Manned by Chinese Muslims, Mee Tarik Shepherd is a Muslim-friendly eatery in Sungai Nibong that specializes in Xinjiang cuisine. The air-conditioned restaurant serves up classics like hand-pulled Mee Tarik, lamb pilaf, stir-fried dishes, and barbecue skewers. A good option for those looking to try something different beyond the usual local fare, with a comfortable setting to enjoy it in.
Dong Dong Korean BBQ is a new addition to Karpal Singh Drive, and they seem to specialize in aged pork meat, which gives their BBQ offerings a richer flavour and tender texture. Aside from the BBQ, their menu is generous — you’ll find Korean favourites like Bibimbap, Japchae, Tteokbokki, Kimbap, and Fried Chicken. When I visited, the food quality was good overall, with the meats well marinated and the sides satisfying. The prices are reasonable too, considering the portions. The only downside was the service, which felt a bit lacklustre — probably first-day jitters. With some improvements in that area, this spot has strong potential among Korean food lovers in the area.
Dak Haan Yum Cha is a new dim sum spot housed in one of the shop lots at Avatel Hotel Jelutong. Run by the same team behind The Secret Tunnel, the eatery offers a range of homemade dim sum, covering most of the classics — from steamed to fried items — along with a small selection of stir-fried noodles. Prices are reasonable, making it a casual spot for a dim sum fix. However, those sensitive to heat may find it less comfortable due to the lack of air-conditioning.
Lao Ban Mian 老板面 has finally opened its first Penang branch at Nagore Square, occupying a comfortable two-storey shop lot with full air conditioning. The chain specializes in Pan Mee, offering a variety of toppings and dressings to dress up the classic. During our visit, the quality was decent — the noodles had good texture, and the toppings were satisfyingly fresh. It doesn’t stretch beyond being a solid Pan Mee meal, but if you’re craving that familiar noodle comfort, it’s a good, fuss-free option.
After seeing the great success of Komorebi Dining over the past two years, the team has now launched a new restaurant in Bukit Mertajam — Kojitsu Dining. Unlike the original concept that focuses mainly on bar-counter seating and Chef's Omakase, this new space offers proper dining tables and a more spacious setup that can accommodate more guests. The menu extends from Chef’s Omakase to à la carte selections, featuring some of the team’s signature creations. While the à la carte prices may have been adjusted, the quality remains uncompromised. Walk-ins are welcome, though early reservations are still recommended.
Many Thanks to Kojitsu Dining for hosting us.
Just a short three-hour drive from Penang, Hatyai has long been a favorite getaway for Malaysians. The city’s food scene continues to evolve— beyond the familiar Thai staples, you’ll now find a growing number of international eateries and a lively café culture. On this trip, we explored both Hatyai and neighbouring Songkhla, tasting our way through local favourites while checking out a few newer spots. In this post, I’m sharing some of the places we enjoyed for food as well as the hotels we stayed in—simply to document and hopefully help anyone planning a visit.
