The Hong Korean Authentic Food @ Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

Previously based in Johor for almost 5 years, The Hong Korean Food has now found a new home in Penang. Run by a Korean owner, the restaurant is set in a cozy semi-detached house with a home-style ambiance (walking distance from the TAR College Penang). Seating is limited, so it's best for small groups or casual meals.  Expect familiar favorites like Jajangmyeon, Jampong, and Tangsuyuk— all served with great quality and at reasonable prices. A hidden gem for those craving comforting, no-frills Korean fare. 

Fu Lai Pu Hotpot 福來舖 @ All Seasons Place, Penang.

Fu Lai Pu Hotpot brings its Taiwanese-style individual hotpot concept to Penang, where each diner gets their own bubbling pot. There are five soup bases to choose from, with Ma La being a popular pick. Set meals include free-flow drinks and complimentary dessert. The air-conditioned restaurant offers a comfortable dining experience with reasonable prices. Expect big crowd on weekends though.

Lim Kee Yong Tau Foo 林记马鲛鱼酿豆腐 @ Raja Uda, Butterworth, Penang.

Lim Kee Yong Tau Foo at Jalan Raja Uda is a go-to spot for fans of homemade Yong Tau Foo. Specializing in Mackerel-based fillings, the eatery offers an impressive variety — from classic soup versions to freshly deep-fried ones made upon order. Diners can pair their selection with noodles (dry or soup) or opt for Chee Cheong Fun, available in sauces like Curry. With air-conditioned seating and wallet-friendly prices, it’s a comfortable and satisfying stop for a casual meal. 

Thai House Cafe @ Kampung Malabar, Georgetown, Penang.

Tucked along Kampung Malabar, Thai House Cafe is a modest Thai eatery helmed by a team from Hatyai. The menu leans towards Southern Thai flavours, offering a variety of spicy, tangy dishes that stay true to their roots. The air-conditioned space provides a comfortable setting, though portions tend to be on the smaller side. Prices are reasonable, and the place sees a steady crowd, especially on weekends.

PULAU.PG @ Church Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Nestled along Church Street in the heart of Georgetown, Pulau is a cosy, air-conditioned café offering a no pork, no lard menu with Japanese-inspired fare. Expect comfort dishes like Chicken Nanban, Onigiri, and Ochazuke, alongside a selection of house-made cakes. The pet-friendly space makes it a pleasant spot for a laid-back meal or coffee break.

Chongqing Chinese Food 重庆美食 @ Ivory Plaza, Gelugor, Penang.

Located on the second floor of Ivory Plaza Gelugor, Chongqing Chinese Food 重庆美食 brings bold and authentic Chongqing flavours to Penang. Run by a Chongqing native, the eatery serves up a variety of noodle dishes like Liang Mian, Mi Xian, and Chongqing Noodles, alongside spice-laden grilled skewers. The place is not air-conditioned, but prices are wallet-friendly—great for a casual, flavour-packed meal that offers something a little different from the usual local fare.

REN 丛 Cafe at Arratoon @ Jalan Arratoon, Georgetown, Penang.

Tucked along Arratoon Road, REN at Arratoon is a pork-free café that exudes a warm, homey vibe with its simple, fuss-free decor. The menu carries a fusion of flavors—think Japanese-inspired dishes like Chicken Katsu with Japanese Curry alongside Western staples such as Pasta, Quesadillas, and Fish & Chips. For those with a sweet tooth, there are also dessert options like Waffles to wrap up the meal. With its comfortable setting and wallet-friendly prices, REN makes a nice casual stop for a laid-back meal in town. 

Kenny Hills Bakers @ Penang Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Kenny Hills Bakers, a familiar name among Klang Valley’s café-goers, has recently made its way to Penang, bringing along its signature artisanal bakes and cozy ambiance. Strategically housed in a bungalow near upper Penang road in the heart of Georgetown, the interior exudes a rustic charm, with wooden furnishings and warm lighting creating an inviting atmosphere. The menu features a variety of options, from hearty mains to delicate pastries; though the prices lean towards higher end. Nevertheless, it is still a welcoming spot for both casual brunches and indulgent dessert sessions.

GSH Thai Cuisine Cafe @ Seang Teik Road, Georgetown, Penang.

New Thai restaurant for Thai food lovers to explore- GSH Thai Cuisine Cafe at Seang Teik Road Georgetown offers a Thai menu featuring Rice Set and Noodle options. Budget-watchers would be glad to know that a Rice Set here costs as low as RM9.90. The place is air-conditioned and could accommodate large groups. The only downside is the lack of parking space. 

Hard Rock Hotel Penang Launches Golden Hour Grill at LEÑA at Pizzeria

Hard Rock Hotel Penang introduces Golden Hour Grill, a Saturday-only semi-buffet dinner at LEÑA at Pizzeria, available from July to September 2025. Featuring fire-crafted rotisserie meats and a rotating blackboard menu built on seasonal ingredients, the spread also includes stir-fry dishes, sushi, soups, breads, salads, and desserts. Priced at RM180 nett per adult, the open-air dinner comes with live band or DJ entertainment, making it a laid-back yet flavor-packed way to enjoy the Batu Ferringhi sea breeze.

Golden Hour Grill @ LEÑA at Pizzeria

• Every Saturday from Jul 2025 to Sep 2025 (6:30 PM to 10:00 PM)
• RM180 nett/adult and RM118 nett for children (aged 6 to 12 ) or senior citizens (above 60 years old)

Many Thanks to Hard Rock Hotel Penang for hosting us.

Sour Little 7 酸小七酸菜鱼 @ Sunshine Central Mall, Penang.

Little Sour 7 酸小七酸菜鱼 has recently made its debut in Penang with a new outlet at the freshly launched Sunshine Central Mall in Ayer Itam. Hailing from China, the brand is known for its signature sour and spicy hotpot- an unusual and punchy flavor combination that’s still relatively uncommon locally. The space is casual and modern, suitable for small or large groups. Being located in a mall makes it a convenient stop for a meal after shopping or errands. 

Silkroad Lanzhou Beef Ramen @ The ZEN, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

A new China Chinese Mee Tarik restaurant has opened up at The Zen Bayan Lepas. Managed by a group of Chinese Chinese Muslim, the eatery specializes Lan Zhou hand-pulled noodles complemented by a selection of Chinese stir fries and barbecue items. The space is air-conditioned though the ventilation could be improved — diners may leave with a hint of cooking smell. Dishes are reasonably priced and come in generous portions, making it a decent option for a quick, fuss-free meal.

Talk Talk Kopi @ Sunshine Central, Farlim, Penang.

Talk Talk Kopi is one of the many Halal options in Sunshine Central Mall Penang, it is also one of the earliest tenants to join the mall during its opening end of last year. The Kopitiam-style eatery offers Malaysian delights like Nasi Lemak, Kaya Butter Toast, Curry Chicken... and some uncommon ones include Ramen Udang (a different version of the Malaysian Mee Udang), Koay Teow Basah etc. Dishes are reasonably priced, not a bad choice if you are looking for some Malaysian dishes. 

Jiao Zi Dian 饺子掂 @ Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

Located just across from Mercure Hotel in Tanjung Bungah, Jiao Zi Dian 饺子掂 is a cosy, air-conditioned eatery that specializes in handmade Chinese dumplings. The place is run by a lady originally from China, now calling Penang home. While dumplings take the spotlight here, the menu also features familiar Chinese stir-fry dishes like Fried Vermicelli Noodles and Fried Rice. With its comfortable setting and wallet-friendly prices, it’s a spot worth noting for dumpling lovers.

BElement By Monism @ Victoria Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Tucked along Lebuh Victoria in Georgetown, BElement by Monism is a new dining spot that blends semi-fine dining elements with the relaxed atmosphere of a casual café. The eatery began welcoming guests in late December 2024 and offers a comfortable space for diners to enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals in a calm, contemporary setting. For lunch, the menu offers good value with a range of dishes priced from RM19.90, making it a pleasant option for those seeking an affordable yet refined dining experience.