Yew Xin Yuan 游心园 @ Fifth Avenue Hotel, Georgetown, Penang.

Located at Fifth Avenue Hotel, Yew Xin Yuan 游心园’s second outlet introduces a proper main-meal menu for the first time, building on the brand’s wellness-focused identity (first branch in Sunshine Central Penang). The dishes centre around Chinese herbs and light, nourishing preparations, with seasoning kept intentionally mild — something that may appeal more to those seeking clean eating than robust flavours. Prices are on the premium side, but the comfortable seating and calm hotel setting make it a pleasant option for a fuss-free, health-driven dining experience. 

Man Shan Bak Kut Teh 滿膳食馆 @ Perak Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Man Shan Bak Kut Teh 滿膳食馆 has been around for quite some time, the Bak Kut Teh specialist has bagged some awards and has been featured on some national TV program. It has also garnered an appreciate following over the years. Situated at Perak Road (opposite to Padang Brown), Man Shan stands out especially in the evening with its bright-yellow facade. The restaurant offers more than just Bak Kut Teh, there's also some Chinese delights... making it suitable as a family eat-out option. Don't expect a budget meal here but you get the cozy-comfortable air-conditioned environment and a handful of Chinese options on top of the signature Bak Kut Teh.  

[Year 2024] Food Hunting- Day Trip @ Sitiawan 实兆远, Perak.

Nestled in the state of Perak, Sitiawan is a hidden gem for food lovers, offering a rich tapestry of flavors shaped by its diverse cultural heritage. This small town is famous for its authentic Foo Chow cuisine, thanks to the early Chinese settlers who brought their unique culinary traditions to the fishing village. Whether you're craving traditional Foo Chow dishes, fresh seafood or local snacks that have stood the test of time, Sitiawan is a worth-visiting place to savor all these traditional delicacies and Foo Chow delights. Visitors from the north may use the new West Coast Expressway (WCE) and it takes less than 2 hours to reach Sitiawan from Penang island. Definitely one of the day-trip destinations you should consider.

1) Restoran Chai Chin 才进肉骨茶-鱼头

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Address: 75, Taman Aman Muhibbah, Jalan Haji Mohd Ali, 32000, Sitiawan, Perak.

Business Hours: 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. Closed on Mondays.

Contact Number: 011-3608 8221

Restoran Chai Chin 才进肉骨茶-鱼头 Facebook Page

[Travel/ Food Guide] Itinerary to Hatyai, Thailand (合艾，泰国) 2022

Ever since Thailand uplifted the foreigner entry requirements  (no vaccination cert required) in Oct 2022, many Malaysian tourists are resuming their pilgrimage visits to Hatyai, the southern town of Songkhla. With only 60km away from the Malaysia-Thai border, it is a popular destination for a short getaway. Clearing customs and immigration is as easy as before, just present a valid Passport and relevant forms (if driving). There are many changes to Hatyai- with some places closed down for good but there are also quite a lot of new places sprung up. We too did the routine, ritual shopping at Kim Yong Market and Central Festival Mall but apart from that, we had ventured further to explore new places that we haven't been before. 

Read our previous blog entries to Hatyai here: Year 2017 and Year 2019. 

1) Cheevit Cheeva Hatyai

Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Address: 43/22, Rajyindee Soi 6/1 Road, Tambon Hatyai, Amphoe Hatyai, Songkhla, 90110, Thailand.

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

Contact Number: +66 83 168 8889

Cheevit Cheeva Hatyai Facebook Page

Famiglia Vegetarian Cafe @ Sungai Pinang, Jelutong, Penang.

Run by the same management as Famiglia Confinement Center, the cafe on ground floor is a vegetarian cafe that offers a local Chinese vegetarian menu. Found at the corner shop lot next to Bandar Baru Jelutong (Sri Wonder Building), Famiglia Vegetarian Cafe has a cozy, modern setting; it does not give a hint on what the menu could possibly offer. We were expecting some Western, playful Vegetarian dishes but it turned out to be a solid, classic local Vegetarian menu. Expect to find Stir Fry Noodles, Bak Kut Teh, Fried Rice on the menu... with prices starting from Rm 7. Though the serving speed may be a little slow, the overall package of dining atmosphere and food quality are of satisfactory. Worth checking out if you are looking for a spot for vegetarian food. 

[Year 2020] Food Hunting- of Cafes/ Must-Eats @ Ipoh, Perak.

With many of us unable to travel overseas, a short local getaway is ideal when the travel bug bites. Ipoh (Perak) is an ideal destination for Penangites... with merely a short 1.5 hours drive away. The town is especially suitable for foodies to explore and has recently welcomed a spate of new cafes and eateries. These are some of the places that have never been featured on our Ipoh food blog entries:

1) Sam Ma Chicken Rice 三妈芽菜滑鸡饭

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Address: 3, Jalan S.A. Lingam, 31400, Ipoh, Perak.

Business Hours: 11 am to 3 pm, 6 pm to 9 pm. Closed on Wednesdays.

Contact Number: 6017- 756 8562

Sam Ma Chicken Rice Facebook Page

Ken Curry House @ Jalan Batu Maung, Batu Maung, Penang.

Those who frequent Batu Maung area might be familiar to this place, those who are in the know would have at least heard or visited the place... definitely a hidden gem worth to uncover. Nestled in a bungalow along Jalan Batu Maung (opposite to the World Fish Organization), Ken Curry House attracts the factory workers working nearby... for its inexpensive, satisfying yet tummy-filling Curry (with rice) variants. It has been there for a few years and it only opens during lunch hours... to cater for the lunch crowd. The curry specialist offers nothing except curries... and occasionally, a special home-cooked Bak Kut Teh (small menu). The place has a simple setting overlooking the garden, but it can be a little warm during the sultry hot days. Not too shabby for a quick meal but not a place to hang out. 

Tean Ean (田园土产) @ Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Georgetown, Penang.

Tambun Biscuits (淡汶饼), Tau Sar Pneah (豆沙饼) or known as the Dragon-ball Biscuits to many, are well-known as the quintessential gift from Penang; not only do tourists often buy them as souvenirs but the locals love the biscuits as well. However, have you ever thought of where to get some decent yet freshly baked Tambun Biscuits? You might be able to find your answer here at Tean Ean (田园土产).

Founded in the year 1995, Tean Ean Local Products took the prominent location of Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah- the corner unit to the junction of Gurney Drive and Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, adjacent to Northam Hotel. Buying (food) souvenirs or gifts has never been that easy as ample parking spaces are available. Some  of the products we get to sample were Tambun Biscuits (淡汶饼), Horseshoe Crisps (马蹄酥) and their (肉骨茶) and I must say that I'm impressed with the quality of their Tambun Biscuits and Horseshoe Crisps. Interested parties can also register for their hands-on Tambun-biscuits baking class.

Many Thanks to Tean Ean for extending the invitation. 

Zealand bak kut teh &seafood restaurant @ Gurney Drive, Penang

Had brunch in this place , its located along gurney drive(beside corner club and carnation bak kut teh) , and they are famous of their seafood and fried noodles , here are the pics:

My all time favourite--Tom Yum seafood soup , the serving portion was damn big and its damn cheap(rm6).....was quite spicy and nt sour at all , in fact , the soup was kinda sweet ,seafood were fresh and the noodles were spongy =D

Stir fried bitter gourd (rm 8) , taste was ok i supposed , but a little bit salty for me

p/s : i hate bitter gourd , my mom ordered this T.T

This is their famous fried noodle (rm10 for 2 servings) , tastes decent , texture was quite good , but it doesnt seem to too special for me though

Steamed red snapper (rm44) , the fish was damn fresh and it was served when it was still scorching hot , cant resist it , best =)

The place was quite big but its kinda hot(no air con T.T) , price was reasonable and most importantly , their seafood are fresh =D

Sunlee Coffee Shop @ Air Itam, Penang

Located at Air Itam (opposite CIMB bank , b4 the roundabout to Bkt. Bendera) , this coffee shop is always packed with ppl during weekends , they offer quite a lot of variety of food such as bah kut teh , mee goreng , chu char , satay , char kuey teow etc......however , among those , we found that their bak kut teh is the most special among all as well as their chu char......others werent that impressive , so here are some photos :

Bah Kut Teh ,which comes with a small little bowl of 'yau char kuey'......very strong flavour of chinese herbal and some fragrance of special spices......pretty good i would say , not so oily for this stall's bak kut teh and u can always ask them to refill the soup for u =)......the yam rice was aromatic as well......full with yam cutlets which the flavour of the yam fused with the rice...imagine that XD....also , who can eats yam rice without garlic @.@ right ?

The 'mee sua kow' from the chu char stall (rm4.50 for 1 person's serving)....the texture is kinda similar to shark fin's soup.....it would be even nicer if u serve it with some vinegar....as it brings out the flavour more =D.....there were prawns and crabmeats flakes inside(don expect them to be damn big though).....and this is also 1 of the best mee sua kow i had found in town so far =)

Yea , i know the quality is kinda poor as my hands were shaky , my parents ran away when i was shooting this photo...lol....i should take my time as the car key was with me >.<

Rou Gu Cha King @ queensbay mall

Went to queens with mom after a tiring day of working....when we entered the mall from car park....we saw the banner....there will be some promotions on weekdays(mon-thurs).....so we decided to try on this restaurant.....

They have a wide varieties of selection....chicken , pork and even duck meat......they also provide both dry and soup version for u to choose....

Im so sry but this is non-halal.....anyway...they serve it in a claypot...every single claypot is for 1person's serving...so if u have 4 person there....u'll have 4 claypots...XD....i personally thinks that this is quite good and hygienic.....but i don think there will a 'soup-adding session'...no refilling of soup la i think =P

My dried chicken bak kut teh.....taste is ok...quite sweet....a bit spicy.....but if i get to choose again....i'll pick the soup 1 XD.....u can try if u din tried b4....price was rm15.90(whole set) if not mistaken

All of the above will be included in a set....quite worth la right =D...this restaurant is on lower ground floor of queensbay mall....note that there will be tax charges....