Elsewhere @ Lembah Permai, Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

Located in the Lembah Permai neighbourhood of Tanjung Bungah, Elsewhere is a French-Italian café bistro that centres around Galettes and Crêpes, supported by a small selection of mains and brunch-style plates. The setting is comfortable and easy-going, making it suitable for a relaxed dine-in experience, while food quality is consistently solid across the board. That said, prices lean more towards restaurant-level rather than typical café fare, positioning it as a slightly more elevated option within the neighbourhood.

Sora Japanese Dining @ Vantage Desiran Tanjung, Penang.

Located within the Vantage enclave in Tanjung Bungah, SORA Japanese Dining focuses on Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, offering a different take from the more common Kansai version—rather than mixing all ingredients into a batter, the Hiroshima style is layered with cabbage, pork, noodles and egg, resulting in a more structured yet surprisingly light bite.  The menu remains concise but purposeful, with portions that are generous for the price point, making it a fairly approachable option in the area. Overall quality is consistently solid, and while the concept is straightforward, it delivers a satisfying, well-executed experience that stands out for its focus.

HK 1987 @ Island 88, Penang.

A new addition to Island 88, HK 1987 is tucked away on the mezzanine floor of the building. The restaurant offers a wide variety of Hong Kong delights, with a particular focus on HK-style claypot rice and an extensive range of stir-fried dishes. Portions are generous and prices are reasonable, making it a versatile spot that caters well to diners of all ages. With its large menu and hearty servings, HK 1987 is worth checking out for those craving comforting Hong Kong flavors in Penang. 

Double Fold Cafe @ Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

A welcome new addition to Tanjung Bungah’s café lineup, Double Fold Cafe sits just off Jalan Tanjung Bungah, across from Dalat School — a slightly tucked-away find that rewards those who seek it out. The space is surprisingly spacious with a relaxed, casual vibe that draws in afternoon crowds, and its décor leans gently toward a French-inspired aesthetic that feels both chic and welcoming. Inside, you’ll find a menu that goes beyond typical café fare: a selection of freshly baked pastries and desserts, good coffee, and mains that extend from brunch staples to more adventurous dishes with local twists. What makes it interesting is seeing classics sit alongside items like nasi lemak and tom yum — a nod to Malaysian palates while still keeping a continental café spirit. The food quality is solidly above average, the atmosphere easygoing, and the price range remains affordable for the neighbourhood — making Double Fold a nice option for weekend catch-ups or casual bites in the Tanjung Bungah area. 

GENs 传承食代 @ Island 88, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Tucked inside Island 88, GENs offers a kopitiam-style menu with a mix of familiar favourites and unique creations. Highlights include Nasi Lemak, Teo Chew Fried Porridge, and their signature Xi Xia Mi — a creative blend of Jawa Mee and Mee Udang. The setting is spacious and comfortable, making it ideal for casual meals. While the flavours are decent, the large serving portions make it a good-value spot for satisfying local eats.

The Hong Korean Authentic Food @ Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

Previously based in Johor for almost 5 years, The Hong Korean Food has now found a new home in Penang. Run by a Korean owner, the restaurant is set in a cozy semi-detached house with a home-style ambiance (walking distance from the TAR College Penang). Seating is limited, so it's best for small groups or casual meals.  Expect familiar favorites like Jajangmyeon, Jampong, and Tangsuyuk— all served with great quality and at reasonable prices. A hidden gem for those craving comforting, no-frills Korean fare. 

Jiao Zi Dian 饺子掂 @ Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

Located just across from Mercure Hotel in Tanjung Bungah, Jiao Zi Dian 饺子掂 is a cosy, air-conditioned eatery that specializes in handmade Chinese dumplings. The place is run by a lady originally from China, now calling Penang home. While dumplings take the spotlight here, the menu also features familiar Chinese stir-fry dishes like Fried Vermicelli Noodles and Fried Rice. With its comfortable setting and wallet-friendly prices, it’s a spot worth noting for dumpling lovers.

Loh Kei Cha Chan Teng 罗记茶餐厅 @ Leisure Cove Hotels and Apartments, Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

Popular local Penang Koay Teow Th'ng brand- Loh Kei 罗记 has recently expanded its footprint to a new coffee shop, bringing more food options to the Tanjung Bungah neighborhood. Housed in Leisure Cove Hotels and Apartments, Loh Kei occupies a big space on the ground floor. The coffee shop is air-conditioned. On top of its signature Koay Teow Th'ng, the menu now includes a variety of local favorites like Hokkien Mee, Western delights (available from 11 am onwards), Porridge and Rice dishes etc. A convenient spot for nearby residents to grab a quick and affordable meal.

Breath Cafe @ Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

A pet-friendly cafe hidden in the Lebuh Permai (Tanjung Bungah) neighborhood, Breath Cafe is a fairly new spot for the fur-kids to enjoy a leisure meal with the owners. It is easy to miss this place as the cafe is housed inside a residential bungalow without a huge signage. The facade makes it feel like entering someone's home but once inside, you will feel the warm-homey welcoming. There is limited food offering with a handful of main options; there are also some homemade desserts but subject to availability. More like a community cafe that serves the local neighborhood and a space that allows the paw pals to mingle around.  

Rose's Home @ Tree Square, Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

Thai food lovers would be glad to know that there is a new Thai restaurant at Tree Square- Rose's Home. The signage might not be that visually-appealing but Rose's Home is a Thai restaurant with a big Thai menu. You can find all familiar Thai delights here- from appetizers to proteins or even desserts. The place has limited seating and if you are planning to visit in a large group, do make early reservation. Price-wise, the dishes are priced slightly above average. 

Mama Zen Hokkien Noodles 妈妈珍正宗福建面 @ i-Santorini, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Hailed from Alor Setar, Mama Zen Hokkien Noodles 妈妈珍正宗福建面 was born in the capital city of Kedah since 2014... churning out tummy-warming Hokkien Mee for almost a decade. The Hokkien Mee specialist has decided to expand its business operations to Penang (also Sungai Petani) at i-Santorini Tanjung Tokong... offering a more extensive menu that includes other noodle choices too (like Loh Mee, Scallion Oil Noodles etc). It offers an air-conditioned, comfortable space to dine-in; considering the affordable prices, the place is worth a look (especially for the folks staying in the neighborhood).

Chinmi Stone Pot Fish 珍味石锅鱼 @ Vantage Desiran Tanjung, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Chinmi Stone Pot Fish 珍味石锅鱼 has been around for almost a year and it has gathered an appreciate following since its opening last year. The Chinese restaurant offers a Chinese menu, focusing on the China Putian region... offering specialties like Putian Noodles, Putian Fried Vermicelli Noodles etc as well as some popular China Chinese delights. The restaurant is fully air-conditioned and offers a comfortable setting suitable for family dining. 

Shinwa Ramen @ Pantai Molek, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Shinwa Ramen is one of the latest Japanese Ramen joints in Penang, it occupies one of the bungalows at Pantai Molek (sharing the place with The Palm). The menu is fairly small and it specializes in offering Japanese Ramen and Japanese sides. Limited seating but the interior decor is very much Japanese-inspired (with a small Japanese garden and classic Japanese Ramen shop seating). Shinwa Ramen used to serve only one type of Ramen- Tonkotsu Ramen but it has recently introduced its A5 Wagyu Shoyu Ramen. Unfortunately, there are plenty of rooms for improvements at this place as far as food quality is concerned. We'd think there are better options out there when it comes to Ramen.

Fei Fei Crab 肥肥蟹 @ Straits Quay, Penang.

Fei Fei Crab 肥肥蟹  has a lot of branches nationwide but the one in Straits Quay Penang is fairly new. The crab specialist brings its signature dishes to Penang, offering a big variety of crab and Chinese dishes. The one at Straits Quay can be found next to Half Acre, towards the end of a side at Straits Quay. The menu is big, featuring an array of Chinese stir fries as well as Seafood dishes. Items are highly priced (somewhat exorbitant), if you are ordering the Crab, expect to pay at least Rm 100 per pax (for our case, it was Rm 120 per pax after tax). The quality is alright but we don't see the value in it, there are better places in the state for a Seafood feast.

Gimbap Brothers @ Island 88, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

A staple food in South Korea- Gimbap (Korean Seaweed Rice Roll) is convenient, inexpensive and most importantly, ubiquitous; not that it is rare in Penang as most Korean restaurants would offer this on the menu but not many restaurants churn out delicious Gimbap. Gimbap Brothers, one of the latest additions to Island 88 is one of the places where you can find freshly rolled and delicious Gimbap with different varieties. While they offer many Gimbap options, the restaurant also dishes out many popular Korean dishes like Toppokki, Korean Fish Cakes, Fried Chicken and noodles. As far as authenticity is concerned, the restaurant is manned by a Korean couple. Expect restaurant-level pricing for the dishes here at Gimbap Brothers but the quality and freshness stand out, definitely worth checking out if you love Korean food.

Song Do Korean Restaurant @ Island 88, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Amongst the spate of new tenants at Island 88 (previously known as Island Plaza at Tanjung Tokong)- Song Do Korean Restaurant is one of them you need to be aware of. It is probably the first Korean restaurant in Penang that specializes in offering One Whole Chicken Pot (along with some Korean delights like Korean Fried Chicken, Korean Pancakes etc). It is easy to find Song Do, simply enter the main entrance of Island 88 and walk towards Edo Ichi, the Korean restaurant is right behind Edo Ichi and 7 Village Noodle House. 

1M Specialty Coffee House @ Hillside, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

1M Specialty Coffee House is the latest addition to Hillside Tanjung Tokong (next to Domino's Pizza and a few doors away from Guardian Pharmacy). It is easy to spot 1M Specialty Coffee House, thanks to its welcoming entrance painted in bright colors. The menu is not big- featuring some classic Western dishes as well as some modern, playful Asian delights (we were there in early February and they were still in soft launch stage so there might be some changes to the menu) with prices slightly on the higher side. Not everything we had was good but given that they were still very new, the place is still worth a second look. If you are in the vicinity and wondering what to eat, do give it a try.

Wu Niang Niang 吴孃孃骨汤米粉 @ i-Santorini, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Wu Niang Niang Noodle Restaurant is new to Penang but the brand has presence in the Klang Valley- known for its unlimited refills of noodles; Wu Niang Niang specializes in serving Sze Chuan-styled noodles with complimentary Sour Plum drink and various condiments (like pickled Mustard) to be added to the noodles. The China Chinese restaurant sets foot in i-Santorini Tanjung Tokong. The business is brisk with heavy crowds especially on weekends. The menu is fairly small but fans of Sze Chuan-style Spicy Noodles would be able to resonate. The place is cramped and does not warrant a comfort dining experience; more like a place for a quick fix.  

Lao Hakka Cafe (老客家) @ Chinese Swimming Club, Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

Lao Hakka Cafe (老客家) is one of the few places in Penang where you will find some authentic Hakka dishes. The restaurant housed in Penang Chinese Swimming Club is popular amongst those with Hakka roots, the menu features an array of Hakka delights, including some common dishes like Yong To Fu, Hakka Fried Meat, Braised Pork with Mustard Greens... as well as some not so common ones like Hakka Yellow Rice Wine Chicken, Abacus etc. We thought the price points are slightly higher than expected but the food quality certainly did not disappoint. 

Da Le Restaurant 大乐餐厅 @ Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

For a casual, quick and inexpensive China Chinese meal, make your way to Da Le Restaurant 大乐餐厅, conveniently located on the main street of Jalan Tanjung Bungah (opposite to Dalat International School). The new Chinese eatery offers a relatively big Chinese menu, featuring some Chinese delights from different regions- Sze Chuan, Zhe Jiang etc. There are also a handful of Chinese dishes familiar to most Malaysians (like Hainanese Chicken). The place is air-conditioned, and a meal here would not put a hole on the wallet. Worth checking out if you are in the vicinity.