Penang has always fascinated me with its blend of old and new: a historic trading port, a UNESCO World Heritage city, a thriving centre of commerce and industry, and a home to many cultures, traditions and flavours that have come together over generations. However, Penang is more than its landmarks and famous dishes. Its soul can be found in the people I meet, the stories I hear and the memories shared along the way. This is my journey through Penang and beyond.
Sifu Nyonya Cuisine, located at Jalan Pintal Tali, offers an authentic Nyonya dining experience. At the culinary helm of the restaurant is 71-year-old Madam Beh Geok Wah, whose culinary prowess is showcased through a menu featuring over 40 dishes. Some recipes are cherished heirlooms passed down through generations, ensuring that the essence of Nyonya cooking is preserved with every flavourful bite.
Starting my day with a lovely breakfast has always been a priority for me, so stumbling upon Yolk's full-on brunch menu available as early as 8 am was truly exciting. On those lazy mornings when I want to skip cooking, Yolk could be one of my go-to spots. Situated in a charming heritage building along Pengkalan Weld, this cafe's first-floor location offers breathtaking views of the ferry terminal and the 11-km wide Penang Straits. It is an ideal venue to indulge in a leisurely meal while basking in the beauty of Penang and if you arrive early, to soak up the gentle morning rays.
Third Culture Penang offers a "seasonal" menu that draws from the fresh ingredients of Penang and neighbouring states, skilfully prepared by Chef Khor Sue Ching. She deploys French cooking techniques learnt from L’Institut Paul Bocuse in Lyon, France. However, most of her culinary skills were honed not in classrooms, but in the actual kitchens of Michelin-starred restaurants. Learning about this, I eagerly anticipated creative flavours paired with exciting new culinary combinations for a delightful dining experience.
For those who appreciate bold and exciting flavours, Thai cuisine is sure to captivate. Known for its delicate balance of sweet, sour, salty and spicy notes, it offers a vibrant culinary experience. From aromatic herbs to fiery spices, each creation takes your palate on a fantastical journey. In Penang, the availability of Thai food stalls and restaurants assures you will be spoilt for choice.
Penang, a haven for food lovers, serves up a sedap-licious escapade like no other, from street food stalls brimming with local delights to high-end fine dining restaurants, not forgetting cosy patisseries and bustling pubs. But when it comes to an izakaya, there is something inherently different – a taste of Japan served with a side of its rich cultural essence, much like how an Irish pub offers more than just a pint.
The warm midday sun filtered through the colonial windows of Beach St. Bistrot, casting shifting patterns of light across its charming interior. Outside, the afternoon blazed with tropical intensity, making it all the more refreshing to step into the cool embrace of the air-conditioned restaurant. Though my birthday had passed weeks ago, the celebrations continued – this time over a leisurely luncheon with my dear old friend, Auck Seng.
On my 56th birthday in January, Cindy and Dorothy, two cherished friends, treated me to a scrumptious luncheon at the charming Suffolk House. This rare surviving Georgian mansion in Penang, dating back to the 1800s, stands as a historical treasure that once served as the residence for successive British governors. The beautifully-restored Anglo-Indian mansion is imbued with an extra layer of enchantment by a sprawling garden and even a running brook. The setting provided a lovely backdrop for our celebration, making the day even more special and memorable.
"Gustoso", translates to "tasty" in English. True to its name, the restaurant offers delectable Italian cuisine ranging from antipasti to risotti and from pasta dishes to seafood delights. Situated at the prestigious 5-star PARKROYAL Penang Resort along the famed Batu Ferringhi beach, the restaurant welcomed its first guests in 2019. Under the leadership of Sardinian Head Chef Gianmario Bassu (fondly known as Chef Mario), Gustoso flourished. The menu he curated is still cherished today. Although Chef Mario completed his tenure (2019 – 2022) at PARKROYAL in Penang, his legacy lives on through his well-trained staff, who continue to uphold his culinary techniques and maintain the quality and flavours of his creations.
"Life is a grand adventure, or it is nothing." – Helen Keller.
At T Palace Modern Cuisine, the rich legacy of Chinese cuisine unfolds with an avant-garde flair, a culinary haven where tradition coalesces with innovation, and familiar and new flavours intertwine in a symphony of taste. Impeccable quality and daring offerings breathe new life into classic recipes, each dish a visual and gastronomic revelation. Crafted by a creative team of talented chefs, my friends and I discovered this hidden gem, this banquet of delights, in Bukit Mertajam, Penang.
Located at one of the charming heritage shophouses at 31, Lorong Prangin, Wu Wei Tea offers creamy and smooth tea-based ice creams as well as handcrafted brews. Its ice cream flavours are divided into three main categories – tea-based, nut-based and fruit-based, allowing patrons to explore a variety of refreshing options. This unconventional tea house has found a way to marry the timeless elegance of tea with the playful delight of ice cream – an unexpected, yet harmonious combination.
Recently, I dined at several popular restaurants in Penang, only to leave rather disappointed. Despite their Instagram-worthy interiors and bustling dining halls, the food often fell short – mediocre offerings served at steep prices. Even with my trusty mirrorless Nikon in hand, I found no inspiration to photograph the experiences; they simply were not worth capturing.
In the heart of Pulau Tikus, where the rhythms of Penang’s past still echo through its streets, there is a place where nostalgia simmers gently over a pot of moi (plain white rice porridge). The Teochew Club, the brainchild of Chef Su Kim Hock, is more than just a late-night eatery – it is a love letter to tradition, a quiet homage to the generations of Teochew immigrants who arrived on the shores of Penang in search of a better life.