Ichi Tong 一桐 @ Prangin Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

If you do like a bowl of solid, classic Chinese noodles, you have to put Ichi Tong 一桐 on your radar. This new restaurant is associated with Kochabi Double Content previously located at Penang Times Square and has a cafe-like interior decor but the menu has a list of solid Asian-Taiwanese dishes (though mostly noodle dishes). Expect to find Taiwanese-style Beef Noodles or Sze Chuan-influenced Ma-La Noodles or the local Fish Meat Noodles; prices are mid-average but the dining atmosphere is comfortable and the food quality is promising... definitely worth checking out. 

Kee Heng Restaurant 奇香海鲜餐馆 @ Nibong Tebal, Penang.

Kee Heng Restaurant 奇香海鲜餐馆 has always been the de-facto family dine-out place at Nibong Tebal. Found right next to the main road of Nibong Tebal old town, Kee Heng has been around for decades and its one of the popular places for family gatherings or occasions. The place is known for churning out delicious classic Chinese stir fry dishes with consistent quality and inexpensive price tags. There is no menu at Kee Heng but rely on the servers to make recommendations. The dining area is comfortable- fully air conditioned and tables are well-spaced; these are some reasons why the place remains popular until today. 

Chiang Rai Station @ Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Chiang Rai Station is a hidden gem in Bukit Mertajam's old town, the Thai restaurant has an overly simple exterior... almost not convincing enough to attract customers. But those who are in the know would regularly patronize this place-most of the regulars are those staying in the neighborhood and coming in for takeaways. There are limited seating in the restaurant, almost impossible to accommodate large groups. The menu however, features many popular Thai delights- from the usual Thai Salad to Tom Yum, Thai Fried Rice, Thai Pork Knuckle Rice to Thai-influenced Fish dishes; some items like Pad Thai are not available though. Apart from the authenticity and the deliciousness of the dishes, the affordably priced menu is also a strong pulling factor for the customers. 

Little Spicy Noodle House 小红面屋 @ Butterworth, Penang.

It's easy to miss Little Spicy Noodle House 小红面屋, a new noodle house found at the Teras Jaya shop lots (opposite to Chung Ling Butterworth). The noodle house seems ordinary from afar and there was no attractive elements on display to lure diners in but if you are a noodle lover, do not miss this place. The interior is as simple as its exterior- just the typical dining place with simple tables and chairs but the menu is extraordinary. The noodle menu is small but features something that cannot be found elsewhere. It's signature- Japanese Mazesoba is one of a kind with Japanese-Taiwanese elements. A worth checking out place in Butterworth for its delicious noodles and inexpensive price tags. 

Grand Vege Creative Restaurant @ Abu Siti Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

Vegetarian meal is more than just dull pile of leafy greens and raw vegetables, a plant-based meal can be equally exciting as a normal meal. Grand Vege is a good testament to this statement, the plant-based restaurant has an unusual vegetable-forward menu with many new, inventive and perhaps, a little playful creations. Though the menu is not too big, their dishes are carefully designed. Price points are on the higher side and the serving portion might be small for those with big appetite but if you are keen to explore how far can a vegetarian meal go, you should put this place on your radar. 

Little Collins Street Cafe @ Burmah Road, Georgetown, Penang.

One of the latest cafe spots that any cafe hoppers should check out is Little Collins Street Cafe, found right next to the bustling Burmah Road. This new cafe is manned by the same team from Belle and Cream, but offering a completely different atmosphere and more food items (mostly pastries). The seating spaces are available on ground floor and upper floor though the former one is more like a communal seating area. On the food menu- most items are pastries, cookies and cakes, there is no main menu. Quite a nice place to check out especially on the minimalist interior decor... would paint a nice picture to your social media page.