Spiky, Like a Durian
The life of James Richardson Logan—Penang’s Grand Old Man

By Mike Gibby
Cover design and book layout by Adrian Cheah

Designing the cover of "Spiky, Like a Durian"

There are no known surviving photographs or painted portraits of James Richardson Logan, nor of his son Daniel or his brother Abraham. What remains instead is a bas-relief memorial portrait, erected by the legal fraternity of Penang in early 1872, just over two years after Logan’s death on 20 October 1869.

The smoky, savoury and succulent goodness of traditional bak kwa

Bak kwa, Hokkien for dried pork jerky, is one of the most beloved snacks during Chinese New Year and it is almost a crime not to have this truly "ho chiak" snack in your home all through the festive season. As the season approaches, roadside stalls across Penang pop up like mushrooms after a rainy day, offering not just bak kwa but also hampers, festive cookies and kam (mandarin oranges).

A pre-birthday luncheon at Auntie Gaik Lean Old School Eatery

“The only reward of virtue is virtue; the only way to have a friend is to be one.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson, Friendship, Essays: First Series (1841)

So often, people say they want good friends, yet forget the underlying truth that friendship begins inwardly. It requires generosity of spirit, self-awareness, and the ability to show up without expectation. When insecurity, entitlement, or self-interest takes centre stage, genuine friendships struggle to take root. Emerson’s words remind us that friendship is not something to be acquired, but something to be practised.

On The Crest Of Prayer – The Thaipusam Story

From the top of the green hill, the endless string of devotees dotting its way up the concrete steps seemed like a sacred procession of silence.

Carrying milk-pots of brass and silver, and harnessed in colourful kavadis, the worshippers inched their way to the great temple overhead with sweet hypnotic resolve. The children, the elders, even the disabled ones, scaled slowly with their ceremonial burdens, ascending with a mission to the call of the good Lord Muruga above.

The Han Jiang Ancestral Temple of the Penang Teochew Association – linking past and present

You cannot miss the building. Nestled among rows of old Indian Muslim carpet stores, jewellers and eateries, the ancestral temple of the Teochew Chinese stands out with its pronounced Chinese architecture and imposing doors featuring twin larger-than-life Chinese warriors in full regalia. This silent and formidable pair with their red faces and weapons, frightening to foes yet welcoming to members and visitors, have been standing guard to the temple's peaceful interior for more than a century. Their presence recalls to mind a rather popular Chinese tercet: "Like the spring rain to a lotus blossom, thou art welcome; come, rest within".

George Town World Heritage Site: The story of the Chinese in nineteenth-century Penang

By Mark Thompson and Karl Steinberg with photographs by Adrian Cheah

Walk between two of George Town’s most famous landmarks with this illustrated guide. Discover the story of the Chinese in nineteenth-century Penang and explore some of the community’s fascinating characters, customs, architecture and events.

For as long as it has existed, George Town in Penang has attracted travellers and settlers from across the globe and is a true confluence of cultures. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site continues to enchant visitors with its traditional charm and its well-preserved historical townscape.

New tempting offerings at Siam Social

Since its launch in January 2025, Siam Social has achieved a 4.9-star rating from 349 Google reviews (as of 13 January 2026), an impressive showing for a restaurant still young, yet already familiar in the way old favourites are.

Set up your own 2- or 3-course lunch at Blacklinen

Situated on the ninth floor of The Millen Penang, Blacklinen, a contemporary grillroom, now offers a thoughtfully composed lunch set, inviting diners to experience its Michelin-recognised kitchen at a more approachable price point. Diners may choose between a 2-course set at RM78++ (starter or dessert with a main) or a 3-course set at RM98++ (starter, main, and dessert). The one-page lunch menu is concise, with options of four starters, three mains, and two desserts. A handful of additional items are also available à la carte for those who wish to explore further.

A 6-course set at Wu Jia where size matters, especially the abalone and prawns

Do you know that eating a meal with someone can actually be good for your health, and maybe even your longevity?

Most of us think of food as fuel or indulgence, but research tells a deeper story. Dr Will Bulsiewicz, a leading gut health expert, explains that sharing a meal reduces loneliness and stress, which in turn supports gut health; and chronic loneliness can harm health as much as smoking cigarettes. (The Diary of a CEO, 2026) Similarly, studies show that communal meals release oxytocin and endorphins, strengthen social bonds, lower cortisol, and improve mood and overall wellbeing. (National Geographic, 2023)

Sri Mariamman, the temple of an ancient goddess

Penang has a large community of Indians, broadly divided into those from the North (Bengalis, Sindhis, Gujerati, etc.) and the South (Tamils). It is not surprising then that the Penang landscape is dotted with Hindu temples, from the large and ornate to the unostentatious makeshift huts and lean-to's.

Kek Lok Si Temple, the monastery on Crane Hill

In Chinese iconography, the Crane holds special significance. It is an auspicious symbol denoting longevity, and wisdom that comes with age. The Crane is said to manifest a peculiar interest in human affairs and is also often associated with good luck, high-mindedness, purity and freedom.

Indulging at the award-winning Chin's Cuisine

Chin's Cuisine represents owner Dave Chin's unique interpretation on Chinese cuisine, primarily inspired by Sichuan and Hunan flavours. Dave and his team of chefs draw inspiration from the vast treasure trove of Chinese cuisine, a culinary tradition that has evolved over thousands of years.