Flavour of Sarkies @ Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Hotel Penang.

This Ramadan, break fast in the charming, heritage setting of Eastern & Oriental Hotel as Flavours of Sarkies returns to Sarkies. From 19 February to 20 March 2026, the buffet runs from 6:30pm to 10:00pm, offering a generous spread of festive favourites in a space that feels both classic and welcoming. Priced at RM188 nett per adult and RM108 nett per child/senior citizen, it’s an easy choice for family buka puasa gatherings or catching up with friends over a hearty Ramadan feast by the sea. 

Many Thanks to E&O Hotel for hosting us.

Double Fold Cafe @ Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

A welcome new addition to Tanjung Bungah’s café lineup, Double Fold Cafe sits just off Jalan Tanjung Bungah, across from Dalat School — a slightly tucked-away find that rewards those who seek it out. The space is surprisingly spacious with a relaxed, casual vibe that draws in afternoon crowds, and its décor leans gently toward a French-inspired aesthetic that feels both chic and welcoming. Inside, you’ll find a menu that goes beyond typical café fare: a selection of freshly baked pastries and desserts, good coffee, and mains that extend from brunch staples to more adventurous dishes with local twists. What makes it interesting is seeing classics sit alongside items like nasi lemak and tom yum — a nod to Malaysian palates while still keeping a continental café spirit. The food quality is solidly above average, the atmosphere easygoing, and the price range remains affordable for the neighbourhood — making Double Fold a nice option for weekend catch-ups or casual bites in the Tanjung Bungah area. 

Hei In Dee Tong 喜在糖里 @ Jalan Kek Chuan, Georgetown, Penang.

Hailing from Guangzhou, China, Hei In Dee Tong (喜在糖里) brings a playful yet comforting take on Chinese desserts to Penang. The dessert parlour offers a good range of sweet soups and chilled treats — from timeless classics to more fun, modern variations — all served in a space with strong Chinese design elements that reflect the brand’s roots. With reasonable pricing and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, it’s an easy spot to drop by for a casual dessert fix, whether you’re craving something familiar or slightly different. 

Solt @ Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Solt Penang is a spacious and stylish restaurant located at 474 Beach Street, right in the heart of Georgetown. With a modern European menu infused with subtle local Malaysian influences, it delivers a creative yet accessible dining experience. The open-kitchen concept adds a lively touch to the cozy, relaxed atmosphere. According to reviews, there’s also a pork-free policy — making it welcoming for a broader crowd. Prices lean a little above average, but the thoughtful food and ambiance help justify it.

Katao @ Bishop Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Katao is the latest addition to Penang’s dining scene, marking its first branch on the island with a cosy spot on Lebuh Bishop, George Town. The restaurant offers a refreshing mix of Thai-Taiwanese influenced dishes, with its signature pot-meal series gaining much praise for generous servings and comforting flavours. The ambience strikes a nice balance — casual yet inviting, perfect for a relaxed meal or small group gathering. Portion sizes are hearty and prices remain reasonable, making it a solid option if you want a hearty, flavourful meal without burning a hole in your pocket.

[Travel/ Food Guide] Itinerary to Kansai and Central Japan 2026

Following our trip to Kansai in late 2024, we've recently made another trip to Japan, specifically on Kansai and Central Japan. For those who would like to benchmark our flight and prices, we flew via Xiamen Airlines from Penang to Xiamen then Osaka... RM1,400 per pax for both return flights. We then rented a car from Kansai Airport and hit the road. The whole journey from Kansai Airport to Nagoya, to Toyama (via Takayama and Shirakawa-Go) then Takaoka, Tsuruga, Lake Biwa and finally Uji and Kobe before flying back from Kansai Airport. The 10-day road trip marked 1,500 KM in total and it was not an easy drive from Nagoya to Toyama. But it was definitely fun to explore Central Japan the way we like. 

1) [Gifu-Shirakawa] Shirakawa-Go 白川郷

Entrance Fee: Free Entrance

Address: Ogimachi, Shirakawa Village, Gifu, 501-5602, Japan.

Business Hours: 8 am to 5 pm. Opens Daily.

Mono Haus @ Sungai Ara, Penang.

Mono Haus is a new café nestled in the quiet neighborhood of Sungai Ara. The space is bright, spacious, and cozy — perfect for casual hangouts or coffee sessions. The menu features a range of familiar café fare, from hearty mains to desserts and coffee, all at reasonable prices. While the food still has some room for improvement, the coffee and desserts make it a pleasant spot to unwind. 

Chinese New Year Reunion Promotion @ Iconic Marjorie Hotel Penang.

Iconic Marjorie Penang welcomes the Year of the Horse with a Chinese New Year 2026 celebration that blends festive tradition with contemporary elegance. The hotel is adorned with auspicious décor inspired by the Horse’s energy and grace, creating a vibrant yet refined setting for reunions, shared moments and new beginnings. The overall atmosphere reflects optimism and momentum, making it a fitting place to gather and usher in the Lunar New Year.

Chinese New Year 8-Course Menu (RM2,888+)

• Prosperity Fresh Fruits Yee Sang, Fresh Salmon and Hokkigai Scallop with Salmon Skin 鱼贝同辉捞喜气
• Double Boiled Village Chicken, Fish Maw and Dried Scallop with Chinese Ginseng 海宝山珍浴凤凰
• Combination of Roasted Sesame Chicken and Pi Pa Duck 瑞禽双贺福满年
• Steamed Pearl Grouper Fish in Hong Kong Style 鱼跃马腾满堂春
• Braised Flower Mushroom, Abalone, Sea Cucumber, Sea Moss with Garden Greens 海味绿叶发千家
• Steamed Lobster Meat, Glass Noodle with Fresh Scallop 龙皇披纱赐玉贝
• Prosperity Golden Seafood Fried Rice with Prawn Meat 金光泛满喜遐迩
• Double Boiled Bird's Nest with Coconut Water 椰林百果燕弄春
• Teo Chew Yam Paste with Gingko Nut 潮州白果芋泥

Edaramen @ Moon Hotel, Jalan Perlis, Georgetown, Penang.

Edaramen is a new ramen specialist located within Moon Hotel along Jalan Perlis, with its entrance conveniently placed next to the hotel lobby. The menu is compact, offering only three types of ramen — each crafted with care and precision. The restaurant is pork-free and features limited seating, making it more suitable for small groups or solo diners. Though simple in concept, Edaramen is worth checking out for those seeking a focused, comforting ramen experience in town. 

The Clubhouse @ Raja Uda, Butterworth, Penang.

Tucked next to a pickleball court, The Club House Penang offers a cozy ambiance that pairs well with its diverse Western-style menu and a thoughtful selection of pastries and cakes. The space is inviting and comfortable, making it an ideal spot to linger a little longer than your average café. While the menu spans many favourites—think well-executed classics and dessert options—the pricing skews slightly higher than budget eateries. On the upside, parking is ample, which adds to its convenience. 

Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine 湘香湖南菜 @ Sunway Carnival Mall, Penang.

Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine 湘香湖南菜 at Sunway Carnival Mall is a reliable go-to for hearty Hunan dishes with bold, spicy notes. Service is attentive and efficient, though the restaurant can get quite packed during peak hours, especially on weekends. Portions are generous, prices are reasonable for a mall setting, and the complimentary snacks and soft-serve ice cream for diners are a thoughtful bonus. A comfortable place to enjoy Hunan flavours without too much fuss. 

Many Thanks to Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine for hosting us. 

Leong Keat Restaurant 亮吉小食店 @ Fortune Court, Farlim, Penang.

Tucked in the quieter setting of the Farlim Business Centre (a short walk from Sunshine Farlim), Leong Keat Restaurant is a hidden gem that has gained loyal support from the neighbourhood’s residents. The restaurant offers no-fuss Chinese fare with generous portions and reasonable prices. Unlike many small eateries, it is fully air-conditioned and spacious enough to accommodate larger groups — making it a comfortable pick for family dinners or gatherings. If you’re in the Farlim area and want a reliable, casual spot with good value, Leong Keat is worth checking out. 

QiXi 柒憙黑铜卤肉饭 @ Campbell Street, Georgetown, Penang.

QiXi 柒憙黑铜卤肉饭 is a new addition to town, specialising in Taiwanese Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan). The interior is simple yet carries a distinct Taiwanese charm, with a bright and spacious setup that feels casual and welcoming. The only drawback is the lack of air-conditioning, which might be uncomfortable for those sensitive to heat. The menu is small but focused, featuring familiar Taiwanese comfort dishes — all reasonably priced with portions that match the value. A decent spot to satisfy your craving for a hearty bowl of authentic braised pork rice. 

Gilda @ Lorong Soo Hong, Georgetown, Penang.

Tucked into a refurbished warehouse on Soo Hong Lane, Gilda presents itself as an airy, modern dining destination in George Town. The warehouse-like space allows bright natural light to flood the space, creating a welcoming yet cozy spot for diners to explore their specially concocted flavor-combo. It is definitely a solid pick if you’re looking to step beyond casual bites and into a thoughtful dining experience in Penang. 

San Xi Lou 三希楼 @ Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang.

The renowned Hong Kong restaurant San Xi Lou has made its Malaysian debut at Gurney Paragon Mall, introducing a refined mix of Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine. Established in Hong Kong since 2007, the restaurant is famed for its bold flavours and elegant presentation. The Penang outlet on Level 6 offers a good selection of both Cantonese and Sichuan delights as well as a selection of dim sum — making it a noteworthy new spot for elevated Chinese dining in Penang.