Old Soon Kee @ Burmah Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Previously located at Kimberley Street, Old Soon Kee is known for its signature Chwee Kuih and roasted meat since its opening in 2021. They have since relocated to a couple of places before settling down at the current location... a stone's throw distance away from Mekio at Kinta Lane. Old Soon Kee offers a bigger menu now but the popular orders are still the Chwee Kuih, Char Siew and Spinach Noodles. It occupies 2 shop lots- there is a big air-conditioned space for dine-in guests. Reasonable prices with a good Cantonese-Teo Chew fare including roasted meat, boiled Soup and simple stir-fry dishes. 

Nong Geng Ji Hunan Cuisine 农耕记湖南菜 @ The Exchange TRX, Kuala Lumpur.

Originated from China, Nong Geng Ji Hunan Cuisine 农耕记湖南菜 set foot in Malaysia few months back, opening its first Malaysia outlet at The Exchange TRX Mall (lower ground floor). The Chinese restaurant joint has been doing very well since its opening- with relentless queue and big crowd waiting eagerly to get their seats. As suggested by the name, the restaurant focuses on Hunan Cuisine so expect the menu to consist of some really spicy, salty Xiang cuisine. The prices are unfortunately on the higher side, expect to spend at least RM50 per pax here. Fortunately the food quality seems to be good (at least to us and plenty of good reviews online) and the flavor-combos are unique; do check it out if you happen to shop at TRX Mall.

Dawn Bread @ Church Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Another option for bread lovers to try out is Dawn Bread at Church Street, the latest boulangerie in the heart of Penang. Dawn Bread churns out freshly baked Bagels and Lye Bread (like Lye Rolls, Pretzels); available in different shapes and flavors for guests to choose from. For dine-in, there are a few small tables available. The dine-in menu is small with a few toppings to go with the Bagels... as well as their specially concocted Cream Cheese. 

Master Jack Pot 大街小巷 @ Campbell Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Master Jack Pot 大街小巷 has received good reviews since its earlier this year, the Chinese restaurant at Campbell Street churns out Cantonese dishes with a modern twist. The restaurant has a standard Chinese restaurant setting but well equipped with air conditioners. It has a fairly big menu, featuring many Cantonese and Sze Chuan-inspired dishes; expect to pay restaurant-standard prices though. Find Master Jack Pot opposite to Tho Yuen and Hema Hema Ice Cream on the same street.

Chinmi Stone Pot Fish 珍味石锅鱼 @ Vantage Desiran Tanjung, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Chinmi Stone Pot Fish 珍味石锅鱼 has been around for almost a year and it has gathered an appreciate following since its opening last year. The Chinese restaurant offers a Chinese menu, focusing on the China Putian region... offering specialties like Putian Noodles, Putian Fried Vermicelli Noodles etc as well as some popular China Chinese delights. The restaurant is fully air-conditioned and offers a comfortable setting suitable for family dining. 

China Muslim Mee Tarik Tangan 中国穆斯林兰州拉面 @ Prangin Mall, Georgetown, Penang.

A new alternative for our Muslim friends to try authentic China Chinese food with the opening of China Muslim Mee Tarik Tangan 中国穆斯林兰州拉面 at Prangin Mall Penang. The restaurant is manned by a Chinese-Muslim couple from China, specializes in churning out hand-pulled Lan Zhou Lamian Noodles. The menu features an array of noodle options, as well as some Chinese stir-fry dishes and delicacies like Dumplings. Those with a big appetite would be glad to know that diners can request for extra portion of noodles for free (there is an option to upgrade the portion in the order system). Reasonable prices and decent quality of food, worth checking out if you are a fan of Beef Lamian. 

Thai Tuk Tuk @ Vanda Business Park, Sungai Dua, Penang.

Those who seek for affordable Thai quick fix at Sungai Dua area should check out Thai Tuk Tuk, a new Thai restaurant at Vanda Business Park (few shops away from Family Mart). The place is air-conditioned with simple but comfortable seating. Thai Tuk Tuk carries a fairly big Thai menu- whether you are seeking for personal meal or to share, the options are there. 

YaTan Farm and Cafe @ Kuala Kurau, Perak.

YaTan Farm and Cafe is the latest worth-visiting spot at Kuala Kurau; housed in the long-established Salted Duck Egg Factory: Joo Hong Chan at Kuala Kurau, the cafe is a new addition to the business. Guests will need to access via the main entrance of Joo Hong Chan and follow the narrow path until the very end of the building. You will find the entrance to YaTan Farm and Cafe. Along the way, guests can witness the making of Salted Eggs as well as grabbing some for souvenirs or gifts at the retail store (next door). There are 2 parts to the cafe: the front part is where the guests will be seated and enjoy the cafe offering, the latter part is a mini zoo corner with Chicken, Ducks and Deer. Entrance is free but guests are allowed to pet the animals. On the cafe, the food menu features an array of Salted Duck Egg-focused light snacks as well as mains (signature includes Salted Egg Coffee, Salted Egg Cheese Cake, Salted Egg Kaya etc). A fun spot for young kids to get closer to animals as well as satiating your cravings for Salted Egg. 

Kou Shui Ya Roasted Delights 口水鸭烧腊 @ Bayan Lepas, Penang.

UPDATE: Kou Shui Ya Roasted Delights Bayan Lepas branch has relocated to i-Avenue Bayan Lepas (find full address below)

Kou Shui Ya Roasted Delights 口水鸭烧腊 has a few outlets across Penang island. This outlet at Bayan Lepas is the 3rd and latest branch of the brand (another 2 branches can be found at Astaka Hillside Tanjung Bungah and Macalister Road). As suggested by the name- it specializes in roasted Duck (marinated with Dang Gui) and various Cantonese roasted meat. The place opens as early as 7 am in the morning and it is usually most crowded during lunch hours. Apart from the roasted Duck, Kou Shui Ya also churns out Black Pepper Char Siew, Siew Yoke, Honey Roasted Chicken Thigh... served with either Noodles or Rice. 

Haru Korean Restaurant @ Burmah Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Haru is another convenient spot in town where Korean food lovers get to satiate their cravings for Korean delicacies. The newly opened Korean Restaurant takes over the lot previously occupied by Shunka Japanese Restaurant (next to Penang Plaza) and offers a pretty standard Korean menu (sans the barbecue). Not exactly a very big menu but good enough to include the Malaysians' favorites like Tteokbokki, Japchae, Jeon etc. The dishes are averagely priced but we thought some of the dishes lacked the "X-factor" and would require some refinements. 

Yu Village 渔家庄 @ Autocity River Park, Perai, Penang.

The love for Seafood noodles- a bowl of ocean wholesome-ness continues to expand with the opening of Yu Village 渔家庄 at Autocity River Park, a new extended space by Autocity. Yu Village 渔家庄 is amongst the new spate of tenants at Autocity River Park, offering a menu full of seafood delights. Owned by the Edo Ichi Group, the quality speaks for itself. The menu comprises of Chinese-style Seafood Noodles, Meat Noodles, Curry Noodles and sides; expect to pay slightly more for the freshness/quality and dining atmosphere though. In case you are wondering- no, the Edo Ichi Membership does not work here so there is no additional discount for members.

Ban Xian Lao Wu 半闲老屋 @ Fettes Park, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Slightly off the beaten track- Ban Xian Lao Wu 半闲老屋 at Fettes Park is a quaint haven where the charm of antique and used knick-knacks meets the delicate art of Chinese Tea-infused delights. A stone's throw distance away from Prima Tanjung (Tanjung Tokong), Ban Xian Lao Wu is tucked in a corner right behind the Indian Temple along Jalan Fettes. The narrow alley to the entrance is found adjacent to Fatty Loh Chicken Rice (next to the Indian Temple). Step in the place and you will be instantly transported back in time where you will find yourself surrounded in antiques and used Chinese knick-knacks. Food offering-wise, the restaurant has a small menu... mainly Chinese Tea-infused delights but with great attention of details provided. 

Reuben's Restaurant and Bar @ Ativo Plaza, Bandar Sri Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.

A friendly neighborhood restaurant at the Bandar Sri Damansara area, Reuben's Restaurant and Bar is a fairly new restaurant (opened in mid 2023) but has garnered an appreciate following. The menu features an array of playful but carefully crafted dishes with a mix of South East Asian flavors (like Malaysian, Cambodian, Balinese etc). Dishes are reasonably priced at Reuben's, Cocktail lovers would be delighted to know that the restaurant churns out specialty drinks and Cocktails too (many are priced below Rm 30). The restaurant can be found at Ativo Plaza Bandar Sri Damansara, at the end of one corner... next to Hero Market. 

Many Thanks to Reuben's Restaurant and Bar for hosting us.

People Pleaser Cafe @ Lebuh Melayu, Georgetown, Penang.

Yet another new cafe at Lebuh Melayu (Georgetown) is People Pleaser Cafe- step in the place and you will instantly feel the casual, relaxed vibe with small, round Coffee tables along the sides. Walk further in and you will find the dining area with proper tables and chairs; as well as an open kitchen with kitchen staff in action. The cafe features a Western menu- offering some house-made Pasta, Pizza, Toasts and Sandwiches etc. Price points are of restaurant-standard. We found the potential in their menu but some refinements are needed to bring it up to standard.

Double Six Cafe 六六咖啡馆 @ Terengganu Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Double Six Cafe 六六咖啡馆 gets busy as early as 7 am in the morning, this place is now a popular breakfast place for those staying in the neighborhood. It is housed in a corner lot along Terengganu Road, offering Malaysian delights at unbeatable prices. Their signature dishes include Xixiami (a hybrid version of Jawa Mee and Teluk Kumbar Mee Udang), Nasi Lemak, Kaya Butter Toast as well as Pork Lard Rice. The place is not air-conditioned so expect the sultry hot weather to kick in after 9 am but still worth checking out.