Tsukiji Sushi Bar 筑地寿司 @ City Junction, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Sharing the same lot as Wagyu and Rice, Tsukiji Sushi Bar 筑地寿司 is one of the latest additions to City Junction at Tanjung Tokong. You would probably figure it out with a name like Tsukiji Sushi Bar, the Japanese restaurant offers a Sushi-focused menu. While both of the Japanese restaurants share the same kitchen, diners are not allowed to order from the other side's menu. Each restaurant is treated like a separate entity, so if you are a big fan of Sushi, make sure you visit Tsukiji Sushi Bar. If you enjoy Beef Hamburg more, go for Wagyu and Rice. Tsukiji Sushi Bar has a limited seating- the restaurant can only accommodate up to 12 diners at one time; it has a Sushi Bar setting... but the good part is- you get to witness the Chefs in action. The prices are surprisingly affordable with the Sushi priced from Rm 2.80 onwards... considering the freshness and attentive services, we thought this place is worth visiting (especially when you crave for some quality Sushi). 

Tamarind Hill @ Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.

A short walk from Pavilion Bukit Bintang- Tamarind Hill sits on a slope along Jalan Sultan Ismail (Bukit Bintang). The Michelin-selected restaurant has been there since 1999 and known for its Thai-Burmese cuisine. It takes a bit of effort to traipse the stairs to the entrance as the restaurant is hidden in the lush greens. Step in the place and you will welcomed by the calm, tranquility of the restaurant. There is also a garden at the back of the restaurant. Seats are well-spaced to ensure guests have the comfortable dining experience. For this visit- we had the opportunity to try their 3-Course Executive Set Lunch (Rm 45/ pax) which is only available on weekdays.

Many Thanks to Tamarind Hill for hosting us

Nasi Lemak House @ Abu Siti Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

Nasi Lemak lovers should not miss Nasi Lemak House, a Nasi Lemak specialist that has been around for a little more than 2 years. Housed in one of the shop houses along Abu Siti Lane, Nasi Lemak House is often thronged with regular patrons during lunch hours. Finding a place to park at Abu Siti Lane is another challenge on its own. But the restaurant churns out really delicious curries and dishes to go with the Nasi Lemak; for those who prefer noodles, Nasi Lemak House offers Wan Ton Mee and Mee Sua too. Reasonable prices and good quality of food are some of the reasons why you should check this place out.

Pure Lotus Cafe 净莲素食馆 @ Jalan Utama, Georgetown, Penang.

Enjoy a delicious plant-based meal for a good cause at Pure Lotus Cafe 净莲素食馆 Jalan Utama, right across the Penang General Hospital. The name Pure Lotus will surely ring a bell, they are known to run charity care services to terminally ill cancer patients. Apart from churning some proceeds to Pure Lotus, the cafe also employs staff with health conditions or impairments (OKU according to their website). The cafe is manned by Tina's Kitchen, offering a Nyonya-inspired meat-free menu. Expect to pay slightly more at this place but for a good cause of course...

[Year 2024] Food Hunting- of Cafes/ Must-Eats @ Alor Setar, Kedah.

Slightly more than an hour drive from Penang island- Alor Setar is the capital of Kedah State; benefiting from the geographical location, Alor Setar is also home to many authentic, delicious southern Thai delights and of course, northern Malaysian dishes as well. The place has undergone many new developments in recent years with many new cafes/ restaurants. Follow us on our recent day trip to Alor Setar.

1) Ban.Na.Kin

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Address: No. 607-B, Jalan Menanti, Off Jalan Putra, 05100, Alor Setar, Kedah.

Business Hours: 8:30 am to 4 pm. Closed on Mondays.

Contact Number: 016-460 0115

Ban.Na.Kin Facebook Page

EC Canteen 一禧食堂 @ Noordin Street, Georgetown, Penang.

EC Canteen 一禧食堂 is one of the latest spots in town for a quick, inexpensive casual Chinese meal. The restaurant offers a Chinese menu with a focus in roasted meat (roasted Chicken, Duck, Pork, Char Siew etc) and an array of noodle choices... suitable for diners of all age-range. Items are reasonably priced and the place is fully air-conditioned. Suitable for a casual meal or simple family eat-out; EC Canteen is located at Noordin Street (towards CY Choy). 

Yum Saap Thai Food @ Air Hitam, Penang.

Right opposite to Chung Ling Private High School along Jalan Air Hitam, Yum Saap is a neighborhood Thai restaurant that serves classic southern Thai stir fry dishes. The menu is pretty extensive- from the timeless Thai appetizers to mains like Tom Yum, they even have Thai raw marinated Seafood. Prices are reasonable, expect around Rm 20- Rm 30 per pax for a meal here. The facade may not seem too appealing but there is an indoor, air-conditioned dining area. Regular patrons start to flood in after 6:30 pm, so be there early if you need to secure a table in the air-conditioned dining area. 

Laksamana @ Chulia Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Penang is never short of Laksa but the newly opened Laksamana at Chulia Street is another great place for a bowl of delicious Laksa. The new Laksa specialist can be found at Chulia Street, right above Family Mart (2nd floor). Location-wise, the place is a little hidden but the interior decor is cozy, spacious and brightly-lit. The menu features Laksa (both Assam Laksa or Lemak Laksa), Nasi Lemak and some shaved ice desserts.  

Chooi Lim Koo 醉林居 @ Air Hitam, Penang.

Tucked away from the bustling Jalan Air Hitam, Chooi Lim Koo 醉林居 is hidden at the small alley next to Kek Lok Si Hospital. The place can be found on a slope with a few parking spaces available. Chooi Lim Koo offers a small menu offering only 2 types of mains- Penang Hokkien Mee and Char Koay Teow, with some local beverages and Toasts. Save for the al-fresco area, the restaurant is air-conditioned and offers a comfortable space for a quick meal. 

Kuala Kurau Sunset Seafood 古楼日落海鲜村 @ Kuala Kurau, Perak.

At the end of the Kuala Kurau Fishing Village is Kuala Kurau Sunset Seafood 古楼日落海鲜村, a place for Seafood lovers to satiate their cravings for freshly caught Seafood. Diners get to enjoy their meal with a sea view. The set up is simple without air-conditioning, so it can be quite warm to dine-in under sultry hot weather. In terms of food offering, the Seafood restaurant offers a Seafood-focused Chinese menu. Depending on the availability, there are plenty of choices to choose from but it is definitely easier to check with the proprietor as to what is the freshest catch of the day. Don't worry, dishes are reasonably priced here and you won't walk away with a hole in the wallet. 

Kopi Kia 咖比仔 @ Macalister Road, Georgetown, Penang.

A brisk breakfast spot in town- Kopi Kia 咖比仔 has been receiving a lot of attention since its opening late last year. The brand has 2 outlets under its care (one at Macalister Road, another one at Promenade Bayan Lepas) with the Macalister branch being the 2nd branch. it is easy to see massive crowd gathering at the place especially on weekends. The reasons are simple: reasonable charges, free and ample parking lots, good variety of local delights and air-conditioned space; making the place ideal for a weekend family eat-out. We had good experience with our visit to Kopi Kia at Macalister Road on a busy Sunday morning. We could tell that the staff is well-trained and good in crowd management. Food order wise- none of them disappoint.