KEN HUNTS FOOD: January 2025

Friday, January 31, 2025

Baan Khun Thai @ Farlim Square, Farlim, Penang.

Thai food lovers will be glad to know that there is a new Thai restaurant opened in Farlim Square. Though the name Baan Khun Thai does sound familiar and may coincide with other establishment- we were made understood that this is a new Thai restaurant. The owner runs a Thai Wellness Centre a couple shops away from the restaurant. Menu-wise, it offers quite a good selection of Southern Thai delights. The restaurant is air-conditioned but might be less-accommodating for larger groups due to limited tables. Do make early reservation if you intend to visit in a large group.

SOOD By Chef Ton @ Farquhar Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Penang’s vibrant food scene takes an exciting leap forward with the arrival of SOOD by Chef Ton. Located in a beautifully restored 150-year-old heritage building on Farquhar Street (right across the street from E&O Hotel), this unique dining destination brings together Penang’s storied history and bold, modern Thai flavors. Created by Bangkok’s culinary maestro, Chef Thitid "Ton" Tassanakajohn—better known as Chef Ton, the visionary behind the Michelin-starred Le Du in Bangkok; SOOD by Chef Ton offers an intimate dining space for 50 guests on the ground floor, where heritage charm meets contemporary flair. Upstairs, the lively SO-OD Bar (So Overdose) invites up to 100 guests to enjoy fun dining, live bands, and DJ performances, creating an unforgettable experience that blends culture, flavor, and energy.

Many Thanks to SOOD By Chef Ton for hosting us.

Man Man Bakes & Coffee @ Taman Lip Sin, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Tucked away in one of the residential flats at Taman Lip Sin (right opposite to Red Tea Garden at Taman Lip Sin), Man Man Bakes & Coffee offers a cozy space for cafe-goers to enjoy their homemade cakes and pastries. The cafe has a retro vibe, with antiques and knick-knacks occupying some corners of the cafe. We were told by the proprietor that all cakes are baked in house on rotation basis- in other words, you might not get what you want on your visit, completely by luck. The good part is- you will never get bored with the offering. Due to limited capacity, the selection is small (only 5 types of cakes and pastries on our visit), same goes for the beverage menu. But this is definitely a cozy spot to enjoy a leisure afternoon treat without putting a hole on the wallet.

Share the Love with Marrybrown’s MB Golden Ong Bucket This Lunar New Year 2025

The season of reunion is here, and there is no better way to celebrate than by gathering your loved ones around a table filled with delicious food. This Lunar New Year, Marrybrown- Malaysia’s beloved Halal quick-service restaurant, invites you to share joy and flavours with their MB Golden Ong Bucket. Designed for sharing, the MB Golden Ong Bucket comes in three different sizes—6 pieces, 9 pieces, and 12 pieces—perfect for families and groups of friends. Each bucket features Marrybrown’s crispy Ayam Goreng MB, known for its crispy golden coating and tender, juicy meat that embodies the true taste of ‘Rasa Malaysia, Pilihan Kita.’ Head to your nearest Marrybrown outlet, share the happiness, and let the season of togetherness shine brighter with the MB Golden Ong Bucket!

Jomi Matcha @ Seberang Jaya, Perai, Penang.

For those who adore the vibrant flavors of Matcha, Jomi Matcha is a dream come true. From Matcha-infused drinks to exquisite green tea cakes or sweet treats, Jomi has something to offer for the Matcha lover in you. The cafe also offers a selection of light meals like Sandwiches and Toasts, perfect for a quick bite and leisurely afternoon. With its cozy-inviting ambiance, this spot is a must visit for anyone looking to savor the finer side of Matcha. Jomi Matcha is housed in the Centre of Excellence Agritech at Seberang Jaya Penang.

Flour and Oil Cafe @ Codrington Avenue, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

Tucked away in one of the bungalows along Codrington Avenue (Pulau Tikus)- Flour and Oil Cafe is relatively new in the Penang cafe scene. It can be found slightly before Rose Charity along the same street, with free parking right in front of the bungalow (or behind). On the food menu- it has a mix of local delights as well as Western dishes; with a home-cooked, healthy and heart-warming touch. Seats are pretty limited at Flour and Oil Cafe, so if you are visiting in larger groups- do make early reservations. It is note-worthy that Flour and Oil Cafe is also child-friendly, pet-friendly and serves no Pork/ Lard.

Mojojojo @ Lyf Hotel Georgetown, Penang.

Housed in the newly opened Lyf Hotel Georgetown by the Ascott Limited (right across the street from Eastern & Oriental Hotel Penang), Mojojojo is a restaurant worth keeping on your radar. To find Mojojojo, you can either enter from the side door via Farquhar Street or enter from the lobby of Lyf Hotel Georgetown (walk until one end of the hotel lobby). The kitchen opens for 2 slots- the Brunch and Dinner; different menus will be served. The brunch menu features dishes with innovative twist (not the usual Big Breakfast, Egg Ben that you will find). While the prices are on the higher end, the flavors and presentation justify the costs.

Zhong Hua Herbal Chicken Pot 中华药膳鸡火锅 @ Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Zhong Hua Herbal Chicken Pot 中华药膳鸡火锅 is one of the new additions to Bayan Bay (the shop houses outside of Queensbay Mall); manned by China Chinese, the place serves only one type of food- Herbal Chicken Pot. There are other toppings and sides to be added but the main draw here is the Herbal Chicken Pot. An alternative to the usual Hot Pot and suitable for family dine-out.

Hainan Street Traditional Chicken Rice @ D' Piazza Mall, Bayan Baru, Penang.

One of the latest additions to D' Piazza Mall is Hainan Street Traditional Chicken Rice; like what the shop name says- Chicken Rice. Other than Rice, diners also have the option to go for Porridge while the Chicken is available in 2 variants: Steamed Chicken or BBQ Chicken. The menu is basically fixed and it is easy for everyone- you basically get everything including the carbs and the rice. The place is air-conditioned and can be a convenient spot for a quick, inexpensive fix.

Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 with G Hotel's Chinese New Year Set & Buffet

Usher in the Year of Snake with an abundance of flavors and prosperity at G Hotel Penang! This festive season, the hotel unveils its meticulously curated Chinese New Year food offering- designed to bring families and friends together in a harmonious celebration.

Prosperity Feast of 8-Course Chinese New Year Celebration Menu （available from 15 Jan to 15 Feb 2025):

*Applicable for private function room or corporate dinner with minimum of 3 tables (10 pax per table) with free flow of Chinese Tea and Fruit Punch)*

Happiness 8-Course Menu (RM1,888) 八福临门宴

Kwei Fei Abalone Multi-Colored Yee Sang 贵妃鲍鱼鱼生捞起
Braised Seafood Soup with Dried Scallops 干贝海鲜羹
Steamed Chicken with Dried Oysters and Cordyceps Flowers 蚝士虫草花炖鸡
Sauteed Fresh Scallops and Prawn Meat in Butter Oats 带子明虾球炒麦香
Braised Fish Bladder, Sea Asparagus and Black Mushroom with Broccoli 鱼鳔海芦笋冬菇西兰花
Steamed Red Lion Fish with Pickled Radish in Soy Sauce 清蒸海狮鱼菜圃
Steamed Lotus Leaf Rice with Lotus Nuts and Salted Egg Yolk 莲子荷叶饭
Chilled Honey Sea Coconut with Mixed Fruit Cocktail 什菓海底椰

Lucky 8-Course Premium Menu (RM2,088)

Lucky Smoked Salmon Multi-Colored Yee Sang 烟熏三文鱼捞起
Braised Shark's Fin Soup with Four Tressures 四宝鱼翅羹
Roasted Duck and Roasted Chicken Combination 烧鸭拼烧鸡
Sauteed King Prawn Meat in Dry Curry Sauce with Fried Mini Mantao 甘香明虾秋馒头
Braised Abalone, Sea Cucumber, Dried Oysters and Sea Moss with Broccoli 鲍鱼海参蚝士烩发菜
Steamed Pearl Grouper with Wolfberry Soy Sauce 清蒸珍珠斑
Crispy Noodles with Seafood and Vegetables 海鲜脆生面
Sweetened Peach Gum with Snow Fungus and Longan Meat 龙眼桃胶红枣雪耳羹

2025 Chinese New Year Buffets:

Chinese New Year Eve Buffet Dinner @ Cafe 168 G Hotel

- 28 January 2025 from 6:30 pm to 10 pm

- RM258 nett per person | RM188 nett senior citizen | RM128 nett children