Solt @ Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Solt Penang is a spacious and stylish restaurant located at 474 Beach Street, right in the heart of Georgetown. With a modern European menu infused with subtle local Malaysian influences, it delivers a creative yet accessible dining experience. The open-kitchen concept adds a lively touch to the cozy, relaxed atmosphere. According to reviews, there’s also a pork-free policy — making it welcoming for a broader crowd. Prices lean a little above average, but the thoughtful food and ambiance help justify it.

Gilda @ Lorong Soo Hong, Georgetown, Penang.

Tucked into a refurbished warehouse on Soo Hong Lane, Gilda presents itself as an airy, modern dining destination in George Town. The warehouse-like space allows bright natural light to flood the space, creating a welcoming yet cozy spot for diners to explore their specially concocted flavor-combo. It is definitely a solid pick if you’re looking to step beyond casual bites and into a thoughtful dining experience in Penang. 

Kafe Dapor Rumah @ Bishop Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Occupying the former AIA Training Academy space at Bishop Street, Kafe Dapor Rumah dishes out a comforting kopitiam-style menu in a cozy, air-conditioned setting. Alongside the usual staples, highlights include Curry Laksa, Nasi Ayam Penyet, and Mee Udang. Prices are reasonable, making it a great spot for a quick and satisfying local fix in town.

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.

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. 

Peninsula House @ Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Hidden in one of the heritage buildings along Beach Street, Peninsula House has been around for quite some time. Word of mouth has it that the place serves some really delicious Aussie-inspired dishes. On its official website- Peninsula House is a modern Aussie restaurant with casual contemporary Dining. Make your way up the stairs from the unassuming entrance (opposite to The Whiteaways Arcade) and you will be welcomed by a well-spaced, modern-casual restaurant with high ceiling... as well as fog machine setting the mysterious tone. They serve different menus for lunch and dinner, our visit was on a fine Saturday Noon. Not overly crowded but if you are visiting in a large group, early reservation is suggested. 

Grower's Home @ Sungai Ara, Penang.

*Update: Grower's Home has no longer accept walk-in or dine-in. Their takeaway-business is still available.*

Hidden in the residential neighborhood of Sungai Ara, Grower's Home is housed in one of the bungalows at (Jalan Sungai Ara 5) Sungai Ara. The home bakery churns out daily fresh bakes but only open for dine-in 2 days in a week (every Wednesday and Saturday). The rest of the days will be on delivery or can be found at other locations. Expect to find some really quality bakes here including rustic loaves, homemade cakes and delicious pastries. The offering might not be too extensive but it will definitely excite any bread lovers. 

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.  

Jomi Matcha @ Seberang Jaya, Perai, Penang.

For those who adore the vibrant flavors of Matcha, Jomi Matcha is a dream come true. From Matcha-infused drinks to exquisite green tea cakes or sweet treats, Jomi has something to offer for the Matcha lover in you. The cafe also offers a selection of light meals like Sandwiches and Toasts, perfect for a quick bite and leisurely afternoon. With its cozy-inviting ambiance, this spot is a must visit for anyone looking to savor the finer side of Matcha. Jomi Matcha is housed in the Centre of Excellence Agritech at Seberang Jaya Penang.

Flour and Oil Cafe @ Codrington Avenue, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

Tucked away in one of the bungalows along Codrington Avenue (Pulau Tikus)- Flour and Oil Cafe is relatively new in the Penang cafe scene. It can be found slightly before Rose Charity along the same street, with free parking right in front of the bungalow (or behind). On the food menu- it has a mix of local delights as well as Western dishes; with a home-cooked, healthy and heart-warming touch. Seats are pretty limited at Flour and Oil Cafe, so if you are visiting in larger groups- do make early reservations. It is note-worthy that Flour and Oil Cafe is also child-friendly, pet-friendly and serves no Pork/ Lard. 

[Year 2024] Food Hunting- Day Trip @ Lenggong Town 玲珑, Perak.

Slightly more than 100 km north from Ipoh, Lenggong 玲珑 is approximately 2.5 hours drive away from Penang island. The sleeping town is surrounded by lush greens and mountains. It is small and easy to navigate, it is also close to Lake Raban and famous for an archaeology site... making it a perfect short getaway for nature and history lovers. Apart from the rural-nature beauty of Lenggong, the town is also known to churn out some really fresh and delicious freshwater fish. For those planning for a quick getaway to Taiping, do consider to stop by Lenggong too.

1) Chat Sook Restaurant 七叔玲珑饭店

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Address: No. 201, Jalan Lorong Belakang Barat, 33400, Lenggong, Perak.

Business Hours: 12 am to 10 pm. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: 012-598 1733

Chat Sook Restaurant Facebook Page

[Year 2024] Food Hunting- of Cafes/ Must-Eats @ Alor Setar, Kedah.

Slightly more than an hour drive from Penang island- Alor Setar is the capital of Kedah State; benefiting from the geographical location, Alor Setar is also home to many authentic, delicious southern Thai delights and of course, northern Malaysian dishes as well. The place has undergone many new developments in recent years with many new cafes/ restaurants. Follow us on our recent day trip to Alor Setar.

1) Ban.Na.Kin

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Address: No. 607-B, Jalan Menanti, Off Jalan Putra, 05100, Alor Setar, Kedah.

Business Hours: 8:30 am to 4 pm. Closed on Mondays.

Contact Number: 016-460 0115

Ban.Na.Kin Facebook Page

Chooi Lim Koo 醉林居 @ Air Hitam, Penang.

Tucked away from the bustling Jalan Air Hitam, Chooi Lim Koo 醉林居 is hidden at the small alley next to Kek Lok Si Hospital. The place can be found on a slope with a few parking spaces available. Chooi Lim Koo offers a small menu offering only 2 types of mains- Penang Hokkien Mee and Char Koay Teow, with some local beverages and Toasts. Save for the al-fresco area, the restaurant is air-conditioned and offers a comfortable space for a quick meal. 

YaTan Farm and Cafe @ Kuala Kurau, Perak.

YaTan Farm and Cafe is the latest worth-visiting spot at Kuala Kurau; housed in the long-established Salted Duck Egg Factory: Joo Hong Chan at Kuala Kurau, the cafe is a new addition to the business. Guests will need to access via the main entrance of Joo Hong Chan and follow the narrow path until the very end of the building. You will find the entrance to YaTan Farm and Cafe. Along the way, guests can witness the making of Salted Eggs as well as grabbing some for souvenirs or gifts at the retail store (next door). There are 2 parts to the cafe: the front part is where the guests will be seated and enjoy the cafe offering, the latter part is a mini zoo corner with Chicken, Ducks and Deer. Entrance is free but guests are allowed to pet the animals. On the cafe, the food menu features an array of Salted Duck Egg-focused light snacks as well as mains (signature includes Salted Egg Coffee, Salted Egg Cheese Cake, Salted Egg Kaya etc). A fun spot for young kids to get closer to animals as well as satiating your cravings for Salted Egg. 

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.

FOOJI Canteen 福七食堂 @ Bay Avenue, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

A new addition to Bay Avenue (Bayan Lepas)- this is FOOJI Canteen 福七食堂's second outlet in Penang (the first is in Machang Bubuk/ opened in mid 2023). FOOJI serves a "kopitiam" style menu, featuring Malaysian delights like Kaya Butter Toast, Chinese Rice dishes, Noodles, Fried Rice etc. The seats are well-spaced and the place is air-conditioned, offering a comfortable space for a quick, casual meal. Unfortunately we did not have a good experience here- from service to food quality, there are rooms for improvements definitely.

The Heirloom Co @ Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang.

If you are not in the mood of some heavily seasoned hawker fare and looking for some lighter option, check out The Heirloom Co at Gurney Paragon Mall. The salad and grain bowl bar churns out healthy, nutritious yet tasty meals. Options vary from healthy Salad to Toast and Grain Bowls; prices shall depend on the toppings and customization is possible. Definitely a good option for those who are time-pressed but looking for a balanced and wholesome meal. Find The Heirloom Co on the ground floor of Gurney Paragon Mall, right in front of Lacoste/ H&M entrance near St. Jo. 

初二 Chu Er By Fusion Taste @ Victoria Street, Georgetown, Penang.

初二 Chu Er By Fusion Taste is a new brunch spot in the heart of Georgetown that offers hearty Malaysian delights at budget-friendly price tags. Located at Victoria Street, a short walk from Boston Coffee; it is easy to miss Chu Er By Fusion Taste due to the small facade and entrance. But as you enter the place, you will find yourself in an air-conditioned, well-spaced restaurant. The menu features Malaysian delights with some Chinese-influenced rice/noodle sets. Chu Er is definitely an inviting space for those seeking decent and inexpensive meals. It is note-worthy that Chu Er By Fusion Taste is a pet-friendly restaurant.

Antipodean Cafe @ Central Gurney, Penang.

A big name in the Kuala Lumpur cafe scene- popular Kiwi-Australian style cafe: Antipodean Cafe is finally in Penang now. The latest outlet can be found at Central @ Gurney (ground floor of G Hotel Gurney Drive). The Penang Antipodean Cafe brings along some of its signature dishes like the Big Breakfast, Egg Benedict etc, the price points are in the mid-high range (for a cafe standard). The cafe has a casual, relaxed al-fresco vibe; making it ideal for both casual meet ups over drinks or even a leisure brunch. 

Mil Toast House @ The Exchange TRX, Kuala Lumpur.

Popular bakery cafe- Mil Toast House from Seoul (South Korea) has finally landed in Malaysia following their oversea expansion at Bangkok earlier. The brand has chosen The Exchange TRX, the latest premium retail mall in the heart of Kuala Lumpur... opening its first branch in Malaysia. The menu features its signature steamed Bread as well as some sweet dessert Toasts with a selection of beverages. We were there during the opening weekend and due to overwhelming responses, many items on the menu were sold out and we were left a few choices only.