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. 

Fu Lai Pu Hotpot 福來舖 @ All Seasons Place, Penang.

Fu Lai Pu Hotpot brings its Taiwanese-style individual hotpot concept to Penang, where each diner gets their own bubbling pot. There are five soup bases to choose from, with Ma La being a popular pick. Set meals include free-flow drinks and complimentary dessert. The air-conditioned restaurant offers a comfortable dining experience with reasonable prices. Expect big crowd on weekends though.

Sour Little 7 酸小七酸菜鱼 @ Sunshine Central Mall, Penang.

Little Sour 7 酸小七酸菜鱼 has recently made its debut in Penang with a new outlet at the freshly launched Sunshine Central Mall in Ayer Itam. Hailing from China, the brand is known for its signature sour and spicy hotpot- an unusual and punchy flavor combination that’s still relatively uncommon locally. The space is casual and modern, suitable for small or large groups. Being located in a mall makes it a convenient stop for a meal after shopping or errands. 

Talk Talk Kopi @ Sunshine Central, Farlim, Penang.

Talk Talk Kopi is one of the many Halal options in Sunshine Central Mall Penang, it is also one of the earliest tenants to join the mall during its opening end of last year. The Kopitiam-style eatery offers Malaysian delights like Nasi Lemak, Kaya Butter Toast, Curry Chicken... and some uncommon ones include Ramen Udang (a different version of the Malaysian Mee Udang), Koay Teow Basah etc. Dishes are reasonably priced, not a bad choice if you are looking for some Malaysian dishes. 

Oneul Korean Restaurant @ All Seasons Place, Farlim, Penang.

Fans of Korean food will be excited to learn that there is a new Korean restaurant opened in All Seasons Place Penang- Oneul Korean Restaurant. The new addition can be found on the 1st floor (above Starbucks), previously occupied by Coffee Elements. The Korean menu features an array of familiar Korean dishes, both Noodles and Rice... as well as some popular Korean street food like Toppokki, Fried Chicken, Mandu etc. Dishes are reasonably priced and the place is manned by a super friendly Korean-speaking lady. If you do enjoy Korean food, do give this place a try. 

Claypot Foodie 煲仔家庭煲仔饭 @ All Seasons Place, Air Hitam, Penang.

A new addition that joined All Seasons Place (Air Hitam) in January 2025- Claypot Foodie 煲仔家庭煲仔饭, specializes in Cantonese-style Claypot Rice. On top of the rice options, there are some noodle choices as well as some additional sides. Dishes are reasonably priced and the restaurant is air-conditioned. Pretty decent and worth a try if you are in the vicinity- go for their signature Claypot Rice series and you will not be disappointed. 

Manzen Ishiya @ Sunshine Central Penang.

A new addition to Sunshine Central Penang is Manzen Ishiya, a branch by Manzen but focusing on Ishiyaki concept (stone-grilled). The restaurant is located on the 2nd floor of Sunshine Central (near to the hotel wing). The Japanese restaurant offers a big menu, apart from the Ishiyaki-focused dishes, there are plenty of familiar Japanese delights. Dishes are reasonably priced with generous serving portions. Definitely a good choice in Sunshine Central Penang.

Baan Khun Thai @ Farlim Square, Farlim, Penang.

Thai food lovers will be glad to know that there is a new Thai restaurant opened in Farlim Square. Though the name Baan Khun Thai does sound familiar and may coincide with other establishment- we were made understood that this is a new Thai restaurant. The owner runs a Thai Wellness Centre a couple shops away from the restaurant. Menu-wise, it offers quite a good selection of Southern Thai delights. The restaurant is air-conditioned but might be less-accommodating for larger groups due to limited tables. Do make early reservation if you intend to visit in a large group. 

Light Stone Restaurant 轻石代 @ Sunshine Central, Penang.

Light Stone Restaurant 轻石代's second branch opens at Sunshine Central, occupying a prominent spot at the main atrium (level 4). They first started in Iconic Point, Simpang Ampat; offering healthy food options to the public. According to their statement on social media, they use minimal amount of salt, sugar and oil in their cooking. At first glance, the menu does look like Mama Kim's signature Sauna Noodles but with slightly more options. The menu also includes Nasi Lemak, Brown Rice Set Meals and some Western dishes; suitable for diners of all age range and a good choice for family eat-outs. 

Kim Koe Restaurant 金口煮炒 @ Farlim, Penang.

A place for a quick fix over Chu Char, Kim Koe Restaurant 金口煮炒 at Farlim is a popular neighborhood Chu Char spot known for its inexpensive homecooked-style dishes. The place is partially air-conditioned, with simple setup like any other Chu Char places. But it does not have a printed menu- relying on the server to communicate and place orders. The server would advise on the freshest produce available and recommend dishes according to the number of diners. Be prepared for long waiting time though, the place is also infamous for its service- it takes a while for them to serve the dishes. Do not visit the place if you are in a rush. 

Mommy Irene @ Farlim, Penang.

One of the best places to get a satisfying, inexpensive traditional treats in the Farlim neighborhood is Mommy Irene. Previously located in one of the residential houses, Mommy Irene has since relocated to one of the shop houses along Lintang Angsana. Apart from the relocation, the restaurant has also expanded its menu as well as revising its business operation hours. More tummy-filling items are added to the menu as well as home-cooked desserts but retaining the wallet-friendly price tags. 

Many Thanks to Mommy Irene for hosting us that afternoon.

Tian Yun Vegan Restaurant 天雲蔬食 @ Farlim, Penang.

Tian Yun Vegan Restaurant 天雲蔬食 might not be new for those on regular vegetarian diet or those living in the neighborhood but many have not even noticed its existence. The place is quite hidden on the upper floor of a shop lot at Farlim, the signage is not easily noticeable either. But don't mind the entrance, the restaurant has an interesting vegan menu... featuring many Japanese-inspired vegan dishes yet, without too grueling to the wallet. The dining area is quite spacious and comfortable, with a few Japanese short-legged table for those who prefer to be seated on zabuton. The serving speed however, can be better improved (we waited for more than 40 minutes for our food to be served). Tian Yun Vegan Restaurant's menu can be found here.

J Bar Be Q @ Air Hitam, Penang.

Quietly tucked away in one of the many shop lots of Farlim, J Bar Be Q might not have the location advantage as compared to those established Korean joints in town but you will often find this place packed during dinner. The new kid on the block gained the popularity from those living in the neighborhood mainly due to its extensive food offer and affordable price range. Like most Korean restaurants in Penang, J Bar Be Q offers a big Korean BBQ meat menu, with some familiar-popular Korean dishes.  Comfortable dining space with chic, modern interior decor; this place is suitable for those who yearn for a Korean quick fix without putting a dent on the wallet. 

Jikaya Ramen 自家屋日本拉面 @ Farlim, Penang.

Jikaya Ramen 自家屋日本拉面 had a humble beginning- the brand started from a hawker stall (in a coffee house) in Farlim and today, they have moved into a shop, completely managed by their own. As suggested by the name, Jikaya Ramen is a Japanese Ramen-focused restaurant... serving various types of Japanese Ramen as well as Japanese-influenced dishes. The menu is fairly big for a restaurant at their size so need not worry on the selection availability. Likewise, the price points are very affordable, almost cheaper than most established Ramen shops in town. 

Affordable Korean Food- Food Dimension @ Fortune Court, Farlim, Penang.

Sharing the same place with Dim Do Duc Dim Sum at Farlim (near to Sunshine Farlim), Food Dimension is taking Korean food more down to earth... operating using a cart and serving the dishes in hawker style. But that does not mean the food quality is compromised, the proprietor is doing a good job in managing the quality, serving speed and variety. The menu features many familiar Korean street food delicacies, including but not limited to Kimbap, Tteokbokki, Korean Fish Cakes, Korean Pancake, Fried Chicken etc. The items are affordably priced, at least cheaper than most established Korean restaurants; a good alternative to satisfy your crave for Korean food.

Mommy Irene Dessert @ Ayer Hitam, Penang.

Though there are myriad of options to satiate the crave for desserts but nothing beats a bowl of classic, traditional Chinese Tong Sui. To find one, make your way to Farlim... the neighborhood right next to the biggest Night Market in Penang. Set in a corner terrace unit, Mommy Irene Dessert is a nondescript eatery made up mostly regulars from the neighborhood. The dessert parlor churns out Cantonese-styled sweet soups cooked over charcoal fire... along with a small main menu. Desserts are naturally a specialty of theirs, notable ones include Durian Mung Bean Dessert. A casual, inexpensive place to get your cravings fixed. 

Artisan Cuisine (艺厨私房菜) @ All Seasons Place, Air Itam, Penang.

The busiest commercial center in Air Itam- All Seasons Place welcomes a new Chinese restaurant earlier this year. It's hard to miss this place, the joint has huge signage on display and it attracts great attention for those who pass by the area. The Chinese restaurant does not only serve Cantonese dishes but instead, you will find a huge menu that roams China from Cantonese to Sze Chuan to Beijing... with some South East Asian flavors as well. The dining hall is spacious with huge tables; servers are well-trained to provide impeccable services. Small little things like greetings and opening the doors to greet your presence, regularly topping up the Chinese Tea etc do add some marks to the overall dining experience. Prices are on the higher side but the overall superior quality speaks for itself; definitely one of the better places for family occasions in the neighborhood. A point to note- the restaurant is wheelchair-friendly, there's a lift right outside the restaurant and the physically-challenged may enter through the side door.  

Y Food Box Restaurant (谢谢李潮州粥饭) @ All Seasons Place, Farlim, Penang.

Y Food Box Restaurant, a brand hailed from Ipoh, has recently expanded its business operations up north to Penang. The branch at All Seasons Place is the brand's 4th outlet (5th outlet opening at Gurney Drive); though the English name does not right a bell but the mandarin name of this place gives a better picture. It offers Teo Chew dishes like braised meat, Teo Chew Porridge and some stir-fried dishes. Prices are of middle range but the air-conditioned restaurant has the comfortable setting and appropriate menu for any casual family dining occasions. 

Daily Fish Village (天天鱼海鲜村) @ Air Hitam, Penang.

Daily Fish Village (天天鱼海鲜村) is definitely not new, especially amongst the fish lovers. The Chinese restaurant was established in 2014 and within 5 years, it has expanded its business operations and now, it has 3 branches under its name. The place is known to offer some of the freshest Brown Marbled Groupers (龙虎斑) in town, the owner farms his own fish and therefore, able to source his supplies constantly. The branch at Air Hitam is huge and it's hard to miss the place- a stone's throw distance away from Sunshine Farlim, Daily Fish Village occupies the corner lot of a row of shop houses and the menu is big... more than good enough to cover most classic Chinese dishes. Those with deeper pockets may go for their Seafood, ranging from shell fish to fresh fish or other exotic choices while the budget-watchers may stick to the usual Chinese Zhu Char dishes. Fast-service, moderate price points, consistent quality and great variety of dishes, this can be a good spot for both casual family-meals or celebratory occasions.

K.K. Dim Sum Garden (佳佳点心苑) @ Air Hitam, Penang.

Hailed by many as one of the best local longtime fixture for Dim Sum in the neighborhood of Farlim/ Air Hitam, K.K. Dim Sum Garden (佳佳点心苑) is usually packed with extended families, neighborhood regular patrons and adventurous foodies during peak hours (8 am to 11 am) in the weekends. It has the classic Malaysian Dim Sum joint setting- with simple tables and chairs being set up by the road side while the aged servers pushing the Dim Sum carts or carrying the Dim Sum baskets around. K.K is said to be one of the earliest Dim Sum joints in the neighborhood and its opening can be traced back to at least a decade ago. Do not expect a big variety but some straight-forward, unassuming timeless but solid Dim Sum favorites with one or two unique in-house specialties.