Dai You Bin Dim Sum 大优宾点心茶楼 @ Sungai Petani, Kedah.

Tucked away in a serene neighborhood, Dai You Bin has withstood the test of time and is often regarded as one of the best dim sum restaurants in Sungai Petani. The brand has been around for quite a number of years, drawing large crowds with its air-conditioned comfort and extensive selection of homemade dim sum crafted by in-house chefs. From timeless classics to creative variations, the dishes come in generous portions at reasonable prices, making it a worthy spot for dim sum lovers in the area. 

Obama's Bún Chả Vietnamese Restaurant @ Mount Erskine, Penang.

Obama Bun Cha is a welcome new addition to the Mount Erskine / Tanjung Tokong area, offering a Vietnamese menu centred around Bun Cha. True to its name, Bun Cha is the star — grilled pork, fresh herbs, vermicelli, and dipping sauce — and they also serve Pho and Vietnamese spring rolls. The menu is small, but that works in its favor: everything feels intentional, cooked to order, and homey. One thing to note: the wait can be long (45 min wait for us on our visit). Prices are reasonable, especially given the freshness and care in each dish. If you’re after a cozy Vietnamese fix in the area, this can be a decent option. 

Lau Ee Home Kitchen @ Hye Keat Estate, Air Hitam, Penang.

Hidden at one end of Hye Keat Estate, Lau Ee Home Kitchen is a humble family-run private kitchen with over 30 years of history. The place feels like dining at a relative’s home — warm, intimate, and exclusive — but with restaurant-calibre execution. It serves Teo Chew dishes with a touch of Thai influence, and many of the recipes are made completely from scratch. It’s best known for its signature Shark’s Fin dishes and has even attracted quite a number of celebrity diners over the years. The setup is simple but comfortable, with about 9–10 tables that can fit up to 80 guests. The menu is small, focusing on long-time classics that regulars keep coming back for. 1-day advance reservation is recommended, especially for larger groups. 

Many Thanks to Lau Ee Home Kitchen for hosting us. 

Rembar @ Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Rembar is a vibrant new restaurant in Georgetown, specializing in modern Southeast Asian flavours. Nestled along Beach Street, it offers a small but carefully curated menu featuring creative dishes with bold taste profiles — think pomelo-duck salad, rendang-spiced open toast, otah, and more. The cocktail list is also standout, with well-crafted drinks that pair nicely with the food. Expect the place to be extremely busy on weekends, often without space for walk-ins, so reservations are highly recommended. Prices are on the higher side, but portion sizes and the quality of ingredients help justify it. 

Mee Tarik Shepherd 牧羊人新疆餐厅 @ Sungai Nibong, Penang.

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 @ Karpal Singh Drive, Georgetown, Penang.

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 Dim Sum 得闲饮茶 @ Avatel Hotel, Bukit Dumbar, Penang.

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 @ Nagore Road, Georgetown, Penang.

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.

Kojitsu Dining @ Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

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. 

[Travel/ Food Guide] Itinerary to Hatyai & Songkhla, Thailand (合艾，泰国) 2025

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. 

1) The Second Hatyai

Address: 200, 13 Nipatuthit 2 Rd, Tambon Hat Yai, Amphoe Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

Business Hours: 11 am to 10 pm. Opens Daily.

The Second Hatyai Facebook Page

Happō @ Arena Curve, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

A new spot in the neighborhood, Happo brings a Japanese-inspired menu with a special focus on Chicken Ramen. While the menu isn’t extensive, the dishes are thoughtfully prepared, highlighting quality over quantity.  The cozy dining atmosphere makes it an inviting place for a casual meal, and the comforting flavors of the ramen definitely make Happo worth checking out if you’re in the area.

Ban Bu Dian (半步颠) @ Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang.

Ban Bu Dian has made its way to Gurney Paragon, bringing a taste of Sichuan cuisine to Penang. While prices here lean toward the higher side, the quality makes up for it. The dishes are well-executed with bold, multi-dimensional flavors that go beyond just being spicy— there’s depth and balance in the seasoning that makes the food stand out. For those who enjoy Sichuan cuisine with character and refinement, Ban Bu Dian is definitely a spot to check out. 

Kim Han Coffee House 金汉餐室 @ Simpang Ampat, Penang.

Kim Han Coffee House 金汉餐室 — A nostalgic local café lands in Simpang Ampat With over six decades of history rooted in Jawi, Kim Han Coffee House finally brings its neighbourhood charm to Simpang Ampat. Known as a quick-fix go-to for locals, the new café effortlessly blends tradition with convenience—expect familiar kopitiam staples, quick bites, and comforting drinks in a no-fuss, welcoming space. It’s a slice of old-school Penang that both long-time fans and new visitors can appreciate. 

5 Senses Noodle Bar @ Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Situated in a comfortable, fully air-conditioned space, 5 Senses Noodle Bar (Sharing Plates) offers a thoughtfully spaced layout that makes for relaxed dining. There’s free parking available at the back (via Victoria Street), with additional spots right in front—so access is convenient too. The menu brings together Chinese-style dishes with a Western twist, and their handmade noodle selection truly shines. Just a heads-up—most dishes are pork-based, so it may not be the best fit if you're avoiding pork. Still, if you enjoy hearty noodles with an interesting fusion flair, it’s definitely worth a look. 

Kafe Dapor Rumah @ Bishop Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Occupying the former AIA Training Academy space at Bishop Street, Kafe Dapor Rumah dishes out a comforting kopitiam-style menu in a cozy, air-conditioned setting. Alongside the usual staples, highlights include Curry Laksa, Nasi Ayam Penyet, and Mee Udang. Prices are reasonable, making it a great spot for a quick and satisfying local fix in town.