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.

Bann Thai @ Rangoon Road, Georgetown, Penang.

A new Thai food joint in Georgetown- Rangoon Road (few doors away from White Bowl Curry Mee): Bann Thai, serves a big Thai menu featuring the classic Thai delights; the standard Tom Yum, Som Tam, Pad Kra Pao etc are all on the list. Nothing spectacular about the exterior and interior decor, pretty much a standard air-conditioned restaurant. The prices are fair and reasonable given that their serving portions are big. Quality-wise, some hits and misses.

Onya Modern Asian Restaurant @ The Promenade, Bayan Baru, Penang.

Previously known as Golden Bowl (associated with milky Cheese noodles if you still remember), the same group of people is now managing a new brand- Onya Modern Asian Restaurant at The Promenade, Bayan Baru. Unlike the previous menu, Onya rolls out a modern Malaysian menu... featuring many familiar Malaysian delights with a twist. The restaurant at The Promenade is spacious, comfortable and air-conditioned; making it very accommodating for large groups as well as diners of all age range. Dishes are reasonably priced and with a diverse menu, this place could be a popular lunch spot for those working in the vicinity.

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.

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. 

Khāo Thai Restaurant @Raja Uda, Butterworth, Penang.

A fairly new Thai restaurant at Raja Uda, Butterworth- Khāo; both the interior and exterior decor barely suggests any Thai elements. The interior decor is modern with a wood-tone, but the seats are less comfortable (fine for a quick fix but not practical for gatherings over chit-chat). The word Khāo refers to Rice in Thai; with a name like Khāo, one can expect the Thai restaurant to carry a Rice-focused Thai menu. The restaurant serves good food- at least we were happy with the quality of our orders, reasonable prices too. Worth checking out if you happen to be in the neighborhood.

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.

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.

Niang Nyonya Cuisine @ Prangin Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

Owned by the same group that owns Thara Penang, Niang runs a slightly different concept- offering classic and traditional Nyonya flavors to the hungry diners in Penang. Step in the place and you will be amazed by the interior decor- with red bricks on the wall and colorful paper umbrella adorning the ceiling as well as some mismatched knick-knacks that complete the place. The menu is fairly small and limited, only a handful of Nyonya delights (some timeless dishes like Inche Kabin, Kerabu etc are not available). Niang can be found right opposite to Thara Penang on the same street. 

Quallys Syok Segarnya @ Greenlane, Penang.

A perfect spot for both curry and seafood lovers is Quallys Syok Segarnya, a new dining spot along Greenlane. Helmed by Chef Kak Ayu who was previously manning her business at Burmah Road, Quallys runs on a completely different concept where diners get to handpicked the ingredients from the selection of fresh catch of the day (Barramundi, Grouper, Seabass, Prawns, Squid, Mussels etc) and the kitchen will cook them according to the type(s) of curry chosen. On top of the seafood, there are also some side dishes available- Mango Kerabu, Ulam, Ayam Goreng Bawang etc. Prices are slightly on the steeper side but the quality is superior. A note to take- the place is not air-conditioned; but if you are a fan of local Malaysian Curries and Seafood, this place is worth checking out.

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.  

Malaysia's Culinary Heritage Ramadan Buffet @ Penang Marriott Hotel.

Celebrate the holy month of Ramadan with an unforgettable culinary experience at Penang Marriott Hotel- one of the latest additions by the Marriott Group in Penang. Opened in Feb 2024, the Malaysia's Culinary Heritage Ramadan Buffet is the hotel's first themed buffet and it promises a culinary journey filled with classic, delicious Malaysian dishes. From traditional favorites to modern delights, expect to find an impressive spread that consists of not only Kampung-dishes but signature Chinese and Indian delights as well. Penang Marriott Hotel's Malaysia's Culinary Heritage Ramadan Buffet is expected to run from 22 March 2024 to 07 April 2024 at Sago (level 2 of the hotel). 

Malaysia's Culinary Heritage Ramadan Buffet

- 22 Mar to 07 Apr 2024 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

- Level 2 of Penang Marriott Hotel, "Sago" Restaurant

- RM158+ per person & RM88+ senior citizen & RM88+ per child

Many Thanks to Penang Marriott Hotel for hosting us

DUAN 二杬 @ Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

DUAN 二杬 at Beach Street is a one-of-a-kind restaurant, it is fairly new but many are lured by its unique food offering- contemporary Malaysian cuisine that preserves local flavors yet, introducing an interesting twist to the classic dishes. The restaurant serves no pork; menu-wise, you will find many familiar local Malaysian dishes... from Nasi Biryani to various Curries, Satay etc. The interior decor is however, nothing Malaysian at all. It has a modern take on simplicity with a little industrial vibe. The price points are of restaurant-standard but the food quality is there. Worth checking out if you are up for a sweat-inducing, rich-flavored Malaysian Curry journey.

Morpheus Restaurant @ Abu Siti Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

Contemporary casual restaurant- Morpheus Restaurant at Abu Siti Lane has been offering dinner service since its opening in April 2023 but the restaurant has recently rolled out its lunch menu- lesser choices but wallet-friendlier, providing an opportunity for curious diners to test the depth of the water. The lunch menu offers mains starting from Rm 23, along with a small selection of appetizers and a small beverage menu. In case you are wondering- diners can also opt to order the usual dinner menu on top of the newly introduced lunch menu. Comfortable dining atmosphere with quality food, Morpheus is worth a visit.

Ramadan Buffet Dinner Maharajan Al At Am @ Bertam Resort & Water Park Penang.

With the holy month of Ramadan approaching- when everyone celebrates togetherness over sumptuous delights. At Bertam Resort and Water Park Penang, the culinary team has prepared a big Ramadan buffet spread for guests to celebrate this auspicious month. Led by Chef Khairul (Director of Culinary), Ramadan Buffet Dinner Maharajan Al At Am features a fusion of Malaysian and Moroccan cuisines with more than 150 types of dishes- served across 25 live action stalls (with 5 rotating menus throughout the holy month). Amongst the highlights of the buffet, guests can look forward to the Moroccan delights (like Lamb marinated with 25 traditional Moroccan spices and Harissa), Chicken Mandi- Nasi Talam, Yellow Lamb, Om Ali and Banana Khunafa. On top of that, expect to see a great variety of Malaysian favorites like Udang Masak Lemak, Ikan Goreng Tepung, Sotong Qhabang, Rendang Daging Nyiok Sangai, Gulai Kawah- Kari Kepala Ikan Salmon etc. Seats are limited, early reservation is recommended.

Ramadan Buffet Dinner Maharajan Al At Am

- 13 Mar to 09 Apr 2024 from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM

- RM118+ per person & RM88+ senior citizen & RM78+ per child

Many Thanks to Bertam Resort and Water Park Penang for hosting us.