[Year 2024] Food Hunting- Day Trip @ Lenggong Town 玲珑, Perak.

Slightly more than 100 km north from Ipoh, Lenggong 玲珑 is approximately 2.5 hours drive away from Penang island. The sleeping town is surrounded by lush greens and mountains. It is small and easy to navigate, it is also close to Lake Raban and famous for an archaeology site... making it a perfect short getaway for nature and history lovers. Apart from the rural-nature beauty of Lenggong, the town is also known to churn out some really fresh and delicious freshwater fish. For those planning for a quick getaway to Taiping, do consider to stop by Lenggong too.

1) Chat Sook Restaurant 七叔玲珑饭店

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Address: No. 201, Jalan Lorong Belakang Barat, 33400, Lenggong, Perak.

Business Hours: 12 am to 10 pm. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: 012-598 1733

Chat Sook Restaurant Facebook Page

Mea1 一顿 @ Golden Triangle 2, Relau, Penang.

Mea1 一顿  is the latest addition to Golden Triangle 2; from the outside- the place looks like a curious cafe in shades of wood but the menu says otherwise. It is in fact a restaurant offering a modern, playful Malaysian-fusion menu, featuring Nasi Lemak with a twist, Japanese Curry and some Chinese dishes. It also churns out some freshly baked French pastries like Croissants, Madeleines, Croffins etc. Expect to spend RM30 to RM40 per pax for a meal here.

JHOL Coastal Indian Cuisine @ Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok, Thailand.

While Bangkok (capital city of Thailand) may not be the first destination that comes to mind for Indian cuisine, JHOL stands out as a Michelin-mentioned gem, bringing the vibrant flavors of coastal India to the heart of the city. Specializing in authentic coastal Indian delights, this exceptional restaurant offers a medley of fresh seafood, meat, aromatic spices and traditional recipes that instantly transport diners to the shores of India's diverse coastal regions. The 11-course Tasting Menu (THB1,999/or 14-course with optional supplement to the tasting menu) is perfect for those seeking a culinary adventure or looking forward to experiencing the highlights of the coastal Indian delights. JHOL is located on Sukhumvit Road and it is just 8-min walk away from BTS Asok. 

Many Thanks to JHOL for hosting us.

Mama Zen Hokkien Noodles 妈妈珍正宗福建面 @ i-Santorini, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Hailed from Alor Setar, Mama Zen Hokkien Noodles 妈妈珍正宗福建面 was born in the capital city of Kedah since 2014... churning out tummy-warming Hokkien Mee for almost a decade. The Hokkien Mee specialist has decided to expand its business operations to Penang (also Sungai Petani) at i-Santorini Tanjung Tokong... offering a more extensive menu that includes other noodle choices too (like Loh Mee, Scallion Oil Noodles etc). It offers an air-conditioned, comfortable space to dine-in; considering the affordable prices, the place is worth a look (especially for the folks staying in the neighborhood).

8 Reasons to Invest in an Apartment in Bali: A Smart Move for 2024

Bali, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and thriving tourism industry, has long been a favorite destination for travelers and expatriates. In recent years, the island has also emerged as a hotspot for real estate investment, particularly in the apartment sector.

With 2024 on the horizon, now might be the perfect time to consider investing in an apartment in Bali. Here are eight compelling reasons why looking for Bali apartments for sale could be a smart move for your portfolio.

Ho Kee Pau and Noodle House 禾记手工面点餐厅 @ Raja Uda, Butterworth, Penang.

A new addition to the Raja Uda food scene is Ho Kee Pau and Noodle House 禾记手工面点餐厅, a Chinese restaurant offering China-Chinese menu. Expect to find familiar dishes like Shanghainese Xiao Long Bao, Dumplings, Scallion Oil Noodles etc. Items are reasonably priced with plenty of options available, the place is also comfortably equipped with air-conditioners... but there are plenty of rooms for improvements as far as food quality is concerned...

Tsukiji Sushi Bar 筑地寿司 @ City Junction, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Sharing the same lot as Wagyu and Rice, Tsukiji Sushi Bar 筑地寿司 is one of the latest additions to City Junction at Tanjung Tokong. You would probably figure it out with a name like Tsukiji Sushi Bar, the Japanese restaurant offers a Sushi-focused menu. While both of the Japanese restaurants share the same kitchen, diners are not allowed to order from the other side's menu. Each restaurant is treated like a separate entity, so if you are a big fan of Sushi, make sure you visit Tsukiji Sushi Bar. If you enjoy Beef Hamburg more, go for Wagyu and Rice. Tsukiji Sushi Bar has a limited seating- the restaurant can only accommodate up to 12 diners at one time; it has a Sushi Bar setting... but the good part is- you get to witness the Chefs in action. The prices are surprisingly affordable with the Sushi priced from Rm 2.80 onwards... considering the freshness and attentive services, we thought this place is worth visiting (especially when you crave for some quality Sushi). 

Tamarind Hill @ Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.

A short walk from Pavilion Bukit Bintang- Tamarind Hill sits on a slope along Jalan Sultan Ismail (Bukit Bintang). The Michelin-selected restaurant has been there since 1999 and known for its Thai-Burmese cuisine. It takes a bit of effort to traipse the stairs to the entrance as the restaurant is hidden in the lush greens. Step in the place and you will welcomed by the calm, tranquility of the restaurant. There is also a garden at the back of the restaurant. Seats are well-spaced to ensure guests have the comfortable dining experience. For this visit- we had the opportunity to try their 3-Course Executive Set Lunch (Rm 45/ pax) which is only available on weekdays.

Many Thanks to Tamarind Hill for hosting us

Nasi Lemak House @ Abu Siti Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

Nasi Lemak lovers should not miss Nasi Lemak House, a Nasi Lemak specialist that has been around for a little more than 2 years. Housed in one of the shop houses along Abu Siti Lane, Nasi Lemak House is often thronged with regular patrons during lunch hours. Finding a place to park at Abu Siti Lane is another challenge on its own. But the restaurant churns out really delicious curries and dishes to go with the Nasi Lemak; for those who prefer noodles, Nasi Lemak House offers Wan Ton Mee and Mee Sua too. Reasonable prices and good quality of food are some of the reasons why you should check this place out.

Pure Lotus Cafe 净莲素食馆 @ Jalan Utama, Georgetown, Penang.

Enjoy a delicious plant-based meal for a good cause at Pure Lotus Cafe 净莲素食馆 Jalan Utama, right across the Penang General Hospital. The name Pure Lotus will surely ring a bell, they are known to run charity care services to terminally ill cancer patients. Apart from churning some proceeds to Pure Lotus, the cafe also employs staff with health conditions or impairments (OKU according to their website). The cafe is manned by Tina's Kitchen, offering a Nyonya-inspired meat-free menu. Expect to pay slightly more at this place but for a good cause of course...

[Year 2024] Food Hunting- of Cafes/ Must-Eats @ Alor Setar, Kedah.

Slightly more than an hour drive from Penang island- Alor Setar is the capital of Kedah State; benefiting from the geographical location, Alor Setar is also home to many authentic, delicious southern Thai delights and of course, northern Malaysian dishes as well. The place has undergone many new developments in recent years with many new cafes/ restaurants. Follow us on our recent day trip to Alor Setar.

1) Ban.Na.Kin

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Address: No. 607-B, Jalan Menanti, Off Jalan Putra, 05100, Alor Setar, Kedah.

Business Hours: 8:30 am to 4 pm. Closed on Mondays.

Contact Number: 016-460 0115

Ban.Na.Kin Facebook Page

EC Canteen 一禧食堂 @ Noordin Street, Georgetown, Penang.

EC Canteen 一禧食堂 is one of the latest spots in town for a quick, inexpensive casual Chinese meal. The restaurant offers a Chinese menu with a focus in roasted meat (roasted Chicken, Duck, Pork, Char Siew etc) and an array of noodle choices... suitable for diners of all age-range. Items are reasonably priced and the place is fully air-conditioned. Suitable for a casual meal or simple family eat-out; EC Canteen is located at Noordin Street (towards CY Choy). 

Yum Saap Thai Food @ Air Hitam, Penang.

Right opposite to Chung Ling Private High School along Jalan Air Hitam, Yum Saap is a neighborhood Thai restaurant that serves classic southern Thai stir fry dishes. The menu is pretty extensive- from the timeless Thai appetizers to mains like Tom Yum, they even have Thai raw marinated Seafood. Prices are reasonable, expect around Rm 20- Rm 30 per pax for a meal here. The facade may not seem too appealing but there is an indoor, air-conditioned dining area. Regular patrons start to flood in after 6:30 pm, so be there early if you need to secure a table in the air-conditioned dining area. 

Laksamana @ Chulia Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Penang is never short of Laksa but the newly opened Laksamana at Chulia Street is another great place for a bowl of delicious Laksa. The new Laksa specialist can be found at Chulia Street, right above Family Mart (2nd floor). Location-wise, the place is a little hidden but the interior decor is cozy, spacious and brightly-lit. The menu features Laksa (both Assam Laksa or Lemak Laksa), Nasi Lemak and some shaved ice desserts.  

Chooi Lim Koo 醉林居 @ Air Hitam, Penang.

Tucked away from the bustling Jalan Air Hitam, Chooi Lim Koo 醉林居 is hidden at the small alley next to Kek Lok Si Hospital. The place can be found on a slope with a few parking spaces available. Chooi Lim Koo offers a small menu offering only 2 types of mains- Penang Hokkien Mee and Char Koay Teow, with some local beverages and Toasts. Save for the al-fresco area, the restaurant is air-conditioned and offers a comfortable space for a quick meal.