Coffee-Dol 小隐别院 @ Sungai Bakap, Jawi, Penang.

A grande-dame in Sungai Bakap old town, Coffee-Dol 小隐别院 is hidden in an old mansion in the neighborhood. The place stands out with its striking blue facade, which gives a huge contrast to the fading colors of the nearby building. The old mansion is a historical site and its one of the most well-preserved mansions since the Qing Dynasty. There's an entrance fee to this place... RM10 per pax but RM5 can be deducted when you are purchasing the food and drinks from the cafe. The entrance fee also includes a private tour by the proprietor and a detailed explanation on the place. Not so much on the food offering but rather, the entire experience of touring the place and appreciating its history behind (the cup of Joe is a bonus).

Max Cafe @ Lip Sin, Sungai Dua, Penang.

Max Cafe is a new venture by the Maxim group, the Hong Kong Cha Chan Teng-styled restaurant can be found right next to the Maxim Dim Sum restaurant at Lip Sin. The new restaurant occupies the corner lot of the same place, offering a Hong Kong-inspired menu... featuring many familiar Cha Chan Teng-styled dishes. There are not much options when it comes to side dishes or quick nibbles though. Comfortable space but the price points seem to be on the higher side given the small serving portion...

Chen The Legacy House @ China Street, Georgetown, Penang.

An antique and furniture shop, the upper floor of Chen The Legacy House at China Street has been converted into a quaint but lovely space for cakes and sweet treats. The cakes and sweet treats are supplied by Bake In A Box by Emily Chen; according to the official introduction on its Facebook page, they bake their cakes using only natural ingredients. Both the cake and beverage selection is not big and the offering is not fixed (for the cakes). Quite a nice space to enjoy some home-baked sweet treats as well as some refreshing drinks (Cold Brews or Palm Wines); even more enjoyable if you love antiques. 

Laksa Houze @ Lebuh Melayu, Georgetown, Penang.

Have a big love for Laksa? Laksa Houze may be your answer, the new Laksa place offers a selection of Laksa, not only the commonly seen Assam Laksa. The Laksa specialist has been doing deliveries and has now finally opened up a brick and mortar shop at Lebuh Melayu. The menu features 3 different types of Laksa- Assam Laksa, Curry Nyonya Laksa and Laksa Spaghetti; with another choice of Fried Rice. One thing to take note if you are dining in... the ventilation system needs improvements so do watch out in case you are coming out from the place and smell fishy. Otherwise, the Laksa is worth a trip here. 

Tang Dian My Sweesert House 糖点 @ Golden Triangle 2, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Dessert lovers would be glad to know that there's a new dessert house at Golden Triangle 2- the new kid on the block just started their business operations few weeks ago and only offers a small menu at the moment. More items will be added at later stage and for now, no main items available. There are a few signature desserts- the Rain Drop series and Mango series are equally popular... with some classic hot desserts that most Malaysians are familiar with. Tang Dian My Sweesert House 糖点 can be found on the 2nd floor of Golden Triangle 2.

FETE At The Barn @ Sungai Bakap, Jawi, Penang.

Housed in a warehouse near Valdor (and Sungai Bakap), FETE At The Barn is one the latest spots to chill out and have a nice meal in the neighborhood. FETE stands out as compared to other restaurants and bars due to its spacious environment and relaxed, industrial vibe. It's easy to locate this place, just drive along the main road of Sungai Bakap and you will find this place right next to the bustling street. Food-offering wise, they offer a Western menu with a fairly big beverage menu (with plenty of alcohol options). 

Cheang Kee 蒋记 @ Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

Previously located at Chulia Street, Cheang Kee has relocated to a new location nearer to the waters at Tanjung Bungah. The location is a little quite hidden... deep inside the residential area of Tanjung Bungah. Visitors can find the place via the junction adjacent to the Tanjung Bungah market and the entrance to the restaurant can be found at the far end of a no-through road. Cheang Kee now occupies a bigger beach-side space with slightly bigger menu than before. The restaurant now offers Steamboat options with some Western-styled grills apart from the usual Chinese menu. Price range remains the same and the consistency in terms of quality; the place has a better dining atmosphere than before (especially for those who prefer a more outdoorsy or closer-to-nature ambiance). It is best to reserve your table as the place has limited seating available and it gets very busy during weekends.

Roku Penang @ Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Found right next to Lim Coffee Bar, Roku Penang is the talk in town due to its visually appealing Tacos presented in two different ways- Nori (Japanese Seaweed) and classic Taco Tortilla. The former one receives great attention over social media for its aesthetically pleasing presentation. Though touted as a Taco Bar, Roku has something else to offer... Japanese-inspired Rice Bowls as well as Quesadillas which work along the line with Tacos. Worth checking out especially if you are looking for something special. 

Curioscity @ Georgetown, Penang.

Embark on a mystical gastronomical journey with Curioscity, a fairly new joint offering modern cuisine in town. Curioscity started its business operations slightly before the nationwide lockdown in 2021 but words spread as soon as the social bans being uplifted. The menu is handpicked by the owners and carefully designed to honor and describe their reverence to the proud Penang flavors. Ingredients are as local as possible where they try to source the freshest seasonal Penang produce- from Balik Pulau to Tanjung Tokong even to Batu Kawan; just to present the best of Penang flavors.... in a dazzling reinterpretation of classic, popular Penang dishes. The interior decor is one of its kind- a beautiful marriage of modern cuisine in present space but presented in old-vintage setting. Curioscity currently serves one menu at RM328+ per pax and the dishes regular change in every couple of months. One day of advance reservation is required. It is also note-worthy that interested parties can book the entire event space with customizable menu from RM200+ per pax, with maximum up to 50 pax. 

Many Thanks to Curioscity for hosting us that evening.

Japanese Wagyu A5 (120 gm/ Potato Puree/ Chinese Kale/ Jus)- Supplementary of RM230

Wild Caught Brown Marbled Grouper (Potato Puree/ Seasonal Vegetable/ Crustacean Reduction)

Open Food- Sourdough with Truffle Butter

Foie Gras (Pain Perdu/ Eggplant Mousse/ Fluer De Sel)

Hokkaido Scallop (Prawn/ Corn Puree/ Caviar)

Japanese Miyagi Oyster (Pickled Chili Granita/ Calamansi/ Caviar/ Cucumber)

Blue Swimmer Crab (Tomato Tartare/ Granny Smith Apple/ Avocado/ Caviar)

Risotto (Confit Prawn/ Prawn Broth/ Cured Yolk)

Bird Nest (Jujube Gelato/ Rose/ Jasmine Tea)

We started off with a crusty warm Sourdough served with their own-made Truffle Butter with a bold earthy flavor as well as a good salty touch. The official first course was a beautiful presentation of Foie Gras. Instead of the usual slab of fatty liver, the Chef cubed it and served with Eggplant Mousse and French Toast. The concoction was silky smooth with a burst of fragrant, creamy texture; a rather creative way to serve Foie Gras. We enjoyed the next course a lot- Hokkaido Scallop and Prawns served with Corn Puree and Caviar; the Corn Puree had not aid much in providing flavors but a thin layer of silky smooth texture for the crustacean to swim in the mouth. The seafood was well-seasoned and the winning recipe was the light torch which offered a delightful scorched aroma. 

The way they served the Japanese Miyagi Oyster was very daring so it's either you like it or you don't. The Oyster was served with icy cold Pickled Chili Granite which offered the right flavor and combo but unfortunately, we did not like the icy cold texture when it hit our palate and we were struck by the contrast in temperature. Combo-wise, not bad. A respite from the shock, the Blue Swimmer Crab offered a more refreshing and calming touch. It was something like Crab Cake served with refreshing Salad to let the palate settle down before welcoming the mains. 

For main course- the Wild Caught Brown Marbled Grouper was pretty straight-forward. The fish was generously cut and perfectly seared. We loved how meaty and succulent the fish was. For those who would appreciate premium cuts of Beef, the Japanese Wagyu A5 would fit for the spot. Diners are required to top up RM230 for this option. Needless to say, the quality was top-notch and the perfect pockets of fats was the exact reason that the meat melted in the mouth. Additional seasoning was not necessary, the quality of the ingredient spoke for itself. 

Continuing the high note was the Risotto served with a humongous Prawn; the real draw was of course the juicy crustacean with a nice scorched flavor. The Risotto was made to suit the local palate- both texture and flavor wise. It can be quite hot to some but the spiciness was intimating... as the dish resembled shades of the popular Penang Hokkien Mee. We concluded the meal with Bird Nest, a concoction of Jujube Gelato, dried Rose petals and refreshing serving of Jasmine Tea over it. 

Additional Information:
Non-Halal

Service Charge: Yes 10%

Government Tax: No

Address: 164A-B, Lebuh Victoria, 10300, Georgetown, Penang.
Business Hours: 6:15 pm to 10 pm. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Contact Number: 014- 210 5236

Curioscity Facebook Page

Nada Natural Farming @ Balik Pulau, Penang.

If you enjoy being surrounded by lush greens and serene neighborhood, check out Nada Natural Farming. The place has been gaining a lot of attention over social media- it's one of the attractions up at Balik Pulau where you can enjoy delicious food while immerse yourself in nature. The place is a little tricky to reach, you will definitely need a navigation system to aid you in reaching the place. The catch is the odd opening hours- it only opens on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays... from 3 pm. Be prepared for the heat though, the place is not air-conditioned; do embrace the sultry hot tropical heat especially during sunny days. Food-offering wise, the cafe has a Pasta menu with some small bites; price points seem to be on the higher side but commensurate with quality and serving portion.  

Bukit Genting Hill Thai Restaurant @ Balik Pulau, Penang.

Bukit Genting Hill Thai Restaurant should not be new to Thai food lovers, the Thai restaurant located at the top of the hill of Balik Pulau is one of the most visited Thai restaurants at Balik Pulau. The restaurant has been there for many years. Many adventurous travelers would travel miles up the hill (approximately 15 minute drive from Balik Pulau town) to enjoy the breath-taking scenery and sumptuous Thai food. The narrow-winding road up the hill can be a little tricky to drive especially to new visitors so do plan your trip before the night falls. The restaurant has a big Thai menu featuring many Thai classics but the price points are on the higher side. 

Mommy Irene @ Farlim, Penang.

One of the best places to get a satisfying, inexpensive traditional treats in the Farlim neighborhood is Mommy Irene. Previously located in one of the residential houses, Mommy Irene has since relocated to one of the shop houses along Lintang Angsana. Apart from the relocation, the restaurant has also expanded its menu as well as revising its business operation hours. More tummy-filling items are added to the menu as well as home-cooked desserts but retaining the wallet-friendly price tags. 

Many Thanks to Mommy Irene for hosting us that afternoon.

Musion Mansion @ Hutton Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

** Update as at April 2022: Musion Mansion has ceased its business operations since then**

At the far end of a no-through road- Lorong Popus is a hidden restaurant Musion Mansion; the place has been attracting a lot of attention through social media channels lately due to its location and its quaint decor. Though officially the address is at Hutton Lane but the entrance is via Lorong Popus and there is no signage to indicate the entrance (refer to the last photo). The indoor setting is somewhat classy and there are some tables outside for those who prefer an outdoorsy ambiance. The restaurant offers a Western menu with some Pasta and meat dishes; the Afternoon Tea Set is also very popular. As far as alcohols are concerned, the beverage menu is fairly big and offers good options. We did not get to try their main menu or other items but only the Afternoon Tea Set... which was very disappointing, in terms of both food quality and service. 

Moment French Bistro & Cafe @ Lebuh Melayu, Georgetown, Penang.

French cuisine often gives the impression that one needs to pay a hefty price but with more affordable options coming up in Penang, diners get to indulge in classic French delights that are friendlier to the wallet. Moment French Bistro & Cafe is one of the latest French bistros in town that offer a French menu... though not extensive, it offers some French classics at fairly affordable price tags. Apart from the main menu, the bistro has good dessert options as well. 

Khun Yuan Restaurant 坤园中泰餐馆 @ Sungai Ara, Penang.

The folks staying around the Sungai Ara neighborhood should not be new to the name- Khun Yuan Restaurant 坤园中泰餐馆. It has been there for quite some time, the same place was previously occupied as Hua Hee Restaurant. Unlike its predecessor, Khun Yuan offers a Thai-influenced menu featuring a wide variety of Thai delights. But the flavors are slightly toned down probably to suit the local palates. Prices are reasonably priced and given the vast options as well as comfortable dining atmosphere, the place is especially suitable for family get-together meals.