Zheng Xiang Yam Rice 正香芋饭 @ Rangoon Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Hailed from Juru (Bukit Mertajam), Zheng Xiang Yam Rice 正香芋饭 was established since 1984; the brand has since garnered many fans over its signature Yam Rice. Zheng Xiang has recently opened up a branch at Rangoon Road and it is definitely more convenient for those staying on Penang island. The menu is simple- offering the classic combo of Yam Rice and mixed Pork Soup... with a new addition of Seafood option. The place is air-conditioned so expect to pay a little more as compared to hawker-range... for the more comfortable dining setup. 

Tazaa Arabic Restaurant @ Juru Sentral, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Previously occupied as Azuma Japanese Restaurant, Tazaa Arabic Restaurant took over the prominent lot at Juru Sentral; introducing Middle-Eastern flavors to the Bukit Mertajam folks. You may have heard of the name Tazaa, it first started in Butterworth area and expanded its business operations to Bukit Mertajam. The menu is identical and you can never go wrong with grilled meat over spices, flatbreads, Hummus, salads etc. The branch at Juru Sentral offers a cozy, spacious dining environment... suitable for any occasions. 

Old Soon Kee @ Burmah Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Previously located at Kimberley Street, Old Soon Kee is known for its signature Chwee Kuih and roasted meat since its opening in 2021. They have since relocated to a couple of places before settling down at the current location... a stone's throw distance away from Mekio at Kinta Lane. Old Soon Kee offers a bigger menu now but the popular orders are still the Chwee Kuih, Char Siew and Spinach Noodles. It occupies 2 shop lots- there is a big air-conditioned space for dine-in guests. Reasonable prices with a good Cantonese-Teo Chew fare including roasted meat, boiled Soup and simple stir-fry dishes. 

Nong Geng Ji Hunan Cuisine 农耕记湖南菜 @ The Exchange TRX, Kuala Lumpur.

Originated from China, Nong Geng Ji Hunan Cuisine 农耕记湖南菜 set foot in Malaysia few months back, opening its first Malaysia outlet at The Exchange TRX Mall (lower ground floor). The Chinese restaurant joint has been doing very well since its opening- with relentless queue and big crowd waiting eagerly to get their seats. As suggested by the name, the restaurant focuses on Hunan Cuisine so expect the menu to consist of some really spicy, salty Xiang cuisine. The prices are unfortunately on the higher side, expect to spend at least RM50 per pax here. Fortunately the food quality seems to be good (at least to us and plenty of good reviews online) and the flavor-combos are unique; do check it out if you happen to shop at TRX Mall.

Dawn Bread @ Church Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Another option for bread lovers to try out is Dawn Bread at Church Street, the latest boulangerie in the heart of Penang. Dawn Bread churns out freshly baked Bagels and Lye Bread (like Lye Rolls, Pretzels); available in different shapes and flavors for guests to choose from. For dine-in, there are a few small tables available. The dine-in menu is small with a few toppings to go with the Bagels... as well as their specially concocted Cream Cheese. 

Master Jack Pot 大街小巷 @ Campbell Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Master Jack Pot 大街小巷 has received good reviews since its earlier this year, the Chinese restaurant at Campbell Street churns out Cantonese dishes with a modern twist. The restaurant has a standard Chinese restaurant setting but well equipped with air conditioners. It has a fairly big menu, featuring many Cantonese and Sze Chuan-inspired dishes; expect to pay restaurant-standard prices though. Find Master Jack Pot opposite to Tho Yuen and Hema Hema Ice Cream on the same street.

Chinmi Stone Pot Fish 珍味石锅鱼 @ Vantage Desiran Tanjung, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Chinmi Stone Pot Fish 珍味石锅鱼 has been around for almost a year and it has gathered an appreciate following since its opening last year. The Chinese restaurant offers a Chinese menu, focusing on the China Putian region... offering specialties like Putian Noodles, Putian Fried Vermicelli Noodles etc as well as some popular China Chinese delights. The restaurant is fully air-conditioned and offers a comfortable setting suitable for family dining. 

China Muslim Mee Tarik Tangan 中国穆斯林兰州拉面 @ Prangin Mall, Georgetown, Penang.

A new alternative for our Muslim friends to try authentic China Chinese food with the opening of China Muslim Mee Tarik Tangan 中国穆斯林兰州拉面 at Prangin Mall Penang. The restaurant is manned by a Chinese-Muslim couple from China, specializes in churning out hand-pulled Lan Zhou Lamian Noodles. The menu features an array of noodle options, as well as some Chinese stir-fry dishes and delicacies like Dumplings. Those with a big appetite would be glad to know that diners can request for extra portion of noodles for free (there is an option to upgrade the portion in the order system). Reasonable prices and decent quality of food, worth checking out if you are a fan of Beef Lamian. 

Thai Tuk Tuk @ Vanda Business Park, Sungai Dua, Penang.

Those who seek for affordable Thai quick fix at Sungai Dua area should check out Thai Tuk Tuk, a new Thai restaurant at Vanda Business Park (few shops away from Family Mart). The place is air-conditioned with simple but comfortable seating. Thai Tuk Tuk carries a fairly big Thai menu- whether you are seeking for personal meal or to share, the options are there. 

YaTan Farm and Cafe @ Kuala Kurau, Perak.

YaTan Farm and Cafe is the latest worth-visiting spot at Kuala Kurau; housed in the long-established Salted Duck Egg Factory: Joo Hong Chan at Kuala Kurau, the cafe is a new addition to the business. Guests will need to access via the main entrance of Joo Hong Chan and follow the narrow path until the very end of the building. You will find the entrance to YaTan Farm and Cafe. Along the way, guests can witness the making of Salted Eggs as well as grabbing some for souvenirs or gifts at the retail store (next door). There are 2 parts to the cafe: the front part is where the guests will be seated and enjoy the cafe offering, the latter part is a mini zoo corner with Chicken, Ducks and Deer. Entrance is free but guests are allowed to pet the animals. On the cafe, the food menu features an array of Salted Duck Egg-focused light snacks as well as mains (signature includes Salted Egg Coffee, Salted Egg Cheese Cake, Salted Egg Kaya etc). A fun spot for young kids to get closer to animals as well as satiating your cravings for Salted Egg. 

Kou Shui Ya Roasted Delights 口水鸭烧腊 @ Bayan Lepas, Penang.

UPDATE: Kou Shui Ya Roasted Delights Bayan Lepas branch has relocated to i-Avenue Bayan Lepas (find full address below)

Kou Shui Ya Roasted Delights 口水鸭烧腊 has a few outlets across Penang island. This outlet at Bayan Lepas is the 3rd and latest branch of the brand (another 2 branches can be found at Astaka Hillside Tanjung Bungah and Macalister Road). As suggested by the name- it specializes in roasted Duck (marinated with Dang Gui) and various Cantonese roasted meat. The place opens as early as 7 am in the morning and it is usually most crowded during lunch hours. Apart from the roasted Duck, Kou Shui Ya also churns out Black Pepper Char Siew, Siew Yoke, Honey Roasted Chicken Thigh... served with either Noodles or Rice. 

Haru Korean Restaurant @ Burmah Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Haru is another convenient spot in town where Korean food lovers get to satiate their cravings for Korean delicacies. The newly opened Korean Restaurant takes over the lot previously occupied by Shunka Japanese Restaurant (next to Penang Plaza) and offers a pretty standard Korean menu (sans the barbecue). Not exactly a very big menu but good enough to include the Malaysians' favorites like Tteokbokki, Japchae, Jeon etc. The dishes are averagely priced but we thought some of the dishes lacked the "X-factor" and would require some refinements.