Sifu Nyonya Cuisine 惜福 @ Rope Walk, Georgetown, Penang.

Good, authentic Nyonya food is getting hard to find as the preparation and cooking process is tedious and requires a lot of time. Fortunately, there are still a handful of good Nyonya restaurants in Penang and Sifu Nyonya Cuisine 惜福 is one of them. Tucked away from Prangin road, Sifu Nyonya Cuisine is housed in one of the shop houses along Rope Walk. The Chef is a very experienced 70-year-old lady, who specializes in cooking Nyonya dishes, using recipes passed down through generations. The menu features more than 40 dishes; all dishes are home-made using fresh ingredients, including the condiments. The restaurant has garnered an appreciate following since its opening in 2019; tables are limited at Sifu so if you plan to visit in a big group, do call for reservation.

Many thanks to Sifu Nyonya Cuisine for hosting us.

The Glass House @ The Prestige Hotel, Georgetown, Penang.

The Prestige Hotel is a welcome addition to the heart of Georgetown... from outside, it looks like a huge Colonial-styled Mansion... with bright, airy entrance to the lobby. Just started its business operations in late May 2019, the luxury homegrown boutique hotel houses more than 150 rooms, event spaces, an all-day dining outlet and an arcade with a mix of retail outlets. The Glass House, found right next to the hotel lobby, is a charming space with equally bright welcome. Like the hotel, the place has a heavy dose of Victorial-styled decor... contemporary but elegant in its own ways. While the space is used to serve breakfast to hotel guests, it welcomes walk-ins all day long. The newly rolled out Semi-Buffet Lunch is a crowd-puller... affordably priced Lunch menu starts from RM 20 with unlimited helpings of greens and sweets. For the uninitiated, a flat rate of parking fee RM 8 is applicable for The Glass House diners.

Many Thanks to The Prestige Hotel for hosting us.

Nyonya Willow @ Taman Tunas Damai, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Update: Nyonya Willow has relocated to Arena Curve (72-1-3), opposite to Arang Cafe

Nyonya Willow is definitely one of the most secretive cafes/ restaurants, not only that it does not have any signage, it is nestled in a terrace house... within the secluded neighborhood of Taman Tunas Damai (Bayan Lepas). As the name might have hinted, Nyonya Willow runs like a private kitchen, in a residential. The menu changes regularly- depending on what they could source for the day, the dishes vary. It offers some Nyonya delights as well as some favorite Malaysian delicacy such as Nasi Lemak. All ingredients are prepared in house. The setting is homey as well and might not be too accommodating for larger groups. Prices are however, veering towards the higher side but given the fact that they cook in a small scale and every dish is home-cooked, the price is justifiable. Taman Tunas Damai is near to the newly operated SMK Heng Ee Bayan Lepas branch or where Honda Car Service center is located. 

Richard Rivalee's Cafe @ Bangkok Lane, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

Update: Richard Rivalee's Cafe has moved to M Mall 020 at Penang Times Square (Ground Floor)

How often do you get to eat great home-cooked food served by famous Fashion Designer? Now you get to do so at Richard Rivalee's Couture House, Bangkok Lane. Richard does it for fun. Advocated by some of his regular customers, Richard is determined to cook a few of his most-loved dishes in small scale and serve them in his office. A part of his office (couture house) is transformed into a cafe; though small, it is brilliantly spaced and arranged. Diners get to know more about Richard's stories by looking at the photos (taken with some celebrities in town) hanging on the walls and occasionally, when Richard's available, he'd like to engage with his diners and exchange opinions... not only about culinary or fashion but life as well. The menu is small... probably featuring 3 types of mains and a type of dessert (subject to availability). Richard cooks his food in small scale... probably around 20 servings (each type of main) so if you are keen, do give him a call before visiting his cafe. 

Aunty Anne- True Penang Cuisine @ Macalister Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

Many of us have dreams but how many of us have the courage to live the dream? Aunty Anne, about to turn to her 70, managed to realize her dream for operating her very own Nyonya restaurant recently. She did not manage to realize her dream in her younger days due to family commitment. A very chatty and passionate lady whom shared with us stories of herself and the restaurant. It is impossible for her to run the restaurant all day long, thus, the restaurant opens from 11: 30 am to 2: 30 pm only. Set Lunch (Rm 18.50 nett per set) is the only option, together with a few choices of add-on. Limited quantities available daily but justifiable with the labor-intensive Nyonya dishes and no, she does not believe in cookie-cutter approaches. While there are many versions of Nyonya dishes out there, claimed to be as authentic as they can be; Aunty Anne tries to preserve the flavors of the yesteryears by putting everything she learnt into use. If you wish to find out more, talk to the friendly and accommodating lady. Aunty Anne- True Penang Cuisine is tucked within a shop house along Macalister Lane, further down from the famous Xiao Feng Lai Coffee House.

Kuih Nyonya Moh Teng Pheow @ Jalan Masjid, Georgetown, Penang.

Located at one end of a quiet alley- Jalan Masjid, off Chulia Street, is a famous old-school Kuih Factory named Moh Teng Pheow. The place is famous for dishing out fresh home-made Nyonya Kuih. The 60 year old- Kuih Factory had a minor refurbishment recently, turning a corner of the place into a cozy, presentable "canteen". Step in the place and you will be welcomed by a warm, homely atmosphere with retro bric-a-brac. The entrance may seem unappealing, walk in and you will find yourself in a living museum, demonstrating the entire kuih-making process using utensils from the past. The retro vibes of the cafe, are boosted by the mismatched bits of antiques and vintage pieces. Moh Teng Pheow offers a small menu, but the team is dedicated to offer their best. To find Moh Teng Pheow, locate Sky Hotel at Chulia Street, a stone's throw distance away from Yeng Keng Hotel and walk straight into the alley (Jalan Masjid). You should be able to find the place right in front of you shortly.

Ken Hunts Food: 24-Hour Food Guide in Penang.

Penang is famous for its diversified range of street food. It is not impossible to find and indulge in good food throughout the day. Here's how, this guide is especially useful when you are short of time and wish to fully utilize the time as well as your tummy space.

6 am: Te Chang You Tiao Wang/ Chinese Crullers

Private Dining- Burmah 108 @ Burmah Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Who would have guessed that there was a private-dining nestled within an unassuming and unpretentious house in the heartland of Georgetown? It took me a while to find the place since there was not any sign board. Burmah 108 is the brainchild of three primary schoolmates- Sharon, Hooi Chin and Chui Lim; the trio invites guest Chefs from other states/ countries to host a private dining events and private cooking classes. Food enthusiasts can also rent the kitchen for cooking demonstrations or dining hall to host any private functions or exhibitions. For more information, kindly inquire within or visit their website at Burmah 108..

As for the month of July (2014), they were pleased to have guest Chef- Chef Ming Siew on board. The event "A Taste of Nyonya by Ming Siew" gives diners an opportunity to savor all the authentic Nyonya dishes and flavors of the yesteryears. Read more information about Chef Ming Siew here.

The upcoming private dining event will be held in August (23rd and 24th of August 2014) and a Penang-born guest Chef- Chef Anderson Ho, who is currently residing in Singapore, will make his appearance. Diners can expect an array mouth-watering home-style food. 

Many Thanks to Burmah 108 for extending the invitation. 

Mimi's SL Coffee House @ Wisma Central, Macalister Road, Penang.

Hidden in one of the buildings at Macalister Road, Mimi's SL Coffee House is rather obscure to the public due to its hidden location. One might not even realize that there's such an eatery set within the building. Mimi, the lady owner of the eatery, has many years of experiences in cooking some of their infamous Nyonya dishes namely Assam Laksa, Nasi Ulam and Assam Pedas with Nasi Ulam and Assam Pedas being some of the popular choices by regulars. The availability of the few special dishes changes daily; due to the high demand and low quantity, reservation is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. Wisma Central is the building beside New Lane and opposite to Lye Peng Travel Agency. To reach Mimi's SL Coffee House, walk in from the front entrance of Wisma Central and turn left on your first turning, walk straight and proceed with a left turn followed by a right turn. You should be able to see some tables around the area, Mimi and her staff will attend to you shortly.

Bintang Rock Buffet 2013 & Rock Platter @ Hard Rock Hotel, Batu Ferringhi, Penang.

Bintang Rock Buffet @ Starz Diner, Hard Rock Hotel Penang.

In conjunction with the fasting month of Ramadhan, Hard Rock Hotel Penang is offering a buffet dinner spread at very affordable prices, the buffet dinner is only available from 9th of July until 9th of August 2013 at their restaurant- Starz Diner. The restaurant opens from 5:30pm every evening but the buffet dinner will only be ready by 6:30pm (until 10:30pm). The buffet dinner is priced at Rm 68++ (per adult) and Rm 34++ (per child); for every booking of 10 diners, the 11th person gets to eat for free during this promotional period of their Ramadhan buffet. 

*Prices are subjected to 10% service charge and prevailing government tax.*

Just to list some of their signature items (will be rotated on a weekly basis):

• Bubur Lambuk (Ramadhan Congee)
• Udang Masak Hijau Putik Pisang (Slow Cooked Spiced Sweet Soy Beef)
• Ketam Masak Kicap (Braised Blue Crab in Turmeric Coconut and Pineapple)
• Pari Assam Pedas (Hot & Sour Stingray Fish, Chili, Okra & Eggplant)
• Assam Laksa Johor (Tamarind Laksa Noodles- the Johor style)
• Sambal Tumis Udang & Petai (Prawn Sambal with Petai)
• Gulai Kambing Serai (Lemongrass Mutton Curry)
• Ayam Percik (Percik Chicken)