Hero Pot (火锅英雄) @ Karpal Singh Drive, Georgetown, Penang.

Consider yourself incredibly lucky if you are a fan of Sze Chuan food, more options for you right now with the opening of Hero Pot at Karpal Singh Drive. Belongs to the "Mix", a convenient store that sells fancy imported goods from China, Japan, Korea etc, Hero Pot offers Sze Chuan-influenced dishes and of course... Sze Chuan "Mala" Hot Pot. But everything is designed to be ostentatious here, when you are about to enter the premise, you will be greeted by servers wearing traditional Chinese outfit. They will bring you to your table and before you are seated, they will shout "heroes are coming"... an awkward start to a meal. The menu is Hot Pot-centric, with a few classic Chinese snacks. Service is attentive but do not expect things to be cheap here, expect to fork out at least Rm 50 per pax for a decent meal here. Not particularly impressive as far as taste is concerned... if you must know.

Palsaik Korean BBQ Restaurant @ Sky Avenue, Genting Highlands, Pahang.

Korean food devotees should not be new to the name- Palsaik... the Korean restaurant is well-established in central Malaysia and has 7 branches across the nation. It should not be hard to notice the Korean restaurant; if you have walked past the al-fresco area of Sky Avenue, you would have noticed this high-floor restaurant. The place is usually packed with patrons on evenings but relatively quieter during day time. Palsaik is known for its barbecue items but it does offer ala-carte menu as well; prices are on the higher side but it can be a rather enjoyable moment when grilling meat and find yourself surrounded in a cool, chilly weather. We did not manage to try their barbecue items but for those that we have had, we thought they were disappointingly average. 

Art Nature Cafe @ ICT Mall, KOMTAR, Georgetown, Penang.

More choices for meat-free eaters, Art Nature Cafe, a long established vegetarian cafe from Alor Setar (Kedah) has recently opened up a new branch here in Penang's ICT Mall, KOMTAR. It offers the same menu as the main branch, it has a variety of local vegetarian food with a creative twist. Notable highlights include Assam Lemak Laksa, Tofu with Cheese and Egg, Oyster Mushroom Porridge etc. Apart from being part of the meat-free community, the cafe occasionally hosts photography-related events. The cafe is located right next to the main KOMTAR bus terminal so it tends to be a little noisy but if you are someone who enjoys watching the busy scenes where bus riders hop on and off the buses, this is definitely the place you are looking for. 

Soon Lai Corner (顺来小厨) @ Permatang Damar Laut, Batu Maung, Penang.

Soon Lai Corner is a well-kept secret, it's not the usual place that you would patronize if not introduced by those who are in the know. The place is popular amongst the working class nearby, not so much on the food but the fresh Coconut Toddy (also known as Palm Wine). The alcoholic beverage is not exactly common at this part of the island; the cooling nature of the drink is believed to bring medicinal effects to the body. On the food, it offers a simple home-styled Chinese Chu Char dishes (with standard-average price points). Do not expect the place to come with cozy ambiance though, it is merely a standard, not air-conditioned coffee shop with basic tables and chairs. 

Smile There Cafe @ Macallum Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Fromage lovers can now satiate their cravings for gooey, molten dairy at this newly opened cafe- Smile There Cafe. This tiny space at Macallum Street places great attention on toasted Cheese Sandwiches, ranging from the classic versions to meaty upgrades that contain Bacon, Ham or even Fried Chicken. Options are safe here, with no funky flavors but there are a couple of sweet Toasties worthy for your attention. Nothing spectacular about the interior decor but more than good enough for a simple, quick fix. Prices are surprisingly wallet-friendly, a good place for a in-between meals snack.

Zok Noodle House (竹面馆) @ SkyAvenue, Genting Highlands, Pahang.

It's always stomach-comforting to have steaming hot soup under cold, chilly weather; for such experience at Genting Highlands, make your way to Zok Noodle House. Founded by a group of Malaysians, the brand aims to bring Hong Kong and Macanese delights to Malaysia. There are a few branches across Klang Valley, though the menu is slightly different for the branch at Genting Highlands, most of its signature dishes are still on offer. Prices are pretty reasonable and affordable, for the fact that you are dining at the mountain top. But do beware on the serving portion, it can be a little overwhelming for petite eaters. This is a good place for a quick, affordable family meal.

Hongdae Korean BBQ @ New World Park, Georgetown, Penang.

If you are old enough to have heard of the name- Bee Won Korean Restaurant, you probably have an idea on the restaurant's background. With the ever-growing popularity on Korean food, the restaurant has recently opened up a new Korean BBQ place at New World Park. The setting is pretty much Korean roadside barbecue setting, with stainless steel tables and grills. The heat-intolerant would be less-excited to know that the place is not air-conditioned but if you are game for an al-fresco barbecue dining experience, this is the type of setting that you are looking for. Apart from the quintessential Korean barbecue items and alcohols (like Soju), the place offers a wide variety of Korean delights. It opens for lunch as well so if you are in the mood for a casual Korean fix, you can drop by for a quick meal. The prices are pretty much Korean-restaurant standard but the quality remains consistent (you would know if were a Bee Won customer). 

The Business Cafe @ Setia Tri-angle, Sungai Ara, Penang.

Escape the chaos of the bustling streets in Georgetown and explore new ventures in other parts of the island. The Business Cafe, the only cafe at the moment at Setia Tri-angle, a newly developed project by SP Setia at Sungai Ara. The area is relatively quieter and far from the hustle-bustle of city. The air-conditioned cafe has a relaxed atmosphere and once you stepped in, the comfortable sofa is probably the first thing that strikes you. The interior setting is minimalist with modern-contemporary shades. Lovely ambiance aside, the menu appears to be slightly on the weaker side. Constant cafe-hoppers may be bored at the usual cafe-menu, the selection is limited and choices are less-inviting. 

Dim Sum Station (点心栈) @ Promenade, Bayan Lepas Penang.

The new commercial shop houses- Promenade at Bayan Baru is expecting a new spate of tenants moving in, one of the latest additions- Dim Sum Station did not come across as a proper Dim Sum place. At least I did not find the dark facade with black signage convincing enough but as you push the doors open, you will find yourself in a comfortable, air-conditioned space with new, stylish tables and chairs. While not truly artsy, the interior decor is somewhat convincing and snazzy in its own way. Do not expect the servers to push the Dim Sum carts around and shouting for businesses, the restaurant adopts the cook-to-order concept. You will have to place your orders first and wait patiently for them to serve to your table. When the orders are served, the servers will turn on the built-in steamer on the table to maintain the heat; this is probably one of the most hipster Dim Sum outlets in Penang. With that superior value-added service, expect the prices to be on the higher side but in our opinion, they did deliver the quality and we were contented with what we had. We see this as a decent place for a weekend family meal. 

Chef Fatt Dim Sum (发师傅港式点心茶楼) @ Ipoh, Perak.

If you are the stereotypical type of people thinking to eat Dim Sum whenever you are visiting Ipoh, try Chef Fatt's place next time, at least for a change. The Dim Sum restaurant is a stone's throw distance away from the famous establishments of Foh San, Ming Court and Yoke Fook Moon Restaurant. Stepping in the place feels like you are visiting a Cha Chan Teng (Hong Kong-styled cafe) in Hong Kong- closely arranged tables and chairs, nostalgic wall tiles, slippery floor tiles and classic Chinese restaurant setting. Once you are seated, you will be approached by the ladies offering trays of piping hot Dim Sum dishes and recommended some signature dishes or best sellers of theirs. It feels like dining in an intimate space in the neighborhood; pretty decent quality and reasonably priced, a good alternative to those bigger establishments.

Jason Nyonya House @ Sungai Pinang, Jelutong, Penang.

Right across the junction to Sungai Pinang and Jelutong, Jason Nyonya House is one of the latest Nyonya restaurants in town. The amiable restaurant has classic wooden house features with staircase at the entrance. It feels very homey, just like any casual dining spot in the neighborhood. The setting does not suggest that it is a Nyonya restaurant... as far as decor is concerned. The name sums it all, the place offers a simple, home-cooked style Nyonya menu. The classics such as Loh Bak, Joo Hoo Char, Inche Kabin, Assam Pedas are there with some additional 'specials of the day' (but we were a little underwhelmed the dish- Assam Prawns was not on the menu). After sampling some of the dishes, we reckon that they lacked the authentic Nyonya touch. Authenticity aside, the dishes were not shabby (if you are seeing the place as a standard Zhu Char place in lieu of Nyonya restaurant).

Meraki Coffee @ Island Plaza, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Meraki Coffee is the latest addition to Island Plaza. Unlike some hip cafes in town, Meraki Coffee keeps things simple. The interior decor with wood finishes radiates a calm and relaxing vibe while the menu offers a range of classic crowd-pleasing cafe fare and a couple of unique offerings. The menu is not exactly big but more than good enough for breakfast or light-lunches. Those with a sweet tooth would be glad to know that Meraki Coffee offers a good variety of home-made cakes and pastries. Though the menu is not really solid enough to make the cafe a place for meal, it is nevertheless, a convenient space within the mall with cozy atmosphere to hang out with friends or family. 

Ember Roast @ Lorong Selamat, Georgetown, Penang.

Chicken is easily one of the most common dishes in most restaurants but good chicken leaves deep impression to diners, especially when it hits all the right notes. Chicken lovers would be glad to be introduced to Ember Roast, a new wood-fire Roast Chicken specialist in town. It's inappropriate to call them rotisserie as they technically... only roast Chicken and Fish. The menu is small but dedicated entirely to roast meat with a few desserts; price points are middle-average but expect long-waiting hours due to the cooking process. It's wiser to call for reservation or to place your orders in advance to shorten the waiting time. 

Celebrate the Jolly Season with Queensbay Mall

Christmas finds major shopping malls in Malaysia brimming with shiny lights, festive spirits and charming decorations, this jolly season is often the time when malls compete for the most inventive designs. One of the fashion-leading malls in Penang- Queensbay Mall celebrates the festive season with a dazzling magical touch. From now until 31 December 2017, shoppers are invited to partake in a series of festive-activities such as the 'Dazzling Christmas Musical', 'Santa & Santarina Coming to Town' and 'Festive Balloon Fiesta'. Inspired by the Rome's grandeur, the 'Dazzling Christmas Musical' features the quintessential Christmas elements like twinkling Pine Trees, Reindeers, Cupids sitting on Cobbled Street coupled with multimedia projection mapping light show over and across 10 units of LED panels ensembled into the majestic decoration at the mall's Central Atrium.

Many thanks to Queensbay Mall for inviting us to the Christmas Media Party.

MOiM Casual Korean Food @ Elit Avenue, Bayan Baru, Penang.

An extended branch of Saranghae Penang at Gottlieb Road, MOiM serves as a casual spot for a quick Korean meal. It does not have a huge menu but good enough for those who need a quick Korean fix. Do not expect Korean BBQ or Hot Pot but rather, some simple Korean home-cooked dishes like Jap Chae, Kim Chi stew, Ramyeon and some Korean Rice dishes. The setting does not portray heavy Korean elements, except for the friendly Korean server whom barely speaks English. Service was lackluster... especially the rule that does not allow diners to refill for Ban Chan, not even once; for the small serving portion, we thought the price tags were somewhat hefty. 

Le (乐) Cafe @ Bricklin Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Not too sure if it meant to be a hipster spot, Le Cafe does not have a big and clear signage, there's a small one at the side door (smaller than its window) though. It occupies a corner lot at Bricklin Road, a stone's throw distance away from the no-through road of Jalan Tye Kee Yoon and GAMA Supermarket. The interior decor is minimalist with a little industrial finishing, at the end of the cafe is a comfortable space most suitable for hipster-portraiture shots. Le offers a small Toast-focused menu in the mornings and snacks with alcohols for the rest of the days. In the evenings, visitors may opt to chill out at the al-fresco alley right next to the cafe. It may be a fun place to hangout or for a cup of drinks but we thought the food menu was a little less-exciting...

Hutong @ Vangohh Eminent, Machang Bubuk, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Vangohh Eminent is definitely one of the most hidden luxury hotels in Penang; just inland from Bukit Mertajam, approximately 15 minute-drive from the heart of Bukit Mertajam, the secret grandeur boasts over a huge space at the far end of Machang Bubuk. Step in the hotel and you will be welcomed by the retro-chic interior decor with a little heavy industrial element; apart from the themed stylish rooms and suites, the hotel offers promising indulgence. One of the restaurants housed in Vangohh Eminent is Hutong, a restaurant that offers a fusion menu with slight emphasis on Chinese delights; prices are steeper than usual but the relaxed atmosphere with soft background music is most suitable for casual meet ups and gatherings.

Direction: From Bukit Mertajam, drive along Jalan Kulim until you find the entrance to Taman Machang Bubuk, turn in and drive straight until you hit a T-junction. Turn right and go straight, you will find Vangohh Eminent on your right shortly.

Hon Kei Campbell Food Corner (汉记小食店) @ Campbell Street, Georgetown, Penang.

One of the oldest Chinese food joints in Penang- Hon Kei needs no further introduction; the brand is known for serving Pork Noodles and has a newly refurnished restaurant along Lorong Kampung Malabar but not many are aware about its sister restaurant- Hon Kei Campbell Food Corner (汉记小食店). Right behind the main restaurant, Hon Kei Campbell Food Corner is accessible from Campbell Street and offers a slightly different and smaller menu compared to the main branch. Expect to see some Cantonese stir-fry dishes here along with Spicy Soup Noodles and Curry Fish Head. The place is not necessarily more spacious but the fact that it is air-conditioned makes it a more comfortable dining space, especially for the heat-intolerant. Menu is not the only difference here, we noticed the prices are slightly more expensive, probably due to the air-conditioner factor.

Juice Code @ Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Swap your cup of Coffee for a glass of freshly blended fruit juice at this young Juice Bar a stone's throw distance away from the famous mural at Armenian Street. If you are familiar with the name, you have probably visited Juice Code as it was previously few shops away from its present location (opposite to the fire station). The 6 month-old brand does not offer healthy options like Cold Pressed Juice but a mix of Ice Blended fruits... they entice you with colors! Though they do not serve main, they do have a small Waffle menu (available in sweet or savory options) to please the dessert lover in you. The interior has a light industrial vibe with relaxing atmosphere but the search for a parking space can be a painful journey, especially on holidays.

Leong Hee Seafood (龙禧海鲜小馆) @ 1997 Coffee House, Paya Terubong, Penang.

Leong Hee Seafood (龙禧海鲜小馆) is a proud Penang brand that stands the test of time, established in the 70's, Leong Hee specializes in catering services (wedding or occasions); the extended branch at Paya Terubong is well-received by the residents living nearby. Like most Chu Char places in Penang, it offers quite an extensive local Chinese delights but at unbeatable prices. The place is often full on weekends and the regular patrons would make their reservation in advance so if you have something particular in mind, it is suggested that you make advance reservation to beat the queue too. Leong Hee Seafood is a stall operating in 1997 Coffee House along Jalan Paya Terubong.