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Assam Laksa/ Cendol @ Paya Terubong, Penang.

September 29, 2014, 9:00 am
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One of the popular places for the local residents to get their afternoon snack will be this unassuming stall along Jalan Paya Terubong, opposite to Shell Petrol Station. Albeit this is more towards a "take-away" place but they do provide a few chairs and tables for those who wish to dine-in. There are two stalls nestled under the wooden shelter- one selling Assam Laksa, the other one dishes out Cendol and Ice Kacang. While prices are slightly cheaper than those in coffee houses or hawker centers, we did not think they were entirely great. I would not make a trip up here solely for the Assam Laksa or Cendol but if you are in dire need for something to quench your thirst, you may consider to stop by and enjoy a bowl of their Cendol/ Ice Kacang. To find the place, locate Shell Petrol Station along Jalan Paya Terubong, a stone's throw distance away from Econsave. This place is directly opposite to the Shell Petrol station.



The Assam Laksa (Rm 3 for small) did not manage to wow us. It was disappointingly average. We thought the flavors of the broth were somewhat subdued. It lacked of the sweet, sour and spicy notes or they were simply too mild in my favor. The noodles on the other hand, were not as bouncy as expected.


We were quite taken back by the artificial color of the Cendol Jelly (Rm 2) but it managed to change my mind after a sip on the cooling dessert. The savory-sweet notes underneath the Cendol were perfectly balanced. I don't like my Cendol sweet and the Cendol here passed the test. Artificial coloring aside, this is actually a pretty decent yet inexpensive thirst-quencher. 


Put an end to the scorching hot weather with a bowl of icy cold Ice Kacang (Rm 2.20). It has the standard ingredients but with another personal touch- Canned Pineapples. The sweeten tropical fruit gives another layer of dimension to the dessert but I thought it was still too sweet to my liking nevertheless. Don't get me wrong, I am perfectly good with the Ice Kacang, especially with a well-discounted price. 


Ratings:
Taste: 6.5/10 for Assam Laksa| 7/10 for Cendol and Ice Kacang (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 7.5/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Parking: 6/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Ambiance: 6/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Pork-Free
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No

Additional Information:
Address: Opposite Shell Petrol Station along Jalan Paya Terubong.
Business Hours: 1 pm to 5: 45 pm. 
Contact Number: N/A

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Shunka (旬香) @ Burmah Road, Georgetown, Penang.

October 1, 2014, 9:00 am
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Shunka should not be new to Penangites; the Japanese restaurant is known to churn out some fine and delicate Japanese-inspired dishes. The restaurant has a very impressive menu, for its all-inclusion selection of Sashimi, Ramen, Udon, Tamagoyaki, various Grilled items, Sake or even their signature Matcha desserts. Albeit it has a few branches but the newly opened branch at Burmah Road is set to welcome its grand opening on this coming weekend (3rd, 4th and 5th of October, 2014; for more information on the grand opening promotion, kindly follow their page). The setting of the restaurant is well-considered; with some wooden dining tables and chairs, red bamboo place-mats, bamboo decorations and Japanese-styled wallpaper to set the tone. Private rooms are also available to accommodate larger groups. A pretty good place if you wish to savor a wide variety of Japanese dishes and their range of Matcha desserts. 

Many Thanks to Shunka for extending the invitation. 


It excites us a lot when Ika Bata Yaki/ Grilled Squid (烧烤奶油墨鱼/ Rm 21.90) was served to our table. The huge Squid was carefully grilled to perfection; slightly resilient but not hard to the bite. The Squid was delicately salted and just as good on its own but even better to dip in the dollop of Mayonnaise, for the smoother and creamier texture. A perfect order to go with Sake, Japanese Rice Wine. 


A dish that stood out to me was Omuyaki Soba/ Stir Fried Japanese Buckwheat Noodles (特色蛋卷面/ Rm 15.90) blanketed with a beautifully cooked Omelette, completed with squiggles of Japanese Mayonnaise and sweet Tonkatsu sauce. The real draw of this dish was the well-executed Yakisoba. It possessed the quintessential "Wok Hei" (a result from stir frying the noodles), perfectly complemented by the home-made sweet and savory Yakisoba sauce. Another point worth noting, the Soba retained its texture, not mushy nor overly hard to the bite; just perfect. The Omelette, on the other hand, added another layer of eggy aroma and fluffy texture to the noodles. Their Omuyaki Soba could be better than what I had in Osaka; absolutely brilliant. 


Albeit their piping hot Kimchi Nabe/ Kimchi Steamboat (泡菜火锅/ Rm 15.90) was comforting on a rainy day but I did not find it spectacular. The hot pot has quite a lot of ingredients- Enoki Mushrooms, Shitake Mushrooms, Tofu, Cabbage, Onions and Shrimps. The broth has a hint of seafood sweetness and refreshing acidic tilt (from Kimchi) with a gentle spicy heat gradually kicks in. The ladies would probably enjoy this more. 


Spicy Pork Bulbogi (香辣猪肉石头饭/ Rm 17.90) was probably the dish that I least enjoyed; it may appear to be a plus for others but definitely not for me (I am not a pork-lover). The dish comes with a generous amount of Pork slices, served along with Rice and jeweled with a raw Egg Yolk. It was somewhat greasy and lacked of a "X-factor" for it to appeal to me. It was also served along with a bowl of Miso Soup. 


Egg and Cheese lovers will likely go "gaga" over this dish, one of their best sellers and signature dishes- Cheese Tamagoyaki/ Japanese Cheese Omelette (芝士玉子烧/ Rm 9.90), where a sliver of Cheese was placed in the middle of the Omelette and carefully rolled to shape. It has multi-layer flavors in this dish- eggy, soft, fluffy with a savory-cheesy taste while the extra touch of Mayonnaise introduced a soothing sweetness to the Omelette. A must-order dish especially if you are a fan of Tamagoyaki.


Asparagus Bacon Skewer (Rm 8.90 for two sticks)


Buta Bara/ Pork Skewer (Rm 7.90 for two sticks)


Tebasaki/ Grilled Chicken Wings (Rm 8.90 for two sticks)

There are aplenty choices to look for especially you are in the mood of drinking a glass or two. Shunka has quite a few choices when it comes to Sake/ Japanese Rice Wine. Kushiyaki/ Grilled Skewers are quintessential orders to pair with the Japanese alcohol. Amongst the skewers we had, Tori Mentaiyaki/ Chicken Skewer served with marinated Pollock Roe (Rm 7.90- not on the menu, upon request only) left me a very deep impression. The Chicken was juicily tender and generously spread with Mentaiyaki, as a result of that, it carried a hint of sweetness and unique flavors from the Mentaiko. Equally worth-mentioning is Tebasaki. The Grilled Chicken Wings were grilled to perfection, I had the Tebasaki no Shioyaki, Grilled Chicken Wings with Salt. They were lovely to go on its own but even better to go with a sip of Sake. There are, however, many items still remain unexplored. 


The only Sushi item on the menu- Sushi Katsu/ Crispy Sushi (香脆寿司卷/ Rm 11.90); Japanese Cucumbers, Unagi were nicely rolled and a small amount of Panko/ Japanese Breadcrumbs were stuck and deep fried till crisp. The texture was somewhat unique- crispy and crunchy on the outside, firm and crunchy (from Cucumber) on the inside, wonderfully touched up by the Japanese Mayonnaise. Not too shabby. 


Those with a bigger appetite could go for their Wisteria Bento (紫藤便当/ Rm 32.90) which comes with Salmon Sashimi, Karaage/ Japanese Fried Chicken, Deep Fried Fish Fingers, Teriyaki Chicken and a bowl of Miso Soup. The Salmon Sashimi was fresh and nicely sliced to the right thickness. The Teriyaki Chicken could be better though. It was not as juicy and tender as I would have hoped; also, I thought an extra-generous spread of Teriyaki sauce on the Chicken would do more justice. 


Sweet-ending was exceptionally unexpected. We were shocked yet delighted to see Matcha Pancake (抹茶甜点煎饼/ Rm 18.90), it was served together with their home-made Anko/ sweet Japanese Red Bean Paste, Mochi and a scoop of Matcha Ice Cream. A tiny jar of Brown Sugar was provided to us too. The Pancake alone was dense and it was not as fluffy as expected but to enjoy together with the Anko and Matcha Ice Cream was lovely. The sweet Anko balanced out the vegetal flavor from Matcha and provided a comforting sweetness to the Pancake. Never mind on the Mochi, it had not done much in its aid. 


Another dessert that stolen the spot light- Magic Matcha (魔法抹茶/ Rm 15.90); it has also received the unanimous votes as the "highlight" of the day. Thickly flavored Green Tea Latte topped with a scoop of Matcha Ice Cream and frozen Matcha cubes, finished with some Brown Sugar syrup. It possessed a very strong, noble Matcha-vegetal aroma that lingers in your mouth while the Latte provides a smooth and creamy texture to the drink. The idea of including Matcha Ice Cubes is to constantly preserving the flavors instead of the drink being overly diluted towards the end. Recommended. 


Additional Information:
Non-Halal
Service Charge: Yes 10%
Government Tax: No
Address: No. 124-E, Burmah Road, 10050, Georgetown, Penang.
Business Hours: 11: 30 am  to 11: 30 pm (Last Call at 10: 30 pm). Opens Daily. 
Contact Number: 604- 228 3889
Website: http://www.shunka.com.my/ *Full menu and details of the outlets are available on their website*

Map of 124, Jalan Burma, Georgetown, 10050 Pulau Pinang
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Cafe Bouchée @ Sunway Perdana, Prai, Penang.

October 3, 2014, 9:00 am
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Opened for just a few months, Cafe Bouchee has already proven to be one of the popular cafes at Seberang Prai. Tucked within the commercial shop houses opposite to Sunway Carnival at Seberang Jaya (few shops away from Sushi Zento), the cafe has quite an impressive interior decor- comfortable couches, spacious seating with funky-retro decorations. Although we love the environment and ambiance of the cafe, we thought they could put more effort in their foods. The menu did not surprise us with the ubiquitous Western dishes and Cakes. Nevertheless, Cafe Bouchee is still worth a visit if you are in the vicinity and looking for a decent place to have a cup of tea/ coffee.



Chocolate Fudge (Rm 8) came in a small portion and we were not impressed with the thick layer of Chocolate Cream sandwiched between the Chocolate Sponge. As expected, it was too creamy to our liking. The Chocolaty flavor was there but not as overwhelmed as we would have hoped. Quite a disappointment. 


Lemon Cheese Cake (Rm 8) was slightly better than Chocolate Fudge but it was not entirely great either. We like it being Cheesy and not saccharine sweet, with a nice zingy lemon flavor but not like the Sponge in between those Cheeses though. It was not the velvety smooth texture that we were looking forward to. 


House Blend Iced Lemon Tea (Rm 7.50)


Ratings:
Taste: 6/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 8/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 7/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Parking: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Ambiance: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Pork-Free
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No

Additional Information:
Address: No. 39, Jalan Todak 6, Sunway Perdana, 13700, Prai, Penang. 
Business Hours: 11 am to 12 am. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 604- 383 8505

6 Jalan Todak 2, Seberang Jaya, 13700 Perai, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
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Beep Beep Q @ Bangkok Lane, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

October 4, 2014, 9:01 am
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Barbecue devotees would be glad to know that there is a new Barbecue restaurant hit the shore of the island recently. Beep Beep Q walks a slightly different path, the restaurant offers made-to-order barbecue buffet dinner (at Rm 58 nett per person); guests get to choose their orders from their menu, not only featuring an array of meat but a wide selection of vegetables as well. The restaurateur cum Chef is a car enthusiast which explains why there are so many automotive spare parts adorning the walls. The setting is not posh or picturesque but rather simple with a few wooden tables and chairs. Al-fresco dining area is available for those who prefer a more outdoorsy ambiance. However, we belittled the setting and thought that the foods were very impressive and worth every single penny spent. Ala-carte lunch menu may be served in the near future. Beep Beep Q is situated at Bangkok Lane, Pulau Tikus.

Many Thanks to Beep Beep Q for hosting us that evening. 


Having honed his culinary skills abroad, the Chef dishes out very impressive grills. No lackluster, every single item served was meticulously paired with his home-made sauces. We get to sample both Sirloin Steak and Lamb Shoulder; Chef uses his home-made Barbecue sauce on the red meat. Both were grilled till perfection- juicy and fork-tender; little effort was necessary to slit through the meat. The Lamb Shoulder was especially toothsome for having the right ratio of fats to lean meat. Chef further impressed us with his creativity of topping a caramelized Pineapple on the meat (though canned Pineapples were used). We were indeed amazed by how the sweet and sour Pineapple amalgamated with the red meat; absolutely brilliant! We need not to dip the meat in any other sauce, the moderately spread of Barbecue sauce was good enough to grant the meat the necessary flavors. 


Unlike the red meat, Chef applies his own recipe of Butter and Garlic sauce to the Chicken Wings. The Wings were well-executed, though may be slightly rough in texture; Chef has certainly marinated them well. The sausages were equally lip-smacking, though not home-made; they scored well in terms of flavors and texture. Similarly to the red meat, Barbecue sauce was evenly spread over the sausage; it was not needy for any extra seasonings or dips. 


A quirky, playful yet enticing creation- Grilled Mangoes. The Mangoes were grilled to caramelize the surface and lightly spread with Honey Barbecue Sauce. The sweet and sour Mango was really appetizing but we thought it was not spectacular, more like a Mango with a hint of smokiness. It may be better if the Mangoes are in season, for a sweeter and juicier bite. 


We get to sample an array of their Grilled Vegetables- Zucchini, Broccoli, Oyster Mushrooms, Yam, and Aubergines. The Oyster Mushrooms were lightly sprinkled with Salt and Herbs, it was crunchy with a strong earthy flavor. The remaining vegetables were lightly spread with Chef's home-made Honey Barbecue Sauce which introduced a gentle savory-sweetness to the vegetables. We were intrigued by the presence of Yam (hereby named Crispy Yam), the Grilled Yam was blanketed with a thin layer of crispy-skin while the inner layer has a velvety texture. All vegetables were grilled to a perfect crunch. 


Alternate your serving with free flow of Salads, Mashed Potatoes and Soup; despite they did not manage to impress us with the dressing but the greens were very fresh and crunchy. The Mashed was toothsome, it was light and easy on the palate; not overly greasy with a nice buttery aroma and delicately salted while the extra fine touch of Herbs and Spices enhanced the flavor. The home-made Pumpkin Soup was equally delectable. It was creamy and robust with the Pumpkin flavor, the Chef did a nice twist here by leaving traces of Pumpkin chunks for the extra layer of dimension. If I were to nitpick, I would prefer it to be served warmer or perhaps, with some chewy-soft French Baguette. Other soups that may be served are Cream of Mushroom Soup and Chicken Pasta Soup.

You may also help yourself with a bucket of Tiger Beer at additional cost (all-day-long Happy Hour Promotion at Rm 52 nett per bucket/ 5 in a bucket) or just stick to the included plain water and fruit juices. 


Additional Information:
Non-Halal/ Wifi-available
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No
Address: No. 11, Bangkok Lane, 10250, Pulau Tikus, Penang. 
Business Hours: 6 pm to 10: 30 pm. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 6017- 754 1228

Map of 11, Lorong Bangkok, Georgetown, 10250 Pulau Pinang
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Kani Honke (螃蟹本家) @ Susukino. Sapporo, Hokkaido.

October 6, 2014, 9:01 am
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Hokkaido is famous for its fresh and quality seafood; while visiting local fish markets is a must, we took the opportunity to visit one of the most renown crab specialists in Sapporo on our recent visit to Hokkaido. Kani Honke (螃蟹本家) has a few branches across Japan and the branch we visited was somewhere near to our hotel at Susukino Train Station. Approximately  a 10-minute walk from Susukino Train Station, Kani Honke is very easy to locate, due to its tall and eye-catchy signage. The english-friendly restaurant has a very useful website, with description and prices written clearly (the website will be updated frequently too). The restaurant has a few floors and we were ushered to the third floor by a hospitable staff. We were invited to a private room with traditional Tatami setting which seats up to 4 person; lunch was a resounding success and we enjoyed the meal thoroughly. A worth-dropping by place if you are in the vicinity. 


We picked Kaiseki Hamanaka (2,600 Yen) and Kaiseki Esashi (3, 150 Yen) on our lunch visit. Most of the dishes are same in both Kaiseki with one or two different dishes. More information about their set lunch can be found on their website.

A great starter- Vinegared Mixed Crab appeared to be some ordinary blanched crab and the acetic vinegar flavor did not stand out. Fortunately, the voluptuous King Crab was fresh and succulent; every single bite carried a burst of the sweet crustacean and ocean wholesomeness. Despite the absence of the acidic tilt, I thought the starter was sublime. Orgasmic starter. 


King Crab Tofu


King Crab Mozuku

The King Crab Tofu was smooth but not soft; it requires a bite or two to fully accentuate the flavors. It carried similar characteristics as the commonly seen Chawan Mushi but different in its own way. King Crab Mozuku, on the other hand, is something unique than the usual starter. The Okinawa-Seaweed was served together with an acerbic tinge of Vinegar-sauce with two pieces of King Crab meat. It was refreshing with a crunchy texture but we did not find it mind-blowing. 


King Crab Salad comes with Pickled Vegetables and Wakame/ Japanese Seaweed but the main spotlight was of course, the King Crab. Lightly dip into the Japanese Mayonnaise, it was juicy and succulent, with a slight resilient bite in texture; the gentle sweetness of the Mayonnaise enhanced instead of overshadowing the Crab. By the way, did you notice the awkwardly stood up Orange? No idea on its presence but I just tucked in happily. 


Onto the main, we had a creamy and cheesy King Crab Gratin. It was served to us piping hot, we enjoyed the texture for being silky smooth. The serving portion was just nice as we were quite worried that we might get surfeited after finishing the dish; but we were glad that everything fits in nicely. Sinfully delicious but well-worth the guilt. 


A comforting touch- Crab Miso Soup is a quintessential dish here. It was beautifully cooked with a remarkable depth of flavors that you can even taste the seafood-sweetness infused within the soup. The Miso was aromatic and flavorful; I am confident that the soup will manage to thrill those with stubborn local palate. 


Another dish that managed to steal the scene- Fried Snow Crab was lip-smacking! It was lightly battered and skillfully deep fried to a tawny crisp. We were amazed by the shattering crisp of Panko/ Japanese Bread-Crumbs and how it worked well with the Snow Crab. You will regret for not trying this dish. 


Tummy-filling dish was Large King Crab Sushi Rolls; the ingredients- King Crab Meat, Tamago and Japanese Cucumber were deftly rolled to a firm but not hard texture. It was not needy for any Shoyu, just perfect to go on its own. The only possible criticism that I could make... they were too ungenerous with the portion. 


The Chef wrapped up the meal on a sweet note with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream with Blueberry Compote. The Ice Cream was creamy and milky to my liking, it was sweet but not entirely so (saccharine sweet); beautifully complemented by the Blueberry compote for a fruitier bite. What a lovely ending. 


Ratings:
Taste: 8/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 9/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 6.5/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Ambiance: 9/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Parking: N/A
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: Yes Japan has 8% GST/ GST is included in the prices shown in this blog post.

Additional Information:
Address: 4-1-3, Minami 6-Jo Nishi, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo-Shi, 064-0806, Hokkaido, Japan.
Business Hours: 11:30 am to 9 pm. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: (011) 551- 0018
Kani Honeke's main website: http://www.kani-honke.jp/e
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Clockwise Place Cafe @ Stewart Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

October 7, 2014, 9:00 am
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Ukrainian food may not be a common sight in most restaurants or cafes here in Penang but this particular cafe- Clockwise Place Cafe breaks the norm by offering a few Ukrainian dishes (Chicken Kiev is one of their signature dishes) that Penangites are not familiar with! Clockwise Place is a small lodging house with a cafe that offers simple and straight-forward breakfast dishes with a few unique Ukrainian dishes introduced by the lady owner. Prices are unbelievably low but the choices on the menu are very limited (they have plans on adding more dishes to the menu in the near future). It may be a little tricky to locate the place (it took me a while to find it) as no clear signage is being erected on the building (yet); the interior, on the other hand, exudes a very relaxed and energetic vibe, clearly shown from the resplendent tables and chairs. The staffs are friendly and helpful but finding a place to park your car may be a problem. Clockwise Place Cafe is situated right smack in town, the corner house of the intersection between Lebuh Klang and Stewart Lane. 


A healthy start- Fried Egg Set (Rm 8.90/ comes with a complimentary cup of Black Coffee or Tea); it has a side of fresh greens (dressed with Balsamic Vinegar), a Garlic-Butter toast (Oatmeal Bread) and two beautifully cooked Egg encased in Capsicum Rings. I was delighted to find that Eggs were not greasy at all, in fact, not even a trace of oil could be found. The Capsicum was nicely cooked, maintaining its juicy crunch. Similarly, the Oatmeal Toast was lightly buttered and it was light and easy on the palate. Simple, straight-forward yet delectable; great value too. 


For those with a sweet-tooth, try their Pancake Set (Rm 7.50/ comes with a complimentary cup of Black Coffee or Tea). The Pancakes were soft and pillowy with a small amount of Honey and condensed Milk drizzled over the Pancakes and jeweled with some Dried Cranberries and Raisins. Three pieces of Honeydew Melon were served as well. Nothing spectacular or exciting but good enough to kick start the day. 


Ratings:
Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good) *may not be spectacular for others but I like the dishes here being healthy and down to earth*
Price: 8/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Service: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Ambiance: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Parking: 5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Pork-Free/ Wifi-available
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No

Additional Information:
Address: 75, Stewart Lane, 10200, Georgetown, Penang. 
Business Hours: 8 am to 6 pm. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 604- 261 4235

Map of 75, Lorong Stewart, Georgetown, 10200 Pulau Pinang
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Delight Delicatessen @ Macalister Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

October 9, 2014, 9:00 am
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Delight Delicatessen has shadow of Nando's, the renowned flame-grilled Chicken specialist in Malaysia; evidently seen from its signature dish- Mera Mera Chicken and their home-made hot sauce. Both share some similarities, yet different in its own way. Opened for a year, the place has proven to be one of the favorite lunch spots for the nearby office workers. Reasons? Inexpensive, large portion, quality food and air-conditioned dining hall (though finding a place to park may be a problem). Setting of the place is simple and straight-forward (not meant for special occasions with your loved ones or largr groups). Delight Delicatessen is located at Macalister Lane, few shops away from the famous Seow Fong Lye Cafe and ATIC College Penang. 



Adventurous eaters or those with higher heat-tolerance can challenge their signature Flame Broiled Mera Mera Chicken (Rm 13.80 with 2 sides). Diners are to choose two sides out of four- choice of Fries, Coleslaw, Mera Mera Rice and Edamame. Apart from that, diners may choose the level of spiciness (hereby refers to Mera Level)- Mild Mera, Pungent Mera, Super Pungent Mera and X Mera. We opted for Super Pungent Mera. The Chicken Thigh was nicely grilled, with a slightly puckered-crispy skin. The Chicken was as hot as expected, but still within acceptable range. It was reasonably marinated but I thought the meat could be juicier. You may, of course, dip with their home-made Mera Mera Hot Sauce which added a tongue-numbingly hot sensation to the bite. Two possible outcomes, you will either shout Shiok! or Help!

The Coleslaw was okay, nothing out of the ordinary but I thought the combo of having Edamame was rather odd. I was expecting peeled Edamame but it turned out they were served unpeeled. I found it troublesome for me to peel and especially tiresome with the sauce around. Conclusion? Not too shabby if you wish to seek for a change or to challenge their piquant and peppery Mera Mera Hot sauce. 


Another signature dish of theirs- Spaghetti Meatballs Bolognese (Rm 12.80) comes with a rather generous portion, 6 meatballs and bountiful sprinkles of Cheese Powder. The Spaghetti, unfortunately, was slightly overcooked (but not slouchy) and no longer al-dente. The Bolognese sauce was meticulously seasoned with aplenty of minced Chicken meat but I thought it lacked of a crunch. It would be better if they could add in some Onions, Celery or Capsicum for the extra crunch and juicy bite. The Chicken Meatballs, on the other hand, were toothsome and abundantly seasoned with Herbs and Spices. The Meatball was pleasingly firm to the bite but can be rather salty on its own. Good value for the portion nevertheless. 


 Iced Peach Tea (Rm 2.80)


Ratings:
Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 7/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Service: 6.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Parking: 6/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Ambiance: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Pork-Free
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No

Additional Information:
Address: 86B and 86C, Lorong Macalister, 10400, Georgetown, Penang.
Business Hours: 11:30 am to 10 pm. Closed on every Tuesday.
Contact Number: 6016- 496 2266

Map of 86, Lorong Macalister, Georgetown, 11400 Pulau Pinang
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Bến Tàu Vietnamese Cuisine @ Union Street, Georgetown, Penang.

October 11, 2014, 9:00 am
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There are only a handful of Vietnamese restaurants in Penang and Ben Tau is one of the latest ones to burst on the scene. Opened in early September, this is one of the newer Vietnamese eateries in Penang, with a Vietnamese Chef. Albeit they have a seemingly extensive menu, but many dishes were not available on my visit (probably they were still new and have yet to stabilize their business operations). The interior decor is minimalist, with a few basic wooden tables and chairs; fortunately, the restaurant is fully air-conditioned which offers a more comfortable and pleasant ambiance. That, of course, inevitably leads to higher price tags (probably due to location as well). Ben Tau is tucked within the shop houses of Logan Heritage at Union Street, right beside to D' Dapor Express and Maybank; opposite to Standard Chartered Bank Penang. 



The Beef Pho (Rm 12.90) was not listed on the menu and I am glad that I asked. A familiar dish was served to our table- with bits of Beef slices, julienned Onions and a generous amount of chopped Spring Onions. A basket of fresh Thai Basils, Lime and raw Bean Sprouts was offered as well; together with Hoisin and Sriracha Sauce. The broth was clear and light in color; it carries a mellow sweetness and exhibits a little beef notes within. However, I did not quite enjoy the noodles for being clumpy and not smooth enough. Furthermore, I thought the Beef slices were slightly overcooked, giving a rough and hard texture. Decent Beef Pho, but my vote for the best Pho still goes to this place. 


Muc Chien Nuoc Man/ Stir Fried Squid with Onions (Rm 15.90) comes in a set consists of a can of Soft Drink and 2 Vietnamese Spring Rolls. The Squid was nicely cooked, slightly resilient but still fairly easy to the bite; while the generously added Onions and Garlic enhanced the flavors and added a bit of crunch. It possessed the essential "Wok Hei". However, I thought the ratio of the Squid was somehow incorrectly measured to the amount of White Rice; an additional Fried Egg would be great or best still, more Squids. 


Goi Cuon/ Vietnamese Pork and Shrimp Spring Rolls (Rm 12.90) served with Hoisin Sauce was okay but I thought the Prawn was thin and it affects the overall texture. Eat them up fast lest they revert back to a stale and rough Rice Paper. Ben Tau's Spring Rolls were pretty standard and nothing out of the ordinary but we thought the price is rather steep. 


Vietnamese Black Coffee (Rm 5.50)


Ratings:
Taste: 6.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 6.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 6/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Parking: 5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Ambiance: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Non-Halal
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No

Additional Information:
Address: 5, Lebuh Union, 10200, Georgetown, Penang. 
Business Hours: 12 pm to 3 pm, 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm on weekdays; 12 pm to 10:30 pm on Saturdays. Closed on every Sunday. 
Contact Number: 604- 261 3098

Map of 5, Lebuh Union, Georgetown, 10200 Pulau Pinang
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Paul Loiis @ King Street, Georgetown, Penang.

October 13, 2014, 9:01 am
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Paul Loiis is an extended outlet of Roti Bean Cafe, the just-opened cafe is nestled within a colonial styled building in the heartland of Georgetown- King Street. The building is primarily used as a student hostel for the nearby college students but Paul Loiis took a prominent spot of the building, occupying the corner lot, making it highly visible from the main entrance. The interior decor is minimalist but we like the window glass which allows the natural light to flood in and bestows a calm, comfortable and restful vibe. The cafe has a limited menu right now but more dishes are expect to be introduced by their grand opening next month. Interested diners can catch live Magic Show performance on every Friday evening at 8:30 pm (until 10 pm) at Paul Loiis.



This combination never fails to impress me- Chicken Ham, Poached Egg, Tomatoes and Mozzarella Cheese. Magically, all of the aforementioned ingredients appeared in one of their All-Day-Long Sets- Germanizer (Rm 18). The Eggs were perfectly poached; golden hue yolk oozes out with the slightest prick on the yolk. The Chicken Ham provides a pleasing-meaty bite (though I thought it could be smokier) but the highlight of the dish goes to the melted Mozzarella Cheese which imparts a savory and cheesy flavor to the dish. The Sourdough did its job well here, it did not turn slouchy though it was soaked in the yolk. One of the note worthy choices in Paul Loiis. Each order of their All-Day-Long Set comes with a complimentary Iced Lemon Tea and Soup of the Day. 


Another All-Day-Long Set- Tri-Kingdom Sausage (Rm 18) might not be too visually appealing; it comes with three different types of sausages- BBQ Chorizo Beef Sausage, Moroccan BBQ Lamb Sausage and Chicken BBQ Sausage, garnished with squiggles of Hollandaise sauce. The Sausages were smokey, firm and toothsome but they were slightly overcooked. The skins were puckered and the texture of the outer layer was somewhat too rough to my liking. Similarly, the Scrambled Egg was overcooked either (you have probably noticed that). 


Mushroom Soup that comes together with the All Day Long Set was disappointing. The texture was watery or perhaps, too diluted to my liking. It can be monotonous on its own and probably more chunks of Mushrooms would be better, for the stronger earthy flavor. 


For those who wish to have a quick bite, go for their Ciabatta with Tuna (Rm 12). Lightly buttered and toasted Ciabatta spread with a generous amount of Tuna and served with some fresh greens. The Ciabatta bread comes in a huge portion, with a pillow-chewy texture. Nothing spectacular about the Tuna spread but it has traces of Mayonnaise and some Herbs. Every order of their Sandwich set comes with a cup of complimentary Americano. This set on its own would make a satisfying light lunch. 


All desserts at Paul Loiis are home-made. Sweet ending was on the house, a warm gesture from the owner- Pavlova (Rm 12.80). I was quite worried that the meringue-based dessert could be saccharine sweet but fortunately, it was still within my acceptable range. The dessert was inevitably sweet but the velvety smooth cream encased in a light and airy texture with a crispy outer layer. It melted in the mouth in a glimpse of an eye! The freshly cut Fruits (Strawberries, Oranges, Kiwis and Bananas. No, I would have to disagree on the presence of Banana here) introduced a fruitier bite to the dessert while the Almond flakes provided another crunchy dimension. The hearty portion should be good enough for two person. 


Ratings:
Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 6.5/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Parking: 5.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Ambiance: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average)
Pork-Free/ Wifi-available
Service Charge: Yes 5%
Government Tax: No

Additional Information:
Address: 18, Lebuh King, 10200, Georgetown, Penang. *right next to Public Bank* 
Business Hours: 8:30 am to 11 pm. Kitchen closed at 4: 30 pm. Kitchen does not open on Mondays and coffee will be available from 3 pm to 11 pm on Mondays. 
Contact Number: 6017- 213 4383

Map of 18, Lebuh King, Georgetown, 10200 Pulau Pinang
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A List of Ken's Favorite Bakeries in Penang.

October 14, 2014, 9:01 am
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Penang has seen an increasing demand of good artisan bread and the mushrooming of many good bakeries. It can be a daunting task to cut through the novelties and get down to the solid ones. Fear not, I have a few recommendations here which might give you an idea on where to get a better slice of bread (in Penang). 

1) Yin's Sourdough Bakery & Cafe

A very passionate baker- Su Yin, had her humble beginning started few years ago at Balik Pulau and since relocated to the current location at Pesara Claimant (facing the Police Station nearby Carnavon Street). All breads are hand-crafted and freshly baked using natural ingredients and sourdough-baking method. According to Yin, it takes an average of 30 hours for her to bake a sourdough from scratch. Researchers believe that there are many health benefits for consuming sourdough bread, for more information on sourdough baking, you may refer to their website.

Cranberries and Walnut Sourdough (Rm 9.30)

I am a huge fan of their Cranberries and Walnut Sourdough (Rm 9.30), the bread is dense, crusty but soft and pillowy inside; with a generous amount of crushed Walnuts and Dried Cranberries. Great to go on its own but even better to go with a sliver of Cheese, Balsamic- Extra Virgin Olive Oil or light spread of Butter. The bread is best enjoyed within two days of purchasing. Other sourdough breads available are German Rye, Apple Cinnamon Swirl, Whole Wheat Sourdough, Cinnamon Roll Sourdough with Walnuts and Raisins. Sandwiches and Coffees are available too. 


Additional Information:
Pork-Free/ Wifi-Available
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No
Address: 11, Pesara Claimant, 10100, Georgetown, Penang. 
Business Hours: 7 am to 6 pm on every Monday to Friday; 7 am to 1 pm on Saturdays. 
Contact Number: 6011- 2419 5118

Map of Yin's Sourdough Bakery and Cafe


2) Love A Loaf Bakery Cafe 

In business for less than half a year, Love A Loaf Bakery Cafe has proven to be one of the favorite bakeries for the factory workers (working nearby); evidently seen from the relentless queue during lunch time on weekdays. Business is brisk as well even during odd hours. Go later than 3 pm and you might find yourself in an awkward situation- an almost empty bakery; the best time to visit will be around noon to 2 pm. Read my review on the bakery here.


Japanese Matcha Mochi (Rm 3.50)

I would recommend their Japanese Matcha Mochi (Rm 3.50), European Bread (Rm 4.20), Soft Baguette, Pain Au Chocolate and Darkseed Grain Bread. The Walnut-Raisins European Bread is soft but dense, blanketed in a chewy layer of pastry skin. Soft Baguette, on the other hand, is simple but toothsome. A thick cut of salted Butter being sandwiched in the Baguette and served with sprinkles of Sugar. The addictive savory-sweet yet chewy Baguette defies how the traditional Baguette is served but sinfully delicious yet well-worth the guilt. 


Additional Information:
Pork-Free/ Wifi-available
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No
Address: 1-1-16, Tingkat Mahsuri, 11950, Bayan Lepas, Penang. (The One)
Business Hours: 10am to 10pm. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 604- 645 9089

Map of Love A Loaf Bakery & Cafe


3) Continental Bakery

Continental Bakery is the de-facto bakery for the health-concern, the bakery is well-known to bake fresh and healthy loaves and buns to the locals; not only that it bakes a wide variety of breads, it serves some comforting mains as well, namely Spaghetti Bolognese, Nasi Lemak or even Cream of Mushroom Soup. Their home-made Egg Tarts, Kaya, Cheese Cakes and Cinnamon Rolls are some of the hot-sellers too. The best time to visit will be around noon, where most breads are fresh from the oven and up for grabs.


 Multi Grain Walnuts and Dates (Rm 6.60)

I have three recommendations- Multi Grain Walnuts and Dates (Rm 6.60), Purple Bun (Rm 5.90) and Wholewheat English Muffin (Rm 3.70).The Multi Grain Walnuts and Dates Loaf is best served when lightly toasted and enjoyed with a generous spread of Butter. It carries a hint of sweetness (from the Dates) and the crunchy Walnuts add another layer of dimension and texture to the bread. All breads are soft, fluffy and airy but it is advisable to consume them within two days. 

Additional Information:
Pork-Free
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No
Address: 33, Jalan Nagore, 10050, Georgetown, Penang.
Business Hours: 10 am to 7 pm. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 604- 228 3814

Map of Continental Bakery


4) The Bakery/ Sarkies Corner

Freshly baked loaves, cakes or pastries; you name it and you will find it in "The Bakery", a bakery housed within the grande dame of Penang's colonial styled five-star hotel- Eastern and Oriental Hotel. The Bakery does not only bake good rustic loaves but a wide array of pastries and cakes as well. Albeit prices may be on the higher side but they commensurate with quality and freshness. Most items are priced at Rm 12 each (including cakes and loaves, unless stated otherwise) but the beautiful part is, prices (of all items) will be slashed to 50% after 6 pm every day. Read about "Parisian Cafe Time" promotion here.


Expect to see aplenty choices of fresh loaves at The Bakery and that includes Sourdough Bread, French Village, Muesli Bread, Maize Bread, French Baguette etc. If you like your loaf with a crunchy thick crust, go for their best-seller French Village, a dense, crusty but tasty loaf. Equally good (if not better) will be their French Baguette- chewy, soft and crumbly. Sourdough Bread is another popular item but I have yet to try that unfortunately. My recommendations: French Baguette and Maize Bread.


Additional Information:
Pork-Free
Wifi-Available
Service Charge: Yes 10%
Government Tax: Yes 6%
Address: 10, Lebuh Farquhar, Georgetown, Penang.
Contact: 604- 222 2000
Website: http://www.eohotels.com/

Map of Eastern and Oriental


5) Sin Ka Oon Cake House & Bakery

The long-established confectionery cum bakery has been in business for many years and has since garnered an appreciate following. Sin Ka Oon is well-known for its quality Kaya/ Coconut Jam and traditional biscuits as well as snacks. Sin Ka Oon Cake House & Bakery is just a stone's throw distance away from the famous Air Itam Laksa near the wet market (of Air Itam).


Nine Grain Loaf (Rm 5)

I do not fancy all items here at Sin Ka Oon but this particular Nine Grain Loaf (Rm 5) stands out. It consists of Walnuts and Raisins, garnished with some Muesli and Flexseeds. The texture is soft and pillowy, with a tinge of sweetness from the Raisins. Their home-made Kaya/ Coconut Jam is lovely as well, preserving the flavors of yesteryears. Both the loaf and Kaya are selling like hot cakes, so be there as early as possible. Unfortunately, I will only recommend these two items; others are pretty standard-average and nothing to shout about (some of the traditional cakes and snacks can be extremely sweet).


Additional Information:
Pork-Free
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No
Address: 606M, Jalan Paya Terubong, 11500, Air Itam, Penang.
Business Hours: 5: 30 am to 10 pm. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 604- 828 2062

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K-Pot Korean Fusion Restaurant @ Prima Tanjung, Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

October 16, 2014, 9:06 am
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An extended outlet of K-Pot is housed within the commercial building of Prima Tanjung; the branch here offers a slightly different menu (not a place for Barbecue). The humble Korean restaurant here dishes out home-cooked style Korean dishes, at relatively lower prices as compared to its sister restaurant. The setting is simple- nothing pretentious, no kitschy posters/ mural paints on the wall, no elegant furniture; but rather, a clean and spacious place to have a quick meal. The serving speed was fast and the server was very friendly. A place that I would love to drop by to sate my cravings for Korean food. 



Toppoki/ Korean Rice Cake or Kimbap/ Korean Wrapped Rice Rolls? No worries. You can have both in one go by having their Toppoki + Kimbap Set (Rm 15). The Toppoki sauce was impressive, it was sweet with a mellow spicy kick. It was not monotonous, the sweetness was heightened by the generously added vegetables (Cabbage, Carrots, Onions and Spring Onions); while the Korean Rice Cake provides a chewy bite to the dish. Dip the Kimbap with the Toppoki sauce for a more dimensional flavor and texture. The Kimbap was firm and crunchy but nothing too spectacular on its own but it worked perfectly well with the sweet Toppoki sauce I reckon; a unique, sweet and satisfying bite that I could not put into words. 


Adventurous eaters would probably love to try their Spicy Fried Ramen (Rm 12- ala carte; Rm 15- with Kimbap). The instant noodle-like Korean Ramen was given a quick stir fry and Gochujang/ Korean Hot Pepper Paste was heavily used in this dish. The flavors were precisely calibrated- delicately salted but it comes with a tongue-numbingly hot sensation. The server was worried if we could finish the dish. We did manage to wipe every single noodle off the plate but boy, that dish was sweat-inducing. 


A safer yet more refreshing option will be Bibim Ramen (Rm 12- ala carte; Rm 15- with Kimbap); it has traces of Gochujang sauce, less-spicy of course. Julienned Cucumbers and a halved Hard Boiled Egg were topped on the noodles. The Cucumber provides a juicy crunch to the Ramen, introducing a more refreshing bite. Not too shabby though the portion was relatively smaller than the previous dish. 


Sides were simple but pleasing; Kimchi was as good as what we had at its sister restaurant few months back; crunchy, spicy and appetizing. Equally delicious was the Omelette; fluffy, eggy and delicately salted; a perfect complement to the noodles. Blanched Broccoli with a dollop of Gochujang sauce was direct and straight-forward, nothing out of the ordinary but I am not complaining. All sides are complimentary and refillable. 


Put a stop to the sultry heat by having their Bingsu (Rm 3.50-small, Rm 12- large), shaved ice drenched with Chocolate Syrup, served with Red Bean Paste and canned Fruits. Unfortunately, it was a disappointment. I did not expect to see Chocolate Syrup and canned Fruits here; it should not be hard to imagine the taste- nothing overly exciting or worth to mention. 


Ratings:
Taste: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 8/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 7.5/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Parking: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Ambiance: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Non-Halal
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No

Additional Information:
Address: 98-G-33, Prima Tanjung, Jalan Fettes, 10470, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.
Business Hours: 11:30 am to 10 pm. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 6012- 405 7421

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Soul Cafe @ Kek Chuan Road, Georgetown, Penang.

October 18, 2014, 9:35 am
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Sogor, the first female-only capsule hotel in Penang has finally opened its doors to the public while the first floor (or ground floor) of the dormitory is Soul Cafe. The curious cafe seeks to portray a different brand image and style whereby they brand themselves as the first photography cafe in Malaysia. While I did not find the interior decor particularly adhere to the theme, the wooden interior decor did manage to emanate a sense of tranquility and relaxing vibe. The main Chef would not be available until the end of October 2014 so the menu will be simple and small at the moment. The cafe will be introducing more Italian dishes in the near future so stay tuned to their announcement on their Facebook page. Soul Cafe is located at Kek Chuan Road, opposite to Basil, Le Bistrot and few shops away from Dolce Dessert Cafe.


A note-worthy choice at Soul Cafe, their Basil Pesto Tagliatelle (Rm 14) was somewhat impressive. The Basil Pesto sauce was well-executed- not greasy, lightly-salted, nutty and robust with the unique vegetal herbaceous flavor; completed with a touch of Cheese Powder. Simple, light, healthy but toothsome. However, those who prefer bold flavors may find the flavors on the thinner side. The Tagliatelle, on the other hand, could be better. Some of the Tagliatelle was nicely-cooked but some of the pasta gets stuck together, thus, affecting the texture. The portion was just nice (might be a little small for those with bigger appetite) but I thought it was rather flat and could be better with a piece of meat, Grilled Chicken Breast would be nice.


Mango Smoothie (Rm 13)


Ratings:
Taste: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good) *judged based on one main dish only*
Price: 7/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Ambiance: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
.Parking: 5.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Non-Halal/ Wifi-available
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No

Additional Information:
Address: 12, Jalan Kek Chuan, 10400, Georgetown, Penang. 
Business Hours: 11 am to 11 pm. Closed on every Sunday. 
Contact Number: 604- 226 8200
Email: soulcafe@sogor.my

Map of 12, Jalan Kek Chuan, Georgetown, 10400 Pulau Pinang
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Taman Perak Nasi Lemak @ Perak Road Market, Jelutong, Penang.

October 20, 2014, 9:01 am
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Call it early breakfast or late supper, this unassuming stall at Taman Perak had fans licking their lips in anticipation as early as 4:30 am in the morning. The Coffee House never sleeps, it opens so early that the whole stretch of bustling Perak Road is still in dark. I drove passed the place on an early morning and was surprised to see the long queue in front of the stall. Without second thought, I joined the crowd. Unlike the ubiquity of Nasi Lemak, this particular stall dishes out a few types of Curries and Sambals, as well as condiments; the stall is famous for its lip-smacking Sambal and very affordable prices. To find the stall, locate Perak Road Market along Jalan Perak, look for the Zebra crossing right in front of the market entrance. The Nasi Lemak stall is housed within the first Coffee House on your left. The best time to visit will be between 5 am to 6 am in the morning. 



Their specialty, Otak-Otak/ Steamed Spiced-Fish Cake was absolutely lovely. It was soft and lemak/ creamy, enhanced by the right amount of spices. Not to be missed will be their Ikan-Bilis/ Anchovies Sambal, brighten up the whole dish with its savory-sweet notes, with an agreeable amount of spiciness. I had all these- Ikan-Bilis Sambal, Otak-Otak, Okra and Assam Prawn atop Nasi Lemak/ Coconut-fragrant Rice for Rm 4 only. This is definitely one of the better places to look for when choices are extremely limited before dawn. 


Ratings:
Taste: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 6.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 8/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Ambiance: 4/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Parking: 5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Non-Halal
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No

Additional Information:
Address: Perak Road Wet Market.
Business Hours: 4:30 am to 8 am or until sold out. Opens Daily *subject to the uncle's mood*.
Contact Number: N/A

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The Big Beans @ Madras Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

October 21, 2014, 4:02 pm
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The Big Beans touts itself as a casual-leisure coffee place, it does not have a big menu offering a wide selection of food but rather; a simple, small home-cooked style menu consists of few pasta dishes, a couple of Sandwiches and some desserts. Undoubtedly, the place does exude such a relaxing vibe, the interior decor is generally simple painted with turquoise color and an eye-catchy angel-wing mural taking up the whole of one wall, resembling "dream big, fly high". Eclectic couches and comfortable pillows were carefully selected and the spacious seating ensures privacy; the whole place emits a minimalist sort of elegance. While the ambiance is good, I thought they need to work more on their menu. It is still a good place for a cup of Joe nevertheless. The Big Beans is located at Madras Lane, opposite to Copra Mill Leisure World. 



I would have decided to against it had I known about the Bolognese-alike sauce. As expected, I was not quite impressed with their Spicy Tuna Spaghetti (Rm 14.90) which came in a petite portion. The sauce was lackluster, it lacked of a crunchy element; perhaps some Onions or Capsicum will bring out more flavors. It was sweet, sour with hint of mild spiciness kicks in gradually. Traces of Tuna were seen but I would prefer mine to be in chunks, for a meatier bite. Some sprinkles of Cheese Powder would be great too. They need to re-craft their recipe for this dish. 


Coffee Creme Brulee (Rm 10.90)


Vanilla Creme Brulee (Rm 10.90)

They did not have much to offer on our visit (for sweet treats) and we decided to go for their Vanilla Creme Bruleel; creamy, milky custard beautifully covered under a torched sugary roof. The sweetness was quite balanced with a robust Vanilla flavor but I thought the burnt aroma needs to be stronger to bring out the full flavors of the caramelized top. Coffee Creme Brulee was on the house; unlike Vanilla, Coffee Creme Brulee possessed a strong Coffee flavor while maintaining the silky smooth texture. Burnt aroma was present for this time but I thought the ratio of caramelized top to the custard filling was somewhat inappropriately measured. A little fine-tuning to the recipe is needed. 


Ratings:
Taste: 6/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Ambiance: 8/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 6.5/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Parking: 6/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Non-Halal/ Wifi-available
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No

Additional Information:
Address: 52, Madras Lane, 10400, Georgetown, Penang.
Business Hours: 11:30 am to 12 am on every Friday and Saturday; 11:30 am to 10 pm on every Sunday to Thursday. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 604- 226 1876

Map of 52, Lorong Madras, Georgetown, 10400 Pulau Pinang
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Food Hunter's Guide @ Kulim （居林）, Kedah.

October 23, 2014, 9:00 am
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Kulim of Kedah would make a short but great getaway from Penang; not only that the town is quiet and surrounded by greeneries but it has a handful of hidden gems for foodies to unveil either. Kulim is approximately 40 minutes' drive from Penang Island and 15 minutes from Alma, Bukit Mertajam. Kulim is a great place for a half-day food adventure and to experience the relaxing and slow-paced life while looking at the heritage building in the heartland of Kulim. 

First Stop: Tan Kee Roast Duck (鲁乃陈记烧鸭) @ Lunas, Kedah.



Crispy Roasted Duck with Sour Plum Sauce (Half Bird for Rm 16)


Tan Kee's Signature Roasted Duck (Half Bird for Rm 15)


Braised Duck with Yam (Rm 7- Small/ Rm 13- Large)


Braised Beancurd and Eggs (Rm 3 for all these)

We started our early lunch at Lunas, Kedah before heading to Kulim. Lunas is approximately 10-15 minutes' drive from Kulim. It is a mistake to miss the famous Tan Kee Roast Duck if you are visiting Lunas. The restaurant has been operating for more than 30 years and has since, gained much attention not only from the locals but foreigners as well. We prefer their Sour Plum variant more than its signature Roasted Duck, the early one has a crispy skin, nicely served with a tangy and appetizing sour-sweet Plum Sauce. The Duck was tender and beautifully cooked, little effort was necessary to detach the meat. The latter one was delicious as well but we thought it was not good enough for us to drive all the way here just for it. Braised Duck with Yam was something special but I was not a huge fan of it, though my partners in crime seemed to enjoy the dish a lot. Other side dishes available are Kiam Chai Boey, Roasted Pork Belly, Roasted Chicken etc. Beware not to stuff too much of meat here as it may be your first stop of your food adventure.


Additional Information:
Non-Halal
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No
Address: 69I, 69J, 69K, Jalan Raya, 09600, Lunas, Kedah.
Business Hours: 10 am to 8 pm. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 604- 484 1918


Second Stop: Kelang Lama Home-made Chai Kuih (老火较菜粿)


Home-made Chai Kuih (Rm 0.70/ each)

Hidden inside a residential area behind Jalan Kelang Lama is a humble stall selling home-made Chai Kuih/ Teo Chew Steamed Vege-Dumplings. There are two types of Chai Kuihs available- julienned Jicama and Chives. Both are different yet similar in its own way. The crystal clear skin was smooth but I thought the skin could be thinner. The filling was great- fresh, crunchy and delicately salted; even better with a light dip on the Chili sauce.


Additional Information:
Pork-Free
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No
Address: Kampung Tunku Putra, 09000, Kulim, Kedah.
Business Hours: 11 am to 5: 30 pm. Closed on every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.


Third Stop: Kelang Lama Assam Laksa (老火较叻沙)



Assam Laksa (Rm 3.50- Small/ Rm 4.50- Large) and Prawn Cracker (Rm 0.30/ piece)


Ice Kacang (Rm 2.30)

You may wish to pack your Chai Kuih and walk to next door as the neighbour serves one of the most famous Assam Laksas in Kulim. The place is especially famous amongst the factory workers so it can be quite crowded during lunch hours. The Assam Laksa possessed a very strong Tamarind flavor with very little fishy-note hidden beneath. The Noodles, on the other hand, were not as springy as I would have hoped. A better way to savor the Assam Laksa will be dipping the Prawn Cracker into the soup, for a crunchier and more layered texture. Not mind-blowingly good but more than sufficient to stimulate your appetite.


Additional Information:
Pork-Free
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No
Address: Kampung Tunku Putra, 09000, Kulim, Kedah.
Business Hours: 11 am to 6: 30pm. Closed on every Wednesday.
Contact Number: 604- 490 4938

Fourth Stop: Anak Kulim Eatery


Pumpkin Noodle Soup (Rm 7.90)


Black Forest Chicken Rice (Rm 8.90)


Japanese Cotton Cheese Cake (Rm 7.90)


Ice Lemon Tea (Rm 3.90) and Three-Spices Tea (Rm 3.90)

Stepping into Anak Kulim Eatery feels like stepping into a time portal, it feels like we were being sent back to two centuries ago. The home-made Chinese wooden furniture and antiques exuded a mysterious yet relaxing vibe. It was raining on our visit and the whole cafe was breezy and airy. Anak Kulim proffers a small home-cooked menu at unbelievably low prices. We were introduced to Pumpkin Noodle Soup by one of the servers, the broth carried bits of Pork Meat with a mellow Pumpkin-sweetness. The beaten Egg, however, over-shadowed the Pumpkin flavor. The flavors were just too thin and we thought it may be better if they could add another pinch of Salt. 

The second dish- Black Forest Chicken, was lovely. Whole Chicken Thigh was braised till fork tender using Dark Soya Sauce and various kinds of Herbs that we could not discern. It has some familiar flavors of my aunt's recipe and it was very comforting for a wet rainy day. The star dish of the day, however, goes to the sweet ending- Japanese Cotton Cheese Cake. The Cake was soft, fluffy with a mellow Cheesy flavor and a well-balanced sweetness. Pair it with the refreshingly sour-sweet Three-Spices Tea and they will be your perfect complement to your relaxing afternoon.


Additional Information:
Non-Halal
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No
Address: 66A, Jalan Raya, 09000, Kulim, Kedah.
Business Hours: 12 pm to 8 pm on every Tuesday to Saturday. 12 pm to 6 pm on Sundays. Closed on every Monday.
Contact Number: 604- 490 6148

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The Library Coffee Bar @ Alma, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

October 26, 2014, 4:18 pm
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The developing town of Alma (at Bukit Mertajam) welcomes the 7th branch of a renown coffee specialist in Malaysia- The Library Coffee Bar. Located at the new commercial area- Impiana Gallery opposite Tesco Alma, the double storey shoplot will be a great place to hang out for the cafe hoppers nearby. The Library Coffee Bar has quite an extensive menu, featuring not only mains but appetizers and desserts too. The place is nicely decorated according to the theme- with books scatteredly placed on brightly colored book racks and comfortable couches. However, seats were very limited on our visit (probably due to the overwhelming crowd on Friday evening) and the service was rather slow. Nevertheless, this is one of the few places that I would not mind to drop by again.


Blueberry Fresh Fruit Waffle (Rm 13.50) was nicely done- fluffy, soft with crispy edges but the dollops of whipped cream ruined the entire dish. The Waffle was served to us hot which was great but it also speeds up the melting process of the whipped cream. It is advisable to enjoy the Waffle lest the whipped cream messes up the whole dish. Flavors were alright, the Blueberries did not do much justice to the dish and I reckon Ice Cream might be a better replacement to whipped cream.


An intriguing sweet treat- Kaya Banana Wanton (Rm 9.90 for six). Filo, the thin French pastry skin was used instead of the usual Wanton skin. The marriage between Kaya/ Coconut Jam and Banana was brilliant (probably with a touch of Thai-influence), though inevitably sweet but the aromatic Coconut flavor works perfectly well with Banana while the crispy Filo added another layer of dimension to the sweet treat. A good substitute to the usual slice of Cake.


We could not resist the temptation so we settled with a slice of Chocolate Rum Cake (Rm 10.50). The Cake was moist with a hint of Rum but not as Chocolaty as we wished. It did not hit us with a huge surprise, a pretty standard-average one.


I am easily attracted to anything black and I knew I just had to order their Spicy Thai Bamboo Noodles (Rm 12.90), dressed with a pungent, tangy, spicy and garlicky sour-sweet sauce. The Thai-influence dish has traces of Thai cold noodles but we were not impressed with the Bamboo Noodles, I thought they were too soft and lacked of a bite. The dressing, on the other hand, was not entirely great either, I did not like it for being too acidic. Probably something that I would not order again.


Ratings:
Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 6/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 7/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Ambiance: 6/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Parking: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service Charge: Yes 5%
Government Tax: No

Additional Information:
Address: 2333, Impiana Gallery, Jalan Rozhan, Alma, 14000, Bukit Mertajam, Penang. 
Business Hours: 10 am to 12 am. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 604- 548 5539

Map of 2333, Jalan Rozhan, Taman Impian Ria, 14100 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
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Ken Hunts Food: 24-Hour Food Guide in Penang.

October 28, 2014, 9:01 am
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Penang is famous for its diversified range of street food. It is not impossible to find and indulge in good food throughout the day. Here's how, this guide is especially useful when you are short of time and wish to fully utilize the time as well as your tummy space.

6 am: Te Chang You Tiao Wang/ Chinese Crullers




Old Penangites' favorite breakfast combination: Chinese Crullers/ You Tiao with a cup of hot Hainanese Black Coffee. It does not work for me, but it works for many for sure. You can grab a pair of extra long Chinese Crullers (approximately 14 inches) here at Te Chang You Tiao Wang. It opens as early as 6 am and all Chinese Crullers are freshly made and fried on the spot.


 Address: No. 1250 A, Jalan Paya Terubong, 11060, Ayer Itam, Penang.
 Business Hours: 6 am to 11 am. Closed on every Tuesday.

Alternatively, you may try Paya Terubong's Famous Hokkien Mee


If you are not a fan of Chinese Crullers, try to locate this Hokkien Mee along the same road. The stall is tucked within a village house. It is very famous amongst the neary residents. The broth is light and carries stronger pork notes with a soft shrimp flavor. Not particularly astonishing, but the place has ample parking space and spacious seating area. A bowl of Hokkien Mee costs Rm 3.30 (small).


Address: Along Jalan Paya Terubong, 11060, Air Itam, Penang.
Business Hours: 6 am to 11 am. Closed on every Sunday.



Your day continues with a bowl of good Hokkien Mee using a recipe passed down from previous generations. The addictive broth is robust with Prawn flavors and they are not close-fisted on giving Pork Lards and Chili Paste, but be prepared of the relentless queue. Expect at least a 30-minute wait if you wish to savor on this authentic Penang Hokkien Mee.


Address: No. 2-G-7, Lengkok Nipah, Taman Lip Sin, 11900, Bayan Lepas, Penang.
Business Hours: 7 am to 11:30 am. Opens Daily.



I would not say their version of Koay Teow Th'ng is authentic but who cares as long as they are good? I would recommend their La-Mien instead of Koay Teow Th'ng, for a springier texture and sweet Radish-Pork broth, completed with a beautiful soft-boiled Egg. If you wish, go for their Chicken Feet either, nicely cut and beautifully cooked, served with light Soya Sauce. Nothing spectacular but selling at Rm 2 per bowl, that's a steal!


Address: No. 37, Lorong Abu Siti, 10400, Georgetown, Penang.
Business Hour: 8am to 9pm. Opens Daily (Closed on the 1st and 15th day of the Chinese Lunar Calendar).
Contact Number: 604- 227 0216



The long-established Hot Bowl is famous not only amongst the locals but foreigners as well. However, I did not find their Curry Mee outstanding. What impresses me is their Deboned Chicken; absolutely smooth, tender and juicy, even better to go with their home-made Chili sauce.Hot Bowl Curry Mee has since relocated to Rangoon Road.


Address: 58-C, Jalan Rangoon, 10400, Penang. 
Business Hour: 8am to 3pm; Closed on every Monday.
Contact number: 604- 227 3168



I am one of the regular patrons at this place, I love their home-made Eel Balls and velvety smooth Koay Teow but no Koay Teow Th'ng is perfect without Bird's Eye Chili condiment and this particular place has its own version- with Lime juice and chopped Garlic added.


Address: 183, Carnavon Street, 10100, Penang. *Beside 'Tiger' Char Koay Teow*
Business Hour: 8am to 4pm (Tuesday to Sunday); 8am to 1pm on Sunday. Closed on every Monday.
Contact Number: 017- 479 3208/ 017- 4773419



Nasi Ulam is a rare sight in Penang but it is even tougher to find a better one. Aunty Mimi serves good Nasi Ulam at unbeatable price; it goes perfectly with her special Assam Pedas. This combination is only available on every Friday, so be there as early as possible or call to reserve yours. Equally worth-savor dishes are Tom Yum Noodles, Nyonya Laksa and Assam Laksa.


Address: 41, Macalister Road, 10400, Georgetown, Penang.
Business Hour: 9am to 2:30pm. Closed on every Saturday and Sunday.
Contact Number: 604- 226 5184 OR 019- 472 3311



You might want to try Tiger's Char Koay Teow especially when you are savoring your bowl of Koay Teow Th'ng at Pitt Street's as Tiger is only few shops away from Pitt Street's Koay Teow Th'ng. The Char Koay Teow here possesses the quintessential "Wok Hei" with fresh and succulent Prawns, yet, at wallet-friendly price. Another advantage: you need not to wait for a long time before they serve you your plate of piping hot Char Koay Teow or to face the infamous-discourteous lady at Lorong Selamat.


Address: 179, Carnavon Street, 10300, Georgetown, Penang.
Business Hours: 8am to 2:30pm. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 6016- 458 0926



My favorite Assam Laksa goes to Kim's at Balik Pulau. Reasons? A balanced medley of sweet, sour and spicy notes in the fish-broth with bouncy home-made Laksa noodles. The generous amount of Fish Meat would make any Laksa lovers weak in the knees. Another variant of Laksa- Siam Laksa is available at Kim's too.


Address: 67, Jalan Balik Pulau, 11000, Balik Pulau, Penang.
Opening Hours: 12pm to 3:30pm. Closed on every Tuesday and Wednesday.



A famous place for the office workers nearby, Hou Mei Yuen has been in business for many years. I have been eating at this place since I was still studying in primary school. I love the springy Pan Mee and the sweet Jicama-Anchovy broth. However, the real kick is their home-made Chili Paste, which can be tongue-numbingly hot to some; adds a unique yet delightful touch to the soupy noodle dish. The Dry variant is equally good with a sweeter Dark Soya Sauce flavor. Try not to miss their Rojak if you are in the vicinity, decent with reasonable price.


Address: Block F, Taman Bukit Jambul Flat, Jalan Bukit Gambier, Bukit Jambul, 11900, Penang.
Business Hour: 8am to 2:30pm. Closed on every Sunday.



The locals' favorite afternoon tea- Kaya Butter Toast with Soft-Boiled Egg, completed with a cup of Hainanese Black Coffee. All these are available at Ah Wang's. The place is quite hidden and secluded, those who made their way here are those who are in the know. Ah Wang's home-made Kaya (Coconut Jam) is one of the better Kayas that you can find in Penang.


Address: J-6, Gerai Uda, Flat Uda Fasa 3, 10470 Tanjung Tokong, Penang.
Business Hour: 1.30pm to 6pm, Closed on every Sunday.
Contact Number: 604- 898 2318



Have a light snack at this humble and unpretentious stall along Lintang Angsana where you get to pick your favorite ingredients and dip into their home-made thick but sweet Rojak sauce. You can either go for the refreshing fruits or you may even go for the heavier deep fried nibbles. Choose your Rojak Sauce carefully, pick the wrong one and you may sweat like a cow. The one with a Chili sign can be really hot! Each stick/ skewer is priced reasonably at Rm 0.70 each.


Address: Lintang Angsana, Bandar Baru Ayer Itam 11500, Ayer Itam, Penang (right in front of ToTo and Magnum 4D).
Business Hour: 12pm to 7pm (will finish earlier if their business is good on that particular day); Closed on every Monday and Thursday.



Sulaiman's Chapati is definitely one of the hidden gems in Penang; it deserves more recognition. Sulaiman cooks the best Chapati I've ever tasted. The bread is soft, pillowy and slight resilient in texture. The condiments are meticulously prepared as well- Sardines, Beef Curry, Curry Chicken or Vege-Curry; all are equally toothsome. Go there as early as you could or you will end up in a long queue.


Address: D-1-7, Taman Tun Sardon, 11700 Gelugor, Penang.
Business Hour: 3pm to 8pm (Closed on every Wednesday)
Contact Number: 012- 594 6116



I am a fan of this Beef Koay Teow stall (at Batu Lanchang), it rivals those famous establishments and this can be easily explained by their super bouncy Beef Balls, sweet beefy broth as well as fiery hot home-made Chili Sauce. The generous sprinkles of chopped Parsley adds a lot of marks to this comforting bowl of Beef Noodles too. Try to believe.


Address: Jalan Tan Sri Teh Hwe Lim, 11600, Penang. (same row as Lam Wah Ee hospital and right next to Eve bakery, the name of the hawker center is New B Garden Cafe)
Business Hour: 4:30pm to 11:00pm, Closed on alternate Thursday.



Nothing beats Lok Lok with a wide variety of home-made condiments and the famous stall at Pulau Tikus market manages to sate my craving without fail. The owner dishes out 7 different types of condiments- ranging from the appetizingly refreshing sour-sweet sauce to lip-numbingly hot Chili paste. My favorites are Squid, Jellyfish, Kangkung-Cuttlefish and Fish Balls. This particular stall (it was at the end of the market if you must know) has since moved to a new location, facing the Police Station at Pulau Tikus.


Address: *New Location* Opposite to the Police Station along Jalan Burmah, 10350, Georgetown, Penang.
Business Hours: 6 pm to 10:30 pm.



If you are up for a Teo Chew style Steamboat Hot Pot (with Deep Fried Yam and Fish included in the soup), then you should not miss this place. The clear broth is naturally sweet and goes well with any steamboat ingredients. Cheapest set is available from Rm 60 onwards.


Address: 7, Medan Penaga, Batu Lanchang, 11600, Penang.
Business Hour: 6pm to 10pm. Closed on every Tuesday.
Contact Number: 6016- 455 5955



Recharge yourself by having an invigorating home-cooked dessert from Sweet-i Dessert House. The place is famous amongst the local residents for serving fresh and quality Chinese desserts. Business is brisk, so be there early if you wish to have more choices. My all time favorites are Barley-Soya Milk with Gingko, Red Bean Soup with Japanese Seaweed, Pumpkin-Coconut Cream and Sesame Paste.


Address: No. 41, Jalan Nipah, Taman Lip Sin, Penang.
Business Hour: 5pm to 10:30pm. Daily.
Contact Number: 012- 485 3627

 10 pm: Khun Thai Restaurant


Khun Thai has a few branches in Malaysia but I just could not think of any reasons to exclude this place. It serves some of the best yet authentic Thai dishes that you could possibly find in Penang. However, please be prepared of the sweat-inducing experience as your palate is about to be challenged by their fervently-spicy dishes. My recommendations are Mixed Seafood Tom Yum, Steamed Hot and Sour Squid and Cha Om/ Thai Omelette.   


Address: 1052, Mukim 9, Pasir Belanda, Teluk Kumbar, 11920, Penang.
Business Hour: 11am to 11pm. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 604- 625 1155

11 pm: Chulia Street's Wanton Mee


This stall of Wanton Mee along Chulia Street has gained a lot of fame over the net in the recent years and they are not famous for nothing. Unlike Hong Kong style Wanton Mee, the noodles are as authentic as you can get (hereby refers to Penang Wanton Mee), it has a hint of Lye Water, beautifully drenched in a savory-sweet Dark Soya Sauce with a generous amount of Fried Pork Lards.


Address: Chulia Street, 10200, Georgetown, Penang.
Business Hours: 6: 30 pm to 12 am. Closed on every Monday.

12 am: Air Itam Duck Rice


When asked where to have supper and the frequent answer to this question will be the famous Air Itam Duck Rice at Air Itam wet market. The stall has been operating and serving the working class for many years. It is popular of its Braised Duck Rice with Braised Pork Belly, Braised Beancurd, Braised Egg and Pork Innards. It has traces of Koay Chiap but in the form of Rice. The combination between the braised soy sauce, meat, rice and their Chili was absolutely lovely; but be prepared to queue for at least 10-15 minutes.


Address: Air Itam Wet Market Hawker Center.
Business Hours: 10: 30 pm to 2: 30 am (or until sold out). Opens Daily.

1 am: Dhoby Ghaut's Koay Teow Th'ng


It would be a daunting task to find a bowl of Duck Meat Koay Teow Th'ng in the middle of the night but the students from USM would probably recommend this place. Not the fact that the Duck Meat Koay Teow Th'ng is mind-blowingly good but the fact that it is not easy to find a bowl of soupy comfort food at this hour. If you are not too fond of Koay Teow Th'ng, go for their Curry Mee or Stir Fry Seafood dishes.


Address: 247H, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 11900, Sungai Nibong, Penang.
Business Hours: 7 pm to 2 am. Closed on every Monday.

2 am: Old Green House Hokkien Mee


The de-facto place for supper hunters- Old Green House Hokkien Mee; where diners get to pick additional add-ons such as Pig Intestines, Roasted Pork Belly, Fish Balls etc. It may not be the best Hokkien Mee but more than sufficient to satisfy your tummy at this hour. While you are in the vicinity, try not to miss their Deboned Chicken as well, could be smoother but I like light Soya Sauce and the Chili Sauce, great add-on to your bowl of Hokkien Mee. Bak Kut Teh is one of the recommended things to try too.


Address: 223, Burmah Road, 10050, Georgetown, Penang.
Business Hours: 7 pm to 3 am. Closed on every Sunday.

3 am: Xin Ji De Shi Dim Sum


Having Dim Sum at late night is no longer impossible, make your way to Xin Ji De Shi nearby Lorong Kulit Flea Market. A wide variety of Dim Sum is available from Rm 2.40 and the server will reheat them to piping hot before serving them to you. Nothing to shout over the food but the place is clean and quiet enough to have a sip on Chinese Tea and to have some nibbles.


Address: 42, Jaaln Air Itam, 10460, Georgetown, Penang.
Business Hours: 8: 30 pm to 4 am. Opens Daily.

4 am:Paya Terubong's Famous Nasi Lemak


The folks wake up as early as 4 am to queue for this famous Nasi Lemak along Jalan Paya Terubong which has been selling for more than 30 years. Business is brisk as early as 5 am. I had to join in the long queue for a taste of this Nasi Lemak. The Sambal and Curry Chicken were lovely but the Rice was a little undercooked, still fragrant nevertheless. I had Curry Chicken, Prawn, Sambal Ikan Bilis, Fried Fish, Hard Boiled Egg and Rice; all for Rm 5 nett.


Address: Jalan Paya Terubong, 11060, Air Itam, Penang. *Same row and few shops away from Sin Nam Huat Chicken Rice*
Business Hours: 4 am to 10 am (or sold out). Closed on Sundays.

5 am: Taman Perak Nasi Lemak


This hidden gem at Perak Road's wet market draws the nearby residents' attentions as early as 4: 30 am. The regulars will be queuing with anticipation, in hopes to get a taste of the rich, spicy and especially tasty Nasi Lemak. Unlike most Nasi Lemaks that we can find, this particular stall has a wide variety of dishes, some of the not-to-be-missed dishes are Otak-Otak, Sambal Ikan Bilis, and Curry Prawns.


Address: Perak Road Wet Market.
Business Hours: 4:30 am to 8 am or until sold out. Opens Daily *subject to the uncle's mood*.

 Alternatively, go for Sungai Ara's Roasted Pork Belly/ Siew Yok


This unassuming stall at Sungai Ara defies the traditional way of roasting Pork Belly. It uses Coconut Shell instead of the commercialized electronic oven to roast the meat. The result is a juicier and tender bite, with a hint of Coconut flavor. Roasted Chicken, Char Siew and Roasted Duck are also available. The portion above costs Rm 5 nett.


Address: Tingkat Sungai Ara 1, Mukim 12, 11900, Sungai Ara, Penang. *Near to Shell Petrol Station and the parking space*
Business Hours: 5: 30 am to 12: 30 pm. Off day is random. Call for reservation if you need to.
Contact Number: 6017- 493 2638
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The Classroom Cafe @ Raja Uda, Butterworth, Penang.

October 30, 2014, 4:39 pm
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I have mixed feelings towards the word "Classroom" and the interior decor at The Classroom Cafe is a reminiscent of my schooling days- Blackboard, Chalk, Test Tubes and of course, odd mathematical equations (p/s: I hate the school uniform but who likes it anyway). Blank papers are attached to the table and guests can draw anything on the paper using the crayons provided. The gimmick is there but the menu has nothing interesting but some localized Western food as well as some snacks. Good for novelty sake but they need to come out with a more sturdy menu to retain the customers.


It was fun playing with The Classroom Cafe's Laboratory Set (Rm 15) which comes in around four or five different types of Soda. The Soda flavors include Sarsi, 100 Plus, Pineapple, Peppermint and some other flavors we could not discern. The Laboratory Set is only available for guests dining in the private room (a minimum order of Rm 60 is required to sit in the private room). Nothing astonishing but we had fun mixing and matching different flavors of Soda to come out with new flavors. However, we thought they were quite sweet and decided not to finish them.


Orange Cake (Rm 13.90) did not manage to convince us with its unattractive presentation in the beginning but fortunately, it tasted better than our expectations. It was sweet, with a velvety smooth, creamy, moist and a hint of zesty Orange flavor. The Chef brilliantly sandwiched bits of Longan in the cake and I thought that changes the entire texture of the cake without affecting on the flavor. Not too shabby.


Cappuccino (Rm 9.50- Hot)


Ice Blended Hazelnut (Rm 11.50)


Peach Green Tea (Rm 6.50)


Ratings:
Taste: 6.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 6.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 6.5/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Ambiance: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Parking: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No

Additional Information:
Address: No. 2, Lorong Teras 9, Kawasan Perniagaan Teras Jaya, 13400, Butterworth, Penang. *shop houses along Jalan Ong Yi How, somewhere opposite to Chung Ling Butterworth.*
Business Hours: 11 am to 12 am. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 604- 313 3919

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Yun Shui Ge Tea House (云水阁) @ Macalister Road, Georgetown, Penang.

November 2, 2014, 3:07 pm
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Who would have thought that there is a cozy, unpretentious and humble tea house nestled within the quiet political party's mansion- Gerakan Service Center at Macalister Road. I would not be able to locate the place had I not looked into their Facebook page. No, there is no signage in front of the building so navigate your way until the end of the building and you will see Yun Shui Ge Tea House tucked nicely behind the building. The concept of Yun Shui Ge Tea House is simple- to provide a clean and comfortable environment (though the seats could be more comfortable) for customers to enjoy their range of luscious home-cooked dishes. Healthy and vegetarian dishes are available upon request. 



One of the signature dishes in Yun Shui Ge Tea House, Simple Noodles (Rm 5.80) consist of home-made Wanton-Mee-like noodle lightly tossed with light Soya Sauce and Pork Lards. The simplicity of the combination translates into an amiable dish. The noodles were not al-dente but neither were they slouchy, probably somewhere in between; beautifully complemented by the crispy and aromatic Pork Lards. Not too shabby for that price. 


A comforting end to the meal, Glutinous Rice Balls with Multigrain Soya Milk (Rm 7.80); freshly made Glutinous Rice Balls, sweetened Ginkgo Seeds served with a bowl of piping hot Multigrain Soya Milk. The Soya Milk was smooth with a mellow sweetness; we were delighted to know that the Glutinous Rice Balls were home-made, using natural ingredients such as Pumpkin and Pandan. My partner in crime seemed to enjoy the dessert a lot. 


Ratings:
Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 7.5/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Service: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Parking: 8.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Ambiance: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Non-Halal
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No

Additional Information:
Address: 139, Jalan Macalister, 10400, Georgetown, Penang. 
Business Hours: 10 am to 7 pm on Mondays to Fridays; 8:30 am to 6 pm on Sundays. Closed on every Saturday. 
Contact Number: 6016- 558 5662

Map of 139, Jalan Macalister, Georgetown, 11400 Pulau Pinang
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Afternoon Tea @ Farquhar Mansion, Farquhar Street, Georgetown, Penang.

November 4, 2014, 3:33 pm
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The new posh fine-dining establishment along Farquhar Street rolls out a new Afternoon Tea set recently. The Afternoon Tea set is priced at Rm 98++ for two or Rm 138++ for three respectively. Diners will be served with a traditional three-tier English Afternoon Tea stand filled with both home-made savories and sweets. Not only does Farquhar Mansion strive to score well in taste, food quality but it seeks to please your visual sense and the entire dining experience as well.  A tea cart will be pushed by the well-trained server and diners get to choose their preferred tea as well as to listen to the server's erudite explanation. 

Afternoon Tea Set:
Price: Rm 98++ for Two/ Rm 138++ for Three.
Availability: 3 pm to 5 pm (Last Call at 4 pm). Daily, except on Mondays. Limited to 10 sets daily and at least one-day in advance reservation is required.

Many Thanks to Farquhar Mansion for hosting us.


The restaurant uses a world-renowned brand for their Tea- Ronnefeldt, which synonymous for premium quality Tea. There are a total of seven different flavors available- Jasmine, Sweet Berries, Cream Orange, Refreshing Mint, Earl Grey, English Breakfast and Fruity White.

If you are a fan of Coffee, go for their Pour-Over Coffee. Farquhar Mansion's house blend consists of different Arabica Coffee Beans; diners get to witness the entire pour-over process; from Wetting, Dissolution to Diffusion. The entire dining room was imbued with a wonderful aroma as we listened carefully to the skilled server's explanation. A very unique Afternoon Tea experience indeed.


First-tier: Tomato Bruschetta, Tuna Ciabatta Arugula, Wild Mushroom Savory Pie and Deep Fried Codfish Ball with Orange Aioli.

There were four different types of savories and Deep Fried Codfish Balls left us the deepest impression. Crispy, meaty but the refreshing Orange Aioli sort of cuts through the greasiness and introduced a tangy and fruity flavor. The Bruschetta was not shabby either, though the Baguette was slightly thinner to my liking but the fine spread of Basil Pesto with Feta Cheese offers a garlicky and herbaceous aroma to it.


Second-tier: English Scones with home-made Clotted Cream and Strawberry Jam, Pain Au Chocolat and Madeleine.

The Chef attempts to defy the conventional way of baking English Scones- Buttermilk is used instead. The result is a moist, less-crumbly and denser Scones. The real draw here is the home-made Clotted Cream, almost on par with the one I had before, if not better. Pain Au Chocolat has the correct flavors but the Chocolate could be softer and we were expecting a melt-in-your-mouth sensation but it did not happen. In fact, it required a bite.


Third-tier: Panna Cotta, Cheese Block, Opera Cake and Chocolate Truffles.

We were very pleased with the top tier- the sweets, were impressive. We started with Panna Cotta, a creamily smooth Italian dessert with a well-balanced sweetness and some crunch from the crushed Oreo. The Cheese Block was another ingenious creation, it was cheesy with a velvety smooth texture. The twist is the tiny Macaron; eat both together and the sweetness of the Macaron will be balanced by the savory Cheese Cake; while the Macaron adds a crunch to the texture. Absolutely lovely.


Additional Information:
Pork-Free
Service Charge: Yes 10%
Government Tax: Yes 6%
Address: No. 33, Lebuh Farquhar, 10200, Georgetown, Penang.
Business Hours: 12 pm to 3 pm; 6 pm to 12 am (last order for restaurant dishes at 10 pm). Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 6019- 528 8933 
Email: farquhar.pg@gmail.com

Lebuh Farquhar, Georgetown, 10200 Pulau Pinang
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