The Soyabean Fusion @ Nibong Tebal, Penang.

The love for Tofu Fah has extended to Nibong Tebal as the town welcomes a new Tofu Fah cafe- The Soya Bean Fusion. The cafe can be found near to the Jawi Toll, a few minute drive away after exiting the toll. The cafe has a modern and cozy interior decor while the menu focuses on Tofu Fah, Soya-products, Waffles and some Japanese Oden. Like any modern Tofu Fah establishments, extra toppings can be added to the Tofu Fah but the purists can always go back to the basics. Wallet-friendly prices and a comfortable space for a treat.

Kokoya Bakery Cafe @ Nibong Tebal, Penang.

Probably one of the busiest cafes at Nibong Tebal, Kokoya Bakery Cafe is also the latest addition to the neighborhood's cafe scene. Found at one of the shop houses at Bukit Panchor, Kokoya occupies 2 different lots. The one on the ground floor is a Bakery while the Cafe can be found on the upper floor on the shop lot next to the bakery (not directly above). The Bakery only caters for take-away purchases while the cafe offers a comfortable cafe ambiance. The menu is fairly simple but the real draw is the home-made Cakes and desserts... as well as their specialty drinks. Yam lovers would be glad to learn that the cafe offers a good range of Yam-infused desserts and drinks. Items are affordably priced here, definitely worth checking out. 

Ching Siang Seafood Porridge 清香海鲜茶室 @ Nibong Tebal, Penang.

There are a few reliable, well-established Chinese restaurants when it comes to Seafood Porridge at Nibong Tebal area but this fairly new joint- Ching Siang Seafood Porridge 清香海鲜茶室 at Bukit Panchor (Nibong Tebal) is worth a look. It is popular amongst those staying in the neighborhood, whether a casual quick fix or a weekend family feast. The menu is simple and straight-forward, it revolves around Seafood like Crabs, Lobsters, Mantis Prawns etc but there are also some affordable options. The seafood is fresh and they charge reasonably. Do check it out if you happen to be in the vicinity.

Sin Hai Kheng Seafood Restaurant 新海景海鲜饭店 @ Sungai Udang, Penang.

At the far end of Nibong Tebal is a busy fish jetty known as Sungai Udang Fish Jetty; it takes approximately 15-20 minute of traveling time from Nibong Tebal town to the fish jetty. Just like any fishing village, the place allows access to some seriously fresh seafood and the best way to get your hands on these delicacies would be to visit a local seafood restaurant. Sin Hai Kheng Seafood Restaurant is one of them, but it is not a restaurant per se. The place can be found on the upper floor of the fish jetty (or where the seafood trading takes place); it is not hard to locate. Just go to the end of the road where you will find the fish jetty, follow the signage and make your way up the stairs. Do not expect posh and proper setting though but merely some basic tables and chairs like a Chu Char place. 

Hey JoJo Cafe @ Nibong Tebal, Penang.

A spate of new cafes have opened in Nibong Tebal and Hey JoJo Cafe is probably the easiest to locate for those who are not familiar with the town. The cafe is easily noticeable shortly after turning out from Jawi Toll, it occupies a prominent corner lot of the a newly developed commercial area. The aesthetically pleasing minimalist interior decor has attracted cafe hoppers' attention. The place is popular for its cakes but it has a main menu worth-checking out either. 

The Coffee Cottage @ Nibong Tebal, Penang.

Though a little off the beaten track, The Coffee Cottage had a successful debut thanks to its picturesque, rustic country cottage style landscape. The cafe is well-hidden in a residential neighborhood of Nibong Tebal so you might need a navigation system to reach there if you are not familiar with Nibong Tebal. The cafe comprises of a few annexes- built from some unused scrap materials like old car and wood; they are then refurbished and put together creating an unusual but quaint space perfect for photo-taking. Both indoor and outdoor seating are available but the indoor seating is not air-conditioned so you will have to embrace the sweltering tropical heat. The Coffee Cottage does not serve main menu but only some drinks and desserts. 

Kee Heng Restaurant 奇香海鲜餐馆 @ Nibong Tebal, Penang.

Kee Heng Restaurant 奇香海鲜餐馆 has always been the de-facto family dine-out place at Nibong Tebal. Found right next to the main road of Nibong Tebal old town, Kee Heng has been around for decades and its one of the popular places for family gatherings or occasions. The place is known for churning out delicious classic Chinese stir fry dishes with consistent quality and inexpensive price tags. There is no menu at Kee Heng but rely on the servers to make recommendations. The dining area is comfortable- fully air conditioned and tables are well-spaced; these are some reasons why the place remains popular until today. 

Khee Hiang Chinese Restaurant 奇香海鲜餐厅 @ Nibong Tebal, Penang.

Khee Hiang Chinese Restaurant 奇香海鲜餐厅 is probably one of the most hidden Chinese restaurants in Penang, one would need some navigation skills in order to reach the restaurant. The fully air-conditioned Chinese restaurant is not visible from the main streets of Nibong Tebal town but slightly off the town, near to a residential area. The place is more like the communal dining place for those living in the neighborhood... serving some familiar, classic Chinese stir fry dishes. Big menu with food items affordably priced... comfortable dining atmosphere and hearty serving portion, definitely a worth-visiting Chinese restaurant.

Jin Bi Luo (金比罗) @ Nibong Tebal, Penang.

For an unfussy, classic home-cooked dishes, find this hidden gem at Nibong Tebal. Jin Bi Luo (金比罗) does not have a big signage but just an ordinary house along the main street. It's a residential house with some basic dining tables setup... more like a place that serves the local community, the place does not have a fix menu but those who are in the know would be able to tell what are the must-haves. It was not our lucky day as their signature Mee Udang was sold out on our visit, so if you wish to savor the best, be sure to arrive there early. The menu is not particularly unique but if you so happened to be in the vicinity, this place offers a hearty, home-cooked quick fix.

Firefly Jetty Cafe (高渊萤火虫码頭咖啡馆) @ Nibong Tebal, Penang.

Firefly watching is one of the popular activities at Nibong Tebal, a quiet town south of Penang state. Sitting right next to the Kerian river, it is strategically located and suitable for firefly watching activities. Taking a boat ride is a common practice but there are more options for visitors right now. Housed in the Firefly Jetty Development Association, Firefly Jetty Cafe is right next to the jetty where visitors board the firefly watching boat. It overlooks the Kerian river and offers the same lake-view. Cool view aside, the menu is less-exciting... featuring some local Western food and local delights. Probably not so much on the food but the opportunity to stay closer and enjoy the beauty of mother nature (if you don't mind the irritating flies).

Lim Aik Chew Curry Prawns (林翼洲) @ Nibong Tebal, Penang.

Though well-hidden at a secluded corner of Nibong Tebal, Lim Aik Chew is a long-unearthed hidden gem, the place is known through words of mouth and in recent years, the rise of social media. The place is near to Sungai Udang, a fishing village near the river mouth of the Kerian River. Geographically near to the source of supplies, Lim Aik Chew churns out both fresh River produce and Seafood daily but the most notable dish is their Fresh Water Curry Prawns, served with bread. It does not have a big menu but the regular patrons just know what to order, the friendly proprietor would be able to recommend a few otherwise (usually the signature Curry Prawns and a Deep Fried Fish slathered with home-made sauce). One important to note: do make sure you make a call to Lim Aik Chew before your visit, it closes randomly in a month and we've only managed to dine-in after 2 failed attempts.

Cheng Hwa Seafood Porridge (清和海鲜粥) @ Nibong Tebal, Penang.

Cheng Hwa Seafood Porridge is a relatively new member at Nibong Tebal, established few years ago, the place has rapidly garnered an appreciate following. One of the pulling factors is probably the wallet-friendly price points- a bowl of casual-ordinary Fish Porridge is only priced at Rm 6. Diners have the options to dine-in or sit at the al-fresco area, overlooking the serene-quiet neighborhood of Nibong Tebal while feasting on the freshest catch of the day. The menu comprises of Porridge and Noodles as well as some classic Chinese Seafood dishes is suitable for all range of diners- from young to aged, making it one of the well-received Seafood restaurants in the vicinity. Cheng Hwa Seafood Porridge can be found at the end of Jalan Atas, a stone's throw away from Law Chang Kee.

Food Hunters' Guide @ Parit Buntar (巴里文打), Perak.

Planning on a short getaway from Penang? Why not head to one of the nearest places (to Penang) with many hidden gems around? Parit Buntar is approximately 45 minutes drive from Penang island and it is an ideal place for food hunters to spend half a day there for a great food adventure. During my recent visit there, I did manage to hunt down a few decent places which I thought it will be great for me to share them out with my readers and fellow food hunters. This blog post includes some worth-trying eateries in Nibong Tebal as well. 

First Stop: Ang Poh Kuan's Nasi Lemak

Restaurant Law Chang Kee (璋记饭店) @ Nibong Tebal, Penang.

I am not a regular patron at mainland areas (Butterworth, Bukit Mertajam, Seberang Perai etc), I rarely do review on eateries at mainland, mainly due to I am a retard to the routes. As for this time, I happened to pass by this place during our one-day trip to Parit Buntar/Taiping. Law Chang Kee is very famous among the locals, especially for their "Tu Bo Sweei" (Boiled Little Octopus) and "Chim Moey" (Crab Porridge). I can't help much in terms of directions as I was led by my local friend either (Yes, I am that bad when it comes to food hunting at mainland). I once had a lunch here with my family back in many years ago, it was an early afternoon and the place was very crowded. Do go there earlier to avoid disappointment and long waiting time. Price-wise, was very cheap, in fact, you can hardly get all these dishes at this price in Penang (referring to Penang Island), although ambiance might not be that ideal but their foods are definitely one of the best that you can ever find. Moreover, most of the ingredients used in their dishes were very fresh during our visit, I am looking forward to my next visit.