Lhong Tou Dim Sum 龍頭點心 @ Pulau Tikus, Penang.

A stone's throw distance away from the Pulau Tikus morning market, the newly opened Dim Sum joint Lhong Tou Dim Sum 龍頭點心 is suitable for those who seek for quality Dim Sum dishes yet willing to pay a little more for the premium quality. What differentiates this place from its competitors is the made-to-order Dim Sum dishes, the menu features pretty much the standard Malaysian Dim Sum fare with a few Noodle/Rice dishes. The place is comfortable (air-conditioned) and the service is attentive; despite the above-average price points, the place is still a good option for a weekend family meal. 

Wild Pink Fish @ Gurney Walk, Penang.

Not to be confused with the Wild Pink Fish in New World Park, the outlet at Gurney Walk Penang offers a very different menu. The outlet at Gurney Walk Penang dishes out quality and affordable Japanese dishes, their Sushi is known for its value for money and undeniably popular amongst the white-collar workers. Dine-in guests would be glad to know that Wild Pink Fish offers a casual environment with "Sushi Bar-like" seating. The menu is a little limited but for diners who wish for a special menu, it can be arranged accordingly. With a special request, an "Izakaya-style" dinner menu featuring A5 Wagyu, Toro Sashimi etc can be customized depending on the budget (min of 3 pax is required). For the special dinner menu, diners can bring their own alcohol beverages with no extra corkage fee. Wild Pink Fish at Gurney Walk can be found on Ground Floor, right next to CUEVA; visitors can park their car at the multi-storey car park or the underground car park, with entrance from Ascott Gurney Hotel.

This post is brought to you by Gurney Walk Penang.

Brwnsgr.Neighborhood @ Island Glades, Gelugor, Penang.

It's not hard to notice that the Halal cafe scene in Penang is growing in recent years and one of the latest additions is Brwnsgr.Neighborhood. This is another outlet by The Table Penang (also the same group of people running Brown Sugar Eatery at Sungai Tiram). Brwnsgr.Neighorbood can be found at the residential neighborhood of Island Glades, right opposite to the junction turning to Genting Coffee Shop. The Muslim-friendly cafe offers a big beverage menu, along with some simple meals as well as sweet treats. There are only a few choices when it comes to food menu- All Day Brunch, Cheese Egg Bun and Kaya Toast; the rest are all sweet items. Environment is cozy, setting is comfortable, prices are affordable but the only downside is the parking. 

Festive Dining Promotions 2022 @ Hard Rock Hotel Penang.

December month is always the season to be jolly, treat yourself and your loved ones to a sumptuous feast; with Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year lined up together, you will be spoilt for choices. Hard Rock Hotel Penang will be pulling out all the stops this season, rolling out a gorgeous buffet spread for its diners. The Hard Rock Hotel Penang's All You Can Eat Buffet (at Starz Diner) sees festive roasts coming together with servings of seasonal treats like Roasted Turkey, Yule Log Cake, Christmas Pudding etc. For those who prefer course dinner, the hotel also rolls out a 4-Course Christmas Eve Set Dinner (at Hard Rock Cafe) where diners get to tuck into timeless classics like Beef Tenderloin, Lamb Rack or Roasted Chicken/ Salmon. The holiday spirit is further celebrated with complimentary party packs and live band. On top of the Christmas and New Year promotions, with the auspicious Chinese New Year around the corner, diners can look no further than Hard Rock Hotel Penang's mouth-watering spreads from their Chinese New Year Eve Buffet (at Starz Diner), all-time favorites like the Fortune Yee Sang, Braised Fish Maw with Seafood Treasure Soup are also available. 

Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner at Starz Diner

• 24 December 2022 from 6:30PM to 10:30PM
• RM199 nett/ adult and RM99 nett/ kid or senior citizen

Christmas Day Semi-Buffet Lunch at Pizzeria

• 25 December 2022 from 12:30PM to 3:00PM
• RM165 nett/adult and RM65 nett/ kid or senior citizen

New Year's Eve Buffet Dinner at Starz Diner

• 31 December 2022 from 6:30PM to 10:30PM
• RM220 nett/ adult and RM105 nett/kid

New Year's Eve 5-Course Set Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe

• 31 December 2022 from 6:30PM to 10:30PM
• RM230 nett/ adult and RM70 nett/kid

Many Thanks to Hard Rock Hotel Penang for hosting us at the Media Preview

G Hotel Gurney Penang Reopens Its Doors

The modern luxury hotel- G Hotel Gurney Penang has finally reopened its doors after underdoing a major renovation which took place between March 2022 to November 2022. The design-led hotel revitalizes itself with 312 guest rooms showcasing modern contemporary architecture and opulent interior designs in a brilliant show of form and function. The core section of G Hotel Gurney now sits at Level 3 of the hotel- from the seamless check-in procedures (guests can also look forward to the complimentary check-in ice creams) to having a quick catch up session over afternoon tea set or recharge over drinks at the lounge. The infinity pool, the new gym and restaurant can all be found on Level 3 of the hotel. 

On the dining outlets, Cafe 168 features an extensive variety of buffet stations serving both local and international specialties. Making the new limelight for Level 3 is G Spot, an elegant space with a sunken bar that welcomes guests to sip on Champagnes or a mix of Cocktails. Not forgetting Tree Bar, an alfresco bar that offers a large selection of beers. On top of these, the ground and first floors of the hotel will witness a transformation with the birth of Central @ Gurney, with more than 20 food and beverage outlets ranging from restaurants to cafes, bistros, casual eateries to fine dining. Central @ Gurney is schedule to open its doors to the public by Q1 2023. 

It is also note-worthy that G Hotel Gurney is one out of only four hotels in Penang that is being featured by the Michelin Guide. 

Many thanks to G Hotel for inviting us to the hotel reopening party.

Festive Promotions @ Amaya Food Gallery, Amari SPICE Penang.

The year end festive season is about great food and gatherings; it is also the "time" where everyone gets to indulge in some timeless seasonal treats like Turkey, Christmas Stollen, Yuletide Cake etc but you can get them all at Amari SPICE Penang, a newly opened contemporary business hotel in Bayan Lepas. With direct access to the SPICE Convention Centre, Amari SPICE Penang positions itself as Penang's leading business convention hotel. For this joyful festive occasion, the hotel's in house restaurant- Amaya Food Gallery rolls out its festive specials for 2022. 

Silvery Gold Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner

- 24 December 2022 from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM

- RM198+ per person & RM99+ per child/ senior citizen

Christmas Day Buffet Brunch

- 25 December 2022 from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM

- RM138+ per person & RM69+ per child/ senior citizen

It's Saturday night Fever Dinner Party

- 31 December 2022 from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM | Countdown from 10:30 PM to 12:00 Midnight

- RM228+ per person & RM114+ per child/ senior citizen

New Year's Day Buffet Brunch

- 1 January 2023 from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM

- RM138+ per person & RM69+ per child/ senior citizen

Many Thanks to Amari SPICE Penang for hosting us.

Wa Q Yakiniku 和九 @ Precinct 10, Tanjong Tokong, Penang.

A visit to Wa Q Yakiniku 和九 will likely to leave you spoilt for choice, the new Japanese Yakiniku joint is a new venture by the Edo Ichi group. The Yakiniku-focused restaurant is located at Precinct 10 Tanjong Tokong; while they have a big meat menu, there are many other Japanese delights to please all diners as well. The restaurant has a typical Japanese Yakiniku setting with a grill in the centre but unlike most Yakiniku restaurants, Wa Q uses special green Charcoal for a more pleasant odourless dining experience. Dining guests need not worry about the stench after a Yakiniku party as the restaurant is well-equipped with ventilation system as well. Meat lovers would be happy to know that Wa Q offers a wide range of meat and cuts, including the premium Japanese Wagyu Beef and Iberico Pork. The A5 cut is also available but reservation is recommended. Be prepared to pay a little more for the great cuts but rest-assured, the quality lives up to expectation; as the Edo Ichi group of restaurants always do. 

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Malaysia Festive Beverages Return Along With Seasonal Offer 2022

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Malaysia welcomes the Holiday season with celebrated seasonal beverages and festive flavors... bringing back some all time festive favorites as well as introducing some new exciting flavors. The Christmas season is about gathering and meet-ups; for this year-end holidays, the brand wants everyone to celebrate togetherness with those dear to them. The festive beverages from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Malaysia this season centre around the comforting flavors of chocolate and peppermint to serve the warmth of "Togetherness in every cup". As for festive treats, the brand rolls out a series of Christmas delights; especially note-worthy is the Panettone Frost, a new addition to the festive spread. With Chinese New Year around the corner, guests can also look forward to the Chinese New Year Tea series... coming up real soon in early January 2023! 

Many Thanks to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Malaysia for hosting us.

[Travel/ Food Guide] Itinerary to Hatyai, Thailand (合艾，泰国) 2022

Ever since Thailand uplifted the foreigner entry requirements  (no vaccination cert required) in Oct 2022, many Malaysian tourists are resuming their pilgrimage visits to Hatyai, the southern town of Songkhla. With only 60km away from the Malaysia-Thai border, it is a popular destination for a short getaway. Clearing customs and immigration is as easy as before, just present a valid Passport and relevant forms (if driving). There are many changes to Hatyai- with some places closed down for good but there are also quite a lot of new places sprung up. We too did the routine, ritual shopping at Kim Yong Market and Central Festival Mall but apart from that, we had ventured further to explore new places that we haven't been before. 

Read our previous blog entries to Hatyai here: Year 2017 and Year 2019. 

1) Cheevit Cheeva Hatyai

Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Address: 43/22, Rajyindee Soi 6/1 Road, Tambon Hatyai, Amphoe Hatyai, Songkhla, 90110, Thailand.

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

Contact Number: +66 83 168 8889

Cheevit Cheeva Hatyai Facebook Page

Cocoon + Kids Cafe @ Gurney Walk, Penang.

Right in the heart of Gurney Drive, the newly opened community lifestyle mall- Gurney Walk welcomes a new spate of tenants and amongst the new joiners, Cocoon + Kids Cafe is one of them. Unlike the first venture by the group- Cocoon Glamping (established in 2018) at Vantage Tanjong Tokong, Cocoon + Kids Cafe has a different approach. Cocoon Glamping is more like a space for kids to experience indoor picnic and it has smaller menu; Cocoon + Kids Cafe at Gurney Walk on the other hand, is more like a cafe with mini playground for the kids. The menu is bigger here with Asian-Western options; apart from having a leisure walk at the mall, the adults can also enjoy a peaceful meal and grab some quality time while the kids are safely occupied. This is particularly inline with Cocoon + Kids Cafe's tagline: "We Sell Time".  The indoor play areas include a foam pit, mini picnic area, small reading corner, mini gym and slides. 

It is noteworthy that Cocoon + Kids Cafe at Gurney Walk caters for private parties as well, a minimum spend of RM2,500 is required. Do check out their party packages at the bottom of this entry. Socks are mandatory (for both adults and children) for entry to the playland due to hygiene purposes. The cafe serves no Pork and reservation is highly encouraged (especially on weekends). For more information, check out their Facebook Page for the latest promotions. Cocoon + Kids Cafe can be found on the first floor of Gurney Walk, visitors can park their car at the multi-storey car park or the underground car park, with entrance from Ascott Gurney Hotel.

This post is brought to you by Gurney Walk Penang.

Unagiya Shin @ Burmah Road, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

One of the very few restaurants that offers an Unagi-focused menu is Unagiya Shin, a newly opened Japanese restaurant at Pulau Tikus that specializes in serving Japanese-styled Unagi. The name speaks for itself, "Unagiya"... a direct translation would be House of Unagi. The menu here revolves around Unagi- be it grilled Unagi or Unagi bowl; along with a mix of popular Japanese grills and delicacies. Items are reasonably priced here- those with deeper pockets can go for the imported Eels; else, the fresh and expertly cooked local Eels work fine. This is a place especially suitable for Unagi lovers.  

Christmas and New Year Festive Promotions @ Eastern & Oriental Hotel Penang.

Celebrate the joyous festive moments with your loved ones by enjoying delectable holiday treats. For the Year 2022, Eastern and Oriental Hotel Penang continues to fill everyone up with its sumptuous festive offerings. The in-house restaurant- Sarkies at Victory Annexe presents a buffet of festive favorites that include quality meat (the quintessential Turkey and Beef), fine seafood and charming desserts. Apart from the festive specials, the regulars' favorites and signature dishes are part of the buffet spread to complete the celebratory feasts. 

For early booking details or information about the festive offering on other venues (in the hotel), please refer to the bottom of this blog entry. 

Many Thanks to E&O Hotel for hosting us.

Level 2 Coffee & Food @ Raja Uda, Butterworth, Penang.

Level 2 Coffee & Food is not exactly very new, the place has been around for a few months and has made appearances on social media channels. The cafe charms visitors with their aesthetically pleasing minimalist interior decor- a perfect element for good Instagram feed. The place was thronged with cafe hoppers during their first few opening weeks. We did not get to visit until lately. Apart from the laid-back vibe, the cafe also pleases diners with its big Western menu. Visit the place before noon and you will get to try their Breakfast menu, featuring a variety of Toasts and Croissants; the usual menu carries familiar items like Pasta or grills. 

Canna Cafe @ Sungai Petani, Kedah.

One of the latest places to get a good and budget-friendly Thai meal at Sungai Petani (Kedah) would be Canna Cafe, a Muslim-friendly Thai restaurant. Canna Cafe is fairly new but it has garnered an appreciate following since its opening. The menu is big and features a wide variety of Thai delights. The place is also accommodating for bigger groups, making it ideal for family meals or casual gatherings. Reasonable price points, generous serving portions and authentic Thai flavors are some of the pull factors. Canna Cafe is located near to Laguna Merbok, a short drive from Sungai Petani Utara toll. 

Saigon Sisters Vietnamese Food @ Mount Erskine, Penang.

For a budget-friendly Vietnamese meal, make your way to Saigon Sisters at Mount Erskine. The place is obscure and not visible from the main streets. One needs to turn into the Mount Erskine market direction and keep driving up the hill, there is a small scale food court can be found on the right (named as Kompleks E-Garden). At the far end of the food court is Saigon Sisters Vietnamese Food, a newly opened Vietnamese eatery. Their signature dishes include Beef Pho, Banh Mi and crispy Pork Belly. Price points are generally lower than those established joints but the selection is limited.