YONNY 鱼你 @ Icon City, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

The Penang debut of YONNY 鱼你 at Icon City (and Gurney Plaza) brings this multi-branch Malaysian chain to Icon City with a focused concept built around Suan Cai fish, making it a convenient fix when those tangy, comforting cravings hit. The menu is particularly approachable for solo diners, with single-portion options that still feel satisfyingly generous for the price, keeping things firmly in wallet-friendly territory. While the concept is straightforward rather than expansive, it delivers exactly what it sets out to do—a quick, fuss-free stop for a hearty bowl without stretching the budget. 

Naing Tau Foo House 酿之家 @ Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Right in the heart of Bukit Mertajam, 酿之家 Naing Tau Foo House offers a cosy, homey dining setting with the added comfort of air-conditioning, making it an easy spot for a casual meal. The menu is fairly extensive, built primarily around its signature Yong Tau Foo with a variety of stuffed items, alongside local noodle and rice options that add flexibility for different appetites. Prices are generally reasonable for the portion and variety offered, making it a practical neighbourhood choice when you’re after familiar comfort food in a comfortable setting. 

Lao Chu Heritage 老厝砂锅潮州粥 @ Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Located within walking distance from Icon City in Bukit Mertajam, Lao Chu Heritage 老厝砂锅潮州粥 offers a comforting Chinese menu with plenty of Teochew highlights and is especially known for its seafood porridge served in claypot style. Prices are reasonable, making it a popular choice for casual family meals in the area. On my visits, I also enjoy ordering their Teochew Mee Tiao, which delivers familiar, no-frills flavours and works well as an alternative if you’re not in the mood for porridge. 

Wu Dong Jia 吳東家 @ Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Tucked away in Bukit Mertajam, Wu Dong Jia 吳東家 keeps things simple and comforting, focusing on familiar Taiwanese flavors done right. The setting is fuss-free and relaxed, making it suitable for an easy lunch or dinner without much planning. Portions are generous, prices stay reasonable, and the menu leans towards crowd-pleasing classics that feel familiar and satisfying. It’s the kind of place you would return to when you’re looking for something uncomplicated yet dependable. 

Kojitsu Dining @ Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

After seeing the great success of Komorebi Dining over the past two years, the team has now launched a new restaurant in Bukit Mertajam — Kojitsu Dining. Unlike the original concept that focuses mainly on bar-counter seating and Chef's Omakase, this new space offers proper dining tables and a more spacious setup that can accommodate more guests. The menu extends from Chef’s Omakase to à la carte selections, featuring some of the team’s signature creations. While the à la carte prices may have been adjusted, the quality remains uncompromised. Walk-ins are welcome, though early reservations are still recommended. 

Many Thanks to Kojitsu Dining for hosting us. 

Tai Yi Taiwanese Restaurant 台壹腿库饭 @ Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Tai Yi Taiwanese Restaurant 台壹腿库饭 has proven to be one of the popular dining spots in the neighborhood since its opening late last year. We are not surprised- affordably priced food items, delicious food and great services. The fully air-conditioned restaurant offers a Taiwanese menu, with a couple of uncommonly seen dishes (at least in Penang). The place is especially crowded on weekends, so do plan your visit accordingly.  

Zen Udon @ Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Not exaggerating but Zen Udon, a newly opened Udon-specialist at Bukit Mertajam could be your best bet for some of the best Udon-noodles in Penang. Located at the old town of Bukit Mertajam (behind Pek Kong Cheng), Zen Udon churns out fresh, handcrafted Japanese Udon using premium imported ingredients. The interior of the restaurant does not quite reflect the Japanese-element but the menu says otherwise. Zen has an Udon-focused menu along with some Japanese delights like Okonomiyaki, Japanese Curry, Tempura etc; items are reasonably priced... worth checking out if you do enjoy a good bowl of handmade Udon.

Tazaa Arabic Restaurant @ Juru Sentral, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Previously occupied as Azuma Japanese Restaurant, Tazaa Arabic Restaurant took over the prominent lot at Juru Sentral; introducing Middle-Eastern flavors to the Bukit Mertajam folks. You may have heard of the name Tazaa, it first started in Butterworth area and expanded its business operations to Bukit Mertajam. The menu is identical and you can never go wrong with grilled meat over spices, flatbreads, Hummus, salads etc. The branch at Juru Sentral offers a cozy, spacious dining environment... suitable for any occasions. 

Yu Village 渔家庄 @ Autocity River Park, Perai, Penang.

The love for Seafood noodles- a bowl of ocean wholesome-ness continues to expand with the opening of Yu Village 渔家庄 at Autocity River Park, a new extended space by Autocity. Yu Village 渔家庄 is amongst the new spate of tenants at Autocity River Park, offering a menu full of seafood delights. Owned by the Edo Ichi Group, the quality speaks for itself. The menu comprises of Chinese-style Seafood Noodles, Meat Noodles, Curry Noodles and sides; expect to pay slightly more for the freshness/quality and dining atmosphere though. In case you are wondering- no, the Edo Ichi Membership does not work here so there is no additional discount for members.

The Hilltop Thai Tom Yam Restaurant 山顶美景泰国料理 @ Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

You would probably realize The Hilltop Thai Tom Yam Restaurant 山顶美景泰国料理 when you drive along Jalan Kulim (near to the Machang Bubuk junction), the Thai restaurant has been around for a while. The whole area consists of 2 restaurants (Hilltop Thai Restaurant is one while the other one being a Hotpot restaurant), a Guava Farm and some homestay houses. Follow the signage and drive until the end, you will find the Thai restaurant on your right. The menu features a big Thai menu with many familiar Thai delights. Prices are of standard range but it is worth mentioning that the place does not offer alcohol. Air-conditioned room is available with limited seats so it is always a good idea to make reservation if you would prefer to be seated in the air-conditioned room.  

Tai Xiang Chi Thai Cuisine 泰享吃 @ Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Tai Xiang Chi Thai Cuisine 泰享吃 is a place where you will find inexpensive Thai eats in Bukit Mertajam. Housed in one of the shop lots right next to Lotus Tesco Bukit Mertajam (opposite to AEON BM), the Thai restaurant is especially popular during lunch hours. Dishes are reasonably priced here with big servings. We had some of their dishes and thought there were some hits and misses. This is a good spot for a quick, inexpensive Thai fix nevertheless. 

Mashitta K Food @ Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Mashitta K Food is a new spot where Korean food lovers get to explore in the Bukit Mertajam neighborhood. The restaurant offers quite a big Korean menu, from the usual street food fare like Tteokbokki to Kimbap, Fried Chicken or even Jeon but there is one particular item on the menu that is unique. Mashitta K Food is probably the only Korean restaurant that offers Dak Han Mari (Korean One Chicken Soup), a popular delicacy at Dong Dae Mun Seoul. The place is air-conditioned and suitable for any occasion, the prices are slightly on the higher side though.

Qian Ji Beef Noodle 谦记牛肉面 @ Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

A Taiwanese Beef Noodle specialist, Qian Ji Beef Noodle 谦记牛肉面 is a fairly new Beef Noodle joint in the old Bukit Mertajam town. The menu revolves around Taiwanese Beef Noodles, with some extra add-ons and side dishes like Dumplings. The choices are limited especially if you are not into Beef. The place however, is comfortable and fully air-conditioned. Not too shabby for Taiwanese Beef Noodles but not to the extent that I would travel all the way to there to have it. 

Big M Dumpling 大麦生煎 @ Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Big M Dumpling 大麦生煎 gained its popularity over social media and many flock to the place just to have a taste on the signature dishes. Housed in Chariton Hotel Bukit Mertajam (next to AEON BM), Big M Dumpling occupies a space at the lobby area and offers a small Chinese menu featuring Noodle, Soup and Dumplings options. Due to lack of space, the menu is fairly limited to only a few choices but that does not stop regulars from patronizing the place. Fresh, quality food at wallet-friendly prices, comfortable dining area are some of the reasons why Big M Dumpling is never short of customers. 

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.

Macau Street Cha Chan Ting 澳门街茶餐厅 @ Icon City, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

More like a family restaurant at Icon City, Macau Street Cha Chan Ting 澳门街茶餐厅 does not only dish out Macau or Hong Kong-inspired dishes; the Chinese restaurant also churns out local Malaysian delights. It has a big menu to offer making it suitable for all age range- from appetizers, to noodle/ rice dishes, stir fries or even desserts. The price points are affordable and importantly, the dishes commensurate with the prices. It is also worth mentioning that there are ample seatings available, and the restaurant is able to accommodate big groups of diners (the restaurant occupies 2 floors).

Many Thanks to Macau Street Cha Chan Ting for hosting us.

Jin Wu Men Restaurant 金五们 @ Icon City, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Jin Wu Men Restaurant 金五们 is one of the latest additions to Icon City at Bukit Mertajam... occupying a big space on the upper floor unit. The menu is in fact simple and straight-forward... offering fish noodles with a variety of toppings to be added. Apart from the classic broth, there are options like Tomato soup, Mala and Milky soup etc. While most toppings are nothing out of the ordinary, some can be quite interesting and uncommon. The prices however, are on the steeper side and offer lesser value in return. The place is comfortable though, if you don't mind paying a little more.

The Ryujin Dining 龍の料理 @ Juru Sentral, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Can't decide whether to go for Chinese food or Japanese delights? You can have both at The Ryujin Dining 龍の料理, Juru Sentral as the menu consists of both Chinese and Japanese dishes. The Japanese-styled decor may give you a wrong impression that the place is a typical Japanese restaurant but the menu speaks otherwise. Some of the dishes are Japanese-inspired but incorporating some Chinese elements. The menu is fairly big but the price points are on the higher side. Price-apart, we thought the food quality was top-notch and value for money. If you plan to dine-in here in a big group, do make advance booking especially on weekends.  

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.

My Kalasan @ Juru Sentral, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Named after a famous dish from Indonesia- Ayam Penyet Kalasan, My Kalasan at Juru Sentral is one of the few places where you get to find this Indonesian delight. But the place is not a one-trick pony, the menu features a wide array of familiar local dishes as well (expect to find Fish Meat Noodles and Fried Rice there). Spicy food lovers would be glad to know that the restaurant serves Sambal at different spicy level. Big menu with good range of dishes to offer at reasonable prices, a place worth exploring if you are in the vicinity.