KEN HUNTS FOOD

A new tenant at Elit Avenue has been drawing a huge crowd lately, especially during lunch hours. The factory workers nearby will flock to the place in a group. The place was thronged with patrons, probably attracted by the extremely budget-friendly prices; 2 course Set Lunch at Rm 14.50 nett and 4 course Set Dinner at Rm 24.50 nett. The place is a little small so I would not say that its a cozy and comfortable restaurant but more than sufficient for a casual lunch or dinner. As you might have guessed it right, Restaurant OZ serves modern Aussie-influenced dishes, the menu is simple, offering an array of their proudly chosen dishes including their signature dish- House Roast Chicken with Gravy. A place that I would not mind dropping by again, for a casual lunch with colleagues. Restaurant OZ is just right next to Sticks and Spoon of Elit Avenue, Bayan Baru.

We were pleased to see the hearty portion for their signature House Roast with Gravy, Salad and Wedges. A quarter of Roasted Chicken laden bountifully with their home-made Gravy, garnished with chopped Spring Onions and Thai Basil. We were wondering.... why Thai Basil and Spring Onions on an Aussie-influenced dish? Their Gravy was somewhat akin to Brown Sauce, pretty standard and decent though a little diluted in flavors. The Chicken was nicely cooked to the right tenderness with a mild peppery hint. The sides were lackluster- Wedges (referred as Potatoes on the menu) and Salad (greens dressed with Mayonnaise); nevertheless, we thought the set was a value for money order; especially with a mere Rm 14.50 nett.

Roast Pork with Apple Sauce, Wedges and Salad paled in comparison to their signature House Roast Chicken. We believed that this dish shared the same sauce as the Roast Chicken, it did not possess the aforementioned Apple flavor, if not, too soft to be discerned. Fortunately, the meat was tender and easy to the bite, though my partner in crime would prefer a slightly fatter cut. Sides were the same for all dishes... but justifiable with that wallet-friendly price.

Fruit Punch and Grass Jelly that came together with the Set Orders

Ratings:

Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Service: 6.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Parking: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Ambiance: 6.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Price: 8/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Additional Information:

Address: EA-01-01-03, Elit Avenue, Jalan Mayang Pasir 3, 11950, Bayan Baru, Penang.

Business Hours: 11: 30 am to 2: 30 pm; 5: 30 pm to 9 pm. Closed on Thursdays.

Contact Number: 6016- 442 5472

Restaurant OZ Facebook Page

Curry devotees might want to give a shot at Coco Ichibanya, a world-renowned Japanese Curry brand that has plethora of branches all over the world. The brand has recently set foot in Penang, making its debut at Queens Street of Queensbay Mall Penang (between Okomen and Seoul Garden). As the name might have suggested, the brand is famous for its Curry Rice but Coco Ichibanya is not a one-trick pony, it serves good Pork Cutlet too (according to some) and some non-curry dishes. Prices are slightly on the higher side but justifiable with the satisfying portion. Diners may even pair their own desired toppings or to make it a unique combination to themselves. The flexibility is there; the spicy lovers could challenge themselves to the highest level (level 5) while the heat-intolerant could play safe by staying at the default level (original) or the lowest level (meant for children). A place especially suitable for novelty seekers to try a completely different variation of Curry.

One of the recommended orders- Omelette Pork Cutlet Curry Rice (Rm 26) comes in a hefty portion. Japanese White Rice blanketed with a runny Omelette, topped with a huge hunk of Pork Cutlet. A generous amount of Japanese Curry is then ladled around the Omelette. Pork Cutlet could be a better option over Chicken Cutlet, the meat was dangerously tender with minimal Pork note underneath. The Omelette introduced a fluffy-runny texture to the chewy Japanese Rice, as well as a delightful eggy aroma to the sweet-savory Japanese Curry. The Curry was at its best state- rich, creamy but not overly so; it was veering towards the sweeter side with a slight fruity-vege hint of sweetness. A contenting dish best shared by two.

We custom-ordered the next order- Curry Rice (reduced portion- 150g/ Rm 12) with Vegetables (Rm 4) and Chicken Cutlet (Rm 6); completed with Salad and Miso Soup (Rm 6). To establish a fully-fledged review, I decided to go for their spiciest level. As expected, the Japanese Curry came in thicker, richer with a dark-red hue. Texture seemed to be grittier, probably due to the addition of Chili Powder. It was not the direct heat from fresh Chilies, rather, a seemingly "peppery" tongue-burning sensation surfaced after a few seconds. It was still within the acceptable range but the tongue was probably a little numb to discern any flavors.

The Chicken Cutlet was disappointingly average, though it was succulent-tender but probably a little overly tender to my liking. The distinctive aroma of Panko/ Japanese Bread Crumbs did not stand out either. The Vegetables, on the other hand, were good. The Long Beans did manage to maintain its crunchy bite while the Carrots and Potatoes were cooked till fork tender. The measly amount of Vegetables did not seem to justify the price though. The Salad dressed with Goma Sauce was straight-forward and predictable; Miso Soup was okay but we were quite pleased with the generous amount of Seaweed added.

Radish-Pickle, a must-have complement to the Curry Rice

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)

Ambiance: 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)

Non-Halal

Service Charge: Yes 10%

Additional Information:

Address: Lot 3F-22, Queensbay Mall, 100, Persiaran Bayan Indah, 11900, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Business Hours: 10:30 am to 10 pm. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: N/A

Somewhere relatively quieter from the buzz of town, Boon Seng Seafood Restaurant sees a constant crowd flocking in the restaurant especially during lunch hours on weekdays. The place is proven to be one of the popular places for seafood treat to their nearby factory workers. The place is simple and to my surprise, there is a snug, air-conditioned room right next to the kitchen, comfort is therefore, assured. Ordering of the dishes has to be done in front of the kitchen, where an array of live seafood will be lined up and displayed for you to choose. Prices are also clearly shown and of course, do ask for the prices if you are on a tight budget. It was impossible for me to list down all the prices but the total damage for the seven of us was Rm 217, drinks and a fruit platter were included.

One of the dishes that left me the deepest impression- Steamed Egg with Prawns. Butterflied Prawns laid on a bed of Steamed Egg, enlivened by the use of Chinese Rice Wine and jeweled with Parsley. The Chef made a nice twist to the dish by adding in Chinese Rice Wine. The magical boozy-touch added a more layered dimension to the dish. Indubitably sweet, the dish was welcomed by us with a gleam of joy. A simple, delectable dish yet unique in its own way.

A good starter to the meal, we had a plate of simple and straight forward dish- Blanched Baby Octopuses; drenched in Soy Sauce and flecked with Fried Garlic Oil. They were slightly chewy and resilient but not hard to the bite. The addition of Soy Sauce, however, caused the dish veering to the salty side.

Steamed Clams with zingy Thai sauce was the dish that took the center of the stage. The addictive sauce has a balanced medley of sweetness, sourness, spiciness and saltiness; packed a punch to complement with the shell fish. The Garlicky flavor was somewhat strong; further brightened by the use of Parsley. A pity that the Clams were slightly overcooked though.

Stir Fried Eel with Black Pepper Sauce was a hit amongst some of us, it carried a unique Black Pepper aroma with a slightly sweet flavor. Capsicum, Onions, Red Chilies, Spring Onions were thrown in for a quick stir fry either. It was okay but I would prefer my Eel to be cooked differently, as though the distinctive fish-oil/ flavor of the Eel did not stand out. Also, it was way too oily to my liking.

Poultry lovers would be glad to know that Boon Seng serves Spring Chicken; well-marinated and deep fried to a golden-brown hue. The crispiness did not last, the moment I was done with photographing the dish, the Chicken turned soggy. The marination was sufficient though, but they need to work on the texture.

A short respite from seafood, we ordered ourselves a plate of Stir Fried Winged Beans with Sambal. The Winged Beans were thinly sliced and given a quick stir fry. Inevitably greasy, the Winged Beans were crunchy with a delectable savory-spicy flavor. Traces of Hae Bee/ Dried Shrimps were seen as well. A dish perfectly spooned over rice.

Another tummy-filling dish Teo Chew Fried Mee Tiao/ Noodles; generously filled with crunchy sweet vegetables like Onions, Sprouts, Carrots and Leeks. The noodles possessed the essential "wok hei" and were nicely cooked with a slightly resilient but not hard to the bite texture. Nothing spectacular but it worked perfectly well with a dash of their Sambal Belacan.

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: 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: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: 246, Jalan Batu Maung, 11960, Batu Maung, Penang.

Business Hours: 11 am to 2 pm, 6 pm to 10 pm. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: 604- 626 2072

Map of 246, Jalan Batu Maung, 11960 Batu Maung, Pulau Pinang

The world-renowned Australia-trusted health care brand- Blackmores Malaysia, has successfully organized its inaugural Two-Day-One-Night Blackmores Retreat Camp in Penang over the weekend (18 and 19 April 2015). The aforementioned event was held at The Lost Paradise Resort, at Batu Ferringhi. With the triumphant start for organizing the Retreat Camp at Bukit Tinggi, Blackmores Malaysia continues to reward the brand's loyal followers and health-watchers to a Retreat Camp, to rejuvenate and revitalize their bodies and souls. It is planned in such a way that Blackmores Malaysia will be organizing the Retreat Camp on a yearly basis. If you must know, Rm 250 (excluding GST) for the 2 day 1 night retreat camp.

For future events, kindly follow Blackmores Malaysia's Facebook Page.

The highlights of the event were (but not limited to):

Workshop 1: Detox for Good Health (DIY Healthy Snacks and Juices)
Workshop 2: Addressing skin issues (DIY Skin Care Remedies)
Workshop 3: Exercise for optimal health
Workshop 4: Boosting memory through natural remedies
Workshop 5: Massage away the stress using Essential Oils

Many Thanks to Blackmores Malaysia for extending the invitation.

A group photo of the participants for Blackmores Retreat Camp 2015.

The first workshop started with a quick self-introduction amongst the participants followed by a brief introduction on Blackmores and its company background as well as a little information on the founder. Ms. Alyssa Ng (Naturopath and Health Educator) shared on the broad topic of detoxification- why should we detox/ organs in the body that detoxify/ detoxifying foods and herbs. Inevitably, detoxifying the body seems to be one of the keys to increase metabolism and eventually... weight loss. Liver is especially crucial when it comes to detoxification and it is interesting to know that Garlic and Turmeric aid in liver cleansing.

Ms. Alyssa Ng then showed us the proper way to juice the fruits. One of the tips from her, "Start with Apple or Orange and you will not go wrong". Oranges, Carrots, a cube of Ginger were juiced for 15 seconds; texture was coarse but she would like to preserve the fibers of the fruit and vegetables. A combination of Fruit and Vegetable seems to be her formula.

Apple Banana Smoothie might be a little filling but Soya Milk was added instead of Milk. A satisfying and tummy-filling smoothie for weight-watchers.

The second workshop started with Ms. Monitar Tan (Naturopath and Health Educator) delving into the common causes of Eczema, a common term that describes the inflammation of skin; Acne, Hives and Athlete's foot. A balanced diet is essential to curb all these.

Ms. Monitar Tan then shared her secret recipe to remedy those skin care issues. Being a Naturopathic, she believes in everything natural, where one could even DIY his/her own skin care remedies. In the DIY session, she demonstrated the painstaking way to prepare Nutmeg-Lemongrass infused base oil via double boiling method.

All meals were prepared by the resort and menu was carefully selected by the specialists. Only vegetarian meals will be served during the two day one night camp. Unfortunately, most dishes prepared by The Lost Paradise Resort were veering towards the salty side.

If you think the Retreat Camp is a classroom-like camp, you might want to rethink. Participants partook in a fun-filled competition by guessing Heads or Tails. Winners of the day won themselves some healthcare products from Blackmores.

Workshop Three conducted by Ms. Jeannie Kwa (Naturopath and Health Educator) stressed on the importance of exercise. It is apparent that before you want to play the game (hereby refers to dieting), you should understand the rules of the game. She gave the participants a good insight on what are the things that influence the body's metabolism and calculation on Body Mass Index (BMI). The session continued with a simple stretching session, under Ms. Jeannie Kwa's guidance; some simple ones that most office workers can do in their offices.

A little "zen" moment for the participants as they were given some time and absolute silence to draw a picture from their inner heart using their non-dominance hands. We were told that as such, participants will be able to express themselves unconsciously.

The day then ended with a group sharing on how to have a good night sleep as well as some light exercise to promote quality sleep.

*p/s: I didn't really like to be read/ analyzed by others so i randomly drew something and managed to slipped off by drawing a crap*

The next day arrived sooner than expected. We had an awesome session where we get to place our Yoga mats on a platform, overlooking the entire Tanjung Bungah beach. We also had a basic Yoga lesson guided by Ms. Jeannie Kwa. It was my virgin Yoga experience and I sprained my arm *clap clap*.

Workshop Four started shortly after breakfast and Ms. Alyssa Ng shared with us some techniques to make ourselves smarter by indulging the correct food (natural brain builders like Nuts, Fruits, Vegetables etc). It was also fascinating to know that lack of anti-oxidants causes aging of brain

The last workshop had Ms. Monitar Tan to share her experience on Aromatherapy; the types of Essential Oils available in the market and their beneficial properties. The session ended with a simple DIY demonstration and a quick practice on how to massage appropriately. Participants were asked to rub their partner's hand using Essential Oil. The participants concluded the 2 day 1 night Blackmores Retreat Camp with a group photo session.

Penangites have more choices for Ramen now with the opening of Kidoya Ramen at Fettes 10, a new row of shop houses right opposite to Prima Tanjung. The Ramen specialist is said to have originated from Tokyo, noodles are freshly made here in Penang. It does not have a big menu for obvious reasons, just a page or two for lunch, mainly featuring their Ramen creations as well as some Rice dishes. There will be slightly more choices for dinner but I would not worry about that (hey, its a Ramen restaurant right?). Prices are pretty reasonable and competitive, especially with the value top up for lunch. The place was clean on our visit, brightly-lit and ample seating spaces. Parking could be a problem but you may have your car parked at Prima Tanjung and walk over (if you don't mind). Worth dropping by if you are in the vicinity.

One of their signature Ramens- Tonkotsu Ramen (Rm 19) comes in a hearty portion; completed with a thick slice of Japanese Chashu and a halved braised Egg. The home-made Noodles were al-dente but we thought the broth could be thicker and richer. The broth was reasonably seasoned but the braised Egg was veering towards the salty side. We did ponder why Kidoya Ramen serves a fully cooked braised Egg instead of the half boiled version (Ajitsuke Tamago). The restaurant justified that they are not able to source Eggs directly from Japan. As far as safety is concerned, the management insists to serve their Eggs fully cooked. Well... at least they did not do this (overcooking the eggs) intentionally.

For a change, we decided to try their Tsukemen (Rm 21) as well. Unlike Ramen, Tsukemen is often served cold with a bowl of piping hot dense-broth. However, I would personally prefer the noodles to be served chilled instead of room temperature, I thought that would be slightly more authentic. The noodles were quite bouncy, unlike the rumored slouchy version experienced by some; mine came in almost perfect. While I am perfectly okay with the noodles, I did feel that they need to fine-tune their broth. It lacked of a "X" factor that could give it a kick; probably not as concentrated as I would have hoped. The entire dish, however, turned out to be quite good with the magical mix of their home-made Chili flakes. Not quite spicy but it adds another layer of dimension to the monotonous flavor.

Only available for lunch, diners may opt to top up Rm 3 for a bowl of Chashu Fried Rice. It comes in a generous portion, a bowl of this was more than sufficient for a meal itself. It was well-executed with the essential "wok-hei" and buttery aroma. Traces of Dried Scallops, Eggs and Japanese Chashu were seen.

Ratings:

Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Service: 7/10 (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: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Non-Halal

Service Charge: 10%

Additional Information:

Address: 50-J-1, Fettes 10, Jalan Fettes, 11200, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Business Hours: 11 am to 2:30 pm; 6 pm to 11 pm. Closed on Wednesdays.

Contact Number: 6011- 2688 0182

Kidoya Malaysia Facebook Page

Map of Jalan Fettes, Tanjung Tokong, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang

20 April 2015 marked the official opening of Queens Hall, Queensbay Mall's in-house food court. The 17,500 square feet food court expects to seat approximately 500 guests and features plethora of local Penang delicacies. The food court was previously closed for 7 months and finally reopened its doors to the public in April 2015. Queens Hall is conceptualized and refurbished to exude the characters of Georgetown heritage, as well as to promote the local food that makes Penangites proud. Tasty highlights to note are Penang Teo Chew Cendol, Char Koay Teow, Hokkien Mee, Wanton Mee, traditional desserts or even Mak Ee's pastry puffs! The interior decoration of the food court should not be forsaken too, it was carefully designed in a way to match make the theme- "something new of something old".

Many Thanks to Queensbay Mall for hosting us that evening.

There will be 8 different rooms in Queens Hall, showcasing the unique elements of Georgetown- Room of Bricks, Room of Signage, Room of Garden, Room of Medicine Box, Room of Containers, Room of Roof, Room of Windows and Room of Tiles. These expressive features evoke memories of the yesteryears, how the old Penang island developed into a city with strong economic growth- from arts to science, commerce to architecture, and from civilization to culture.

Ask around on where to find a good Lor Bak and you will be bombarded by myriad of answers suggesting you places to find decent Lor Bak; it is, however, not usual to see Chicken Lor Bak (Rm 6.50 nett) around. As expected, the texture of the Chicken Roll was firm but not as aromatic as I would have preferred. Probably the Five-spiced powder (Ngoh Hiang Hun) did not stand out to me; also, the Vegetable Fritters could be crispier in my opinion.

We were delighted to know that one of the famous Thai establishments in Penang- Sukhothai, is manning a stall here. We had their Signature Beef Noodles (Rm 13.65/ inclusive of GST) which comes in a handful of Water Spinach/ Kangkung, Beef Balls and some Beef. The Beef was flaking apart at just the nudge of a fork while the broth packed a flavorful punch with its herbaceous flavors. Add in condiments like Chili Flakes, Thai Fish Sauce and the Beef Noodles will be good to go.

One of the stalls that received great attention was Uncle Kin's Chili Pan Mee at the Room of Containers. We get to sample a bowl of their Signature Dry Chili Pan Mee for Rm 6.90 nett; home-made noodles with condiments like Deep Fried Anchovies, Minced Chicken Meat, Deep Fried Shallots, Soft-Boiled Egg topped. The key to triumph was their sweat-inducing Chili Flakes. Mix everything together and the concoction will set you on fire. Not only was it fiery hot but it struck us with its multi-dimensional texture and flavors. However, we thought the concoction might be a little too dry to our liking.

Meat lovers can indulge in Grilled Trio Platter (Rm 25.35/ inclusive of GST) which comprises of Beef, Lamb, Chicken Sausage, Mashed Potato and some greens; ladled lavishly with Brown sauce. Flavors were decent but the meats were slightly overcooked, thus, affecting the texture. Had the Chef cooked the meats to the right doneness, more marks will be awarded to them.

Room of Garden

Room of Medicine Box and Room of Windows under the Marquee

Room of Windows

Room of Tiles is right beside Room of Roof

Room of Container

Additional Information:

Address: Level 3, Queensbay Mall, 100, Persiaran Bayan Indah, 11900, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Business Hours: 10: 30 am to 10: 30 pm. Opens Daily.

Pork-Free

Many of us have dreams but how many of us have the courage to live the dream? Aunty Anne, about to turn to her 70, managed to realize her dream for operating her very own Nyonya restaurant recently. She did not manage to realize her dream in her younger days due to family commitment. A very chatty and passionate lady whom shared with us stories of herself and the restaurant. It is impossible for her to run the restaurant all day long, thus, the restaurant opens from 11: 30 am to 2: 30 pm only. Set Lunch (Rm 18.50 nett per set) is the only option, together with a few choices of add-on. Limited quantities available daily but justifiable with the labor-intensive Nyonya dishes and no, she does not believe in cookie-cutter approaches. While there are many versions of Nyonya dishes out there, claimed to be as authentic as they can be; Aunty Anne tries to preserve the flavors of the yesteryears by putting everything she learnt into use. If you wish to find out more, talk to the friendly and accommodating lady. Aunty Anne- True Penang Cuisine is tucked within a shop house along Macalister Lane, further down from the famous Xiao Feng Lai Coffee House.

There are three options for Set Lunch (refer to menu at the bottom of the blog post), priced at a flat rate of Rm 18.50 each set. We started off with Aunty Anne's Joo Hu Char and Pie Tee; both shared a common ingredient- Jicama. Joo Hu Char would be saltier by nature so one should start with Pie Tee first. Eat it lest it turns into a soggy piece of pastry. The Pie Tee was pretty standard-average but the bomb was Aunty Anne's home-made Sambal Belacan. Not only was it fiery hot but jam-packed with the aroma of Belacan; giving another layer of dimension to the dishes. We can't help but to request for extra serving of Sambal Belacan.

Both Assam and Lemak Laksas are available here. The Lemak Laksa was jeweled with aplenty of Fish. The creamily-rich, savory-sweet concoction would make any Laksa lovers weak in the knees. Being overly generous with the Laksa Rice Noodles, the ratio of Laksa broth to Noodles was somewhat inappropriate, a tad too dry towards the end. Also, I would prefer my Lemak Laksa to be slightly sweeter, the sweetness was rather soft for this version.

Assam Laksa fared better as compared to the previous version, well, in my opinion (my partner in crime thought otherwise). It has a balanced medley of sweet (from the Shrimp Paste), sour, spicy and savory notes; completed with copious amount of garnishes. The broth was thick and filled with plentiful amount of Fish. Also, it was spicier than the other version.

Nasi Ulam, another choice that provides better value to the set lunch. It comes in a hearty portion, together with two delightful sides- Otak Otak and Acar. Authentic Nasi Ulam should not go with Sambal Belacan, told by Aunty Anne... and so, we obliged. Aunty Anne's Nasi Ulam has a nice twist- toasted Salted Fish; which adds another layer of dimension and saltiness to the rice. The unique distinctive aroma was not easy to discern, pungent spices like Lemongrass, Kaduk leaves and desiccated Coconut were vying for attention. The Otak Otak was not to be forsaken too, it was airy and eggy, generously sheathed in a Betel-leaves cup. Equally delicious was Acar, a crunchy savory-sweet-sour concoction comprised of Carrots, Cucumber, Long Beans and sprinkles of crushed Peanuts.

We wrapped up the meal with a sweet dessert- Bee Koh Moy (Black Rice Porridge) served with a dash of Coconut Cream. The consistency was there, we like the thickness and richness of the dessert, of course, the well balanced sweetness too. However, it could be better with a tinge of saltiness, specifically referring to the Coconut Cream. Another option available will be Mung Bean Porridge.

Drinks included in the Set Lunch: Dried Fig-Drink (left) and Serai/ Lemongrass Drink (right)

Ratings:

Taste: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad,4 -7 average, 8-10 good)

Service: 8.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Price: 7/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)

Parking: 6/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good) *may opt to park inside the gated area, right in front of the restaurant*

Ambiance: 8/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Pork-Free

Service Charge: No

Additional Information:

Address: 67, Macalister Lane, 10400, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 11: 30 am to 2: 30 pm. Closed on Sundays.

Contact Number: 6016- 489 0024/ 6012- 422 8666

Aunty Anne True Penang Cuisine Facebook Page

Map of 67, Lorong Macalister, Georgetown, 11400 Pulau Pinang

Vogue For Virtue, is an annual signature CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) program of the fashion-leading Queensbay Mall (last year's highlights can be found here). Similarly to the past few years' program; apart from making charity fashionable, Vogue for Virtue works in two tiers- Charity Fashion Show with Celebrities and a one-month-long Model Search. Seventh year in the running, Vogue For Virtue 2015 Model Search seen a total of 170 participants, comprising of both adults and children. The grand finale of the Model Search is set to be held on 26 April 2015, at 2 pm, Central Atrium of Queensbay Mall Penang.

The Charity Fashion Show with Celebrities held on 25 April 2015, at 7:30 pm featured celebrities like Serena C (host of the evening), Debbie Goh, Jeffrey Cheng, Joanne Yew, Nadia Heng, Wayne Cai Pei Xuan and Wilson Tan. The enchanting fashion models of the evening strutted down the runway with premium fashion brands including Bonia, G2000, Esprit, Dorothy Perkins, Burton Menswear London as well as Forever 21. Supporting partners of the event were Make Up For Ever, MX Academy, Sense, Xenos Studio, GSC Movies and Eastin Hotel Penang.

Many Thanks to Queensbay Mall for hosting us that evening.

Mock Cheque Presentation - Penang EXCO YB Danny Law (Left 3) and centre Manager of Queensbay Mall Penang, Selina Ng (Right 3) presenting the mock cheques to the representatives of the beneficiary homes.

As part of the mall's CSR program, Vogue For Virtue seeks to help the less fortunate children, a total of RM 20,000 from CapitaMalls Asia (CMA) will be donated equally to four charitable organizations- Penang Shan Children's Home Association, Pertubuhan Rumah Kebajikan Seri Cahaya Pulau Pinang, Persatuan Kebajikan Sinar Ceria and Children's Protection Society Pulau Pinang. These contributions are aimed to create awareness and offer financial assistance to aid the development of charitable organizations that provide shelter, education and healthcare to underprivileged children or those dysfunctional families.

Selected apparels and accessories from Bonia

Selected apparels and accessories from G2000

Selected apparels and accessories from Esprit

Selected apparels and accessories from Dorothy Perkins

Selected apparels and accessories from Burton Menswear London

Selected apparels and accessories from Forever 21

A regular Dim Sum place for the folks in Bukit Mertajam, Dim Sum City is an iconic place in the heartland of Kampung Baru; partly due to the spacious, windy seating and strategic location which gives easy access to many. A Dim Sum place in the morning, a hawker center in the evening; the place has a huge facade with ample parking lots. While we did not think that they have plenty of choices but they do have the upper hand in terms of prices. We were quite impressed with their efficient service too, a couple of Dim Sum carts were approaching us right after we were invited to our tables. It was impossible for me to list down all the prices but the total damage of all Dim Sum dishes on my visit was Rm 34 nett.

Deep Fried Bean Curd Skin with Shrimp

Steamed Pork Ribs

Chai Kueh/ Vegetable Dumplings

Egg Tarts

Har Kaw/ Prawn Dumplings

Siew Mai/ Pork Dumplings

Most Dim Sum dishes were served to us piping hot except a few. Their Fish Balls were good, bouncy and firm to my liking. Equally delectable were the Prawn Dumplings, crystal clear, thin with meaty, bouncy, sweet Shrimp filling. Chai Kueh is not a common scene in any Dim Sum places so I thought it would be great for me to try them out. They were okay but the skin was a little gooey and soft to my liking, the filling was not shabby but I would prefer more Dried Shrimps to be added in. The Egg Tarts could be more flaky and they could be more generous with the sweet custard filling. The pastry skin was a little gritty either. If you must know, Double Boiled Soups are also available in Dim Sum City.

On a side note, there was a new stall selling Thai Boat Noodles (Rm 4.50/ small) was there on our visit. They have just started their business in somewhere around March 2015. It specializes in selling Thai Boat Noodles per se but in a unique way- with loads of pork added. The sweet, flavorful, herbaceous broth was one of the few good reasons why you should try this out. There are a few choices for Noodles but we opted for flat Rice noodles which came in light and smooth. Add in some Thai Basil for a more aromatic and vegetal bite. Additional condiments like raw Sprouts, Thai Basil, Thai Fish Sauce, Chili Flakes will be served to the table together with your order.

Ratings:

Taste: 7.5/10 (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: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Ambiance: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Additional Information:

Address: Lot 836, Jalan Kampung Baru, 14000, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Business Hours: 6: 30 am to 2 pm (for Dim Sum). 11 am to 5 pm (for Thai Boat Noodles) Closes on the last Monday of the month.

Contact Number: 604- 537 1479 (Dim Sum)

Map of Dim Sum City @ Insa Dunia Food Court

One of the oldest Japanese establishments in Penang will be Kirishima, a Japanese restaurant housed within Cititel in the heartland of Georgetown. The Japanese restaurant is one of the popular dining places not only for many Japanese visitors, but locals as well; the place is well known for its fine quality Japanese food. We would agree on the quality part nevertheless, but we thought they could improve on their services. Having paid a premium price, we would expect top-notch service in return, especially in a well-established Japanese restaurant. We were there on Chinese New Year and the foreign workers seemed to be confused with their roles and responsibilities yet the management did not bother to correct them. I am not sure if I am willing to pay so much again, considering the unpleasant experience at the restaurant.

Beef lovers are not forsaken here in Kirishima, one of the delectable highlights will be Beef Yakiniku (Rm 43). Slices of US Beef were attractively laid over a basket with Onions, Shitake Mushroom and Carrot. A stove will then be provided and diners are expected to grill the meat themselves. The Beef was sliced to the right thickness and it only takes a few seconds to cook the meat! I like mine medium with a juicy bite. However, I did not quite enjoy Kirishima's Yakiniku sauces- one carried a tinge of acidity while the other was veering towards the saltier side. I prefer mine sweet.

For a change, we opted for Tan Tan Tsukemen (Rm 16), chilled Ramen to be dipped into Spicy Chicken Broth. The Spicy Chicken Broth was a tad salty on its own but it was perfectly fine since it was a dip and not meant to be drank like soup. Also, the Ramen was nicely cooked and chilled to my taste. A dish that I would not mind ordering again.

It was simply too futile to resist their Unadon (Rm 35), though it did not come cheap but we were pleased with its above par quality. The thickly sliced Unagi was generously slathered with the sweet Unagi sauce. It was served to us piping hot with the mouth-meltingly soft Eel. Una-don comes with a bowl of Miso Soup as well.

Ten-don (Rm 25)- a variety of tawny-crispy Tempura laid over a bed of Rice and served with Tempura dipping sauce. The hearty Tendon comes with a bowl of Miso Soup. The Tempura was nicely done, crispy but not overly greasy but I would prefer a wider variety of Tempura to be added. Decent but it could come with more choices for that price.

Ratings:

Taste: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Service: 3/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Price: 6/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)

Parking: 7/10 (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: Yes 10%

Government Tax: 6%

Additional Information:

Address:Ground Floor of Cititel, 66, Penang Road, 10000, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 12 pm to 2:30 pm; 6 pm to 10 pm. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: 604- 370 0108

Competition amongst the Korean Restaurants is getting stiffer with the opening of a renowned brand- Uncle Jang at Vantage Desiran Tanjung. The brand is popular for its Dak Galbi, Korean stir fry marinated Chicken with Go Chu Jang sauce. Uncle Jang is not the first Dak Galbi in that area, Chun Cheon Dak Galbi had the first mover advantage and inevitably, both will be compared as to which one fares better. As far as price is concerned, Uncle Jang seems to be more affordable but they need to improve on the restaurant's air ventilation. Be prepared for a warm, stuffy and sweat-inducing dining experience if you were to visit the place during day time. The heat was unbearable that we actually wished that we could finish the meal quicker. Business was brisk on our visit but the service was attentive, though communicating with the staff was a rough experience (no one seems to understand English well- Korean Bosses with foreign labors).

We had the Original Dak Galbi (Rm 21/ pax, minimum order of 2 pax) with additional order of Udon (Rm 8), Rice Cakes (Rm 6) and Cheese (Rm 6). Portion was good enough for three person. The Go Chu Jang-marinated Chicken seems to possess well-balanced flavors; neither was it too sweet, spicy nor salty. Spicy food lovers should definitely go for their Spicy version (Rm 22/ pax, minimum order of 2 pax) instead of Original. We enjoyed the addition of Cheese, which introduced a cheesy, saltier flavor to the sweet Go Chu Jang sauce. Korean Rice Cake was nicely cooked the right texture, chewy but perfectly cooked through. Just in case you are wondering, the server will cook the Chicken for you, unless you wish to dirty your hands. Udon was lovely, al-dente in texture and worked well with the overall concoction.

The one million dollar question: Do I prefer Chun Cheon Dak Galbi or Uncle Jang? I actually prefer Uncle Jang's Dak Galbi but I would prefer to dine in a place similar to Chun Cheon (air-conditioned with better ventilation), I would not want myself to smell funny after the meal.

Assuage the guilt by having some heart-warming Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup stuffed with Glutinous Rice/ Samgyea Tang (Rm 19). The Samgyea Tang was not seasoned, a small plate of Salt was given to us just in case we would prefer to have a sleek of salinity. The Glutinous Rice was said to possess the magical property of transforming the bitterness of Ginseng into a sweet-scented invigorating Herb. Fair enough on the bitterness but the unique and distinctive aroma of Ginseng was too soft to be discerned as well. Chicken on the other hand, was nicely cooked/ braised till tender, meat was easily fall part the nudge of fork. A comforting dish to complement the spicy, saliva-stimulating Dak Galbi.

Complimentary Ban Chan- Kimchi and Soy sauce pickled Onions

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)

Ambiance: 6/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Parking: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Price: 7/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)

Pork-Free

Service Charge: Yes 6%

Additional Information:

Address: No. C-01-10, Vantage Desiran Tanjung, Jalan Desiran Tanjung, 10470, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Business Hours: 12 pm to 3 pm, 6 pm to 10 pm on Weekdays; 12 pm to 10 pm on Weekends. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: 6010- 256 7210

Uncle Jang Korean Restaurant's Facebook Page

Swedish food? Malaysians are likely to know Meat Balls, a world-renowned Swedish food but what's more? You may find out some answers from Fika, a newly opened cafe manned by Swedish. A stroll along the narrow alley of Lorong Toh Aka, you will find yourself arrive at the quaint little cafe- Fika, easily recognized by the blue-yellow Swedish flag placed right in front of the place. The snug cafe has a pretty cool ambiance, in shades of wooden beam covering the brick wall, adorned with various bric-a-brac. It can be a little warm during sultry days so its best to visit the place in morning. It does not serve any main at present, only a few traditional Swedish pastries, a place most suitable for novelty experience.

Did you know the Cinnamon Roll is one of the most representative Swedish dishes? Kanebulle (Rm 5), Swedish traditional homemade Cinnamon Bun, garnished with desiccated Coconut. A slightly sweet, spiced Bun that goes along with a cup of Joe. However, we thought it was nothing out of the ordinary and the texture can be slightly moister.

Weight-watchers might want to step back, Semla (Rm 12), a traditional Swedish pastry- homemade wheat bread with Swedish style Almond paste and served with a huge dollop of whipped Cream. The wheat bread has texture akin to Scones, somewhere between cookie and bread, with a hint of sweetness. We did not enjoy the Whipped Cream though, probably we were in the fear for the indelible guilt of over-indulgent. Not recommended for those who are counting their daily calories intake.

Paleo Coffee Smoothie (Rm 15)

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 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 expensive)

Parking: 5/10 (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

Additional Information:

Address: 20, Lorong Toh Aka, 10100, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 10 am to 5 pm on every Thursday and Friday; 10 am to 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Closed on every Monday to Wednesday.

Contact Number: 6014- 940 4825

Fika Cafe Facebook Page

Map of 20, Lorong Toh Aka, Georgetown, 10300 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Sarawakians can now ease their cravings for their hometown favorites at Sajo Cafe on the bustling Jalan Air Hitam, where the wet market is located (two doors away from the Police Station). The place is known to serve authentic Sarawak delicacies. Notable highlights are Sarawak Kolo Mee, Foo Chow Red Wine Mee Sua, Sarawak Laksa, tri-color Milk Tea etc. The air-conditioned restaurant has quite an extensive menu, covering most iconic dishes uniquely to Sarawak; the menu has choices more than sufficient to please everyone in any age group. The very hospitable lady owner explained the menu to us and shared with us some of her favorites and the authenticity of their dishes. Sajo Cafe is a place worth dropping by for a quick meal if you are in the vicinity.

We tested the depth of water by trying their Sarawak Kolo Mee (Rm 4.80/ Original). No, we did not try the one with Char Siew Oil. The original one filled with the aroma of Pork Lard and fairly seasoned with flavors; completed with minced Pork, home-made Char Siew (Roasted Pork) and Deep Fried Shallot Oil. The springy and bouncy noodles were given an even toss, not even a single trace of light Soy Sauce can be seen. We understand that the authentic Sarawak Kolo Mee should be dry but we thought it was a little too dry to our liking. The lady boss insisted we had our Kolo Mee with their home-made Vinegared Chilies, which said to introduce a nice and appetizing acidic tilt to the noodle dish.

An acquired taste, Ang Chow Mee Sua (Rm 8.80) is not a dish that can be easily accepted by all. The boozy yet invigorating Foo Chow Red Wine broth was simmered for many hours, to fully accentuate the flavors of the Chicken. The broth was slightly greasing and leaning towards the sweeter side, but it was robust with flavors. As much as I would love to have more, my untrained taste buds forced me to think otherwise. As expected, the Mee Sua was cooked to a slouchy texture. No, not that it was wrong but I prefer my noodles al-dente; I would not order Mee Sua on a regular basis. My mother, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy this a lot.

Sarawak Laksa with Vermicelli Noodles (Rm 6.80) stood out amongst the dishes we ordered. It was creamy, rich and packed with a peppery heat. The addition of the Chili Paste and Lime Juice introduced another layered dimension to the dish. The broth has traces of seafood, easily discerned from the seafood sweetness. I would not mind to come back for this again.

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: 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: 6/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Additional Information:

Address: Jalan Air Hitam, 11500, Air Hitam, Penang.

Business Hours: 11 am to 9: 30 pm. Closed on Sundays.

Contact Number: N/A

Map of 610, Jalan Paya Terubong, Paya Terubong, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Thai Boat Noodle craze continues in Penang, evidently seen from the opening of a new Thai Boat Noodle-specialist at Jalan Zainal Abidin, Georgetown. The new establishment has a quirky, catchy name- Thai Me Up; the small menu features a series of their Noodle-dishes but no, they do not serve their noodles in small portion but rather, normal-average portion. It should not be too hard to locate the place, Thai Me Up is just next to Sentral College on the same road. However, given that the food was not mind-blowingly good, I would not make my way all out just to have their noodles. Nevertheless, they are still new and the menu is constantly evolving, I might need to make a second visit before making a conclusion.

It was simply too futile to refrain myself from ordering Thai Boat Noodle (Rm 8.90), a bowl of satisfying, herbaceous sweet meat broth containing a generous amount of Pork and herbs. Diners get to choose between Soya Noodles, Pumpkin Noodles, Spinach Noodles or Oat Noodles. We had Oat Noodles for this one, the noodles were disappointingly average. They were a little too heavy to go with the light and seemingly invigorating broth; flavors did not manage to dovetail with each other. We would still prefer the classic selection of Thai Glass Noodles or Vermicelli Noodles. Another thing worth mentioning was their home-made tangy Chili Sauce; an acidic concoction of Vinegar and tongue-burning Chilies.

We were introduced to their signature dish- Khao Soi (Rm 7.90), a Burmese-influenced dish which comes in thick, rich and creamy Curry akin to Green Curry, minus the green hue. It possessed an indelible sweetness but the aroma stood out. The extra splash of Chili Paste added another layer of dimension to the dish by introducing a slight sharp, piquant but gentle Chili heat. The Chef played a nice twist by adding in Pickled Radish, making the dish would not be so overly rich and surfeit for one to finish it entirely on his/her own.

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: 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: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Service Charge: No

Additional Information:

Address: 39F, Jalan Zainal Abidin, 10400, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 11: 30 am to 9: 30 pm. Closed on Mondays.

Contact Number: 6016- 463 6088

Thai Me Up Facebook Page

Map of 39, Jalan Zainal Abidin, Georgetown, 10400 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

An eccentric and unusually quiet restaurant cum lounge along Church Street, one would eventually find it hard to notice the place. It took me a few rounds of turnings before I could locate the place. It does not have much to offer, but a simple, standard Western menu. Prices are slightly on the higher side (for ala-carte orders, their Set Lunch is very affordable) but we were pleased with the attentive service. However, there seems to be an unpleasant cigarette-smoke odor clinging in the air on our visit. I hope the management is able to do something to get rid of the odor. Insider Cafe Lounge is facing the famous tourist attraction- Pinang Peranakan Mansion, on the same street.

Insider's own version of Vongole (Rm 19.90) did not manage to impress me. Probably the Chef was too excited with the Chili Flakes, as a result of that, my Vongole was painted in a red hue. The absence of Parsley set me aback too. Also, the Spaghetti could be more al-dente. Fortunately, the boozy-aroma was still there and the seafood-sweetness permeated through the Clams; decent though I would prefer the authentic version of Vongole.

A less-exciting dish, Mushroom Chicken (Rm 21.90) was served together with Fries and Greens. Evenly roasted Chicken Thigh drenched in a Mushroom Gravy, a rather common and conventional dish that can be found in most Western restaurants. The earthy flavor of the Mushroom Gravy did not stand out, I would prefer fresh Button Mushrooms instead of canned ones; also, they need to marinate the Chicken for a longer period of time. It was rather bland on its own. Fortunately, the Chicken was cooked to the right doneness. I am not sure if I will order this dish again.

We ended the meal with Cinnamon Apple Toast (Rm 15.80), cubed-caramelized Apple infused with Cinnamon served atop of a huge block of toast along with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream and some Dried Cranberries. The Toast was lightly smeared with Butter, nothing much to comment- just a block of plain, ordinary Toast. The caramelized Apple, on the other hand, was quite toothsome; at least they were quite generous with the Cinnamon Powder. The juicy crunch of Apple, icy cold Vanilla Ice Cream and crusty Toast; a combination that one would find it hard to resist. Not mind-blowingly good but a contenting dish to be shared among a few.

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: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: 36, Church Street, 10200, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 11 am to 3 pm. Kitchen closes on Sundays.

Contact Number: 604- 261 1345

Insider Cafe Lounge Facebook Page

Map of 36, Church St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang

Ardent fans of Japanese Curry should try Kai Curry Bar's proud creations, the Japanese Curry specialist serves more than just the conventional Japanese Curry Rice, but Japanese Curry Udon and Croquettes as well. Many would drive past the old rustic facade of Kai Curry Bar at Jalan Phuah Hin Leong, not knowing that the place serves interesting eats. Step in and you will be enveloped by a warm and homely atmosphere, with some simple decorations adorning the walls. Menu is straight-forward but it comes with many different combinations. While most of them are Curry dishes, diners get to choose between Rice and Udon (Japanese Wheat Flour Noodles); of course, Croquettes as side dishes as well. A point to note is that Kai Curry Bar is a vegetarian-friendly restaurant; vegetarian choices are available on the menu, including the Curry sauce.

While we thought Japanese Curry Rice may be a little mainstream, we decided to go for their Chicken Katsu Curry Udon (Rm 18.90). Diners may choose for either Pork Curry or Vegetarian Curry to go with the Udon; we had the former one. Bits of Pork can be seen around the bowl. I was asked if I wanted an "upgrade", at the cost of Rm 1, for a better quality Udon (claimed). I did not find the Udon stand out, more or less the same stuff that we can find elsewhere but they were carefully cooked to the right texture- not slouchy. The Japanese Curry, on the other hand, was leaning towards the salty side. The salinity was immediately discerned at first bite, though at acceptable range, I thought they could do better with this. The Curry has the quintessential yet unique aroma, not as thick as expected but good enough to cling on the noodles.

The Chicken Katsu served together with the Udon was beyond amazing. The Chicken Katsu was deep fried till perfection, carrying golden brown hue. We were pleasantly surprised by the shattering crisp, the Chicken was pleasingly firm but not hard to the bite. The ratio of batter/ bread-crumb to meat was precisely calibrated. Extra marks awarded to them for not incorporating the skin (not too thick enough to be discerned if any). If I were to come back, it will be because of their Chicken Katsu.

Salmon Cream Croquettes (Rm 3.50 for two balls) served with Pineapple confiture and a sweet berry-like jam. The soft, creamy filling with Salmon fish flakes was encased in a crispy, crunchy layer, filled with bread crumbs. It was good as side; if you so wish, you may enjoy your Croquettes with the dip which introduces a zingy refreshing touch to the bread crumbed roll.

Any order of Curry Rice/ Udon comes with a complimentary Potato Salad and top up Rm 1 for Roasted Barley Tea.

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)

Parking: 5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

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)

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Additional Information:

Address: 15, Jalan Phuah Hin Leong, 10050, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 11 am to 3 pm, 6 pm to 9 pm. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Contact Number: 604- 226 0322

Kai Curry Bar Facebook Page

Map of 15, Jalan Phuah Hin Leong, Georgetown, 10050 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Avid fans of Korean food will be glad with another opening of Korean restaurant in town; enjoy 10% opening discount (until end of May 2015) at Kim's Korean Restaurant at Tavoy Road, a short slip road off Burmah Road, opposite to Union Primary School. The restaurant occupies a big bungalow with tall facade. There are ample parking spaces available around the restaurant. It took us a while to flip through the bible-thick menu which covers a comprehensive range of Korean delicacies- from Dak Galbi to Shabu Shabu, Barbecue, Korean Rice Cake, or even Korean Fried Chicken; and of course, other delicacies as well. The items seemed to be priced slightly higher as compared to its competitors, nevertheless, we were very satisfied and happy with their attentive service; we need not to ask them for refills (of Ban Chan), the servers took the initiative to keep refilling the sides until... we had to tell them no. The very beautiful lady owner even apologized for the delay in food and compensated us with two cans of 100 plus. No, not that we were happy with free stuff given but it was the courtesy that we appreciated most

Popularized by a Korean drama, the crispy but inevitably greasy Dak-Gangjeong/ Korean Sweet Crispy-Glazed Chicken (Rm 30) is best washed down by a mug of chilled Beer. We did not take the recommendation though but my partner in crime wanted to try the Fried Chicken. The temptation resulted in the meal ending with a slight disappointment. The two of us struggled to finish the monstrous portion (which I believe it could easily feed more than 4). The Chicken pieces were not battered evenly- some thickly battered while some were alright. They were not spicy at all, not even a trace of heat; instead, the sauce was sweet, akin to Chinese Plum Sauce. Not too sure if they will pair well with chilled Beer but both the flavor and taste were not something that we were seeking for.

A heart-warming dish- Kimchi Jeongol/ Kimchi Hot Pot (Rm 49); Kimchi infused meat broth studded with Korean Dumplings, fresh Shitake Mushrooms, Tofu, Enoki Mushrooms, Korean Fishcakes, Ramen, Onions and Spring Onions. The refillable broth has a strong, acidic-pungent flavor of Tomato with minimal Kimchi flavor. As we were fishing around for sunken treasure, we found a considerable amount of Kimchi at the bottom of the pot; which did not justify the mildness of (Kimchi) flavor. The hearty portion should be good enough for two small eaters.

Complimentary-Refillable Ban Chan/ Side dishes

Ratings:

Taste: 6.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Service: 8.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Parking: 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)

Service Charge: Yes 10%

Non-Halal

Additional Information:

Address: 2, Tavoy Road, 10050, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 11:30 am to 3 pm; 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: 604- 226 6033

Kim's Korean Restaurant Facebook Page

Map of 2, Jalan Tavoy, Georgetown, 10050 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Talk about Rojak and the folks in Bukit Mertajam will be fired up. Intense competition between a few famous ones and the locals seem to have their very own favorite stall of Rojak. BM Pek Lang Rojak (hereinafter referred to as "The White Clan"), Or Lang/ Orang Hock Rojak (The Black Clan), the market follower- Or Pek Lang Rojak (The Black-White Clan) as well as BM High School Rojak. All stalls seem to have their loyal fans supporting them over the years. The White Clan has a slightly better edge over others, due to its strategic location right smack in the BM town. Not only does the place sell Rojak but you could find one of the delicacies made popular in BM here too- Steamed Cup Rice. While we did not have the chance to try that for this round, we did manage to take a couple shots on the rice.

The White Clan's Rojak (Rm 6/ large) sees crispy Chinese Crullers, Jicama, Cucumber, raw Mangoes, Pineapples etc. Their home-made Rojak sauce has a balanced medley of sweet, savory and spicy notes. The distinctive Belacan flavor stands out either, complementing the fresh fruits perfectly. Sprinkles of crushed Peanuts added a crunchy, nutty texture to the concoction. However, we would prefer to have some Cuttlefish (went missing in our order). Nevertheless, it tops our list to be one of the must try delicacies in Bukit Mertajam.

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: 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)

Pork-Free

Service Charge: No

Additional Information:

Address: Junction of Jalan Bunga Raya and Jalan Teh Cheok Sah, 14000, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Business Hours: 12 pm to 5 pm. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: N/A

*Update: A close friend of mine, together with her two family members were having dinner at Korean's Table All Ban. According to the restaurant's rule, they ordered three sets of course meal. However, the portion served was exactly the same as what posted in my blog post; which was insufficient for the group of three. The management of the restaurant claimed that the portion served to me (hereby refers to all the photos below) was for two and they did inform me. I would like to make a disclaimer, I was only told that they accept order minimum for two pax but since I was alone the other day, they decided to serve me. However, I DID NOT know that they were still serving the portion for TWO (in which I only paid Rm 32.80 nett). I thought the portion will be served according to the number of diners. My friend and her family were extremely disappointed with their dining experience. As such, we did see that there might be a tendency for inconsistency. Ken Hunts Food takes no responsibility from the discrepancy in serving portion and the photos below are solely for your reference only.*

Enjoy Korean food with a delicate touch at Korean's Table All Ban, housed within the iconic building along Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah- The Northam All Suite Hotel Penang. The restaurant serves Korean food in a finer way, the menu is fixed and diners do not get to choose freely like most Korean restaurants. They are the only Korean restaurant that does this in Penang (by far). Opened in March 2015, the Korean Restaurant seems unusually quiet, an evidence in lacking of marketing. I get to know the restaurant by chance and it was indeed, a good find. Absolutely outrageous prices for the food- Rm 29.90 for 9 dishes, which equates to less than Rm 3.50 per dish. Best of all, most of the dishes I had were above par; the service was very attentive either (probably I was the only diner in the restaurant). The restaurant is cozy, spacious and fully air-conditioned. One of the best Korean restaurants not to be missed by Korean devotees.

Choose either Seok Chan (Rm 29.90/ per person) for 9 dishes or Man Chan (Rm 39.90/ per person) for 12 dishes. The additional dishes appearing on the menu refers to additional order. The restaurant serves no ala-carte menu; that being said, you can only choose between Seok Chan or Man Chan to go with. Whether you have small or big appetite, you would still have to go for either one of the two choices.

Salad with House Dressing

Pumpkin Porridge/ Ho Bak Juk

We started off light and easy with Fresh Greens dressed with their home-made dressing which carried a little of acidity; works pretty well with the greens. The first Pumpkin Porridge served to me was not a successful dish, it has a severe burnt smell. I asked for an exchange and they did admit the mistake after some checking with the Chef. They offered to change for me, which I gladly accepted. At least they took it seriously and admitted that it was their fault. The latter one was okay, creamy but silky smooth in texture; leaving a mellow sweetness in the mouth after the liquid sliding down the throat. Not overwhelmingly impressive but it was a good start.

Fresh Kimchi/ Geotjeori

Korean Pancake/ Jeon

Spicy Barbecue Chicken/ Sutbul Gochujang Dak Guyi

It is a must to try their home-made Kimchi; no, not the ordinary fermented ones. They serve fresh Kim Chi sans the acidity from the fermentation process; gives a more refreshing, juicier bite. The Kim Chis are refillable if you must know. The Pancake was nothing out of the average, the flavors were too weak to leave an impression in my mind. The Barbecue Chicken, on the other hand, was special in its own way. It has a familiar taste... akin to the Chinese Char Siew... spicier of course. The Chicken cubes were to wrap with the fresh Lettuce. Plump, well-balanced with flavors but slightly greasier to my liking.

Kimchi Soup/ Kimchi Jigae

Vegetable Rice/ Namul Bap in lieu Bibimbap

Korean Stir Fried Glass Noodles/ Jap Chae

I was startled by the avalanche of flavors in the Kim Chi soup- a balanced medley of Sour, Spicy, Salty notes. Thin cuts of smooth Tofu were added in as well as a generous amount of Kim Chi. It was served to the table piping hot, so addictive that I finished every last drop of the soup! Another mind-blowing creation from Korean's Table All Ban that left me the deepest impression would be their Jap Chae, Korean Stir Fried Glass Noodles. Using two types of fresh Mushrooms- Eryngii and Shitake; they introduced a lovely earth flavor to the noodles, dovetailing flawlessly with the sweet and savory sauce. The noodles were carefully cooked to the right texture and all complementing ingredients were julienned to the consistent size either. A dish that will keep haunting me for a while. Tummy-filler was Korean Vegetable Rice in lieu of Bibimbap (they did ask if I want to try their Vege Rice, why not?); monstrous portion making it impossible for one to finish it entirely (after so many dishes). The rice was chewy with a leafy flavor from the greens. I was told that the greens do have medicinal effect which cleanses the digestive system. The condiment served along with the rice was basically.... Bird's Eye Chilies in Soy Sauce.

Complimentary- Refillable Ban Chan

Ratings:

Taste: 8/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Service: 8/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Price: 8/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)

Parking: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Ambiance: 8/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Non-Halal

Service Charge: Yes 10%

Additional Information:

Address: 2nd floor of The Northam All Suite Hotel Penang, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10100, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 12 pm to 2: 30 pm; 6 pm to 10 pm. Closed on Tuesdays (closed on Thursday starting in June).

Contact Number: 604- 370 1111/ 6017- 519 3221

Korean's Table All Ban Facebook Page

Map of The Northam All Suite Hotel Penang

Trending at Raja Uda now, Marlons +Co is a humble beginning by two young chap. The cafe enacted the industrial-interior decor- shipping container adorning the walls, metal web for compartment, wooden tables with iron chairs. Marlons +Co. is the only cafe that adapts and exudes the industrial vibe at Butterworth thus far. It has quite a wide array of Cakes and Pastries available but they only serve ONE type of main right now- All Day Glory Breakfast. One of the few cafes worth checking out at Butterworth. Marlons +Co is facing Curry Noodle House and a stone throw distance away from Coffee Venture on the same road.

All Day Glory Breakfast Set (Rm 23) is the only main available in the cafe. The immense portion of All Day Glory comes with Scrambled Egg, Pork Chorizo, Chicken and Cheese Sausage, Turkey Ham, Bacon, Focaccia Bread and some fresh Greens. The Scrambled Egg was nicely done (neither underdone nor overcooked), sans salinity but worked well with the smoky Bacon and Turkey Ham. Pork Chorizo was a little hard in texture but we enjoyed the Focaccia Bread. The magical spread of Cream Cheese onto the Focaccia Bread was beyond amazing. If I must comment, I would prefer them to reduce the meat and add in more healthy elements... say Mushrooms.

We ended the meal with a sweet note- Brownie with Ice Cream (Rm 10.90), the Brownie was moist and lightly sweetened but the real source of sweetness comes from the dollop of Ice Cream. It was a tad too sweet to our liking. The Brownie itself was okay, soft, moist, nutty spiced up with a delightful hint of Cinnamon. It would, however, make a contenting dessert to be shared by a few.