Yakiniku Sudaku @ Central at G, Penang.

Located at Central @ Gurney, Yakiniku Sudaku is a Japanese-Korean restaurant with a strong focus on yakiniku, offering a wide selection of barbecued meats ranging from reasonably priced choices to premium cuts for a more indulgent experience. The menu also extends beyond the grill with a variety of Japanese and Korean favourites, making it suitable for different dining preferences. Prices are generally reasonable, while the attentive service adds to the overall experience. One drawback, however, is the less-than-ideal ventilation, so don't be surprised if you leave smelling like barbecue after your meal.

Solt @ Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Solt Penang is a spacious and stylish restaurant located at 474 Beach Street, right in the heart of Georgetown. With a modern European menu infused with subtle local Malaysian influences, it delivers a creative yet accessible dining experience. The open-kitchen concept adds a lively touch to the cozy, relaxed atmosphere. According to reviews, there’s also a pork-free policy — making it welcoming for a broader crowd. Prices lean a little above average, but the thoughtful food and ambiance 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. 

Chongqing Chinese Food 重庆美食 @ Ivory Plaza, Gelugor, Penang.

Located on the second floor of Ivory Plaza Gelugor, Chongqing Chinese Food 重庆美食 brings bold and authentic Chongqing flavours to Penang. Run by a Chongqing native, the eatery serves up a variety of noodle dishes like Liang Mian, Mi Xian, and Chongqing Noodles, alongside spice-laden grilled skewers. The place is not air-conditioned, but prices are wallet-friendly—great for a casual, flavour-packed meal that offers something a little different from the usual local fare.

SmokePapa BBQ @ Bishop Street, Georgetown, Penang.

From humble beginnings at a food court near Weld Quay back in 2018, SmokePapa BBQ has since found a new home at Bishop Street, continuing its mission of bringing Texas-style smoked barbecue to the heart of Penang. Helmed by Pitmaster Chef Hong, the restaurant focuses on barbecued meats done low and slow—its signature smoked ribs being a crowd favorite. The menu spans across various cuts, from poultry to heartier meats, all crafted with smoky depth and bold flavors. 

Many Thanks to SmokePapa BBQ for hosting us.

Nikuno Yoichi @ Gurney Drive, Penang.

Nikuno Yoichi is a Yakiniku restaurant originated from Nagoya in Japan, the outlet at Gurney Drive is probably the first and only branch in Malaysia. The menu revolves around premium meat (of Beef and Chicken) to be grilled over coal-fire, to note that this outlet serves no pork. Lunch menu is served on every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday only. The rest of the day and time will be on ala-carte menu. Service is great- attentive and fast; good quality of food too... if you don't mind to pay a bit more.

Firewood Restaurant @ Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, Georgetown, Penang.

More than just typical barbecue, Firewood Restaurant in Georgetown is taking the traditional wood-fire cooking to the next level. The restaurant specializes in premium quality steaks, cooked over coal fire. Far from being a steakhouse, Firewood offers a menu with a well-diversified choices... from imported premium quality meats to comfort sharing food like Salad, Pasta, Burgers and Desserts etc. It has a big beverage menu too- from different labels of Wines, Cocktails to non-alcoholic options. The restaurant takes their food seriously, with an aim to impart coal-smokiness to all of their dishes. In order to achieve this, Firewood has their own recipe in mixing the coals... from traditional Charcoal to Binchotan, constantly experimenting and exploring multitude ways to manipulate the fire and perfecting the cooking. Firewood is a Pork-Free and Kids-friendly casual restaurant; early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment, especially for bigger groups.

Many Thanks to Firewood Restaurant for hosting us.

Guinness Flavour By Fire Festival Penang 2023 @ Fort Cornwallis, Georgetown, Penang.

A very much celebrated event- The Guinness Flavour By Fire is back this year and the Penang chapter happened on 2 and 3 September 2023 at Fort Cornwallis Penang. The event saw the attendance of many Guinness lovers and visitors from all over the world. The event gathered many barbecue specialists to offer Guinness-infused flame-cooked creations, they were: Smoke Papa BBQ, White Smoke, Roku the Taco Bar, DreamBurger, Three Tiers Ice Cream, KAO BBQ, Firewood Penang, Foxhole 24 and Kitchen Mafia from Kuala Lumpur. The 2-day event was made available to invited guests, public and even walk-ins. No entrance fee but pay as you order (for the food and drinks). More information about the event, please visit Guinness website.

Many Thanks to Heineken Malaysia for hosting us.

Neighbourwood Restaurant @ Jalan Kulim, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

"Friendly establishment that serves good food at reasonable prices" is a recognition given by the Michelin Bib Gourmand to the Neighbourwood Restaurant at Bukit Mertajam earlier this year. A stone's throw distance away from Bukit Mertajam's St Anne's Church (few shops away from Public Bank Jalan Kulim), this modern European casual dining spot has quickly gone into the spotlight ever since the debut of Michelin Guide Penang 2023. The menu changes regularly and focuses on barbecue-style dishes; there are big plates for sharing as well as smaller plates for starters, with a handful of dessert choices. Early reservation is suggested if you are coming in a big group. A place worth checking out if you are in the vicinity.

Grandma's Home Food 外婆家的味道 @ Jalan Lembah Permai, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

For those who are seeking authentic China Chinese home-cooked food, look no further than Grandma's Home Food 外婆家的味道 at Jalan Lembah Permai, Tanjung Tokong. This unassuming Chinese restaurant offers an intimate menu with a nice Northern China twist. Some of the dishes resemble shades of Beijing delights; the proprietor is from mainland China and accordingly, she wants to bring in authentic flavors from her hometown. Not the typical Sze Chuan Hotpot or Ma-La dishes, the food offering at Grandma's Home Food is something casual and comforting like Soup Noodles, Beef Pie or Dumplings. One thing for sure- not as greasy as expected, probably back to the homecooked food concept, the dishes are mildly seasoned and less-greasy. 

Juadah Nostalgia Buffet Dinner @ AMAYA Food Gallery, Amari SPICE Penang.

Can't wait for the iftar feasting? With the holy Ramadhan period around the corner, it is the time to look for the best places or buffets to break fast. As for Amari SPICE Penang, the hotel welcomes its first fasting month this year, since its opening last November. For the upcoming Ramadhan 2023, the culinary team from Amari SPICE Penang (led by Executive Sous Chef Yusry Yusoff) prepares a feast consists of approximately 100 Malaysian favorites and international delights for dinner, nightly. The Juadah Nostalgia Buffet Dinner features a wide buffet spread with menu on daily rotation. It is note worthy that there will be 15% Early Bird Discount promo for bookings before 20 March 2023. In addition, separate male and female prayer rooms are available for the Muslim guests. 

Juadah Nostalgia Buffet Dinner

- 27 March 2023 to 19 April 2023 from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM

- RM138 nett per person & RM98 nett per child/ senior citizen

- 15% Early Bird Promo till 20 March 2023

Many Thanks to Amari SPICE Penang for hosting us.

Sam Gye Bab @ Golden Triangle, Relau, Penang.

Probably the first and only Sam Gye Tang specialist in Penang, Sam Gye Bab at Golden Triangle has been around for quite a while. The place is well-received by the folks staying in the neighborhood, with plenty of take-outs and delivery orders throughout the day. The small Korean menu features their signature flame-grilled Korean Chicken and Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup as well as some Korean delights (like Toppokki, Doenjang Jigae etc). Price points are lower than most established Korean joints but don't expect top-notch dining experience here. More like a place for a quick, inexpensive and casual Korean fix in the neighborhood. 

Wa Q Yakiniku 和九 @ Precinct 10, Tanjong Tokong, Penang.

A visit to Wa Q Yakiniku 和九 will likely to leave you spoilt for choice, the new Japanese Yakiniku joint is a new venture by the Edo Ichi group. The Yakiniku-focused restaurant is located at Precinct 10 Tanjong Tokong; while they have a big meat menu, there are many other Japanese delights to please all diners as well. The restaurant has a typical Japanese Yakiniku setting with a grill in the centre but unlike most Yakiniku restaurants, Wa Q uses special green Charcoal for a more pleasant odourless dining experience. Dining guests need not worry about the stench after a Yakiniku party as the restaurant is well-equipped with ventilation system as well. Meat lovers would be happy to know that Wa Q offers a wide range of meat and cuts, including the premium Japanese Wagyu Beef and Iberico Pork. The A5 cut is also available but reservation is recommended. Be prepared to pay a little more for the great cuts but rest-assured, the quality lives up to expectation; as the Edo Ichi group of restaurants always do. 

Unagiya Shin @ Burmah Road, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

One of the very few restaurants that offers an Unagi-focused menu is Unagiya Shin, a newly opened Japanese restaurant at Pulau Tikus that specializes in serving Japanese-styled Unagi. The name speaks for itself, "Unagiya"... a direct translation would be House of Unagi. The menu here revolves around Unagi- be it grilled Unagi or Unagi bowl; along with a mix of popular Japanese grills and delicacies. Items are reasonably priced here- those with deeper pockets can go for the imported Eels; else, the fresh and expertly cooked local Eels work fine. This is a place especially suitable for Unagi lovers.  

Tonari 隣 @ Acheh Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Previously known as Place We Meet, the Japanese Izakaya-styled eatery has since rebranded as  Tonari 隣 and relocated to Acheh Street in the heart of Georgetown. The menu has slightly expanded while retaining some of their previous signature dishes (with some revision in prices and now with service tax). The dining space however, is more spacious and comfortable than before; it is air-conditioned and could accommodate more diners. Expect long waiting time though, it is made clear that the barbecue skewers usually take around 20 minutes to serve (though it took them one hour to serve ours). Still a decent place for quality Japanese Skewers... especially over coal fire. 

SO.GO Korean BBQ @ Straits Quay, Penang.

Among the stretch of Korean restaurants in Tanjung Bungah area, SO.GO Korean BBQ is the latest addition at Straits Quay. The Korean restaurant specializes in barbecue... along with some neat selection of Korean delights. Apart from the premium meats and and flavorful marinades, the usage of charcoal grills instead of gas grills is also their selling point. Their cuts of meat are impressive but their ala-carte menu is equally worth trying. There's a variety of tummy-fillers as well as a big alcohol menu; despite on the slight premium price points, the restaurant impresses many with its high focus on quality and authentic Korean dishes. 

Iwa Kushiyaki Japanese Cuisine @ Auto City, Juru, Penang.

Iwa Kushiyaki Japanese Cuisine at Auto City was a lucky serendipity which we did not plan for; we did not even notice of its existence despite the restaurant has been there for quite some time. The Japanese exterior looks exactly like an Izakaya which may paint a picture on the menu but the actual offering is far beyond an ordinary Izakaya. While the place offers alcohols, the menu features some mains and a wide variety of Japanese delights as well. Seasonal items are not on the menu, do check with the servers on the specialties. Food quality is promising and food items are reasonably priced, a place suitable for gatherings over small plates and alcohols. 

Hungry Ranch @ Jalan Sungai Ujong, Georgetown, Penang.

The name- Hungry Ranch may paint a picture, the concept is simple and straight-forward... dishing out quality grilled goodness while keeping prices affordable. The restaurant has been there for a while, their opening was slightly before the lockdown in May 2021. While their main focus remains in grilled meat, the menu extends to offer All Day Breakfast, Western Dishes as well as some Asian delights; they are currently revamping the menu and expecting to have more grilled goodness added to the menu. Regardless, staying affordable is one of their main strengths. It's easy to locate Hungry Ranch, the restaurant can be found at Jalan Sungai Ujong, as soon as you turned in from Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong, you will find the restaurant shortly on your right. 

Many Thanks to Hungry Ranch for hosting us. 

Yun Korean Ssäm Bar @ Bayan Baru, Penang.

Unlike other classic Korean restaurants, Yun Ssäm Bar has a slightly different concept; the restaurant name does give some hint. The word Ssäm refers to "being wrapped" in Korean and typically refers to meat dishes wrapped using leafy vegetables in Korean cuisine. The menu is in-line with the concept and offers dishes with similar concept. The Ssäm dishes do not dominate the menu, other familiar Korean delights are also available. The place has a simple interior decor and exudes the homey vibes- the dishes on offer are also similar to those Korean home-cooked dishes. While the price points are not low, the dishes commensurate with serving portion.