Chuan Style Steamboat (川谱格调火锅) @ Bagan Jermal, Penang.

More and more China Chinese Steamboat/ Hot Pot restaurants sprung up in Penang recently, Chuan Style Steamboat occupies a prominent spot at Bagan Jermal (T-junction of Mount Erskine and Burmah Road). The restaurant has huge posters on "Sze Chuan Face-Changing Opera" (变脸) and it does not take long for one to figure out what type of cuisine they are serving. The selections here are huge, ranging from the classic Sze Chuan Spicy Hot Pot to some uncommon Soups as well as some familiar Sze Chuan dishes. But most diners are here for its Hot Pot; the price points are however, not as wallet-friendly as budget-watchers would have hoped. A standard meal here is easily more than Rm 50 per pax so the place is more for occasions in lieu of regular meals.

Ancient Road Seafood Restaurant (古代一路泥土鸡) @ Bagan Jermal, Butterworth, Penang.

Beggar's Chicken (叫花鸡) has been one of the signature China Chinese dishes and its history can be traced back to the Ming-Qing Dynasty in China; today, the dish is popular in Jiangsu Province (of China). Inspired by this great dish, this Chinese restaurant tucked in a terrace house along the bustling Jalan Bagan Jermal has recently gained the attention of netizens for serving this old Chinese delicacy. But Ancient Road Seafood Restaurant is not a one trick pony, it has a great selection of Chinese Zhu Char dishes as well; in fact, we thought some of the Zhu Char dishes outshined the signature Chicken dish. Prices are most affordable except for the Chicken but if you appreciate the interactive process (diners ordering the Chicken may proceed to "unwrap and release" the Chicken from the Soil by hammering it), you will probably find it worth it.