Flvour @ Alma, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

With a slightly catchy name of "Flvour", the newly opened restaurant boasts an eccentric menu with a dazzling interpretations traditional Asian flavors (particularly Indian cuisine), where they tweaked and fused everything to create something new. Step in the restaurant and you will be amazed by its easy, casual atmosphere; Gin-lovers would be glad to know that Flvour has a great variety of Gins (more than 25 types of Gins available)... with collections from all over the world. Both the food and beverage menu are big, with a wide options of mains and bar bites selection as well delicious Cocktails and Gins. 

Many Thanks to Flvour for hosting us that evening.

Hachi Sushi @ Alma, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Hachi Sushi is one of the go-to places when it comes to Japanese food in the neighborhood of Alma (Bukit Mertajam), the restaurant at Pusat Perniagaan Seri Alma (next to Kim Hee Chinese Restaurant) has a spacious setting with big Sushi belt on running (temporary not available due to RMCO). It has a big menu- from various classic to creative Sushi to colorful Donburi, Ramen and Japanese delights. Apart from the casual, comfortably spacious setting, the very affordable price points seem to be one of its competitiveness. The prices seem to be on the lower end as compared to other established Japanese restaurants but the quality is not compromised. At least, we thought the quality justifies the prices.

EarlFee 爾啡 @ Alma, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Well hidden in one of the houses in the neighborhood of Alma (Bukit Mertajam), EarlFee 爾啡 is definitely one of the best kept secrets around. The place does not carry any signage and it is quite out of the way... seemingly only for those who are in the know. The atmosphere is as casual and as homey as it gets- just like having a cup of Joe in your own house. The menu is pretty small, apart from the beverage list (which consists of Coffee and Matcha)... there's a dedicated corner for Cakes and Dorayaki (Japanese-styled Pancake with sweet filling). A decent place to chill out and relax over Coffee and desserts.

Fruit & Juice Bar 水果铺 @ Alma, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Tucked away in a residential area of Alma, Fruit & Juice Bar 水果铺  is one of the neighborhood cafes that is well-received by the cafe-hoppers living in the neighborhood. The place has a simple but cozy interior decor... with comfortable couches and lounge chairs. The menu is equally simple and straight-forward... offering some of the fresh fruit juices as well as their home-made cakes. One great pulling factor of this place is its natural home-cake made from real fresh fruits. Though limited choices, the quality does not disappoint. The cafe can be found at Taman Budiman, the residential area right behind AEON Mall Alma. 

Ang Ang's Roastery @ Alma, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

A relatively quieter location from the clamoring Bukit Mertajam town, Ang Ang's Roastery is a comfortable gathering spot for Coffee lovers and Tea connoisseurs. Push the door open and you will be welcomed by a strong Coffee aroma... which permeates through the whole cafe. The interior decor is minimalist... brilliantly spaced, casual couches and comfortable lighting, the whole package makes it a great place to unwind or to do some reading. The team behind Ang Ang's Roastery seems to be very serious about their Coffee and Tea, everything is carefully brewed and served. The place does not pay great attention to the food menu though... only a couple of Sandwich, Toast choices; more like a place for casual meet ups over Coffee or Tea than proper meals. 

Born 16 Soft Serve Ice Cream @ Alma, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Possibly the only place in Alma that you can find hand-crafted Soft Serve; the newly opened Born 16 Soft Serve is potentially one of the best spots for you to quell the sultry tropical heat. The Ice Cream parlor is housed in one of the houses right in front of the AEON Mall Bukit Mertajam and can be easily spotted from the main road. The interior is simple and no-frills; with a simple, straight-forward and small menu on the offer- Waffles or Soft Serve (or both). 

La Maison Blanche Cafe @ Alma, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

La Maison Blanche Cafe is advantageous over its competitors at Alma, Bukit Mertajam; the cafe runs its business in the serene neighborhood of Alma, though the location may be a little obscure but it does not seem to stop the regular patrons to continue thronging the place. Our possible assumption would be their eye-catchy exterior design... the entire cafe was transformed into a small cottage, exuding a relaxed and calm ambiance. On the menu... it has the usual cafe fare with some simple Western dishes but most visited the place to try on their Affogato (which we did not). Fun place with comfortable interior decor but not a place that I would want to frequent. 

Ipoh Onn Kee Chicken Rice @ Alma, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Talk about Chicken Rice and many Penangites will be fired up. One of the proud Chicken Rice establishments from Ipoh has extended their business up north lately, opening a branch in the fast-developing area- Alma, Bukit Mertajam. It sets higher standard and signals an intense competition amongst its competitors. The new branch offers similar menu, including Ipoh's Koay Teow. Prices are reasonable but we thought the service could be better, both serving speed and hygiene. It took them nearly 45 minutes to dish out our orders and most of the eating utensils were very greasy; plenty of room for improvement. To find Onn Kee Chicken Rice at Alma, locate Tesco/ AEON Mall, the place is right beside Tesco or opposite to AEON Mall; housed in one of the shop houses nearby.

Ninety Century Coffee House @ Alma, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

The cafe scene in Alma is percolating, evidently seen from the mushrooming of a few new cafes near the center business district area of Alma. Ninety Century (90's) Coffee House caught our attention with its rustic, nostalgic exterior. As expected, the interior is a cozy snug little space, filled with comfortable chairs and tables. The menu is small, featuring some simple and straight-forward nibbles at very reasonable prices. Do not expect high on the variety or you will be disappointed. Nothing is overly interesting here but it provides a cozy place to rest and probably to hang out with your friends. 

The Library Coffee Bar @ Alma, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

The developing town of Alma (at Bukit Mertajam) welcomes the 7th branch of a renown coffee specialist in Malaysia- The Library Coffee Bar. Located at the new commercial area- Impiana Gallery opposite Tesco Alma, the double storey shoplot will be a great place to hang out for the cafe hoppers nearby. The Library Coffee Bar has quite an extensive menu, featuring not only mains but appetizers and desserts too. The place is nicely decorated according to the theme- with books scatteredly placed on brightly colored book racks and comfortable couches. However, seats were very limited on our visit (probably due to the overwhelming crowd on Friday evening) and the service was rather slow. Nevertheless, this is one of the few places that I would not mind to drop by again.

Vivo Pizza @ AEON Mall, Alma, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

The long-anticipated wait is over as AEON Mall at Alma (of Bukit Mertajam) has finally opened its doors to the public and amongst the new spade of tenants that have moved in, Vivo Pizza is definitely one of the worth-checking out ones. The well-established Pizza joint has more than 12 outlets in the country and this is the first outlet in Northern Malaysia. As the name of the restaurant would have hinted, Vivo Pizza specializes in serving Pizzas, ranging from the commonly seen savory Pizzas to the uncommonly found sweet dessert Pizza. Prices are pretty standard-average but Vivo Pizza stands out by offering Pizzas that are 33% larger than its competitors. While I have yet to try the food at other branches but there were some hits and misses during our visit; I could not tell if it was the usual way how they did it or the fact that they have yet to stabilize their operations. Nevertheless, if you are in the vicinity and have a sweet tooth, be sure to check out their dessert pizza. Vivo Pizza is strategically located near the main entrance (ground floor) of AEON Mall, facing The Cruises Steak House and a stone's throw distance away from Jusco.