Yesteryears Old Time Favorites Buffet Dinner @ Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Hotel Penang.

Eastern & Oriental Hotel Penang is bringing back a taste of nostalgia with its Yesteryears Old Time Favorites Buffet Dinner, running for a limited time until the end of September. The spread takes inspiration from classic Malaysian favorites— think comforting dishes like Hainanese Chicken Pie, Hainanese Chicken Chop, and Penang Char Koay Teow— alongside the usual international offerings. Seafood lovers won’t be disappointed either, with a solid selection ranging from fresh Sashimi to poached Seafood on Ice. It’s a buffet that blends local heritage flavors with quality seafood highlights, making it a delightful option for those who want both familiarity and variety in one sitting.

Yesteryears Old Time Favorites Buffet Dinner

- 1 July 2025 to 30 September 2025 6:30 PM to 10 PM

- Sunday to Thursday: RM178 nett per adult & RM108 nett per senior citizen and child

- Friday and Saturday: RM198 nett per adult & RM128 nett per senior citizen and child

- Add RM188 nett for free flow of Wines, Beers and House Pouring Spirits

- Add RM388 nett for free flow of Prosecco, Wines, Beers and House Pouring Spirits

- For every 4 Paying Adults in a group, One person dines for FREE (Dine 4 Pay 3)

Many Thanks to E&O Hotel for hosting us. 

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.

Man Zen Izakaya 萬膳居酒屋 @ Iconic Point, Simpang Ampat, Penang.

One of the few Japanese restaurants at Iconic Point Simpang Ampat- Man Zen Izakaya offers a big Japanese menu, featuring many classic Japanese delights... from Appetizers, to Don, to Udon/ Soba, Sushi, Teishoku... potentially everything you can name. The prices are however, on the higher side (almost comparable to Penang island's). The tables are well-spaced and the overall dining atmosphere is good and comfortable... service can be more attentive though (we found ourselves asking for Tea refill many times on our visit). Find Man Zen Izakaya on the first floor, right above Guardian at Iconic Point. 

Robataya Izakaya @ Queensbay Mall, Penang.

The only outlet outside of Klang Valley, Robataya Izakaya at Queensbay Mall sits at a corner at the North Zone of the mall (opposite Sen Heng). The Japanese restaurant has a big menu, other than the Izakaya items; diners can expect to find most of the Japanese delights- Sushi, Sashimi, Nabe, Noodle dishes on the menu. The restaurant has a comfortable Japanese setting and is able to accommodate big groups but do be prepared to pay a premium when dining out at Robataya (the rates are higher than many Japanese restaurants in town). 

Tsukiji Sushi Bar 筑地寿司 @ City Junction, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Sharing the same lot as Wagyu and Rice, Tsukiji Sushi Bar 筑地寿司 is one of the latest additions to City Junction at Tanjung Tokong. You would probably figure it out with a name like Tsukiji Sushi Bar, the Japanese restaurant offers a Sushi-focused menu. While both of the Japanese restaurants share the same kitchen, diners are not allowed to order from the other side's menu. Each restaurant is treated like a separate entity, so if you are a big fan of Sushi, make sure you visit Tsukiji Sushi Bar. If you enjoy Beef Hamburg more, go for Wagyu and Rice. Tsukiji Sushi Bar has a limited seating- the restaurant can only accommodate up to 12 diners at one time; it has a Sushi Bar setting... but the good part is- you get to witness the Chefs in action. The prices are surprisingly affordable with the Sushi priced from Rm 2.80 onwards... considering the freshness and attentive services, we thought this place is worth visiting (especially when you crave for some quality Sushi). 

Harajuku Japanese Restaurant 原宿 @ Golden Triangle, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Harajuku Japanese Restaurant 原宿 at Golden Triangle has been around for quite some time; it is a popular go-to place for those living or working in the neighborhood. The attractive part about Harajuku is its wallet-friendly prices, diners can enjoy a decent Japanese meal for a little over Rm 20; making it ideal for big family. The menu is quite extensive, featuring many familiar Japanese delights including Sushi, Sashimi, Salad, Grills and various Bento sets. A place where you get to satiate your cravings for Japanese food without putting a dent on the wallet.

Mashitta K Food @ Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Mashitta K Food is a new spot where Korean food lovers get to explore in the Bukit Mertajam neighborhood. The restaurant offers quite a big Korean menu, from the usual street food fare like Tteokbokki to Kimbap, Fried Chicken or even Jeon but there is one particular item on the menu that is unique. Mashitta K Food is probably the only Korean restaurant that offers Dak Han Mari (Korean One Chicken Soup), a popular delicacy at Dong Dae Mun Seoul. The place is air-conditioned and suitable for any occasion, the prices are slightly on the higher side though.

Komorebi Dining @ Ropewalk Piazza, Pintal Tali, Georgetown, Penang.

For a Japanese Kappo-style dining experience, make your way to the new Komorebi Dining at Ropewalk Piazza, Jalan Pintal Tali. Kappo means "to cut and cook", a less formal cuisine that takes advantage of the proximity between the diner and the Chefs. Kappoy restaurants are typically small but cozy, with open bar and diners get to witness the whole process of cutting, cooking, serving as well as brief introduction on the food. 

Komorebi Dining is a modern Kappo restaurant; the name Komorebi refers to a natural phenomenon and often associated with calmness, peacefulness and a connection to the nature. Similarly, the restaurant serves cuisine inspired by nature and purity of the finest seasonal produce from Japan. The team behind Komorebi is dedicated to offer a completely different dining experience to diners, not only that the ingredients are fully imported from Japan, the utensils are also brought in from Japan by the proprietor. Komorebi Dining offers 2 menus- the Lunch menu and Dinner menu, designed to showcase the natural flavors and freshless of the ingredients. The prix-fixe menu is to be changed on a monthly basis and depending on seasonal supply. To ensure the perfect dining experience, Komorebi Dining only accepts advance booking and the maximum seating capacity is 10 pax. 

Many Thanks to Komorebi Dining for hosting us.

HAKU- Extraordinary Japanese Cuisine @ Jazz Hotel, Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

A new addition to the Japanese food scene in Penang: HAKU- Extraordinary Japanese Cuisine, is a tenant housed in the newly reopened Jazz Hotel at Tanjung Bungah. HAKU is vastly different from those ordinary or quick Japanese restaurants in town, HAKU promises to offer an elevated experience where they serve premium quality food and showcase them as art. Established by the Kiyosaki Group, HAKU occupies a prominent spot at Jazz Hotel Penang. The interior decor is cozy-elegant, with plenty of Japanese elements. Tables are well-spaced to ensure comfort, with private rooms available. Menu-wise, it features a big Japanese menu along with a Business Set Lunch (with price starting from Rm 88 per set). 

Many Thanks to HAKU for hosting us.

Kaka Ramen Club @ Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

A new Ramen joint in town- Kaka Ramen Club has quickly become one of the favorite lunch spots for the working crowd working in the banking district. The Set Lunch (1 main + 1 side + 1 drink + 1 ice cream) starts from Rm 28.90 and offers great value in return. The menu features the signature Kyushu-style Ramen along with some Japanese delicacies like Don, Salad, Japanese Curry Rice etc. The place is fully air-conditioned, to find Kaka Ramen Club, make your way to Alliance Bank on Beach Street, Georgetown. Turn into the narrow alley next to the bank and you will find the Ramen joint shortly on your right.

Kare Sama @ Queens Residences Q2, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

It gets as simple as the name says- Kare Sama specializes in Kare Raisu (Japanese Curry Rice); this new Japanese restaurant can be found at Queens Residences Q2. While Kare Sama's main specialty is Japanese Curry Rice, the menu also features other Japanese delights like Yakitori, Donburi etc. The place has a standard Japanese restaurant interior decor, tables are well-spaced to assure comfort. The food items are reasonably priced. To find Kare Sama, take the escalator at Queens Residences Q2 car park, the Japanese restaurant is within sight from the car park exit.

Er Yi Tai 二姨太 @ Kuala Kangsar Road, Georgetown, Penang.

A new venture by Hygge, the newly opened Japanese-inspired Bar Er Yi Tai 二姨太 is found right next to Hygge. With a playful name like Er Yi Tai (second wife in Mandarin), one would expect the place to resemble the playful and sexy aspects... making it an exciting place to explore. Er Yi Tai is not the typical Japanese restaurant where they serve normal portion dishes... it is in fact, more like a Japanese Izakaya that dishes out a variety of small plates for sharing over alcohols. The menu therefore, consists of some carefully planned, quality Japanese-influenced bites with a big alcohol menu mainly featuring Japanese Sake (Rice Wine), Whiskey and delicious Cocktails. The seating arrangement is spacious and cozy, but in case you are coming in a big group, it is always wiser to make reservations. 

Many Thanks to Er Yi Tai for hosting us that afternoon.

The Ryujin Dining 龍の料理 @ Juru Sentral, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Can't decide whether to go for Chinese food or Japanese delights? You can have both at The Ryujin Dining 龍の料理, Juru Sentral as the menu consists of both Chinese and Japanese dishes. The Japanese-styled decor may give you a wrong impression that the place is a typical Japanese restaurant but the menu speaks otherwise. Some of the dishes are Japanese-inspired but incorporating some Chinese elements. The menu is fairly big but the price points are on the higher side. Price-apart, we thought the food quality was top-notch and value for money. If you plan to dine-in here in a big group, do make advance booking especially on weekends.  

Enjoy Better Savings with foodpanda pandapro Subscription @ Sushi Brito, Relau, Penang.

Food delivery has been part of our lifestyle, especially after the strictest lockdown in our nation; the trend continues as many have adopted the hassle-free way of having quick fix without worrying about the traffic. foodpanda, one of the dominant delivery service providers in Malaysia is no stranger to most Malaysians. The brand has been serving the country well through its toughest times during the pandemic lockdown and offers great convenience to its users. The foodpanda app is user-friendly and is partnering with a substantial amount of restaurants or local food providers. But do you know that you can actually maximize the value as a foodpanda app user? 

With foodpanda's pandapro subscription (from RM4.90 per month), one gets access to exclusive benefits like 12X free delivery on all orders above RM25, unlimited 15% and up off on over 20,000 restaurants, exclusive foodpanda pandamart vouchers as well as 3 dine-in offers per outlet per month. We have recently took advantage on the dine-in offers from the pandapro subscription. We redeemed a voucher from the foodpanda app and managed to get ourselves 25% discounts.

Aburi Sushi @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

Another new venture by the Edo Ichi group (the same company that manages Edo Ichi, Sushi Zento, Azuma, Ichiban Izakaya etc)- Aburi Sushi places great focuses on Aburi items (like what suggested by its name) which refers to "partially grilled meat" in Japanese. The new Japanese restaurant can be found at the lower ground floor of Gurney Plaza. As expected, the menu features a big variety of Sushi items as well as the familiar Japanese delights. Items are affordably priced but they commensurate with serving portion, a place suitable for those who are looking for variety. 

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.

Little June 小六月 @ Raja Uda, Butterworth, Penang.

Little June 小六月 has been around for quite some time and the location is pretty hidden. For those who are not so familiar with Raja Uda area, this Japanese restaurant can be found on the upper floor of one of the retail commercial outlets near to the junction of Permatang Pauh and Raja Uda. It's easy to miss this place due to the plain-looking signage. The restaurant serves a Japanese menu, featuring many Japanese delights. Once you stepped in the place, you will be welcomed by an array of Sushi on display but of course, the menu has more than just Sushi to offer. 

Kappo By Arakawa @ Burmah Road, Penang.

Omakase is a pretty exquisite form of dining in Penang and often come with a hefty price tag , there are a few established Japanese restaurants in town offering Omakase but one of the latest additions is Kappo By Arakawa. The Japanese restaurant at Premier Centre Burmah Road is a small but pleasant place to enjoy the Japanese highlights carefully prepared by the Chefs. Diners are to be seated at the wood counter where they can witness the Chefs in action. Omakase is not the only way to go here- there are some prix fixe items on the menu as well. The Lunch Omakase tends to be more affordable than the Dinner Omakase; seasonal offerings are available and announcements will be shared on their Facebook Page. 

Akino Cottage @ Air Itam, Penang.

Found right next to De View Hotel, a stone's throw distance away from Kek Lok Si Temple is Akino Cottage, a new restaurant that offers a Japanese menu. The air-conditioned indoor seating is limited so if you are running out of luck, you might end up at the outdoor seating area (be prepared for a sweat-inducing experience if you are dining under a sultry hot weather). The list of choices is not as comprehensive as some established Japanese restaurants in town. While the dishes are affordably priced, the quality is less-satisfying and has rooms for improvements.

Grand Vege Creative Restaurant @ Abu Siti Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

Vegetarian meal is more than just dull pile of leafy greens and raw vegetables, a plant-based meal can be equally exciting as a normal meal. Grand Vege is a good testament to this statement, the plant-based restaurant has an unusual vegetable-forward menu with many new, inventive and perhaps, a little playful creations. Though the menu is not too big, their dishes are carefully designed. Price points are on the higher side and the serving portion might be small for those with big appetite but if you are keen to explore how far can a vegetarian meal go, you should put this place on your radar.