Old Tiong Kee 老東記 @ Penang Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Both a Deli and a restaurant, Old Tiong Kee 老東記 has the option for diners to either dine-in at the restaurant or purchase their pre-packed goods and have them cooked at home. The dine-in menu features a wide range of Western option, from Grills to Burgers and Pasta... as well as a small choice of local Chinese dishes; the pre-packed goods include ready-to-grill, pre-marinated meat, gourmet Sausages etc. The restaurant at Penang Street has a cozy, roomy space for dine-in... well-equipped with air-conditioners. The service however, could be more attentive and efficient. It was quite empty on our visit with just another table waiting for their food, but it took them more than 40 minutes to serve our orders. Price points are mid-to-high, though the Set Lunch menu seems more wallet-friendly. 

Hachiban Izakaya 八番 @ Kelawei Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Under the umbrella of Edo Ichi group, Hachiban Izakaya 八番 is one of the latest additions to the group. Unlike other Japanese restaurants, Hachiban operates in Izakaya style. Traditionally, we would expect a menu with great focuses on drinking (alcohol), but Hachiban has quite an impressive spread. The main menu features many classic items that can be found in a Japanese restaurant as well as some dishes especially suitable for drinking; price points are however, slightly above average. The restaurant is fairly big and houses a grill bar with big seating capacity. 

Inherit Taste Patisserie 承品烘培 @ Georgetown, Penang.

Inherit Taste Patisserie 承品烘培 is one of the latest places that you can get cravings over Crepe Cake fixed. The place has gained quite a lot of attention on social media lately, due to its colorful, eye-pleasing treats. The cake house only offers cakes... with their specialties being Mille Crepe Cakes. It does not offer a proper main menu but more like a dessert house that offers freshly made Crepe Cakes. While the classics are always available, do watch out their seasonal items like Durian Mousse, Nyonya Kaya, Mango etc... on certain days, special bakes are also available (on our visit, it was Burnt Cheese Cake). Inherit Taste Patisserie can be found at Jalan Imigresen, the road next to 1926 Heritage Hotel at Burmah Road.

Gēn 根 @ The Prestige Hotel, Georgetown, Penang.

The name Gēn 根 (refers to "roots" in Mandarin) gives an idea about the place and its concept- appreciating quality local produce with familiar yet nostalgic flavors from childhood memories. Helmed by Chef Johnson, the place is ready to take you on a journey through flavors with his interpretation of Malaysian Stories- a reminiscent of the past for those who can relate, a new expedition of flavor combo through the creative dishes. At Gēn 根 (unlike its sister restaurant- Communal Table by Gēn 根 at Lebuh Presgrave), the restaurant only offers Chef's Tasting Menu... be it lunch or dinner. A 7-course Lunch is priced at RM 180 whilst the 12-course Dinner is priced at RM 300, subject to service charge. The menu changes every 2 months, we had the privilege to try their June 2020 Dinner menu.

Many Thanks To Gēn 根 for hosting us

Kitch Garden Cafe @ Rangoon Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Another option for those who practice plant-based diet, Kitch Garden did not originally offer a plant-based menu when it first started but recently, they have converted into a vegetarian cafe, offering only a plant-based food menu. While the menu is not too big, it ranges from both local delights (like Assam Laksa, Curry Mee) to international dishes (Japanese Curry, Quesadilla etc). Budget watchers would be glad to know that all food items are reasonably priced here at Kitch Garden Cafe. Nothing overly fancy about the dining hall or restaurant setting... just a comfortable, air-conditioned space for a simple, fuss-free vegetarian meal. 

Me & U Dessert @ Sunrise Tower, Gurney Drive, Penang.

When Me & U Dessert first launched in late Dec 2019, the dessert parlor caused a stir on social media... due to its non-customary serving method. The new kid on the block pushed the boundary by having the dainty desserts served on a conveyor belt. Pre-made desserts (like Cakes, Macarons etc) are served on colored plates... which determine their prices (either Rm 8 or Rm 10 per plate). Alternatively, diners can also order on the menu, in which they will be served separately. Decent place for dessert lovers but not so much for those who seek for variety.

Marrybrown Malaysia Introduces Egg-Stra Padu Salted Egg Meals

Salty, sweet, creamy-rich with a gentle chili heat and insanely addictive, the Salted Egg Yolk sauce has become one of Malaysian's favorite sauces to go with basically anything. Marrybrown Malaysia has taken the lovely Asian sauce further... combining with its signature Crispy Chicken. In the latest menu- Egg-Stra Padu Salted Egg Meals promotion... features 2 different highlights: Burger and Marrybrown Crispy Chicken covered in luscious, creamy real Salted Egg sauce. Priced from RM 15, Marrybrown fans have the option to devour juicy, decadent Salted Egg Burger or sate their crispy Chicken cravings with the Salted Egg Ayam meal... served over heart-warming Salted Egg sauce. The Marrybrown's Egg-Stra Padu Salted Egg Meals promotion is expected to run until 12 July 2020. 

Many Thanks to Marrybrown for hosting us.

Rumah Asap Kenyalang @ Lebuh Keng Kwee, Georgetown, Penang.

Sarawakians can now have a taste of home at this newly opened restaurant... offering only Sarawakian delights. Manned by Sarawakians, the Rumah Asap Kenyalang has long presence at Butterworth but the island's branch is fairly new; both places offer the same menu but the branch at Butterworth has a slightly more extensive menu compared to the island's. Kolo Mee, Sarawak Laksa, 3-Layer Tea are some of the signature dishes here; nothing too fancy about the interior decor, just a casual place to get a quick fix. One of the few places in Penang for some decent, authentic Sarawak dishes.

Chili Head Bar & Eatery @ Straits Quay, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

A new branch to Tree Monkey- a popular Thai restaurant found in Tropical Spice Garden, Batu Ferringhi; Chili Head Bar and Eatery is a place that embodies both Thai food and alcohol in one place. Right next to Healy Macs, the restaurant at Straits Quay offers the charming sea view in which diners can opt to dine-in at an air-conditioned environment or the outdoorsy al-fresco setting. Like most Thai restaurants, the menu consists of many familiar Thai delights but the price tags will set you back a bit (just so you can imagine the steepness- one small portion of Mango Salad may cost up to Rm 24 after tax). Great atmosphere, consistent quality but the price points are too steep to justify. 

The Maker @ Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

The Maker is one dessert mecca that you have probably seen on your Instagram feed, it is destined to be a star thanks to the colorful, aesthetically pleasing sweet treats and pastries. Not only that the food offering catches attention; the minimalist interior decor with shades of natural wood offers a comfortable space to declutter and wind-down. Under the same care as &Dolce, The Maker does not offer any main but a range of desserts and pastries displaying at the order counter. Affordable prices, huge and comfortable space... are some of the reasons that make this place worthy for your next cafe hop.

Kenko @ Jalan Lim Lean Teng, Jelutong, Penang.

Found right in front of Han Chiang Primary School, Kenko has been around for at least a few months. The place is especially popular amongst the Han Chiang students and has been dishing out affordable Sushi and Japanese dishes (expect to find a bowl of plain Udon at Rm 6.90). The menu is not too extensive but more than good enough for a quick Japanese fix. It has many familiar items on offer- from Sushi to Rolls... to Udon/ Ramen and Don-sets. But don't expect the quality to be on par with top-notch Japanese restaurants though... this is more like a place for casual meal in a comfortable, air-conditioned setting without too grueling to the wallet. 

23 Takehana Japanese Restaurant @ Auto City, Juru, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

23 Takehana is probably one of the oldest restaurants at Auto City, the fact that the restaurant could withstand the test of time is a testament of the consistency of the food quality. We were there during the CMCO period so the menu was rather limited. The usual menu does not seem to be that extensive either but the price points are modest and quite wallet-friendly. Nothing spectacular on the interior decor, just some basic ones that resemble the Japanese theme... more like a place for a casual meal or a quick Japanese fix without putting a dent on the wallet. 

Full Xiang Spicy Hotpot 福相麻辣香锅 @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

Spicy Mala hotpot has seen rise in demand due to the addictive fragrant, numbing-spicy sensation; and one of the best places that you can satiate your cravings for Mala Hotpot is Full Xiang Spicy Hotpot 福相麻辣香锅, a brand which can be found in 2 largest shopping malls in Penang- Gurney Plaza and Queensbay Mall. Like most Mala Hotpot restaurants, there is a dedicated display fridge with all the ingredients available. Diners will need to pick up their preferred choices and hand them over to the counter... for weighing, payment and processing. In addition to that, the restaurant also offers a rice and noodle menu, offering various familiar Chinese items. Reasonable prices and the dishes pack powerful chili heat.

GEM Indian Cuisine @ Bishop Street, Georgetown, Penang.

GEM Indian Cuisine along Bishop Street is an old establishment that specializes in serving authentic Indian food, the place is known to serve some of the best Curries in Penang. Found at the corner lot of Bishop Street and Light Street, the restaurant is often patrionized by regular patrons and Curry lovers. What makes this place unique is the thick, rich and flavorful Curries; said to be cooked from authentic Indian recipes with real spices. The interior decor is minimalist adorned with some Indian knick-knacks; classy and comfortable setting, delicious Indian delights... one of the best spots to get some real Indian food.

Cun Xiang 村香燉品屋飯店 @ Permatang Tinggi, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Residents staying at Permatang Tinggi should not be new with Cun Xiang 村香燉品屋飯店... not only that it can be found facing the main road (near the entrance to the residential area) but it is also a popular dinner place for those staying in the vicinity. While the place does not offer a big menu, it does churn out delicious yet invigorating Chinese Herbal Soup and stir up some familiar home-cooked dishes. Prices are most affordable and the dishes are intimating, a place for a casual quick fix without putting a dent on the wallet.