-arranged dining space. While the quality is not top-notch, items are affordably priced. Worth dropping by if you are game for a Japanese meal.

How R You Dessert Cafe @ Raja Uda, Butterworth, Penang.

A sweet addition to Raja Uda is How R You Dessert Cafe- a homey, humble cafe that offers home-cooked desserts. Opened in late July 2019, the cafe has fast-become one of the busiest cafes in the neighborhood; not only that it offers rather unique sweet treats but healthy-options are also one of their selling points. All items are home-made and affordably priced... with seasonal items being rolled out from time to time. Definitely worth-checking out if you happen to be in the neighborhood. 

Chilli Mee 辣椒面 By Hideout Cafe @ I-Avenue, Bukit Jambul, Penang.

A new venture by Hideout Cafe, the name Chilli Mee 辣椒面 gives an exact idea on what the place is offering. The new addition can be found at i-Avenue (Bukit Jambul), the food menu is simple but focused- offering only Pan Mee and a rice dish (with sides of course). The forte is of course, the Pan Mee... nothing fancy and pretentious; but a cozy, comfortable place to get your usual fix. If you must know, the place is fully air-conditioned. 

Samurai Ramen @ Summerskye, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

One of the popular Japanese restaurants at Butterworth- Samurai Ramen (known as Samurai BBQ at Butterworth)... has recently expanded its business operations to Penang island, opening a new branch at Summerskye Bayan Lepas... a stone's throw distance away from Penang International Airport. While both outlets' menus may look almost identical, the new branch at Summerskye seems to have its focuses on Ramen (and thus, the name Samurai Ramen). Save for Sushi, the Japanese restaurant has quite a variety of Japanese delights to offer, from Zen Sai (Japanese Appetizers) to Japanese Salad, grills, Yakimono, Ramen, Don and Bento set. 

Malaysia Day Deal 2019 By Texas Chicken Malaysia

If you and your tummy are in patriotic mood this Malaysia Day, Texas Chicken Malaysia has got you covered. In conjunction with Malaysia Day on 16th of September 2019, Texas Chicken is commemorating the occasion by offering a limited time Malaysia Day promotion. For this Texas Chicken Malaysia Day Deal, diners get to enjoy 2 pieces of Chicken (be it spicy or original) and a cup of Regular-sized Soft Drink at a discounted rate of RM 6.90 instead of RM 14.90. To make things merrier, diners can top up RM 1.60 to add on one of the available sides for this promo- 1 piece of Honey Butter Biscuit or 1 regular-sized Mashed Potatoes or 1 regular-sized Coleslaw or 1 portion of flavored-Rice.

This Post is brought to you by Texas Chicken Malaysia.

Aroi Mak Seafood Restaurant @ Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Georgetown, Penang.

Being an island surrounded by waters, Penang is home to many beach-front restaurants with spectacular sea view. Some restaurants are off the beaten path but Aroi Mak is one of them that you can find right smack in town. It's hard to miss the place with its gigantic signage and can be found right next to the bustling Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah (right opposite to Northam Hotel Penang). The building was occupied as some Dim Sum restaurant earlier but Aroi Mak is a completely new restaurant under a different management (opened since May 2019). Aside from the sea view and the fresh ocean breeze, the place offers affordable but authentic Southern Thai food experience, backed with fresh Seafood supplies (with most dishes priced between RM 20- RM 30). Helmed by a Thai head Chef with more than 25 years of kitchen experience, expect the menu to come with chock-full of Thai delights. With a huge space that can accommodate more than 50 tables, the place is great for occasions, family-friendly dinners or any casual meals. Set lunch menu is also available on weekdays and Aroi Mak is also starting to be made available on Deliveryeat platform.

Many Thanks to Aroi Mak for hosting us that evening.