Yang Yang Cuisine 洋洋. 味之料理 @ Sunshine Central Mall, Penang.

Yang Yang Cuisine has recently expanded its presence to Sunshine Central Mall Penang, bringing along its familiar array of Nyonya, Hainan, and Oriental delights. This latest branch continues the brand’s culinary tradition, offering a wide selection of comforting classics in a casual, family-friendly setting. Whether you're in the mood for fragrant Nasi Hainan, rich Peranakan curries, or simple stir-fries, the menu covers a good variety to cater to different palates. 

Kuih Culture @ Kimberley Street, Georgetown, Penang.

There's so much love for Nyonya Kuih and we can see them everywhere, on almost every occasion- parties, celebrations or ceremonies; not only for the taste but the eye-pleasing colors as well. Kuih Culture, one of the newly opened Kuih shops in the heart of Georgetown; offers an extensive range of Nyonya Kuih with an array of local delights.... and a little Hainanese blend. Expect to find Assam Laksa, Nasi Lemak, Kerabu Bee Hoon to Hainanese Chicken Chop or even icy sweet treats like Ice Kacang and Cendol. It's hard not to notice the display of colorful Kuih near the entrance, while they do stock and display some of them, the selection on display is rather limited (probably 5-6 types of Kuih only). The Kuih is priced higher than most Kuih stalls in the markets but the dining space is definitely more comfortable. Suitable for light meals or afternoon tea. 

Relau 88 Assam Laksa @ Relau, Penang.

Penang has never run out of hidden gems, especially when food is concerned. Relau 88 Laksa is one good secret, the Assam Laksa stall housed within a garden supply shop at a corner house along Jalan Paya Terubong at Relau has been serving pleasurable Assam Laksa for months. Since it shares the same place as the garden supply store, the place is surrounded with charming flowers but it does get stuffy under the sultry hot weather. Positive reputation spread through words of mouth, the place is now thronged with patrons in the know. It is particularly busy on weekends, especially for those who yearn for a light, refreshing lunch/ snack. But Relau 88 is not a one trick pony, the locals' favorite icy sweet treats- Cendol and Ice Kacang are also available to cool your summer day.

Mee Udang Bukit Tambun (蜜屋浪) @ Bukit Tambun, Penang.

Visitors visiting Design Village Penang but intend to have something special for lunch (except those fast food chains in the mall) can opt to reroute to Bukit Tambun, a small township famous for Seafood and home to many Seafood restaurants. Bukit Tambun is approximately 10 minutes drive away from Design Village Penang; it was once the de-facto place to visit when Penangites wanted fresh Seafood. Though it is still popular right now but the hype has reduced drastically as there are many other options available for now. But Mee Udang (Prawn Noodles) Bukit Tambun offers something out of the norm, instead of the usual Seafood Zhu Char dishes; it dishes out home-made Mee Udang, a proud Malaysian dish. Mee Udang is not the only option here, fresh Seafood catch is easy to source and thus, expect some simple, no frills Seafood dishes to be found here as well. The fully air-conditioned Mee Udang specialist can be found at one of the colorful heritage houses under the restoration project on the main road of Bukit Tambun (towards the now defunct Jetty).

Famous Fish Head Curry @ Guang Long Coffee Shop (光隆), Juru, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

If you are looking for something different than the usual Nasi Kandar's Curry or the ubiquitous Fish head Curry available in most Zhu Char stalls, check out this famous Fish Head Curry stall hidden far deep in the light industry area of Juru, Bukit Mertajam. It may be a little tricky to find the place as it looks exactly like a coffee shop in the neighborhood; from Juru Autocity, turn towards the light industry direction and drive till you see the first traffic light... turn left and go straight. Keep driving until you passed a bridge; you should be able to find Guang Long Coffee Shop on the right shortly.

Iyara Thai Cuisine @ Automall, Karpal Singh Drive, Penang.

Ardent fans of Thai food need not to take an arduous journey out of town just to find a decent Thai restaurant. Iyara is a new Thai establishment housed in Automall, Karpal Singh Drive. It is a simple, homey space with uncomplicated Thai-influenced setting. The place has a clear and straight-forward menu; not the fancy Thai-seafood menu but rather, traditional and authentic Thai delicacies and desserts. A place most suitable for family dine out. 

*A reader of mine shared her experience with me: she ordered the same Cendol but it was served differently- the portion was a huge difference. It appears that there might be a tendency of inconsistencies in Iyara.*

Assam Laksa/ Cendol @ Paya Terubong, Penang.

One of the popular places for the local residents to get their afternoon snack will be this unassuming stall along Jalan Paya Terubong, opposite to Shell Petrol Station. Albeit this is more towards a "take-away" place but they do provide a few chairs and tables for those who wish to dine-in. There are two stalls nestled under the wooden shelter- one selling Assam Laksa, the other one dishes out Cendol and Ice Kacang. While prices are slightly cheaper than those in coffee houses or hawker centers, we did not think they were entirely great. I would not make a trip up here solely for the Assam Laksa or Cendol but if you are in dire need for something to quench your thirst, you may consider to stop by and enjoy a bowl of their Cendol/ Ice Kacang. To find the place, locate Shell Petrol Station along Jalan Paya Terubong, a stone's throw distance away from Econsave. This place is directly opposite to the Shell Petrol station.

Ah Leong Laksa @ Raja Uda, Butterworth, Penang.

Hidden behind the ubiquitous food lane of Raja Uda, Ah Leong Laksa at Taman Melur is truly a hidden gem; not only the location is unnoticeable and inconspicuous but it does not have a clear sign board indicating the place, so the patrons who find their way here are generally in the know. Nestled within a terrace house, Ah Leong Laksa is not a one-trick pony, it sells many home-made delicacies too. For instances, Prawn Crackers, Chai Kueh (Steamed Vegetables Dumplings), Ice Kacang and Cendol. Diners can now appease all cravings (of Cendol and Assam Laksa) at one go. 

Directions to Ah Leong Laksa:

From Jalan Raja Uda, locate Pangsapuri Melur (Butterworth) and you should be able to see a traffic right right in front of the flat. Take a right turn into the housing area (of Taman Melur) and take a left turn at the FIRST junction after turning into the road. Drive until the very end of the road and you should be able to see a Chinese Temple on your left and Ah Leong Laksa on your right shortly. 

Kulim Best Cendol @ Jalan Kulim, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Quell the sweltering tropical heat by having a bowl of incredibly refreshing icy cold Cendol, especially when you are having a trip to the famous tourist attraction at Bukit Mertajam- St. Anne Church. You may find this little unpretentious stall by the road side selling Cendol. Manned by an old Malay couple, their Cendol defies the conventional ones where an extra touch of Pulut/ Glutinous Rice will be added for the extra chewy bite. While we thought the Cendol was not outstanding, we were sold by its hearty yet inexpensive price tag. You may wish to add this to your itinerary should you are planning a trip to the church. 

Asiatique Kitchen & Lounge @ Vantage Desiran Tanjung, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Be thrilled with an exciting journey of flavors and senses at Asiatique Kitchen & Lounge as you will be greeted with some meticulously designed and thoughtfully chosen combinations here. Call it quirky, frisky or creative, one may expect the unexpected here at Asiatique, dishes like Chendul Panna Cotta, Sarsi Poached Pear or Coconut Cream Carbonara are definitely some of the worth-mentioning dishes. The very talented culinary team of Asiatique is constantly coming up with new creations, for a more updated version of menu, do hop over at their Facebook Page for more information. 

Genuine service from the eloquent staff, minimalist and simple interior decor, the fully air-conditioned restaurant is a perfect dining place for both family or any other occasions. This Australian-Fusion restaurant is located at Vantage Desiran, a newly built commercial shop houses right beside Tesco Tanjung Pinang.

Many Thanks to Asiatique for extending the invitation. 

Penang Teo Chew Cendol @ Lorong Macalister/ Macalister Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

The previous experience at the famous Cendol stall at Penang Road was a horrible one and I don't bother to go back again... Fortunately, one of my readers recommended that I should check this place out for their Cendol, reason was obvious, relatively cheaper and they are more generous in giving the jelly; best part is I don't have to queue to get myself a bowl of refreshing icy cold Cendol. Together with Monica from The Yum List, we were very lucky to be able to hunt this place down. It is very easy to locate this place, you may catch the stall at the junction between Lorong Macalister and Burmah Road, right in front of Hong Leong Bank and stone throw away from Hai Onn coffee house. 

Joo Hui coffee shop @ Penang Road

Ppl always don bother wat this coffee house called , they just simply call it ' the penang road laksa / penang road cendol ' , feel sorry for the shop owner =( ....so i went there for lunch with my fren.....was quite crowded and the weather is so hot...never wear an extra jacket if u plan to have ur lunch inside the coffee shop.....so here are some photos :

I requested to that aunty to shoot her stall XP....i asked her to stand beside her stall but she refused even though i praise her 'leng lui' but anyway , shes good enough to let me shoot wat i wan la except for her face....haiz.....

Yum yum assam laksa....sweet and sour taste mixed perfectly well....but my fren complaint that its too spicy =(...i guess this don really suits foreigner's taste buds ei....=P

It was SO crowded that i cant even walk near....aunties are standing everywhere....so i just shot it from far..... :S

The famous cendol in penang.....some feel that its special....but its just some jelly and red beans on some ice (some syrup as well)....nothing special to me...but this works well with the environment inside the coffee shop since i did mentioned up there that its damn hot.....and this thing saves my fren's life from laksa =)...anyway , u need to pay more if u wanna have this cendol inside the coffee house...or else , u will need to stand like those aunties.....XD