Laksamana @ Chulia Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Penang is never short of Laksa but the newly opened Laksamana at Chulia Street is another great place for a bowl of delicious Laksa. The new Laksa specialist can be found at Chulia Street, right above Family Mart (2nd floor). Location-wise, the place is a little hidden but the interior decor is cozy, spacious and brightly-lit. The menu features Laksa (both Assam Laksa or Lemak Laksa), Nasi Lemak and some shaved ice desserts.  

Laksa Ong 拉沙王 @ Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

A popular Laksa joint from Alor Setar- Laksa Ong 拉沙王 has recently expanded to Penang, opening a new branch at Beach Street, Georgetown. The Laksa specialist bringing the signature Laksa dishes to Penang, offering the signature Siam and Assam Laksa... along with other add-ons. Another interesting dish to look forward to at Laksa Ong Penang is their shaved ice series. The place is air-conditioned so you need not worry about having a sweat-inducing meal here.

Laksa Houze @ Lebuh Melayu, Georgetown, Penang.

Have a big love for Laksa? Laksa Houze may be your answer, the new Laksa place offers a selection of Laksa, not only the commonly seen Assam Laksa. The Laksa specialist has been doing deliveries and has now finally opened up a brick and mortar shop at Lebuh Melayu. The menu features 3 different types of Laksa- Assam Laksa, Curry Nyonya Laksa and Laksa Spaghetti; with another choice of Fried Rice. One thing to take note if you are dining in... the ventilation system needs improvements so do watch out in case you are coming out from the place and smell fishy. Otherwise, the Laksa is worth a trip here. 

Hey Thai Restaurant @ Hutton Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

Hey Thai at Hutton Lane has been around for quite some time but only offering Mookata (Thai-style Hotpot) in the evenings, it has since revised its business hours and rolled out more food options including Thai Salads and Mains. Ever since the debut of their Set Lunch, the place saw an increase in interest on their Thai delights. The Set Lunch menu is priced at Rm 16.80 and comes with a Main dish as well as a glass of Thai Tea... optional add-ons are available too. Hey Thai is easily noticeable from afar, especially with the food cart on display at the front entrance; the interior is spacious and airy but the lack of air-conditioners may put the heat-intolerant in frustration. Food is quite authentic here but the dishes can be lip-numbingly hot so do approach with caution. 

Xiao Er Laksa 小二 @ The One Mahsuri, Bayan Baru, Penang.

A popular Assam Laksa specialist from Sungai Petani (Kedah), Xiao Er Laksa 小二 has recently opened up a new branch at Penang. The new place can be found at Mahsuri One Square, right opposite to Hi Barry Dessert Cafe. While Xiao Er Laksa is known for its Assam Laksa, the establishment is not a one-trick pony. The menu is fairly big featuring Fried Bee Hoon, Koay Teow Th'ng and Nasi Lemak etc. The add ons are equally interesting, such as the Prawn Crackers and desserts. The menu is family friendly, diners of all age range could easily find something here to fit in. Good quality, reasonable price points and comfortable dining space (fully air-conditioned); a place worth dropping by if you are in the vicinity.

Long Cha Guan 龍茶館 @ Victoria Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Both a tea house and a restaurant, Long Cha Guan 龍茶館 is one of the modern eateries that put together Chinese Tea and cafe delights. Well, it is not like the kitchen churns out Chinese Tea-infused dishes but at the end of the cafe, there is a Chinese-inspired Tea garden that allows tea drinkers to chill and enjoy a cup of well-brewed and aged Chinese Tea. Nearer to the entrance is a corner dedicated to staged-seating where diners can choose to be seated on normal level or to climb up and be seated at the top level... not very practical but something new especially for those who prefer to take some photos. On the food menu, there is a mix of both locals' favorites (like Nasi Lemak, Laksa, Fried Koay Teow etc) and Western grills as well as some Pasta dishes. Dishes are priced slightly above average but the serving portion commensurate to the serving portion. Long Cha Guan can be found adjacent to Lavish Fusion Bakery on Victoria Street.

Hygge Dining & Bar @ Kuala Kangsar Road, Georgetown, Penang.

The corner of Keng Kwee Street (famous for the Penang Cendol) and Kuala Kangsar Road welcomes a new addition- Hygge Dining & Bar... a casual dining spot that offers an east meets west menu. A Chef by profession and having trained in big establishments in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, the proprietor has decided to a leap and venture into his own food business... introducing some of his best creations to Penang. The menu sees a nice blend of Asian and western dishes, with a nice local twist. It has quite a relaxing atmosphere- soft music background and well-spaced tables and chairs; the place is most suitable for casual meet ups or gatherings. The upper floor is cozier but dimmer, though it would be ideal for a booze, the cafe has yet to roll out its alcohol menu (but soon). The space on the upper floor is also available for private functions (reservation is required).

Many Thanks to Hygge Dining & Bar for hosting us. 

The Lengkuas Cafe @ Argyll Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Conveniently tucked away from the bustling Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, The Lengkuas Cafe is a great option for Muslim diners; the newly opened cafe is manned by a local Malay family. Safe in the knowledge that their offering is Halal and Muslim-friendly. The place offers a Malay-influenced menu, featuring an array of local Malay delights. Expect to see some Nasi dishes, Assam Laksa and some Noodles but the real draw is the sweet treats... available in the form of traditional Malay desserts or Western cakes. Nothing to shout over for the interior decor... basically pretty standard cafe setting but it's noteworthy that the prices are pretty wallet-friendly, considering the portion and such comfortable, fully air-conditioned environment. Find The Lengkuas Cafe at Argyll Road, adjacent to Livingstone Tower.

Elephant In The Room @ Design Village, Batu Kawan, Penang.

Ever since its opening in 2016, Design Village welcome a spate of brands and shops to the mall but they are still falling behind when it comes to restaurants and food outlets. Elephant In The Room, a new Thai restaurant is one of the latest additions to the mall. It has a sleek, clean interior decor sans the unnecessary frills but the menu is relatively small... offering a few Thai appetizers, Rice and Noodle dishes only. Though air-conditioned, we were upset to see plenty of flies flying around; adding salt to the wound, the food lacked the bold Thai flavors.....

Art Nature Cafe @ ICT Mall, KOMTAR, Georgetown, Penang.

More choices for meat-free eaters, Art Nature Cafe, a long established vegetarian cafe from Alor Setar (Kedah) has recently opened up a new branch here in Penang's ICT Mall, KOMTAR. It offers the same menu as the main branch, it has a variety of local vegetarian food with a creative twist. Notable highlights include Assam Lemak Laksa, Tofu with Cheese and Egg, Oyster Mushroom Porridge etc. Apart from being part of the meat-free community, the cafe occasionally hosts photography-related events. The cafe is located right next to the main KOMTAR bus terminal so it tends to be a little noisy but if you are someone who enjoys watching the busy scenes where bus riders hop on and off the buses, this is definitely the place you are looking for. 

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.

So Thaisty @ Bayan Baru, Penang.

So Thaisty started out as a Thai Tea parlour but recently, it has rolled out its food menu. Housed in a snug shop lot right to the Bayan Baru mosque (facing the Bayan Baru wet market), So Thaisty is known to serve thirst-quenching Thai Tea but its newly introduced food menu focuses on noodle-dishes. Noodle-lovers would be glad to know that no common Thai dishes such as Tom Yum or Kerabu but instead, some unconventional Thai-inspired noodle dishes. Though the menu is small, the flavors are big; the Chef pays great attention to small details as to the use of herbs and spices. Given the satisfying quality, we thought the dishes are competitively priced. It is also noteworthy that So Thaisty does catering as well, so it might be a decent option to cater for the Muslim crowd (manned by Muslim Chef and proprietor). 

Richard Rivalee's Cafe @ Bangkok Lane, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

Update: Richard Rivalee's Cafe has moved to M Mall 020 at Penang Times Square (Ground Floor)

How often do you get to eat great home-cooked food served by famous Fashion Designer? Now you get to do so at Richard Rivalee's Couture House, Bangkok Lane. Richard does it for fun. Advocated by some of his regular customers, Richard is determined to cook a few of his most-loved dishes in small scale and serve them in his office. A part of his office (couture house) is transformed into a cafe; though small, it is brilliantly spaced and arranged. Diners get to know more about Richard's stories by looking at the photos (taken with some celebrities in town) hanging on the walls and occasionally, when Richard's available, he'd like to engage with his diners and exchange opinions... not only about culinary or fashion but life as well. The menu is small... probably featuring 3 types of mains and a type of dessert (subject to availability). Richard cooks his food in small scale... probably around 20 servings (each type of main) so if you are keen, do give him a call before visiting his cafe. 

Famous Balik Pulau Assam Laksa has moved to Kim Seng Kopitiam @ Balik Pulau, Penang.

The famous Balik Pulau Laksa that sits within the wooden, heritage house at the junction from the new market towards the main road is now relocated to a new space. Kim Seng Kopitiam can be found within the new Botanica development area; not only Laksa but Pasembur and Char Koay Teow are now available either. The operators discontinued the business due to personal reasons but has since resumed and running their own right now. The location is a little far but finding a place to park requires less effort right now. 

Ah Mah's Steamboat (阿嫲火锅) @ Burmah Road, Georgetown, Penang.

One of the proudest Penang delicacies is undeniably Assam Laksa but Penangites have professed their love for the tangy fish soup deeper by including it in Steamboat. Housed within a heritage house along the bustling Burmah Road is a Steamboat specialist that has been drawing a lot of attention lately; thanks to its specially curated Assam Laksa broth. Using recipe passed down from previous generations, Ah Mah's Steamboat strives to serve the most authentic Assam Laksa soup that contains the flavors of yesteryears. Adding further enjoyment to your steamboat experience, you may also opt to try out their Clear Soup and Tom Yum soup bases. The place is small and rather cramped, advance reservation is strongly recommended if you wish to visit in a large group. While it is fully air-conditioned, we thought it was rather warm and the air ventilation could be better. Ah Mah's Steamboat is a stone's throw distance away from Loke Thye Kee on Burmah Road. 

Phaik Laksa @ Jalan Air Hitan, Air Hitam, Penang.

Previously located at Seang Teik Road, Phaik Laksa has since moved to a new location at Jalan Air Hitam, right next to the now defunct Shell Petrol Station on the same road. Phaik Laksa has been receiving overwhelming responses; particularly from the students studying in the nearby high schools. They are not visiting solely because of its signature Assam Laksa but for their famous Taiwanese Ai Yu Jelly as well. 

Laksalicious @ Hutton Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

Talk about Assam Laksa and Penangites will be fired up; every Penangite has his/her very own favorite stall. The most common answers to their favorite stalls will be Air Hitam Assam Laksa, Balik Pulau Assam Laksa, PCGS Assam Laksa etc. A Laksa specialist- Laksalicious, strives to serve one of the best Assam Laksas in Penang... with their very own unique touch has opened its doors to the public lately. The place has a cozy setting, portraying as an upscale place that serves Assam Laksa; might chase away those with budget constraints but rest-assured, prices are very reasonable in the context of Penang. The menu is somewhat insubstantial but the management is rolling out new items real soon. Laksalicious can be found at Hutton Lane, a stone's throw distance away Sunflower Cake House and Hutton Mansion Wine Haus.

Aunty Anne- True Penang Cuisine @ Macalister Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

Many of us have dreams but how many of us have the courage to live the dream? Aunty Anne, about to turn to her 70, managed to realize her dream for operating her very own Nyonya restaurant recently. She did not manage to realize her dream in her younger days due to family commitment. A very chatty and passionate lady whom shared with us stories of herself and the restaurant. It is impossible for her to run the restaurant all day long, thus, the restaurant opens from 11: 30 am to 2: 30 pm only. Set Lunch (Rm 18.50 nett per set) is the only option, together with a few choices of add-on. Limited quantities available daily but justifiable with the labor-intensive Nyonya dishes and no, she does not believe in cookie-cutter approaches. While there are many versions of Nyonya dishes out there, claimed to be as authentic as they can be; Aunty Anne tries to preserve the flavors of the yesteryears by putting everything she learnt into use. If you wish to find out more, talk to the friendly and accommodating lady. Aunty Anne- True Penang Cuisine is tucked within a shop house along Macalister Lane, further down from the famous Xiao Feng Lai Coffee House.

Kuih Nyonya Moh Teng Pheow @ Jalan Masjid, Georgetown, Penang.

Located at one end of a quiet alley- Jalan Masjid, off Chulia Street, is a famous old-school Kuih Factory named Moh Teng Pheow. The place is famous for dishing out fresh home-made Nyonya Kuih. The 60 year old- Kuih Factory had a minor refurbishment recently, turning a corner of the place into a cozy, presentable "canteen". Step in the place and you will be welcomed by a warm, homely atmosphere with retro bric-a-brac. The entrance may seem unappealing, walk in and you will find yourself in a living museum, demonstrating the entire kuih-making process using utensils from the past. The retro vibes of the cafe, are boosted by the mismatched bits of antiques and vintage pieces. Moh Teng Pheow offers a small menu, but the team is dedicated to offer their best. To find Moh Teng Pheow, locate Sky Hotel at Chulia Street, a stone's throw distance away from Yeng Keng Hotel and walk straight into the alley (Jalan Masjid). You should be able to find the place right in front of you shortly.

Food Hunter's Guide @ Kulim （居林）, Kedah.

Kulim of Kedah would make a short but great getaway from Penang; not only that the town is quiet and surrounded by greeneries but it has a handful of hidden gems for foodies to unveil either. Kulim is approximately 40 minutes' drive from Penang Island and 15 minutes from Alma, Bukit Mertajam. Kulim is a great place for a half-day food adventure and to experience the relaxing and slow-paced life while looking at the heritage building in the heartland of Kulim. 

First Stop: Tan Kee Roast Duck (鲁乃陈记烧鸭) @ Lunas, Kedah.