Hachi Sushi @ Alma, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Hachi Sushi is one of the go-to places when it comes to Japanese food in the neighborhood of Alma (Bukit Mertajam), the restaurant at Pusat Perniagaan Seri Alma (next to Kim Hee Chinese Restaurant) has a spacious setting with big Sushi belt on running (temporary not available due to RMCO). It has a big menu- from various classic to creative Sushi to colorful Donburi, Ramen and Japanese delights. Apart from the casual, comfortably spacious setting, the very affordable price points seem to be one of its competitiveness. The prices seem to be on the lower end as compared to other established Japanese restaurants but the quality is not compromised. At least, we thought the quality justifies the prices.

Soo Guan Restoran 思源茶室 @ Lebuh Presgrave, Georgetown, Penang.

Originated from Kangar (Perlis), Soo Guan Restoran 思源茶室 is a long established restaurant specializing in dishing out Hainanese delights since 1950's. The place is known for its classic, traditional Hainanese eats... their Hainanese Chicken Chop is especially popular amongst the other dishes. In its 3rd generation, the proprietor decides to open a branch in Penang... with the restaurant located at one of the heritage houses along Lebuh Presgrave. The food offering still revolves around Hainanese delights- from Chicken Chop to Hainanese Toasts and Stir Fries etc. Nothing spectacular about the interior decor but comfortable enough for a quick fix. 

J Garden @ Belissa Row, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

With an overwhelming Japanese food options across the Penang's landscape, it can be a challenge to reconcile and think of which one to go to. But if you are looking for a place with modern, relaxing ambiance without putting a dent on the wallet to enjoy a quality Yoshoku (Japanese-styled Western Food), head to J Garden. Celebrating its 5th anniversary this coming August (2020), the Japanese-styled restaurant has moved from its previous location (Persiaran Bayan Indah) to its current place at Belissa Row (Pulau Tikus). Like its previous setting, the restaurant has a simple but relaxing atmosphere. On the menu, it carries all the well-loved signature dishes with over 50 unbelievable dining deals await, offering a wide spectrum of classic and contemporary Japanese meals. 

Many Thanks to J Garden for hosting us.

EarlFee 爾啡 @ Alma, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Well hidden in one of the houses in the neighborhood of Alma (Bukit Mertajam), EarlFee 爾啡 is definitely one of the best kept secrets around. The place does not carry any signage and it is quite out of the way... seemingly only for those who are in the know. The atmosphere is as casual and as homey as it gets- just like having a cup of Joe in your own house. The menu is pretty small, apart from the beverage list (which consists of Coffee and Matcha)... there's a dedicated corner for Cakes and Dorayaki (Japanese-styled Pancake with sweet filling). A decent place to chill out and relax over Coffee and desserts.

Sisters Mala Hot Pot 姐妹饭馆 @ D' Piazza Mall, Bayan Baru, Penang.

Having established at Bukit Mertajam, Sisters Mala Hot Pot 姐妹饭馆 is opening another new branch at D' Piazza Mall Penang. The new branch offers the same menu... the restaurant specializes in churning out Mala Hotpot styled dishes. Not to be confused with Hotpot (as in Steamboat), the Mala Hotpot-styled dishes here refer to the way of cooking... adding Mala-sauces to the dishes (more like a stir fry dishes to go with either noodles or rice). Like most Mala Hotpot carries quite a lot of options and choices... and the prices are pretty competitive as well. Worth checking out if you are a fan of these Mala dishes.

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