HAKU- Extraordinary Japanese Cuisine @ Jazz Hotel, Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

A new addition to the Japanese food scene in Penang: HAKU- Extraordinary Japanese Cuisine, is a tenant housed in the newly reopened Jazz Hotel at Tanjung Bungah. HAKU is vastly different from those ordinary or quick Japanese restaurants in town, HAKU promises to offer an elevated experience where they serve premium quality food and showcase them as art. Established by the Kiyosaki Group, HAKU occupies a prominent spot at Jazz Hotel Penang. The interior decor is cozy-elegant, with plenty of Japanese elements. Tables are well-spaced to ensure comfort, with private rooms available. Menu-wise, it features a big Japanese menu along with a Business Set Lunch (with price starting from Rm 88 per set). 

Many Thanks to HAKU for hosting us.

Tai Ho Chiak 台好甲 @ Burmah Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Started in Sungai Petani (Kedah), Tai Ho Chiak 台好甲 has quickly expanded its business operations to to Raja Uda (Penang mainland) and Klang Valley (Kepong). The latest addition to the brand is its 4th outlet at Burmah Road (Penang). The brand may not be new to some, the menu features many classic Taiwanese delights that offer a taste of Taiwan to diners. Timeless classics like 3-Cups Chicken, Deep Fried Chicken Chop, Egg Rolls, Hot Pot are all on offer. All dishes are reasonably priced, an average meal here typically costs around RM20-Rm25 per pax (without drinks). We were there on a crowded Saturday, despite the big crowd, their crowd management was good. The ordering process was smooth and food served in a jiffy. 

Neighbourwood Restaurant @ Jalan Kulim, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

"Friendly establishment that serves good food at reasonable prices" is a recognition given by the Michelin Bib Gourmand to the Neighbourwood Restaurant at Bukit Mertajam earlier this year. A stone's throw distance away from Bukit Mertajam's St Anne's Church (few shops away from Public Bank Jalan Kulim), this modern European casual dining spot has quickly gone into the spotlight ever since the debut of Michelin Guide Penang 2023. The menu changes regularly and focuses on barbecue-style dishes; there are big plates for sharing as well as smaller plates for starters, with a handful of dessert choices. Early reservation is suggested if you are coming in a big group. A place worth checking out if you are in the vicinity.

Loong Fong Cafe 龍鳳茶室 @ Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Step into Loong Fong Cafe and you will be instantly transported back to 30-40 years ago as the place is full of antiques and old decoration. You will find plenty of retro knick-knacks here, making it photo-worthy. This is also one of the reasons how this place gained fame since its opening late May 2023. The cafe offers a menu with traditional Malaysian dishes; familiar items like Nasi Lemak, Kaya Butter Toasts, Kaya Balls, Char Bee Hoon are on offer. Also note-worthy is that this place is pet-friendly, you can bring along your canine friends for a meal here. But it is less accommodating for larger groups and the seating arrangement can be uncomfortable. Loong Fong Cafe is right next to Laksa Ong and Le Dux Patisserie on Beach Street.

FAM Dining @ Johor Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Founded by a group of energetic and passionate Chefs, FAM Dining is one of the latest spots in town where you will get some quality modern European cuisine with a Japanese twist. Diners get to enjoy a prix-fixe menu or ala-carte in the evenings; while it usually operates only during dinner hours, the restaurant has extended its business hours to accommodate the brunch crowd on weekends... offering a weekend brunch menu (with smaller choices). The restaurant offers a classy-cozy seating with touch of elegance with a good flow of natural lighting. For those who wish to host private events, there are private dining rooms available too. FAM Dining can be found at Jalan Johor, opposite to Padang Brown. 

Many Thanks to FAM Dining for hosting us.

Lao Hakka Cafe (老客家) @ Chinese Swimming Club, Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

Lao Hakka Cafe (老客家) is one of the few places in Penang where you will find some authentic Hakka dishes. The restaurant housed in Penang Chinese Swimming Club is popular amongst those with Hakka roots, the menu features an array of Hakka delights, including some common dishes like Yong To Fu, Hakka Fried Meat, Braised Pork with Mustard Greens... as well as some not so common ones like Hakka Yellow Rice Wine Chicken, Abacus etc. We thought the price points are slightly higher than expected but the food quality certainly did not disappoint. 

Kaka Ramen Club @ Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

A new Ramen joint in town- Kaka Ramen Club has quickly become one of the favorite lunch spots for the working crowd working in the banking district. The Set Lunch (1 main + 1 side + 1 drink + 1 ice cream) starts from Rm 28.90 and offers great value in return. The menu features the signature Kyushu-style Ramen along with some Japanese delicacies like Don, Salad, Japanese Curry Rice etc. The place is fully air-conditioned, to find Kaka Ramen Club, make your way to Alliance Bank on Beach Street, Georgetown. Turn into the narrow alley next to the bank and you will find the Ramen joint shortly on your right.

Beach St Bistrot by David & Brian Chin @ Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

A new venture and collaboration by the Dave's Deli Founder and Son- David and Brian Chin, the newly opened Beach St Bistrot is a casual space offering modern European cuisine. A meal here at the Beach St Bistrot is a quaint affair- many familiar European delights with a tinge of Asian flavors as well as a good collection of Wines and innovative Cocktails. The proprietors are trying to move away from the Dave's Deli shadow and upping the ante, offering a more upscale menu with quality ingredients. Step in the restaurant and you will notice a bright, comfortable space with communal table seating arrangement and a semi-open kitchen towards the end. On the upper floor, there is a bar as well as proper dining areas that can accommodate bigger groups. Reservations are recommended, especially peak hours on weekends/ public holidays.

Many Thanks to Beach St Bistrot for hosting us.

Pearly Kee Nyonya Set Dinner @ Java Tree, Eastern & Oriental Hotel Penang.

In collaboration with celebrity Chef and cook book author- Pearly Kee, Eastern & Oriental Hotel (E&O) Penang is introducing the essence of Peranakan cuisine to the diners at Java Tree. In this one-off collaboration, diners get to taste many classic Peranakan dishes carefully prepared by guest Chef-Pearly.  The collaboration happened on a Friday evening (28 Jul 2023) at Java Tree. The exclusive 5-course dinner was priced at RM288 per pax. If you are keen or wish to be updated on such events, do watch out E&O Hotel's Facebook Page.

Many Thanks to E&O Hotel for hosting us.

The Sandwich Bar @ Hotel Mokozoyo, Argyll Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Housed in a new, chic with minimalist design hotel, The Sandwich Bar at Hotel Mokozoyo Argyll Road is one of the latest spots where you will some quality made-to-order sandwiches. This petite sandwich bar occupies a small corner near the hotel's entrance. Seating is limited and may not be too accommodating for bigger groups. The menu is small but you will get all the classics here like Reuben, Triple Decker etc.... along with some specialty cakes. Worth checking out if you do enjoy a good Sandwich.