Alfresco Dining @ Island 88, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

A new addition to Island 88, Alfresco Dining is the latest culinary venture by renowned Chef Petr Feher, a Czech-born chef whose impressive portfolio includes stints at E&O Hotel Penang, The Datai Langkawi, Siam Kempinski Bangkok, and Four Seasons Hotels around the globe.  

Bringing his years of international experience to the table, Chef Petr curates a menu that fuses Western and Asian flavors—featuring some of his all-time favorite creations. The concept here is modern yet casual, with a focus on serving quality food at accessible prices. One part of the space embraces an outdoorsy, laid-back ambiance, perfect for those looking to unwind with good food and a drink or two. 

Many Thanks to Alfresco Dining for hosting us.

[Year 2025] Food Hunting- of Cafes/ Must-Eats @ Taiping, Perak.

Known as the "Rain Town," Taiping is approximately an hour’s drive from Penang Island. This charming town, home to a predominantly Chinese community, has long been known for its delicious food offerings. Our most recent visit in 2024 revealed even more new and exciting spots waiting to be discovered. Follow us in this food guide as we walk you through some of the interesting eats Taiping has to offer! 

1) Restaurant Kampung Wang

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Address: 260, Jalan Tembikai, 34000, Taiping, Perak. 

Business Hours: 10 am to 3 pm, 5 pm to 10 pm. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: 605- 805 6568

Loh Kei Cha Chan Teng 罗记茶餐厅 @ Leisure Cove Hotels and Apartments, Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

Popular local Penang Koay Teow Th'ng brand- Loh Kei 罗记 has recently expanded its footprint to a new coffee shop, bringing more food options to the Tanjung Bungah neighborhood. Housed in Leisure Cove Hotels and Apartments, Loh Kei occupies a big space on the ground floor. The coffee shop is air-conditioned. On top of its signature Koay Teow Th'ng, the menu now includes a variety of local favorites like Hokkien Mee, Western delights (available from 11 am onwards), Porridge and Rice dishes etc. A convenient spot for nearby residents to grab a quick and affordable meal.

The FOUNDERS Hutton @ Hutton Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

Housed in a restored Indo-Malay bungalow along Hutton Lane, The FOUNDERS Hutton offers a calm and inviting space for casual dining. The interior features a clean and modern design, with both indoor and outdoor seating options. The place has been gaining popularity among locals for its laid-back atmosphere and versatile menu, which consists of a mix of Western and Asian-inspired dishes. Prices are reasonable, and the offerings are pork-free, making it suitable for Muslim diners. On weekends and public holidays, live band performances are held in the evening, adding a little extra to the overall dining experience.

SmokePapa BBQ @ Bishop Street, Georgetown, Penang.

From humble beginnings at a food court near Weld Quay back in 2018, SmokePapa BBQ has since found a new home at Bishop Street, continuing its mission of bringing Texas-style smoked barbecue to the heart of Penang. Helmed by Pitmaster Chef Hong, the restaurant focuses on barbecued meats done low and slow—its signature smoked ribs being a crowd favorite. The menu spans across various cuts, from poultry to heartier meats, all crafted with smoky depth and bold flavors. 

Many Thanks to SmokePapa BBQ for hosting us.

Fujian Min Cuisine 福见 @ Pekaka Square, Penang.

A new addition to Taman Pekaka, Fujian Min Cuisine quietly opens its doors with a focus on comforting Fujian (or Hokkien) fare. During its soft-launch phase, the restaurant introduces a small menu that pays homage to traditional Fujian flavors, expect to see really classic Fujian dishes like Oysters Pancake, braised Seafood Noodles or Stew Rice etc. The interior is clean and welcoming, with well-spaced tables offering a comfortable dining environment for groups and families alike. 

Meng Kei Chicken Rice 鈱记滑鸡 @ CY Choy, Georgetown, Penang.

At the helm of an ex-hotelier, Meng Kei Chicken Rice 鈱记滑鸡 at CY Choy dishes out soft and tender boiled Chicken daily, together with carbohydrates like Rice, Porridge, Noodles etc. The restaurant is spacious and air-conditioned. With reasonably priced items, Meng Kei is a familiar spot among those living and working nearby, the restaurant sees a steady stream of regulars who keep coming back for more.

Laoliu Pickled Fish 老六酸菜鱼 @ Penang Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Laoliu Pickled Fish 老六酸菜鱼 is one of the rare places in Penang that specializes in serving Pickled Fish or Suan Cai Yu; a popular Sze Chuan delicacy with Fish served with broth and pickled Mustard Greens. The restaurant at Penang Road (opposite Cititel Penang) serves only a type of main dish- the Pickled Fish available in 3 different types of broth (Golden broth, Tomato broth and Pickled Greens broth) with some Sze Chuan-inspired sides. More for novelty experience and not exactly the most economical meal (expect to pay at least RM50 per pax for a meal here). 

Horangi Korean Cuisine @ Dato Keramat, Georgetown, Penang.

Horangi Korean Kitchen is one of the latest names to join Penang’s growing Korean dining landscape. Located along Jalan Dato Keramat, the restaurant presents a cozy and casual space for diners to enjoy a variety of Korean dishes. The menu features a selection of BBQ meats, traditional stews, pancakes, and banchan (Korean side dishes). Set meals are available, offering a combination of grilled items and classic Korean fare. With its casual dining atmosphere and full-flavored offerings, Horangi adds another option for Korean food lovers in town.

Tian Xia Cafe 天下茶室 @ Perak Road, Jelutong, Penang.

Tucked in the Jelutong neighborhood and right next to the Perak Road Wet Market,  Tian Xia Cafe 天下茶室 dishes out local Penang delights like Char Koay Teow, Penang White Curry Mee, Koay Teow Th'ng etc. The eatery is housed in a corner lot of a residential house. Menu is not big but more than good enough for a casual quick fix. Dishes are affordably priced with Koay Teow Th'ng priced from RM6. Definitely a spot worth checking out. My suggestion- visit the place after the wet market is closed, it is easier to find yourself a parking lot compared to the mornings.

Jimat Bucket by Marrybrown – A Value Deal for Sharing Moments

As a proud Malaysian home-grown Halal brand, Marrybrown continues to champion Rasa Malaysia, Pilihan Kita, offering familiar flavors that resonate with local taste buds. Marrybrown is bringing more value to the table with the launch of its Jimat Bucket—a limited-time promotion that highlights affordability without compromising on quality. Available in sets of 6-pc, 9-pc, or 12-pc of the brand’s signature Ayam Goreng MB, the promotion (with discount up to 30%) makes it easier for families and friends to enjoy a hearty meal together, without stretching the budget. Whether it's a quick get-together or a weekend treat, the value-packed meal makes it easier to enjoy good food and good company.

Jouhan's Concepts @ China Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Tucked away along China Street in the heart of George Town, Jouhan’s Concepts is a new addition to Penang’s cafe scene that dessert lovers wouldn’t want to miss. It brings something a little different to the table—specializing in exquisite French pastries with a delicate Japanese twist. From flaky, buttery creations to refined sweets that look too pretty to eat, each piece is thoughtfully crafted and full of finesse. No mains on the menu just yet (new items in the pipeline apparently). With its spacious layout and cozy seating, Jouhan’s Concepts makes a lovely spot to wind down over some delicious treats.

[Travel/ Food Guide] Itinerary to Bangkok, Thailand (曼谷，泰国) 2025

Following our visit to Bangkok last Aug 2024, we've made another trip to the capital of Thailand again (taking advantage of the Eid holiday break). We stayed in Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road this time (will share our experience in a separate blog entry). The strategic location allows easy access to major BTS stations in Bangkok and tourist attractions. Keep reading to see the food spots we explored in this trip:

1) Phed Mark 

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Address: 300 Sukhumvit Rd, Phra Khanong, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand.

Business Hours: 10 am to 7 pm. Opens Daily.

BTS Ekkamai Exit 3 and walk for 3 minutes

Zai Seng Dim Sum 再生点心 @ Bagan Ajam, Butterworth, Penang.

Looking to enjoy your morning Dim Sum with a sea view? Zai Seng Dim Sum 再生点心 at Pantai Bersih is probably an option that you would like to explore. Opened in mid 2024, the place is within a short drive from Raja Uda, Butterworth. The Dim Sum restaurant is spacious with plenty of tables and seats. The best time to visit is early in the morning for the cool sea breeze, it gets warmer in the day. In terms of food offerings- the variety is not as extensive as that of some established Dim Sum restaurants in town... though they do serve a few stir fried noodle options. This is a place more for its ambiance than for an outstanding culinary experience- but if you’re planning to visit, their stir-fried noodles are worth a try.

Oneul Korean Restaurant @ All Seasons Place, Farlim, Penang.

Fans of Korean food will be excited to learn that there is a new Korean restaurant opened in All Seasons Place Penang- Oneul Korean Restaurant. The new addition can be found on the 1st floor (above Starbucks), previously occupied by Coffee Elements. The Korean menu features an array of familiar Korean dishes, both Noodles and Rice... as well as some popular Korean street food like Toppokki, Fried Chicken, Mandu etc. Dishes are reasonably priced and the place is manned by a super friendly Korean-speaking lady. If you do enjoy Korean food, do give this place a try.