Pandan House @ Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Pandan House is one of the newer additions to the Beach Street stretch in George Town, offering a small, focused menu built around familiar Malaysian staples like Nasi Lemak, Char Bihun and simple toast sets, all within a fully air-conditioned space that makes for a more comfortable dine-in experience. The selection is fairly limited, and while the food quality is generally acceptable with nothing particularly off, the overall experience feels underwhelming—serving times can be quite long, and the pricing doesn’t quite translate into value. A decent spot for a casual stop, but one that leaves room for improvement. 

Nanya Western Kitchen 南雅西厨 @ Abu Siti Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

Located along the quieter stretch of Nanya Western Cuisine, this spot offers a dual-concept menu that shifts with the day—serving a more local, oriental-leaning selection in the mornings before transitioning into Western dishes in the evenings, giving it a broader appeal across different dining preferences. The space itself is air-conditioned and comfortably set up, making it a pleasant option for a relaxed meal away from the usual heat. Prices remain reasonable, while the morning offerings in particular stand out for their consistency and well-executed flavours, delivering a dependable start to the day. Overall, it feels like a practical neighbourhood choice that balances variety, comfort, and reliability without leaning overly ambitious. 

Pin Yu Kopitiam 槟屿茶室 @ Macalister Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Taking over the former Shae.co lot, Pin Yu Kopitiam is a fresh addition to the neighborhood, offering a cozy space with limited seating and a familiar kopitiam-style menu. Think local favorites like Nasi Lemak, Kaya Butter Toast, and their standout Penang Curry Mee.  Items are reasonably priced and the place is air-conditioned, not too shabby for a simple Malaysian breakfast or lunch fix in town.

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. 

BreakX Cafe @ BreakX Hotel, Gelugor, Penang.

Housed in the newly opened BreakX Hotel at Bukit Dumbar or Udini (next to Stallion Apartment), BreakX Cafe is the in-house cafe under the hotel and it shares the same floor as the hotel lobby or check in concierge at Level 9. The cafe occupies half of the floor and offers a minimalist-chic interior decor in shades of grey. It is also a co-working space at the same time. The cafe offers a rather big menu, featuring both Western and Oriental dining options. Great ambiance with reasonable prices; a decent spot to enjoy a meal. At the time of writing- BreakX Hotel offers free parking at its multi-storey car park. 

Liang Kee Nanyang Kopitiam @ Terubong Avenue, Paya Terubong, Penang.

Terubong Avenue is a new commercial area with business shop lots located at the end of Jalan Paya Terubong towards Balik Pulau/Relau; Liang Kee Nanyang Kopitiam is amongst the new spate of businesses that joined Terubong Avenue. Quite obvious by the name Nanyang Kopitiam- the place offers a local Kopitiam-style menu, featuring Nasi Lemak, Kaya Butter Toasts and various local delights like Hokkien Mee, Chicken Rice, Curry Chicken etc. Items are reasonably priced- worth a look if you are in the vicinity. 

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. 

Mea1 一顿 @ Golden Triangle 2, Relau, Penang.

Mea1 一顿  is the latest addition to Golden Triangle 2; from the outside- the place looks like a curious cafe in shades of wood but the menu says otherwise. It is in fact a restaurant offering a modern, playful Malaysian-fusion menu, featuring Nasi Lemak with a twist, Japanese Curry and some Chinese dishes. It also churns out some freshly baked French pastries like Croissants, Madeleines, Croffins etc. Expect to spend RM30 to RM40 per pax for a meal here.

Nasi Lemak House @ Abu Siti Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

Nasi Lemak lovers should not miss Nasi Lemak House, a Nasi Lemak specialist that has been around for a little more than 2 years. Housed in one of the shop houses along Abu Siti Lane, Nasi Lemak House is often thronged with regular patrons during lunch hours. Finding a place to park at Abu Siti Lane is another challenge on its own. But the restaurant churns out really delicious curries and dishes to go with the Nasi Lemak; for those who prefer noodles, Nasi Lemak House offers Wan Ton Mee and Mee Sua too. Reasonable prices and good quality of food are some of the reasons why you should check this place out.

Double Six Cafe 六六咖啡馆 @ Terengganu Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Double Six Cafe 六六咖啡馆 gets busy as early as 7 am in the morning, this place is now a popular breakfast place for those staying in the neighborhood. It is housed in a corner lot along Terengganu Road, offering Malaysian delights at unbeatable prices. Their signature dishes include Xixiami (a hybrid version of Jawa Mee and Teluk Kumbar Mee Udang), Nasi Lemak, Kaya Butter Toast as well as Pork Lard Rice. The place is not air-conditioned so expect the sultry hot weather to kick in after 9 am but still worth checking out.

Onya Modern Asian Restaurant @ The Promenade, Bayan Baru, Penang.

Previously known as Golden Bowl (associated with milky Cheese noodles if you still remember), the same group of people is now managing a new brand- Onya Modern Asian Restaurant at The Promenade, Bayan Baru. Unlike the previous menu, Onya rolls out a modern Malaysian menu... featuring many familiar Malaysian delights with a twist. The restaurant at The Promenade is spacious, comfortable and air-conditioned; making it very accommodating for large groups as well as diners of all age range. Dishes are reasonably priced and with a diverse menu, this place could be a popular lunch spot for those working in the vicinity.

Foo House Pandan Nasi Lemak @ Sungai Ara, Penang.

There is no best time to enjoy a plate of good Nasi Lemak and this can be seen from Foo House Pandan Nasi Lemak at Sungai Ara. The crowd gathers as early as 9 am and the queue will slowly build up This is one of the best best-kept secrets from the folks living in the neighborhood. Foo House started as a stall in one of the Coffee Shops in Sungai Ara, the business expanded and they have since moved to this proper lot facing the main road. With better resources, Foo House is able to introduce more dishes and toppings to their signature Pandan Nasi Lemak. Do not be taken aback by the queue, it does not take that long. Should you wish to avoid long queues, reach the place before noon as the place is most packed during lunch hours.

The Pomelo Restaurant & Bar Rolls Out New Pizza Menu @ The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Ipoh, Perak.

The nation's best luxury natural hot springs wellness retreat- The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is merely 20-min drive away from Ipoh city center and offers great facilities to guests to recharge and rejuvenate. But many do not know that the retreat is well-equipped with dining options. The Jeff's Cellar is one of the city's top fine-dining destinations, only did it bag multiple awards; the restaurant also offers unique ambiance and setting second to none. But many do not aware that the retreat has another cozy, casual all-day restaurant- The Pomelo. The Pomelo serves ala-carte buffet breakfast to the retreat's guests in the morning and the all-day menu commences after noon; the restaurant welcomes public to dine-in but early reservation is required to enter the property premise. As for dining ambiance, The Pomelo presents a cozy indoor and al-fresco dining within any one of the three Gazebos that extend over the hot springs. 

Many Thanks to The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat for hosting us.

Kejap Food @ Klippa Shopping Centre, IKEA Batu Kawan, Penang.

A relatively new Malaysian brand that aims to revolutionize how typical Malaysian food is served- Kejap Food has finally expanded its business operations in the northern region, opening a dine-in place at the new Klippa Shopping Centre (inside the IKEA Batu Kawan building). The Malaysian brand dishes out Malaysians' all time favorites with 100% Halal ingredients sourced within the country. The brand operates quite a number of drive-through outlets in the nation, the branch up north at Batu Kawan Penang is the first branch in Penang and also one of the 2 branches in the entire nation that offers dine-in facilities. Some of their best sellers include Karipap Panas, Popper Udang, Lekor, Kebab Ayam Buttermilk and Nasi Ayam Sambal Pedas; best of all, all food items are affordably priced. 

Many Thanks to Kejap Food Penang for hosting us.

Haven 埔 @ Greenhall, Georgetown, Penang.

At the far end of Greenhall (opposite SEGI College Penang) where Just Caffe was located.... welcomes a new venture- Haven 埔. The new kid on the block offers traditional local food with a modern twist. The cafe does not carry a big menu but more than good enough to create excitement; expect to see playful dishes like Nasi Lemak Rice Bowl, Sambal Salad Bowl, Purple Potato/Green Tea Kaya Toast etc. Reasonable price points, comfortable dining atmosphere and fast serving speed; perfect for a quick, casual fix. 

Lot 20 Garage @ Island Glades, Penang.

Both accessible from Jalan Yap Chor Ee and Lorong Delima 20, Lot 20 Garage is tucked away in a vacant space with entrance (via a small, narrow alley) between a residence and commercial shop lot of Des Mutiara (where Domino Pizza Island Glades branch is located). The space is airy and spacious... on the cafe, it features a small Malaysian menu featuring Nasi Lemak, Toasts etc. Dishes are affordably priced, probably due to first few days jitters, the service quality is below par and has rooms for improvements.

Sin Boon Kee Coffee Concept Store 新文记咖啡 @ Jelutong, Penang.

Said to be one of the oldest Coffee brands in Penang, Sin Boon Kee Coffee 新文记咖啡 has come a long since its humble beginnings in the 1940's. The brand first started as a local Coffee manufacturer and has recently open up a new concept store that allows customers to dine-in and have a sip on their cup of Joe. The concept store is a stone's throw distance away from their coffee factory at Jelutong (adjacent to Straits Garden). Apart from offering their signature Coffee, the place also churns out delicious Nasi Lemak and Hainanese Toasts as well as some local Chinese delights. A worth-checking out place if you do enjoy the Coffee-Hainanese Toast combo.

Sincerely Crafted Cuisine @ Chow Thye Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Unlike any usual Vegetarian restaurant, Sincerely Crafted Cuisine seeks to defy how traditional vegetarian food is served- using some specially chosen ingredients to craft out some creative combinations that are uncommon to the market. Found at Chow Thye Road, the exterior of the place may not be as impressive as it seems but the interior is definitely eye-pleasing. It adopts the minimalist concept- offering a comfortable, well-lit dining space to its diners. The menu however, is rather small. The restaurant only offers Rice Bowls, available in 7 options... along with some sides. The beverage menu is relatively larger but the price points may raise some eyebrows. Despite the price points are slightly above the odds, we concur that the quality is of better than average and the flavor combination is unusual. Definitely worth checking out especially if you are on plant-based diet. 

Dong Guan Kopitiam 東館茶室 @ Irrawaddy Road, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

Found in a retro setting,  Dong Guan Kopitiam 東館茶室 appealed to the public, portraying a modern vintage Cha Chan Teng (Hong Kong-styled Coffee Shop) but serving classic, old school Malaysian dishes. The menu sees an array of familiar dishes- ranging from Nasi Lemak to Fried Vermicelli Noodles or Hor Fun... as well as some Toasts, snacks etc. Prices are generally very wallet-friendly but both the service and food quality are lackluster. The place feels cramped and it does not feel like a place for an enjoyable meal... probably more suitable for casual quick fix. 

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.