The Mermaid- Cafe and Ikan Bakar @ Georgetown, Penang.

Being an island city with close proximity to the sea, Penang boasts over an abundance supply of fresh treasure from the sea. Grilled Fish or Seafood is one of the most common items found in most hawker centers but it is certainly not a common item in cafes. The name- Mermaid Cafe that sells Grilled Fish (Ikan Bakar) does suggest cannibalism but let's forget about the name. Once you have stepped in the cafe, you will find yourself in a clinically clean, neat space with proper setup. The cafe is manned by Alex, a Malaysian talent returned from Singapore; the menu was devised using the family recipe, particularly on the Ikan Bakar Sambal. But it has evolved far beyond the classic Malaysian Grilled Fish... with more modern options available. Though the menu is pretty much fish-focused, there are other worth-savoring side dishes as well as desserts.

Many Thanks to The Mermaid Cafe for hosting us that day.

Pony Tale De Cafe Rolls Out New Menu @ Autocity Juru, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

In its continuous effort to up the game, Pony Tale De Cafe has devised and rolled out a newly curated menu, headed by a new fine-dining Head Chef and a dedicated kitchen team. Pony Tale De Cafe has the exact menu that would make anyone looking forward to the weekend brunch. Housed in a high-ceiling, seemingly romantic and paramount space at Autocity Juru, the cafe/ restaurant boasts over an extensive range Western-influenced dishes, desserts and drinks. The new menu is pretty much Pasta-focused, with some meat and seafood selections. Established in late 2015, the brand has 2 outlets under its care- one in Autocity and one in sPICE Canopy; both outlets shared the same menu with the exception that the outlet at sPICE Canopy offers a selection of Premium Coffee (like Blue Mountain, Utopian etc). There is slight revision to the prices but they commensurate in terms of serving portion as well as quality. 

Many Thanks to Pony Tale De Cafe for hosting us that afternoon.

Mee Tarik Warisan Asli @ Queensbay Mall, Penang.

[UPDATE] This place has since ceased its business operation.

Mee Tarik Warisan Asli does not come across as a convincing name but for the uninitiated, the brand has presence in many states in Malaysia. It was first started by a China Muslim and specializes in hand-pulled noodles with recipe originated from China. The brand has recently opened up a new branch at Queens Street of Queensbay Mall. The menu offers a great variety of Chinese dishes- not only noodles but rice dishes with an array of specialties as well. Visitors also get to witness the noodle-making process via the transparent window that connects to the kitchen. Generous portion, competitive price points and delicious broth, this place can be a casual dining spot to fill up the tummy or a quick fix before the next leg of your shopping journey.

Eating in Singapore- One Day Food Trip 2018 @ Singapore

Ranked as the 2nd most visited country in Asia Pacific 2016, Singapore is a global destination for businesses, leisure and because of its minimal import tax and as a melting pot for culture, the culinary scene is very interesting. It has the classic Singaporean dishes that most Malaysians are familiar with, and myriad of international cuisine pouring in, the nation is a great choice for foodie to embark on a food-hunting journey. If your tight schedule only permits a day or half for food, this can be a good guide for you.

Hawker Chan @ Chinatown

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Address: Block 335, Smith Street #2-126, Chinatown Food Complex, 050335 Singapore.

Business Hours: 10:30 am to 7 pm on weekdays, 8:30 am to 7 pm on weekends. Closed on Wednesdays.

Nearest MRT Station: Chinatown Exit A

Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner Package 2018 @ G Hotel Penang.

Usher in the Year of Dog on a prosperous note with G Hotel Penang as the award-winning hotel rolls out Chinese New Year 8-Course Dining Package for this auspicious season. Crafted with indulgence in mind, the Chinese New Year 8-course Dinner is set to impress you with a decadent variety of Chinese delights. Available for a month long of celebration starting 5 February 2018 to 3 March 2018, there are 3 packages available at 3 different price points- Happiness (Rm 1,288 nett), Prosperity (Rm 1,488 nett) and Longevity (Rm 1,688 nett) respectively per table of 10 pax. All the 8-course Chinese set dinners are inclusive of complimentary Fresh Salmon Yee Sang and free flow of Chinese Tea. All prices are nett and inclusive of 6% GST.

Many Thanks to G Hotel for hosting us that evening.

Firefly Jetty Cafe (高渊萤火虫码頭咖啡馆) @ Nibong Tebal, Penang.

Firefly watching is one of the popular activities at Nibong Tebal, a quiet town south of Penang state. Sitting right next to the Kerian river, it is strategically located and suitable for firefly watching activities. Taking a boat ride is a common practice but there are more options for visitors right now. Housed in the Firefly Jetty Development Association, Firefly Jetty Cafe is right next to the jetty where visitors board the firefly watching boat. It overlooks the Kerian river and offers the same lake-view. Cool view aside, the menu is less-exciting... featuring some local Western food and local delights. Probably not so much on the food but the opportunity to stay closer and enjoy the beauty of mother nature (if you don't mind the irritating flies).

Uncle J Cook Book @ Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

A stone's throw distance away from the bustling Icon City, Pusat Perniagaan Sentral Jaya is a newly developed business center at Bukit Mertajam (also near to Auto City). Uncle J Cook Book is one of its first tenants, ever since its opening, business has been brisk. Huge crowd can be spotted on holidays or weekends. The restaurant offers an unusual fare, ranging from the familiar Western food and Chinese dishes to uncommon Balinese and Portuguese delights... confusing? Wait until you talk to the servers, they will lighten up your days by replying something totally irrelevant. Anyway, budget-watchers should be prepared on the hefty price tags as some of the dishes do not come cheap.

Chinese New Year Steamboat Buffet Dinner 2018 with Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Hotel Penang

Eating out is an easy way out especially when the best Chef at home- mom decides not to cook up reunion dinner for the auspicious Chinese New Year. If you are those that observe the steamboat/ hotpot tradition, make your way to Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Hotel Penang as the hotel rolls out its Chinese New Year Steamboat Buffet Dinner this year. Diners can usher in the Year of Dog sans the hassles of cleaning the mess, the festive feast includes a Yee Sang (for each table), over 50 types of steamboat ingredients as well as no less than 8 types of desserts to end the meal. 

Many Thanks to E&O Hotel for hosting us.

Krung Thep Thai Cuisine @ Lorong Selamat, Georgetown, Penang.

Most Penangites have a soft spot for Thai food, the fact that we geographically near to The Land of Smiles puts our palates nearer to their delicacies. Krung Thep Thai Cuisine is one of the latest Thai food joints in heart of Georgetown. It's easy to miss this quiet restaurant, probably overshadowed by the happening neighbors. The air-conditioned restaurant has a simple, casual setting but the menu is far more interesting than its dining atmosphere. It has quite a number of classic Thai eats, from Rice dishes to Noodles, to Thai Salad, stir-fries and desserts. The wallet-watchers would be glad to know that it does not break the bank dining here, a plate of Thai Fried Rice is as low as Rm 8.90 here; making it a suitable stop to satiate your cravings for hot and spicy Thai food.

Comfortable Stay In A Home Away From Home- Affordable Luxury @ Concorde Hotel Singapore

Ranked 2nd most visited city in Asia Pacific 2017 and renowned destination for premier businesses, the neighboring country of Singapore is a popular destination for many Malaysians. There are many airlines offering direct flights from Penang to Singapore daily; choosing a place to stay in Singapore might be a headache especially for the indecisive as there are myriad of choices to choose from. If you are an urban traveler who often seeks shelter in the shopping malls, Concorde Hotel located in the heartland of Singapore may be a good choice. Strategically located on Orchard Road, the hotel is just minutes away from many shopping malls and tourist destinations with easy access to MRT stations. 

Many Thanks to Concorde Hotel Singapore for hosting me.

Tong Sui Po (糖水铺) @ Seang Teik Road, Georgetown, Penang.

It is a ritual for many to have a bowl of sweet treat after meal- whether cakes, Ice Cream or simply a bowl of timeless Chinese traditional Tong Sui. For a straight-forward classic Chinese Tong Sui, make your way to Seang Teik Road, Tong Sui Po is a new venture that offers an array of Chinese Tong Sui... from the basic Red Bean Soup to locals' favorite Bubur Cha Cha or even uncommon Hong Kong Mango Pomelo Sago; you can find them all here. The place has a very simple setup, with some tables and chairs displayed outside so do not expect romantic atmosphere or upscale setting... just basic and good enough to satiate your cravings. 

Tea Hall (堂茶茶艺馆) @ Abu Siti Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

The facade might not look promising but behind the door is a Chinese restaurant serving home-styled dishes and an array of premium Chinese Tea. Tea Hall (堂茶茶艺馆) is a time-honored restaurant that has been around for years... most of its businesses are by referral, the place sees constant gathering by a group of Chinese Tea-aficionados. Though it seems to be operating as a tea house, the menu is surprisingly extensive but all items are competitively priced. The air-conditioned restaurant is suitable for family gathering or a casual meal, it is popular amongst the white collar workers in the vicinity.

Grandmama's (摇滚妈妈) @ SkyAvenue, Resorts World Genting, Pahang.

It's hard to miss Grandmama's, the restaurant is strategically located on ground floor of the new Sky Avenue, facing Sky Symphony and next to PictureHouse Cinema (same floor as the entrance to Sky Casino). The name gives a hint on the potential offering but as you walked closer, you will find a display of plastic food models at the display counter. It has a mix of Chinese delights with a touch of Malaysian elements so the dishes should not be new to Malaysians. Business is brisk, likely a place for a quick fix instead of leisure gathering; not too grueling to the wallet too if you must know (expect to spend around Rm 25-30 per pax on average).

[Year 2018] Food Hunting- of Cafes/ Must-Eats @ Alor Setar (亚罗士打), Kedah (吉打).

Following my quest to hunt for the best local eats in Alor Setar in June 2017, we had another stopover at State Capital of Kedah in December 2017 before continuing our journey to Perlis. There are plenty of hidden gems around the city center so if you have not done enough research, fret done, you may try your luck by turning into one of these busy streets and who knows, you might find something unexpectedly delicious. 

An Viet- Vietnamese Casual Dining @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

A great wave of Vietnamese restaurants washed across Penang last year. Hailed from central Malaysia, one of the biggest players in the industry- "An Viet" has finally expanded its operations here in Penang's Gurney Plaza. The name "An Viet" means to "Eat Viet" in Vietnamese, the well-established brand believes in quality ingredients, made from scratch and cooked to order. In other words, they are committed to serve fresh and quality food to your table. An Viet offers broader experience of Vietnamese delicacies than most Vietnamese joints in town... the menu covers highlights from Southern Vietnamese to Northern Vietnamese delights, with unrivaled price tags. A great place to witness and experience the vibrancy of modern Vietnamese cuisine, without putting a dent on the wallet. 

Many Thanks to An Viet for hosting us that evening.

Guan Kie Seafood Restaurant (新群记海鲜饭店) @ Gohtong Jaya, Genting Highlands, Pahang.

Approximately 10 km away from Resorts World Genting, Gohtong Jaya is often the popular pit-stop for travelers traveling up the hill, the place is now flooded with plethora restaurants and coffee houses, offering a wide range of food choices to the public. Prices are generally more wallet-friendly here as compared to those food outlets up the hill. It is common to find Chinese restaurants here, particularly those offering Chinese stir-fry dishes, with some exceptions to Seafood dishes. We tried our luck with Guan Kie Seafood Restaurant, which has a huge menu pasted on the wall (written in Mandarin). While the prices are reasonable, we did not the food was all that great, good for quick fix but definitely not a place for indulgence.

Les Grains Bakery & Eatery @ Moulmein Rise Shoppes, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

"Les Grains" sure sounds like French but don't be fooled by the name, this newly opened oriental-fusion bakery specializes in baking Japanese-influenced bread and pastries. Bread lovers should not be new to the name- "Four Season" Bakery (previously at Straits Quay)... Les Grains is the rebranded version. All classic items from Four Season Bakery can now be found at Les Grains, everything seems unchanged except... the price tags, expect at least 20-40% hike in prices and for that very simple reason, this could be the most expensive bakery in Penang. Visitors may purchase the on-the-rack products or dine-in, there's a small Lunch menu available daily... featuring dishes like Salad, Sandwiches and Soup. Though dining here could put a dent on the wallet, Les Grains does not skimp on ingredients, the quality is still as superior as before.

Matcho Cafe @ Noordin Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Barely a week old, Matcho Cafe is an exceptional-odd one, not only that it occupies first floor of a vacant shop, the name (which sounds like Macho) is contrary to the femininity of the place. Pink is obviously the favorite color here- from the signage to the wall... even its signature dish ("Pink Toast"). But the quirky atmosphere has a strangely welcoming vibe, probably due to the well-arranged plants and neat-tidy setting. The soft launch menu is small, featuring some Toasts and Sandwiches; not exactly a place for a proper meal but more than decent enough for a casual snack or gathering. 

[Year 2018] Food Hunting- of Must-Eats @ Perlis (玻璃市).

Northern point of Malaysia- the State of Perlis is one of the smallest States in Malaysia but having to share its border with Thailand, the place is a melting pot for Malaysian-Thai culture. There are plenty outdoor activities available as well as Thai-influenced delicacies available. Since we were on a trip to attend a wedding dinner, we had a brief stopover, staying at Kuala Perlis, a serene town northwest of Perlis. The place is the main port for Perlis and is known for the jetty to Langkawi; you should have guessed it by now that the place is blessed with abundance of fresh Seafood. Not exactly an exciting place to visit but if you are in dire need of a quiet, restful getaway, this might be an ideal place (also for the budget-watchers).

1) Hai Thien Seafood Restaurant (海天海鲜) @ Kuala Perlis

Pork Free

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: Yes 6%

Address: Jalan Jeti Baru, Kuala Perlis, 02000, Perlis.

Business Hours: 5 pm to 11:45 pm. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: 6012- 4699 778

Lao Mu Zi Kitchen (老母子) @ The Golden Triangle, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

A proud winner of the Penang Hawker Masters Competition in 2012, this Curry Mee specialist has gained huge attention since then. They started out at Perak Road, right next to Old Town White Coffee, subsequently to Reservoir Garden Air Itam and now, a new shop at The Golden Triangle, Relau. It may be shadowed by those flashy food eateries in the vicinity so do be extra careful when searching for this place. The menu is rather small but covers some of the best local delights such as Penang Curry Mee, Nyonya Lam Mee, Koay Teow Th'ng and Nasi Lemak; with options to have add-ons. Solid staple food that can't go out of fashion, this place is ideal for a quick, inexpensive meal sans the usual coffee shop crowd.

Tako Senbei- Japanese Seafood Crackers @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

Living in a country surrounded by Sea, the Japanese are some of the experts when it comes to Seafood. Their love for Seafood can be seen on their food culture... so much love for Seafood until they combined Seafood with Senbei, a classic all-time Japanese favorite snack made of Rice (also known as Rice Crackers). The introduction of such Seafood Crackers was a hit in Japan and the blessed food gourmets in Penang can now enjoy a piece of these freshly made, paper-thin Seafood Crackers. Tako Senbei, a brand originated from Japan, has recently opened a new branch at lower ground floor of Gurney Plaza (1st in Penang/ 2nd branch in Malaysia). 

The concept is simple- fresh Seafood (like Prawn, Squid, Scallop, Fish) will be placed between 2 pieces of hot metal plates, with Rice Flour Batter added, it will then be compressed (and cooked) for a couple of minutes. The end product is a 1 mm paper thin Seafood Cracker with the earlier Seafood being "fossilized" and can be clearly seen on the Cracker. At present, there are 6 types of products available with 4 types of Seafood to choose from; as these are freshly made, do expect a brief wait.

Many Thanks to Tako Senbei for inviting us.

3 Places To Please Your Sweet Tooth @ SkyAvenue, Genting Highlands, Pahang.

Visitors to Sky Avenue are now spoiled for choices when it comes to food and sweet treats or take a short respite from the plethora of entertain facilities available. There are a spate of food outlets available in the new Sky Avenue so if you do not know where to start but yearning for some serious sweet treats, check out the below suggestions.

Inside Scoop

Pork-Free

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: Yes *prices shown are GST-inclusive*

Address: Lot T2-45, Level T2, Sky Avenue, 69000, Genting Highlands, Pahang.

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

Contact Number: N/A

Rising Ramen (雷神拉面) @ Moulmein Rise Shoppes, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

Rising Ramen is a new Ramen joint in town, the lucky folks at Pulau Tikus can now enjoy a bowl of Ramen with rich meat broth and al-dente noodles at the new Moulmein Rise Shoppes, right behind Pulau Tikus market. Aims to be a Halal Ramen joint, the restaurant is now offering a Pork-Free menu featuring a few signature Ramen dishes as well as Donburi and side dishes. It is a joint venture between a local and a Japanese Ramen master; the interior decor is simple with a familiar Japanese-restaurant setting. But certain local traits can be seen as well... like the pickled Cili Padi resting on the table and the option of adding Fish Balls to the Ramen. Authenticity aside, the Ramen joint did manage to convince us with its slurp-licious noodles and flavorful broth.... most importantly, friendly price tags.

White Paws Mansion @ Noordin Street, Georgetown, Penang.

A cafe made just for dog lovers, White Paws Mansion is a space dedicated entirely for canine lovers to cuddle and play with human's best friend. This is the perfect destination if you wish to be surrounded by furkids and enjoy a decent meal at the same time. White Paws Mansion has quite a number of dogs, while most of them bring Huskies, there are quite a few other breeds too. The very enthusiast and human-friendly canines are eager to meet new faces so as soon you push the door open, you will be greeted with their curious, lovable faces. The kitchen is not fully ready for now, so the variety on offer is small but I guess this is not really the place for indulgence, more like a space where you can mingle with the dogs.