San How Seafood Restaurant 三豪海鲜饭店 @ Sungai Bakap, Penang.

A little off the beaten track, San How Seafood Restaurant 三豪海鲜饭店 can be found near to Hijauan Valdor, a small town at the south of Perai. There is no sign of tourists, just a casual family restaurant serving the local community. The place is known to serve some of the freshest Seafood dishes around... and also its tummy-comforting home-styled cooking. There is a huge Zhu Char menu being displayed on the wall but the regulars would ask for the freshest catch of the day. Prices are very budget-friendly, at least more reasonable than big establishments found on Penang island. 

SPINK @ The One Mahsuri, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

To paint the restaurant in millennial pink has been a global trend to gain attention, in fact, it has been around for quite some time. But the gimmick does not stop there and SPINK is one of them that goes all out to vie attention with its plush pink interiors. The color that represents love has caused a stir on social media, attracting people to come over to take pictures and feel beautiful. While the place has a gorgeous setting, the seating arrangement is quite narrow... leaving inadequate spaces between tables and therefore, the privacy is compromised. The food menu is not too shabby but might set you back with steep price tags. But if you do like to have a booze, the drinks menu is pretty extensive. On a side note, if you are feel like trying your luck out, pay RM 20 and you'll get a chance to spin the "Wheel of Fortune" and see if you will land yourself a Lobster meal (other prizes include Spaghetti, Burger, Wrap, Pork Ribs etc).

Hudson's Deli @ Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

Penang needs more places like Hudson's Deli, a place for meat-lovers to feast on cured meat classics and savor on delicious Cheeses. The newly opened delicatessen at Tanjung Bungah carries quite a variety of cured meats and exotic Cheeses. The food menu features pretty much the same thing found at the display fridge but expect some great Sandwiches, Meat and Cheese Platters for a deli like Hudson's. The interior is pretty simple but homey- with some basic tables and chairs. It's the type of spot where families would flock to for brunch or a casual meal over stuffed Sandwiches.

Loy Kee Wanton Noodles 黎记汕头街面馆 @ Kimberley Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Every Penangite knows where to find his/her favorite Wan Ton Mee but with the new opening of Loy Kee 黎记汕头街面馆, you might want to give this place a try before deciding your next favorite Wan Ton Mee place. The new Wan Ton Mee specialist can be found at Kimberley Street, right next to the new Jio Cafe. It has a Cantonese-influenced menu... featuring Char Siew, Wan Ton and the rather uncommon braised Beef Brisket. Not exactly the Hong Kie style but a good blend of Cantonese elements to the local Wan Ton Mee.

1LDK Lifestyle Cafe @ Tavoy Lane, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

Both a cafe and a furniture showroom, visitors can fill the tummies before visiting the furniture showroom on first floor. Found in one of the no-through roads of Pulau Tikus, the newly opened 1LDK Lifestyle Cafe looks exactly like an ordinary residential in the neighborhood. It does not carry a huge signage but a rather small one that would be easily missed. The dining hall is not quite spacious but you will love the simplicity of the cafe... it feels so down-to-earth without any ostentation. The vintage-styled furniture also cleverly blends in, making the place picturesque in every corner. While it has a small food menu, everything is carefully crafted; worth checking out but the place might not be too accommodating to big groups. 

My Travel Itinerary to Hokkaido (北海道), Japan (日本).

Hokkaido (Japan) has always been my favorite place to visit in Japan (read my previous entry here)- there is a perfect balance of the Japanese country side scene as well as the bustling city view. Ever since my previous trip there, I've always wanted to revisit Hokkaido and I've finally found the right timing do so (I flew Air Asia, directly from KLIA2 to Sapporo's Chitose Airport). Having been to Hokkaido, I've learnt that the best way to travel across the prefecture is to drive. 

We rented ours via Times Car Rental- the prices seemed to cheaper as compared to bigger brands. We were skeptical at first but glad that it turned out well. The service rendered was amazing- the processes were well-explained and everything went very smooth. The car condition could not be better. We highly recommend this car rental company. 

Why did we pick Summer to visit Hokkaido? There are so many things to do in Hokkaido during Summer- lovely weather (average temperature of 15 to 24 degree Celsius) with longer day time with colorful scenery. There are plenty of outdoor activities to partake as well. When it comes to driving, we need not worry about the icy, slippery condition. Check out our 8 Day 7 Nights trip below starting from Sapporo > Noboribetsu > Sobetsu > Hakodate > Niseko (unrecorded) > Otaru > Furano > Sapporo.

1. Noboribetsu 登別:

A. Aji No Daio Ramen
Address: 29-9, Noboribetsu-onsencho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, 052-0101 Japan.
Business Hours: 11 am to 8:30 pm. Closed on Tuesdays.

Hygge Dining & Bar @ Kuala Kangsar Road, Georgetown, Penang.

The corner of Keng Kwee Street (famous for the Penang Cendol) and Kuala Kangsar Road welcomes a new addition- Hygge Dining & Bar... a casual dining spot that offers an east meets west menu. A Chef by profession and having trained in big establishments in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, the proprietor has decided to a leap and venture into his own food business... introducing some of his best creations to Penang. The menu sees a nice blend of Asian and western dishes, with a nice local twist. It has quite a relaxing atmosphere- soft music background and well-spaced tables and chairs; the place is most suitable for casual meet ups or gatherings. The upper floor is cozier but dimmer, though it would be ideal for a booze, the cafe has yet to roll out its alcohol menu (but soon). The space on the upper floor is also available for private functions (reservation is required).

Many Thanks to Hygge Dining & Bar for hosting us. 

Chillis And Cheese @ Arena Curve, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

The name of this place seems convincing... blending both Malaysians' all times favorite- Chilies and Cheese. Operating in one of the shop lots at Arena Curve, Chillis And Cheese is manned by a local Malaysian, who is adventurous enough to tweak local Malaysian delicacies with playful elements. You will find familiar names on the menu but once you read the description, you will find something is different. The air-conditioned cafe is simple and clean with casual setting; one of the places where you can fill your tummies without putting a dent on the wallet.

Viva Victoria @ Victoria Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Fancy a meal with a dash of personality? Make your way to Viva Victoria (at Victoria Street, central Georgetown)- an eclectic, quirky space that offers good drinks and delicious food. It's hard to describe this place- the facade hardly tells about the place but once you are in, you will find yourself in a mysterious place with a shelf of books, eclectic knick-knacks and oddly, a whiff of Indian scents. The menu is equally interesting- cleverly blends in elements from the East and West, with a playful local touch... complemented by an impressive specialty drinks menu. The place has a casual dining atmosphere, which is suitable for casual lunch or to relax and enjoy an evening sip.

Many Thanks to Viva Victoria for hosting us.

[Lounge Review] Air Asia Premium Red Lounge @ KLIA2, Selangor.

If you are flying with the national low-cost carrier Air Asia and having a layover at KLIA2, chances are high that you have quite a few hours to spend. Globetrotters will understand the need for a quick recharge and to get some work done. Started its operations since September 2016, the Air Asia Premium Red Lounge is one of the few options you can consider. Found inside the International Departure hall of KLIA2, one would need to clear security and immigration before finding your way there. Right next to the Red Lounge is "The Lounge KLIA2" which offers a different experience at slightly higher price. 

At the Air Asia Premium Red Lounge, one will be pampered with food buffet (though limited options), comfortable chairs, well-equipped work stations and shower facility. The access to the lounge is complimentary for Premium Flatbed travelers; otherwise, it is subject to a fee of RM 85 for walk-ins and RM 75 for online pre-books. 

Disclaimer: this is a self-paid experience

Tastes5 @ Noordin Street, Georgetown, Penang.

A new comer to the Penang food scene- Tastes5 at Noordin Street offers a Pasta-focused menu. It's easy to miss the cafe... there is no obvious or showy signage but a simple, wooden one that flashes out the name. Many would miss the place wondering what it could potentially offer. But once you are in, you will be amazed by the well-preserved Penang heritage house with minor touch up on the interior... simple but minimalist-kinda elegance. Mind you, it gets a little warm in sultry hot afternoon though there are air-conditioners everywhere. Prices are slightly on the higher side if you must know.

Dandy Modern Food @ Queensbay Mall, Penang.

Middle Eastern cuisine is widely accepted and welcomed in Malaysia- healthy, bold and irresistible flavors but it is often too grueling to the wallet to indulge. Dandy Modern Food seizes this opportunity and brings flavors from the Mediterranean to Penang by offering delicious Mediterranean delights in an affordable price range. While some are authentically Mediterranean dishes, certain dishes have been modified to suit the local palate (esp on the heavy usage of Herbs). Having received great support from Penangites, the brand expanded its business operation and opened up a new branch at Queensbay Mall earlier this year. The same open-kitchen concept is used to impart a casual and comfortable dining atmosphere, allowing diners to witness the entire food preparation process. Both restaurants in Queensbay Mall and Arena Curve are Halal-certified; private functions and events can also be arranged at both locations.

Many Thanks to Dandy Modern Food for hosting us.

Master Keong 强师傅汤阁 @ Burmah Road, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

Housed in one of the huge bungalows along Burmah Road (next to Follow Me), the newly opened Master Keong 强师傅汤阁 offers a classic Chinese menu, featuring many familiar Chinese stir-fry dishes along with a series of slow-boiled Soup. The air-conditioned place is very spacious and could easily accommodate large groups. Prices are mid-range standard but the ample parking right outside the restaurant is definitely a plus.

Cheang Kee 蒋记 @ Chulia Street, Georgetown, Penang.

With a standard cafe facade and industrial red brick design, one would assume Cheang Kee 蒋记 offers a Western menu but on the contrary, it has a local Chinese menu. The interior decor has got nothing to do with its offerings; during this soft launch period, Cheang Kee only offers 2 types of food- Fish Head/Meat Noodles or Penang Hokkien Prawn Noodles (or Steamboat by reservation only). Despite of its slight high price, the taste is legit and you get to enjoy the food in a cozy dining atmosphere. The menu's a little limited for now, worth a look if they could offer more in the future.

Black Kettle Launches New Food Menu @ Georgetown, Penang.

Having collected regular patrons' feedback on the food offering, Black Kettle has decided to do some minor upgrade to the menu and has since, rolled out its new food menu. Bright and cozy with a good doze of soft furnishing and slight greenery, the cafe is one of the busiest cafes in the heart of Georgetown. With the joining of a new Michelin-trained head Chef, the newly launched food menu sees stronger influences from local flavors. Keeping "mindful eating" in mind, a few healthier additions have also been included in the food menu. In line with that, all sauces and bread are made-in-house by Black Kettle. Need more to celebrate? There is also a bakery counter near the entrance (they do sell bread and pastries for walk-ins) and excellent Coffee.

Many Thanks to Black Kettle for hosting us.