KEN HUNTS FOOD

Gourmands need not travel far to get good fresh water produce... Kulim, one of the closest towns to Penang in Kedah has quite a handful of good options. A short 15-minute drive away from Kulim High-Tech Park or 30-minute drive away from Penang bridge will land you at Big Tree Garden Restaurant (香树下河鲜), a seemingly curious restaurant tucked within a residential area of Kulim, Kedah. It takes some effort to reach here (once near Jalan Perdagangan, follow the lead of the road signages) but the reward is worth it. The place occupies a big piece of land and has multiple fish ponds farming fresh water produce. At the side of those ponds, it has a restaurant dedicated entirely to serve all these goodies. There are 6 types of fresh river fishes available here- Patin, Cat fish, Tilapia, Tamarind fish etc. Apart from the fresh water fishes, some of their signature dishes such as Stir Fried Porridge are not to be missed either...

Steamed Patin (Rm 40/ kg)

Deep Fried Lampang Fish (Rm 50/ kg)

We had Patin and Lampang- the former fish was steamed and served with Chinese soy sauce while the latter choice was deep fried and dished over simple soy sauce dip. Both were great in their own ways but they shared one common thing... fresh. There was a nary of fishiness and the unctuous belly of the Patin fish was jaw-droppingly good. The pristine-white flesh was smooth and muscular, it possessed that satisfying "meaty bite"; when complemented with the soy sauce, it was best to spoon over Rice.

We were new when it comes to Lampang, the river fish has countless, small bones which makes the eating process tedious. The server recommended to deep fry the fish and we figured out why. The idea was to introduce a crispy dimension to the edges of the fish and perhaps, certain parts of the fish could be entirely eaten. Some fish scales were magically added for the extra crisp.... not too shabby for a change.

Stir Fried Porridge (Rm 5/ pax)

Stir Fried Vermicelli Noodles (Rm 4/ pax)

Kerabu Chicken Feet (Rm 12/ small)

Tummy fillers were Stir Fried Porridge and Stir Fried Vermicelli Noodles in lieu of White Rice. Big Tree Garden's Stir Fried Porridge was nicely done, a delightful smokey-charred aroma was introduced to the porridge with condiments like salted pork meat, shrimps and dried shitake mushrooms. It was delicately salted and with so many ingredients coming in, the flavors were multi-dimensional. Equaly delicious was the Stir Fried Vermicelli Noodles with an unbeatable price tag of Rm 4 per serving (small); though not out of the world delicious, it was decent with the quintessential "wok-hei" and basic ingredients (such as shrimps, egg, greens, sprouts etc) to spice up the noodle dish.

Stir Fried Belacan Kangkung (Rm 10/ small)

Ratings:

Taste: 7.5/10 (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: 7/10 (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

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: No. 200 A, Jalan Rambai 1/4, Taman Rambai, 09000, Kulim, Kedah.

Business Hours: 11 am to 9 pm. Closed on Wednesday and Thursday on every 3rd week of the month.

Contact Number: 6016- 551 1410/ 6016- 405 3300

Big Tree Garden Restaurant Facebook Page

It's that time of the year where you'll find people cracking their heads for ideas and what to cook for the dreaded Christmas party. Forget about all the boring usual dishes and celebrate the festive season with Golden Fresh (the company behind the brand- Pacific West and one of the largest, most successful Seafood Processors in Malaysia). One could explore unlimited possibilities with their range of Seafood products (perhaps some ideas for your Christmas party!). Golden Fresh is a long-established Penang-based frozen Seafood giant with global distribution world-wide; many of their products (especially Pacific West) can be found at most supermarkets. The impression that one would usually associate the brand with... deep fried Seafood but with a little extra effort, one can turn them into not only delectable but presentable and elegant dishes that will put many restaurants to shame. Last Saturday, we joined other bloggers and members of the Media in a Christmas Bash organized by Golden Fresh.

Many Thanks to Golden Fresh for hosting us at the Pacific West Christmas Bash.

There are more than 20 types of products under the umbrella of Pacific West at present but generally, there are 3 types of Seafood- Prawn, Fish and Squid. All recipes were carefully formulated; they are good to go on their own but even better with a little extra effort added. The Christmas Bash showcased an array of Pacific West products-turned fashionable-delicate dishes; from Canapes to Starters and to Mains... all were meticulously paired and crafted. It was certainly an eye-opener, not only they were delicious but eye-pleasers as well.

Golden Fresh takes pride in their award-winning Seafood products, not only that they care a lot about sustainability, they place equal importance on their quality control and product development either. We had the opportunity to visit 2 of the 7 food processing plants; stringent safety protocols and quality control procedures are imposed. Sterilization is done throughout the food processing to ensure the highest standard of hygiene and quality control is met.

Canapes and Finger Food

In the effort of assembly a Canape-table, Chef Gary and Chef Leong cleverly used some of the products. The fish-paste Churros left us with a deep impression. It reminded us of Keropok Lekor but in thinner strips and served with Siracha Mayo dip. The savory-spicy combination sure did spice up our day!

Starters- Tempura Prawn with Lobster and Prawn Cocktail and Crunchy Spiced Squid in Japanese Garden Salad

Spicy Garlic Squid Ring with Kimchi Pancake

Tempura Kiddie Fish with Onion and Red Cabbage Compote

Oven Baked Fish Fillet with Saffron Pearl Barley Risotto and Honey Roasted Christmas Vegetables

The Chefs did not go easy on the Starters, we were blown away by the Crunchy Spiced Squid served on a raft of Wakame Seaweed, Edamame, Japanese Cucumber and Ebiko. It was small and simple but huge in flavors; the Seaweed provided a crunchy layer while the Ebiko furnished the burst of savory-sweet Seafood essence, coupled with the crispy Crunchy Spiced Squid; the concoction was perfectly balanced sans a hint of greasiness... if only we had a second helping....

The Spicy Garlic Squid Ring on Kimchi Pancake sure sounds like something we could replicate. It was a Kimchi-based Pancake jeweled with Pacific West's Spicy Garlic Squid Ring and served with Mayonnaise and flecks of Chili flakes. The real draw of the dish was the Kimchi Pancake... robust with Kimchi flavor sans the acidity while the Squid Ring added a crunchy-satisfying bite. All other dishes were amazing and none of them disappoint. We were well-fed throughout the event.

An array of fresh Fruits

Christmas Yule Log Cake

Roasted Turkey

The Christmas classics were specially prepared by the Chef in observation to the theme or just add-on to the variety. No, Turkey is not part of Pacific West's products.

A group photo with my team mates for the hands-on activity

*Photos courtesy of Golden Fresh*

A group photo with the Bloggers and Golden Fresh's Team

*Photos courtesy of Pacific West*

Additional Information:

Golden Fresh Sdn. Bhd.

Address: 4572, Jalan Chain Ferry, 12100, Butterworth, Penang.

Contact Number: 604- 333 3388

Email: contact@fresh.com.my

Website: www.fresh.com.my

It is a no surprise if one finds Ice Cream dessert in a cafe but it surely takes our breath away to find Yume No Matcha, a self-made Matcha specialist that sells its products by the road side (right next to Heng Ee High School). It started as a simple, humble Ice Cream parlor that caters for the students of Heng Ee High School but words have spread and it has successfully lured many Matcha lovers with its Matcha Ice Cream desserts. Takeaways are common but if you wish to enjoy your Ice Cream dessert on the spot, there are a few tables and seats available. The kiosk is tucked inside an old house right next to the school and a Chinese temple along Jalan Hamilton.

Matcha Double Black Parfait (Rm 7)

Uji Matcha Parfait (Rm 6)

There are two types of Ice Cream available here- Matcha and Black Sesame Ice Cream. While simple coned Ice Creams are available, those with higher budget could opt for their Parfaits. We had both flavors, the condiments were identical- Mochi (Japanese Glutinous Rice Balls), sweetened Red Bean paste, Matcha jelly, Corn flakes and Rice puff. The Matcha Ice Cream was delicious, it was delicately sweetened with bold Green Tea-vegetal flavor. It was rather smooth but the downside was the fast melting rate of the Ice Cream; which we could understand (due to home-made, sans the synthetic and articial chemicals). Black Sesame was fun for a change but as far as the boldness of the flavor was concerned, Matcha stood out.

Ratings:

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

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

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

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

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

Pork-Free

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: Jalan Hamilton, 11600, Jelutong, Penang. *Right next to Heng Ee High School*

Business Hours: 12 pm to 6 pm. Closed on Mondays.

Contact Number: 6011- 1620 0908

Yume No Matcha Facebook Page

One of the oldest and well-known roast houses in Jelutong area is Kim Poh... previously housed within a snug lot under a low-cost flat behind the famous Kim Leng Loh Mee but it has since moved to a bigger lot right opposite to the aforementioned Loh Mee stall. The new shop is brighter and seemingly cleaner; it's hard to miss Kim Poh... the huge facade and signage will easily catch the attention of any road users on Perak Road. The renovation gave the shop a modern interior with comfortable seating; business has been brisk with long queues spotted during lunch hours and dinner hours. Kim Poh specializes in Roasted goodies, particularly Roasted Chicken, Roasted Duck, Barbecue Pork and Roasted Pork... along with mains like Wan Ton Mee, Porridge, Rice and sides like braised Tofu/ Egg, blanched Bean Sprouts etc. We believe one of the reasons that contributed to the success of Kim Poh is the affordable prices and quality offering.

Mixed Roasted Goods- Blanched Chicken, Roasted Pork and Barbecue Pork (Rm 16)

Wan Ton Mee (Rm 3)

Meat lovers be merry on the variety offered, there are as much as 6 types of goods offered here- Roasted Chicken, Roasted Duck, blanched Chicken, Roasted Pork, Barbecue Pork (Char Siew), Roasted Sausage. The Chicken may seem bland but it surprised us with its fork-tender texture, well-complemented with the thick savory-sweet Soy sauce. The Roasted Pork paled in comparison with the Barbecue Pork, the latter pick was expertly roasted. The texture was spot on- meaty but not fully dried out, with a hint of sweet smokiness. Tummy-filler was the Wan Ton Mee, though not outstanding, it was decent enough to go with the meat. For those who can't enjoy their meal properly without chilies... their home-made Chili sauce is a bomb and can be refilled as you wish.

Chicken Porridge (Rm 3.50)

Braised Tofu (Rm 0.70 each) and Braised Egg (Rm 1)

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

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:
Address: No. 332-I, Ground Floor, Jalan Perak, 11600, Jelutong, Penang.

Business Hours: 8 am to 9:30 pm. Closed on alternate Tuesdays.

Contact Number: 604- 281 0315

Sae Ma Eul, a longtime Korean barbecue joint (well-established in Klang Valley) expanded to Penang recently and we figured out at least a trio of reasons for that: quality, authenticity and a good selection of not only meat but Korean delights (such as cold noodles, Kimchi stew, Korean Pancake etc) as well. The new Penang branch can be found on 1st floor of Automall (at Karpal Singh Drive) but don't be put off by the location. Though not air-conditioned, it provides an outdoorsy ambiance with good ventilation (sea breeze if you are lucky); exactly like those barbecue joints by the roadside in South Korea. The setting is casual, modern and clean; Sae Ma Eul uses charcoal to fuel and cook the meat but fret not for the divas, the helpful service staff are forever ready to assist. The alcoholics might be glad to know that the Korean BBQ place offers "Hite" Beer and Korean Soju; otherwise, the complementary unlimited refills of water would mercilessly effective at washing away the accumulating heat.

Grilled Cheese (Rm 13)

Grilled Baby Octopus Sutbul (Rm 32)

Grilled Chicken with Spicy Sauce (Rm 29)

Dosirak Lunch Box (Rm 13)

While the indecisive could go for the Value Sets, we'd prefer to handpick our own orders. We had both Chicken and Octopus; the former one comes with two Chicken Thighs and the latter one comes with a few pieces of Octopus. Minimum order of two types of meat is required for the barbecue. Though prices may seem on the higher side, we thought it was reasonable considering the services, fuel and anything relevant that comes into package. The marination was spot on and the flavors were expertly tuned. We also had an add-on "Grilled Cheese", grated Mozzarella was left on the stove until melted. We enjoyed our cut of meat with generous strings of Cheese as well as wrapping the meat with raw Garlic and Kimchi.

The Dosirak Lunch Box was made famous by "Winter Sonata", a famous Korean drama debuted few years ago. The Kimchi rice mix (with Seaweed, Sunny Side Up) served in a tin box is one of the most economical ways for office workers. The fun here was to shake and mix all the ingredients, especially so to ensure all Gochujang sauce was able to blend well with the other ingredients. It was a simple but good option to fill up our tummies; even better if they could be more generous with the Gochujang sauce.

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: 7/10 (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)

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: 29D-3-8 and 29D-3-9, Automall Maritime Piazza, Persiaran Karpal Singh, 11600, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 3 pm to 1 am. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: 6017- 412 8999

A new business venture under the "Fullhouse" brand, though we are still unsure how the brand got associated with serving the Hong Kong Egg Waffles. It occupies a strategic lot at Lower Ground Floor, Queensbay Mall (previously Chatime); it has a lot of Fullhouse-related merchandise on sale with a couple of seats available facing the "open kitchen". The setup is meant for takeaways so dining-in is not recommended. The place is dishing out 6 flavors- Original, Chocolate, Lemon, Corn, Cheesy-Berry and Choco-Bamon... with starting price from Rm 5 nett.

Cheesy Berry (Rm 6.50)

The Cheesy Berry uses Charcoal and Cheese-infused batter, which explains the black hue. Squiggles of Strawberry Jam is squeezed in as filling before the Waffle is fully baked. The one we had was a disappointment. The texture was soft and the filling was overly sweet for us; the Cheesy element did not stand out either. Might be appealing to those with a sweet tooth; as for us, we'd prefer to stick to the original-classic version.

Ratings:

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

Service: 7/10 (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)

Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: LG-40, Queensbay Mall, 100 Persiaran Bayan Indah, 11900, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

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

Contact Number: 603- 7880 1387

The Butterworth City Centre along Jalan Raja Uda and Jalan Permatang Pauh has just got a little more exciting with the opening of Pentagon 5 Studio. The cafe occupies the entire two-storey building, strategically located right in front of Aroma Hotel, Butterworth. The exterior gives a hint that the place is chic with dashing decoration but inside, it proves otherwise. Once stepped in the cafe, we feel the industrial vibe- hanging light bulbs, modern furniture and heavy metal embellishment. Interior decor aside, the menu is pretty hipstery... featuring some of the Instagram-worthy desserts (such as Soft Serve) as well as an array of Western-Fusion menu (we were told that the Chef's a Thai so some of the Thai-influenced dishes are worth looking forward to). Service was great, we were greeted immediately upon arrival and the server pleasantly invited us to the table with clear explanation on their offering... certainly something that we did not expect, at least from a newly established (two-week old) cafe.

Black Sesame Soft Serve (Rm 12.90/ mug)

Salted Egg Yolk Cheese Cake (Rm 12.90)

Brunch is served until 2:30 pm while dinner starts at 6 pm so those who intend to have a substantial meal should plan their visits before the kitchen closes at pre-determined hours. Left with limited choices, we opted for their signature Black Sesame Soft Serve which comes in two sizes- Small (Rm 8.90) and Mug (Rm 12.90). The latter one comes in a huge portion and it is recommended to serve for two. The Black Sesame-infused Soft Serve was smooth and brimming with bitter-fragrant Black Sesame flavors. The sweetness was spot on... at least perfectly fine for the sweet-intolerant like me. Another addition to our afternoon tea was Salted Egg Yolk Cheese Cake, a concoction that consists of Sponge, Walnuts... sheathed under a Cheesy layer and topped with a morsel of Salted Egg Yolk bits. It was soft and light on the palate but the Salted Egg Yolk element was not as bold as we would have hoped.

Ratings:

Taste: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good) *Based on Soft Serve ONLY*

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)

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: No. 12, Butterworth Business City Centre, Jalan Raja Uda, 12300, Butterworth, Penang.

Business Hours: 10 am to 12 am. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: 604- 313 7707

Pentagon 5 Studio Facebook Page

If you have passed by Lebuh McNair recently, chances are high that you have seen this stretch of heritage houses with odd embellishment vying for attention. It does not suggest a thing and some actually though it was a museum-to-be but in actual fact, it comprises of restaurants jointly named as "McNair Restaurants", serving both Peranakan Nyonya cuisine and Western cuisine. Not much signage out the front and the exaggerated decoration outside means nothing but the interior suggests otherwise. Step in the restaurant and you will see traces of the "Nyonya-Peranakan" traits- from the usual Peranakan antique tiles to seemingly priceless heirloom displayed on the wall. Ironically, the menu is not limited to Peranakan cuisine... there are some Western options for those with Western palate either. Prices are reasonable and it isn't a stretch to go for Seafood dishes like Assam Pedas Fish or Assam Prawns. It is also note-worthy that McNair Restaurants are fully air-conditioned and serve family-style servings.

Assam Pedas- Red Snapper (Rm 45)

Crispy Fried Lotus Root (Rm 15/ small)

Soy Sauce Stewed Pork Belly (Rm 15/ small)

In keeping with the cuisine's penchant, McNair Restaurants does offer some of the locals' favorite Peranakan dishes such as Assam Pedas Fish, Assam Prawns, Kapitan Chicken, Tau Ewe Bak and Rendang. The Assam Pedas Red Snapper was a good value at Rm 45, a surprisingly huge portion for the 3 of us. The texture of the fish was expertly taken care of- soft but not mushy with pristine white appearance. The curry sauce though possessed the hint of the quintessential flavors, we thought it could be more acidic and the herbaceous aroma could be bolder. The sauce was too limited for us either, it was almost dried up towards the end. Not too shabby but there are areas for improvement.

Another side- Crispy Fried Lotus Root was addictive, the batter was cleverly done with a mild but alluring aroma that we could not discern. We saw traces of Curry Leaves though. The result was a crispy, evocative snacks to munch on.

Lamb Shank (Rm 48)

Western options are usually Pasta which we reckon it is usually ordered to satisfy the young children (based on our observation of neighboring tables) but we have gone out of the norm. We had their Lamb Shank for a change but to our relief, it was beatifully done! We had our Lamb Shank served with Red Wine sauce, a bed of mashed Potatoes and some Greens (dressed with simple Balsamic Vinaigrette). The chunk of meat was so tender and it falls off from the bone at the nudge of the fork. The flavors were well-absorbed and the meat went well with the creamy-buttery mashed. The monstrous portion might be a little too substantial for some though.

Ratings:

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

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

Parking: 6/10 (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: Yes 10%

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: 166, Lebuh McNair, 10300, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 11 am to 3 pm, 6 pm to 10 pm. Closed on Mondays.

Contact Number: 604- 261 0096

McNair Restaurants Facebook Page

If you are a serious Cronut fan, then Black Door Coffee & Tea is your spot. The latest addition at Arena Curve, Bayan Lepas (opposite to Arang Coffee) serves up some Cronut-related sweet treats but that's not all, there are an array of the usual Cafe fare as well as some home-made pastries and cakes. While the name- Black Door does paint a picture on the exterior, we certainly did not expect the interior decor to be in completely dark shade as well. The atmosphere is casual with a sense of industrial vibe. But the fact that the cafe offers full-fledged menu- from appetizer to main course and dessert so for those who are working nearby (Bayan Lepas) or happen to find yourself wandering about the neighborhood, the cafe is worth-visiting.

Charcoal Berries Cronut (Rm 15) with Haagen Dazs Ice Cream (Rm 3)

Black Door Benedict (Rm 18)

We were told that the Charcoal Berries Cronut with a scoop of Haagen Dazs Ice Cream is one of their best sellers; the extremely flaky Cronut was familiar... probably from the same supplier as to most cafes in town but we were also told that they make their own Berry sauce. The concoction was sweet but the flavors were elusive. Together with the Ice Cream, it was sweet with flaky-buttery aroma; not too shabby for a change (in lieu of the conventional cakes) but not too sure if we would want to pay Rm 18 for that again.

We were there during tea time and we wanted something light; their All Day Breakfast would suit our requirement. Their Black Door Benedict, a Egg-Ben variant... has Ham, sauteed Mushrooms, greens and poached Egg ladled over some home-made Hollandaise sauce. The combination was familiar but it was a let down to find the Egg slightly overcooked and the Hollandaise sauce was not up to par.... we'd stick to their Cronuts or perhaps... their home-made cakes (the appearance looks decent and convincing, seen from the display fridge).

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: 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: Block 72-1-5, Arena Curve, Jalan Mahsuri, 11950, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

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

Contact Number: 6017- 498 6536

Black Door Coffee & Tea Facebook Page

Penang is home to a vast array of different cultures and for that, there is no shortage of imported delights from expats' homeland. Recently, M Mall (otherwise known as Times Square Penang) welcomes a new tenant- Sakura Living Store, a Japanese-focused store where one gets to experience a taste of Japan sans the hustle of traveling to the land of rising sun. Unlike other Asian stores where there is limited shelf space dedicated for Japanese food, Sakura Living Store occupies two huge lots at M Mall, entirely dedicated for Japanese goods. The ambitious shoppers will be glad to know that Sakura Living Store not only offers an extensive selection Japanese food (or snacks/ beverages) but household items such as Vacuum Flask, Facial Mask, Hairdo Products, Shampoo, Toothbrush, handicrafts or even Yukata-Kimono (Japanese dress) are on sale either. Time seems to move slower than usual in that space so do spare some time to explore the goodies. All items are fully imported from Japan. Our recommendations are Shiroi Koibito, Akai Boshi Cookies, Pocky Biscuit Sticks (plenty of exotic flavors!), Jagabee Potato Snacks, Maruchan Instant Ramen, Sparkling Japanese Rice Wine (Sake) and Plum Wine. Sakura Living Store can be found at ground floor of M Mall, right next to Bon-Ga Korean Restaurant (previously One Garage Slappy Cakes).

Many Thanks to Sakura Living Store (樱花生活馆) for hosting us.

Shiroi Koibito- Renowned Milk Chocolate Cookies from Hokkaido

Japanese Green Tea Sweet Treat/ Hello Kitty Series Cookies

Akai Boshi- Famous Japanese Cookies (in Gift Boxes)

Plenty of imported Japanese goodies- Snacks, Pastries, Instant Noodles, Cookies, Biscuits, Chocolates, Puffs and Candies

The chiller offers an array of Japanese beverages

Plenty of Japanese Alcohols- Notable items are Sparkling Sake (Rice Wine) and Plum Wine as well as some Japanese Soft Drinks

Vacuum Flask that keeps things cold!

Temporary Dye for the Grey Hair (to Black/ washable)

Japanese Yukata

Plenty of Japanese Household Items and Traditional Wear

Whey Soap

Ashiya Cosmetics, proudly imported from Japan. Sakura Living Store is probably the only place in Penang that carries the brand.

Additional Information:

Address: 79-G-12A-B, 79-G-39-41, M Mall, Penang Times Square, Jalan Dato Keramat, 10150, Georgetown, Penang.

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

Hikers that frequent Cherok To'Kun Hill at Bukit Mertajam, Penang should not be new to the name- Pan Man Mee Kuah Ketam. It is highly visible from the bustling Jalan Kulim, right at the junction to the foot of the hill. Many hikers usually stretch their hiking legs or take a quick recharge at the coffee shop before continuing their journey while some reward themselves with a serving of lip-smacking Mee Kuah Ketam (vice versa). I hope the name "Mee Kuah Ketam" rings a bell. "Kuah" refers to "gravy" in Malay and the direct translation would be "Noodles with Crab gravy". The seemingly thick, rich and starchy gravy was cooked for hours- boiling the (flower) crabs to fully accentuate the flavors. The result is a sweet, gooey gravy with bold crustacean sweetness; the dish is often served with Yellow noodles and extra condiments such as Baby Cuttlefish, Meat, fried Beancurd, boiled Potatoes and fried Fritters. While there are a few good ones around, Pak Man is one of the famous ones.

Pasembur (Rm 4)

Mee Kuah Ketam Special- Daging (Beef) & Sotong (Rm 7)

Both Pasembur and Mee Kuah Ketam are their best-selling dishes; the former choice comes in a hearty portion with generous amount of julienned Jicama, Cucumber, blanched Sprouts, fried Fritters, fried Beancurd, Potatoes topped and ladled over a chockful of the thick, sweet, well-spiced Peanut sauce. It was slightly sweeter than the usual ones but it makes a good add-on (as a side) to the Mee Kuah Ketam.

Their signature Mee Kuah Ketam was delicious though, the seafood sweetness of the crab-flavored kuah was sturdy and it made the noodles dangerously addictive. We can't seem to hold back, even better with extra condiments of Baby Cuttlefish and Beef. The portion was just nice, we fear we might be a little overly surfeited if the portion gets larger. We washed them down with a refreshing glass of Ais Limau (Rm 1).

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)

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

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

Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: Junction of Jalan Kolam and Jalan Kulim (the road to Cherok To' Kun), 14000, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Business Hours: 12:30 pm to 7:30 pm, closed on Fridays.

Contact Number: N/A

Garden Feel Cafe... a newly established garden centre-turned cafe at Jalan Ong Yi How, Butterworth that has become the talk-of-the-town. The pull factor is the magical atmosphere as though diners are dining in a garden surrounded by plants; cool concept and fun ambiance but the offering is a lackluster and run-of-the-mill variety. It offers the local Western breakfast- your typical processed Sausages, Bread with Eggs and heavily doused with sauces. We have certainly set our expectations right prior to the visit but the actual service on our visit was way beyond our imagination.... we had to wait for 45 minutes before our orders were served (orders were messed up and the servers were not really helpful). We overheard that some waited for an hour so if you are planning to visit the place, expect no less than 30 minute wait. Garden Feel Cafe can be found at the junction to Bagan Jaya High School, to your right before reaching Chung Ling Butterworth/ Jalan Ong Yi How from Bagan Lallang.

Cheesy Egg In Toast (Rm 7.50)

Golden Omelette (Rm 8.50)

Cheesy Egg in Toast sure sounds exciting and we literally fall for that. Some Chicken Ham, a sliver of Cheese and Egg was baked on an ersatz Toast and served with squiggles of Cheese sauce. The Toast was surprisingly soft but with the remaining ingredients and sauce, we thought the texture was somewhat overly soft and mushy. It was a tad too salty and cheesy to our liking as well. The sides were equally calorific with some puckered Fries and uninspiring greens seen in action.

Our next attempt on Golden Omelette was not any better. It was an ordinary Omelette wrapped with Cheesy, Ham, Capsicum and some Onions.... again, served with Cheesy sauce. The Omelette was overcooked with rough, dense texture... as oppose to the ideal smooth and fluffy texture we would have hoped. Flavor-wise, it was alright but we were horrified by the calorie-count after seeing the presence of Fried Wedges, Cheese and the Cheesy sauce.

Ratings:

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

Service: 5.5/10 (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)

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

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: 4601, Jalan Ong Yi How, Kampung Simpah, 13400, Butterworth, Penang.

Business Hours: 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: 6012- 310 1568

Garden Feel Cafe Facebook Page

Once an anomaly in Penang, vegetarians can now find aplenty of options in town. Nestled in the artsy space of Hin Bus Depot, Wholey Wonder is an excellent place for vegetarians and vegan. The menu is completely plant-based and the dishes are designed to appeal all palates. Options range from Pizza, Pies to home-made pastries; and the prices are well-commensurate with generous serving portion. The first floor is a space dedicated for Yoga classes and ground floor is where cafe located. Wholey Wonder has a nice relaxed atmosphere with vines crawling on the rustic walls, swings in front of the coffee bar and calming-soft background music; the place is not only good for a casual meal but over a cup of Joe as well.

Twisted Shepherd (Rm 20)

Peanut Butter Cheese Cake (Rm 12)

It's hard to imagine the taste of vegetarian Shepherd Pie but this adventurous free-from-animal-produce cafe dares to make a difference. Their Twisted Shepherd is a good substitute to the regular fare. The filling sheathed under the Sweet Potato puree included fresh Shitake Mushrooms, Celery, Carrot, Lentil, Onions and Cucumber. Both flavors and texture were carefully thought of and perfectly balanced. The peppery element was bold but the flavor-combination worked. It was multi-dimensional and for once, we thought we were having the actual Shepherd Pie!

We ended the meal with a sweet note; though calorific, we had no regrets after having their Peanut Butter Cheese Cake. As far as vegans are concerned, the actual dairy product (in this case- "Cheese") was replaced by Cashew Nuts... for the creamy consistency. The Peanut Butter flavor was bold and we actually enjoyed the creamy-gooey texture, as though we were having actual Peanut Butter. But the real draw of the dish was the chewy biscuit base which we thought they really did well. It has been a while since I last enjoyed such a decent piece of cake.

Ratings:

Taste: 7.5/10 (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)

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)

Pork Free/ Vegan

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: Hin Bus Depot, 61, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 11 am to 6 pm. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Contact Number: 604- 218 9006

Wholey Wonder Facebook Page

Join in the tradition and usher in Chinese New Year by feasting a sumptuous reunion dinner and Chinese New Year dinner with Hard Rock Hotel Penang. For the Year of the Rooster, the beach front hotel offers a one-off Reunion Buffet Dinner on the eve of Chinese New Year (27 Jan 2017) and Chinese New Year Buffet Dinner on the first Chinese New Year day (28 Jan 2017). Diners can expect a wide variety of traditional Chinese New Year delicacies such as Yee Sang, Steamed Fish, Seafood Treasure Pot, Glutinous Rice Balls etc to commemorate the auspicious season. Seats are selling out fast and if you haven't booked yours, do call in for advance reservation.

Many Thanks to Hard Rock Hotel Penang for hosting us that evening.

Rockin' Reunion Buffet Dinner
Date: 27 January 2017 (Friday) at 6:30 pm
Price: Rm 138 nett/ adult and Rm 69 nett/ children (6 to 12 years old)

Rock of Prosperity Seafood Buffet Dinner
Date: 28 January 2017 (Saturday) at 6:30 pm

Price: Rm 128 nett/ adult and Rm 64 nett/ children (6 to 12 years old)

Braised Chicken and Seafood Treasure Soup

Yee Sang Platter

Pomelo & Mandarin Shrimp Salad

Jelly Fish Papaya Salad

Chicken Roll with Thai Mango Salad

Begin with the Yee Sang ritual that symbolizes the growth of fortune (determined by the height that diner could toss the ingredients) and start the appetite by having the heart-warming Braised Chicken and Seafood Treasure Soup, a delicious concoction of Chicken slice and Seafood wholesomeness; the consistency was just perfect and even better to go with a dash of Chinese Black Vinegar.

The cold dishes are not to be missed too, the crunchy Jelly Fish with tangy Papaya Salad is there to whet up the appetite while the poultry lovers could opt to go for their Chicken Roll with Thai Mango Salad. Both are similar yet different in its own way. The former one offers a crunchy-addictive bite while the latter option would satisfy any meat lovers.

Crispy Chicken with Prawn Cake and Marmite Chicken

Deep Fried King Prawn with Spicy BBQ Sauce

Braised Seafood Treasure in Pumpkin and Garden Green

Wok Fried Brown Crab with "Kam Hiong" Sauce

Steamed Glutinous Rice with Dried Oysters and Roasted Mix Meat

Amongst the highlights lined up for the Chinese New Year Reunion Buffet Dinner, we found the Seafood Treasure Pot especially outstanding. The soft yet crunchy Sea Cucumber was expertly cooked to the right texture and spot on seasoning while the Pumpkin introduced a sleek squash-sweetness to the concoction. Equally palatable was the Crispy Chicken with Prawn Cake- bounchy and meaty Prawn Cake was sandwiched between two crispy exterior layers with Salted Egg Yolk, though calorific, it was dangerously addictive with the touch of salty essence. Other highlights that can be found in the buffet spread are Steamed Glutinous Rice with Dried Oyster and Roasted Mix Meat, Braised Whole Duck with Eight Treasure Style (Chinese New Year Buffet Dinner), Steamed Fish with Pat Tong style (Chinese New Year Buffet Dinner) and Deep Fried King Prawn with Spicy BBQ Sauce.

End the meal with a sweet note by having their Soya Bean Milk Glutinous Rice Balls, Leng Chee Kang and Pan Fried Red Bean Pancake as well as assorted Chinese New Year Cookies.

Additional Information:

Pork-Free

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No *prices shown are nett*

Address: Jalan Batu Ferringhi, 11100, Batu Ferringhi, Penang.

Business Hours: 6:30 pm to 10 pm.

Contact Number: 604- 886 8057

Central Georgetown is a real food hub with no shortages of International cuisine... and that includes Vietnamese food. The name Pho Viet certainly rings a bell... and we were right, their specialty- Vietnamese Pho. The place was previously known as Yellow Lips (at Beach Street) but has since taken over by a new Vietnamese team that offers a variety of Vietnamese delicacies. Prices are on the higher side (20-30% higher than other Vietnamese joints in town) but they have certainly delivered the quality; service was impeccable as well. Not only did they offer complimentary dessert but they try to explain every dish in great details (they politely advised me on the correct way of eating Vietnamese Pho). If price is not your concern, do give this place a try.

Pho Bo/ Vietnamese Beef Noodles (Rm 16)

Goi Cuon/ Vietnamese Spring Rolls (Rm 12.50)

The server introduced their Pho Bo with aplomb and we did not hesitate to order one. The color of the meat broth seemed legit and one sip of the broth reassured us that we were enjoying a bowl of authentic Vietnamese Pho. It was robust with flavors, with a hint of herbaceous element. The noodles were smooth and light on the palate either; if there was one thing that we could nitpick, it would be their generosity on providing the condiments (of Basil, Sprouts and Vietnamese Parsley)... would be perfect if they could provide more. To fill up the tummy, we had an extra order of Vietnamese Spring Rolls... pretty standard-average but they were sincere enough to have served us two types of dips- basic Spring Roll dip and Hoisin sauce.

Complimentary Coconut Jelly

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: 6/10 (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)

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: 496, Lebuh Pantai, 10300, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 11 am to 10 pm on every Monday to Wednesday, 10 am to 10 pm on every Friday to Sunday. Closed on Thursdays.

Contact Number: 6012- 559 1905

Pho Viet Facebook Page

One of the most exciting news in the F&B scene (2016) in Malaysia was the announcement on the famous Burger and Lobster chain restaurant from United Kingdom, opening its first branch in Southeast Asia. The UK-based chain restaurant picked Sky Avenue, Genting Highlands as its first outpost and has since then, received spotlight from food connoisseurs. Resorts World Genting has been marketing the restaurant as one of the top picks to dine-in above 6,000 feet in the hills, all the lobsters are imported and air-flown in from deep Atlantic Waters to Resorts World Genting. Not only that the restaurant here (in Malaysia) shares identical menu to the ones in London, the price structure is quite similar too (20 GBP for a Burger OR Lobster/ at the point of writing- Rm 110). A basic Burger would cost Rm 65 here while the standard Lobster order costs Rm 138 (if you are a Genting Rewards Card Member). Burger & Lobster can be found at ground floor of Sky Avenue, near to the entrance from First World Hotel (where the main Genting Casino is located).

"The Original"- Rm 153 (Non Genting Reward Card Member)/ Rm 138 (Genting Reward Card Member)

Burger or Lobster? Sure a lot to think of but we decided to go for the latter option. The Original includes a Lobster, Salad (dressed with Balsamic Vinegar) and Fries; diners get to choose to have their Lobster steamed or grilled. We hear that the Lobsters tend to be over-grilled so we did not hesitate to go for the first option. We had it with their Lemon Butter dip. The Lobster flesh was undeniably delicious, it was plump, juicy with an addictive-pleasing bouncy texture. Though the dip was interesting- creamy but the acidity cuts through the greasiness, it did not provide justice to the burstingly sweet crustacean. The Fries on the other hand, was a disappointment... they were in "half-dead" mode at the end of the photo shooting. I hate to say this but McDonald's probably can do a better job. All in all, it was a good novelty experience but I am not too sure if I'd like to make another visit to this place.

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)

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

Parking: N/A

Pork Free

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: Level 1, Sky Avenue, Resort World Genting, 69000, Pahang.

Business Hours: 11 am to 10 pm on Sundays to Thursdays, 11 am to 12 am on every Friday and Saturday. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: 603- 6105 9186

Burger & Lobster Malaysia Facebook Page

Dining in the middle of the sea is no longer a dream nor imaginary right now as one of the largest fish farms in Penang- Aqua Green runs a private kitchen that opens to the public. At a very reasonable price of Rm 120 nett per diner, diners will be welcomed with 5-6 course lunch (subject to availability) and the price includes return trip to the fish farm from Batu Uban Fishing Village. Food aside, we thought the real pull factor was the breath-taking scenery and once-in-a-life-time experience; I mean... how often do you get to visit a fish farm and have a healthy, home-cooked meal there? For those who are concerned, the fish farm is rather "stable" and not "wavy". The open-space dining hall welcomes soothing sea-breeze and offers spectacular view over the Sea (with a side facing Pulau Jerejak). Diners will also receive a complimentary tour around the fish farm while the owner- Sean Cheah, will explain to you how Aqua Green raises the fish. The meal will start shortly after the tour and shall include healthy dishes churned out from Sean's wife- Doris' kitchen; diners can expect at least a fish dish (farmed by Sean) and several healthy dishes (Doris only supports organic and sustainable farmers in Penang, she will cook whatever the farmers deliver to her on that day, subject to suitability). A minimum 6 pax is required for such booking to Aqua Green and preferably 7-day advance reservation (contact number can be found at the bottom of the article).

Many Thanks to Sean and Doris for hosting us that day.

About Aqua Green:
Aqua Green raises its fish via healthy fodder fully imported from Taiwan, the owners believe in "No Chemicals" policy and thus, their fishes are raised under a "healthy condition". Survival rate is approximately 60% lower than most industrial players but healthy is of their main concern (the prices will of course, commensurate with the quality). Interested diners can also purchase the fish from Aqua Green at additional costs.

Garden Salad with Avocado Oil and Lemon Dressing

Aubergine with Japanese Wafu Dressing

Steamed Sea Prawns served with Home-made Sauce and fresh Mango

We started with a beautiful and artfully plated Garden Salad served with Avocado Oil, fresh Passion Fruit and Lemon Dressing; Doris was very generous with the raw Almonds and Macadamia nuts either. The concoction was most refreshing, even more lively with the addition of an exotic tropical vegetable that carries Mango-like flavor. The following appetizers were equally tantalizing as well, the steamed Aubergine was cleverly served with appetizing-savory Japanese dressing and topped with toasted Sesame Seeds. It was a satisfying bite with a burst of flavors. Simplicity in its best, the Sea Prawns were expertly cooked to the right doneness and served with Doris' home-made dip and Mango for the touch of tropical essence. It has shades of the Peranakan but unique in its own way. At this point, we were excited and thrilled for the ensuing feast.

Pan Fried Threadfin and Big Eye Snapper

Boiled Clams

Home-made Mango Fried Rice

No heavy seasonings were tasted in any of the dishes, the fresh fish- Threadfin and Big Eye Snapper were lightly seared; the flesh remains plump and juicy. It was good to go with a slight squeeze of Lemon juice over it, the natural seafood-sweetness within spoke for itself. Similarly, the Clams were cooked with plain Water only. It carried bold seafood salty-sweet essence; it was extremely comforting when served hot. Tummy-filling dish was Doris' own creation- Mango Fried Rice with generous serving of Cabbage and topped with Ginger Torch Flower. The seasoning was the home-made dip served... which shared characteristics of Tom Yum Paste but unique and delightful in its own way. We ended the meal with a refreshing treat of Mangoes and Pineapples; washed down with their home-made Honey-Lemon concoction.

After-meal concoction of fresh Fruits- Pineapple and Mangoes/ Tangerine

Thirst-Quencher: Homemade Honey-Lemon Juice

Serious safety measurements (visitors are urged to put on life jackets) are taken before departing to the fish farm

Fellow visitors all geared up on a trip to the Fish Farm

Additional Information:

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Address: Gather Point at Batu Uban Fisherman's Village

Available Hour: 11 am - Lunch/ Only on Weekends or Public Holidays

Contact Number: 6012- 490 1386 [Sean Cheah]

One of the latest additions to Bahari Parade is Ri Cafe, it did take us a while to figure out the name of the cafe but we later found out that it is somehow associated with the first name of the owner. Situated at the corner lot of Bahari Parade, Ri Cafe offers adventurous eaters a playful but well-thought of local-fusion cuisine... dishes are wonderfully paired with both eastern and western elements; the menu is small but the surprise-factor is big. The cafe has a homey and relaxed atmosphere, it is definitely worth checking out if you are in the vicinity.

Flashback (Rm 26.90)

Winning Man (Rm 29.90)

A Bolognese-inflected dish with Japanese Udon replacing Spaghetti, the Flashback was delicate and addictive. The marination for the minced Beef was spot on, with a slight tinge of acidity from the Sour Mustard and indelible spicines as well as a touch of Parmesan Cheese.. The texture was alright, though not as al-dente as we would have hoped but we could bear with it. It was good but not too sure if the portion could justify the price tag.

We were happy with Flashback but Winning Man was equally good as well. The Fried Chicken was deep fried till perfection and served with a bowl of Pineapple Salsa as well as some Curry Laksa Sambal. But the combination was unique and somewhat adventurous. The refreshing tangy Pineapple Salsa pierced through the greasiness of the Chicken and introduced another layer of tropical flavor to the dish. The Curry Laksa Sambal was elusive and did not leave a very deep impression but the Fried Chicken was nicely done- crispy on the outside and succulent-tender inside. But again, we are uncertain if we would want to pay Rm 29.90 for a Chicken Thigh again.

Ratings:

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

Price: 6.5/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

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

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

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

Halal

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: 81, Bahari Parade, Jalan Sri Bahari, 10050, Georgetown, Penang.

Business Hours: 9 am to 6 pm on every Tuesday to Thursday, 10 am to 10 pm on every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Closed on Mondays.

Contact Number: 6012- 508 4842

Seasoned drinkers rejoice! The Penang beer scene has just got a little more interesting with the introduction of "Penang Craft Beer". Craft Beers are often small, independent and traditionally made in small scale in small breweries. The Penang Craft Beers are brewed in San Diego, California but being imported to Penang. In its journey to obtain local license, it was somehow marketed as "Penang Craft Beer", with the approval by the Penang State Government. The Penang Craft Beer series carries 3 flavors- "Ang Moh Leng Teh", "Red Door" and "India Pale Ale"; each bottle (of 355 ml) is sold between Rm 23 to Rm 36 (depending on the restaurant/ bar). Beer enthusiasts can now find the craft beer at selected restaurants and bars in Penang Island.

The Penang Craft Beer can be found in the below restaurant/ bar:

El- Faro
Mish Mash
The Little Wine Bar
The Eighty Eight Restaurant
Campbell House
Seven Terraces
Chin Chin Gastropub

Mish Mash only carries the Penang Craft Beer- India Pale Ale at present and each bottle is priced at Rm 36 nett while The Little Wine Bar carries all 3 flavors and competitively priced at Rm 25.50 nett per bottle. The India Pale Ale contains higher alcohol content at 6.7%. It possesses a fruity aroma with refreshing Lemon tang but bitter end. Not too bad for a change though I am not sure if I'd pay for that again.

With a name like Churrascaria, one would expect the restaurant to churn out heaps of mouth-watering barbecued meats. Qba Bar & Grill, one of the restaurants housed within The Westin Kuala Lumpur, one of the most exclusive hotels in the heart of Kuala Lumpur; offers all you can eat Brazilian-inspired churrascaria-style buffet. The award-winning restaurant earns its reputation for serving some of the best grills in town, head there with a big appetite and expect a constant carving of not only meat but a generous offer of Seafood as well. The dining area behind the drinking place (of Qba) has a rustic, vibrant and easy-going atmosphere; making it a fun place to hangout (alcohols can be ordered at additional costs). There are basic buffet counters right in front of the kitchen bar (with rotisserie in live action) that offer starters while mains are served to your table. With the help of a red and green stand, diners can decide whether they can still go on or put the indulgence to a halt. Dessert on the other hand, shall be served (though repeat orders is allowed, there will be only one type of dessert at all times). For the best value deal, check with the staff on the credit card discounts available.

Grilled Lamb

Brazilian Churrascaria Buffet Dinner
Available on every Friday and Saturday
Time: 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Price: Rm 130 nett per diner

Shrimp Ceviche

Beef Stew

Chicken Stroganoff

Roasted Vegetables

Chicken Salad

Steak Salad with House Dressing

Stir Fried Bell Peppers with Onions

Pickled Appetizers

Weight watchers will be glad to know that there are plenty of greens to balance the diet. The modest salad bar offers a few types of delicious salad and greens to go with the grills. But the highlights should be the Chicken Stroganoff, a rather uncommon Russian dish served in a creamy-savory thick sauce. The flavor might be a little bold for some so it's best to spoon over rice. Other notable starters include Beef Stew, Shrimp Ceviche, marinated Quail Eggs and Crab Meat soup.

Roasted Pineapples

Grilled Chicken with Special Sauce

Grilled Shrimp, Lamb Sausages, Roasted Corn Kernel

Signature Braised Beef Cheek

Grilled Chicken Breast, Squid and Pan Seared Scallops

Brace yourself for the limitless serving of meat and seafood about to bring to your table. Qba's Beef Cheek is always one of the highly lauded items, the fork-tender Beef Cheek needs no hard effort to cut through. It was expertly cooked with deep flavors but the real draw was the smokiness within, almost akin to smoked meat... a rare scene for braised meat. Another dish that left me with deep impression was the Lamb Sausage. It possessed the chewy-bouncy texture with discernible smokiness sans the gamy Lamb stench, good on its own but even better with some Yellow Mustard.

To complete the Surf and Turf combination, go for their Seafood options as well. Their meticulously seared Scallops were top notch. They were carefully cooked with plump and juicy inside while the surface was perfectly caramelized. If there's something that you can't miss here, it's definitely their Scallops. Other praise-worthy items include Grilled Chicken Breast, Chicken Wings with special sauce, Squid, Shrimp and most importantly, their Roasted Pineapple.