Tucked along Kampung Malabar, Thai House Cafe is a modest Thai eatery helmed by a team from Hatyai. The menu leans towards Southern Thai flavours, offering a variety of spicy, tangy dishes that stay true to their roots. The air-conditioned space provides a comfortable setting, though portions tend to be on the smaller side. Prices are reasonable, and the place sees a steady crowd, especially on weekends.
Nestled along Church Street in the heart of Georgetown, Pulau is a cosy, air-conditioned café offering a no pork, no lard menu with Japanese-inspired fare. Expect comfort dishes like Chicken Nanban, Onigiri, and Ochazuke, alongside a selection of house-made cakes. The pet-friendly space makes it a pleasant spot for a laid-back meal or coffee break.
Located on the second floor of Ivory Plaza Gelugor, Chongqing Chinese Food 重庆美食 brings bold and authentic Chongqing flavours to Penang. Run by a Chongqing native, the eatery serves up a variety of noodle dishes like Liang Mian, Mi Xian, and Chongqing Noodles, alongside spice-laden grilled skewers. The place is not air-conditioned, but prices are wallet-friendly—great for a casual, flavour-packed meal that offers something a little different from the usual local fare.
Tucked along Arratoon Road, REN at Arratoon is a pork-free café that exudes a warm, homey vibe with its simple, fuss-free decor. The menu carries a fusion of flavors—think Japanese-inspired dishes like Chicken Katsu with Japanese Curry alongside Western staples such as Pasta, Quesadillas, and Fish & Chips. For those with a sweet tooth, there are also dessert options like Waffles to wrap up the meal. With its comfortable setting and wallet-friendly prices, REN makes a nice casual stop for a laid-back meal in town.
Kenny Hills Bakers, a familiar name among Klang Valley’s café-goers, has recently made its way to Penang, bringing along its signature artisanal bakes and cozy ambiance. Strategically housed in a bungalow near upper Penang road in the heart of Georgetown, the interior exudes a rustic charm, with wooden furnishings and warm lighting creating an inviting atmosphere. The menu features a variety of options, from hearty mains to delicate pastries; though the prices lean towards higher end. Nevertheless, it is still a welcoming spot for both casual brunches and indulgent dessert sessions.
New Thai restaurant for Thai food lovers to explore- GSH Thai Cuisine Cafe at Seang Teik Road Georgetown offers a Thai menu featuring Rice Set and Noodle options. Budget-watchers would be glad to know that a Rice Set here costs as low as RM9.90. The place is air-conditioned and could accommodate large groups. The only downside is the lack of parking space.
Hard Rock Hotel Penang introduces Golden Hour Grill, a Saturday-only semi-buffet dinner at LEÑA at Pizzeria, available from July to September 2025. Featuring fire-crafted rotisserie meats and a rotating blackboard menu built on seasonal ingredients, the spread also includes stir-fry dishes, sushi, soups, breads, salads, and desserts. Priced at RM180 nett per adult, the open-air dinner comes with live band or DJ entertainment, making it a laid-back yet flavor-packed way to enjoy the Batu Ferringhi sea breeze.
Golden Hour Grill @ LEÑA at Pizzeria
Many Thanks to Hard Rock Hotel Penang for hosting us.
Little Sour 7 酸小七酸菜鱼 has recently made its debut in Penang with a new outlet at the freshly launched Sunshine Central Mall in Ayer Itam. Hailing from China, the brand is known for its signature sour and spicy hotpot- an unusual and punchy flavor combination that’s still relatively uncommon locally. The space is casual and modern, suitable for small or large groups. Being located in a mall makes it a convenient stop for a meal after shopping or errands.
A new China Chinese Mee Tarik restaurant has opened up at The Zen Bayan Lepas. Managed by a group of Chinese Chinese Muslim, the eatery specializes Lan Zhou hand-pulled noodles complemented by a selection of Chinese stir fries and barbecue items. The space is air-conditioned though the ventilation could be improved — diners may leave with a hint of cooking smell. Dishes are reasonably priced and come in generous portions, making it a decent option for a quick, fuss-free meal.
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.
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.
Tucked along Lebuh Victoria in Georgetown, BElement by Monism is a new dining spot that blends semi-fine dining elements with the relaxed atmosphere of a casual café. The eatery began welcoming guests in late December 2024 and offers a comfortable space for diners to enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals in a calm, contemporary setting. For lunch, the menu offers good value with a range of dishes priced from RM19.90, making it a pleasant option for those seeking an affordable yet refined dining experience.
Dolly Dim Sum has officially opened its first outlet in Penang, now welcoming diners at the Lower Ground floor of Sunway Carnival Mall. This popular Halal Dim Sum chain is known for its modern setting, consistent quality, and reasonable prices—offering an impressive spread of Dim Sum and Chinese dishes, all pork-free and Halal-certified. A great addition for those seeking affordable Halal Chinese cuisine in the north.
Many Thanks to Dolly Dim Sum for hosting us.
A new addition to Island 88, Alfresco Dining is the latest culinary venture by renowned Chef Petr Feher, a Czech-born chef whose impressive portfolio includes stints at E&O Hotel Penang, The Datai Langkawi, Siam Kempinski Bangkok, and Four Seasons Hotels around the globe.
Bringing his years of international experience to the table, Chef Petr curates a menu that fuses Western and Asian flavors—featuring some of his all-time favorite creations. The concept here is modern yet casual, with a focus on serving quality food at accessible prices. One part of the space embraces an outdoorsy, laid-back ambiance, perfect for those looking to unwind with good food and a drink or two.
Many Thanks to Alfresco Dining for hosting us.
Known as the "Rain Town," Taiping is approximately an hour’s drive from Penang Island. This charming town, home to a predominantly Chinese community, has long been known for its delicious food offerings. Our most recent visit in 2024 revealed even more new and exciting spots waiting to be discovered. Follow us in this food guide as we walk you through some of the interesting eats Taiping has to offer!
