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Lemongrass Restaurant

Special thanks to Hotel NEO+ for extending this food review invitation.

Hotel NEO+ is located at the corner of Jalan Gurdwara and Lebuh Presgrave, just within a stone's throw from Hin Bus Depot. Managed by Archipelago International, this 3-star hotel is known for its hipster-style hospitality. At the front desk, male staff members wear black trilby hats while their female counterparts don their iconic silver wigs.
There are 2 restaurants in the hotel, namely Art & Soul Cafe and Lemongrass Restaurant. The latter is where in-house guests are served buffet breakfast. From 19 May 2018 to 10 June 2018, Lemongrass Restaurant is hosting a Malay-style dinner themed "Mustika Rasa Buffet Dinner".
Starting at the carvery, the Roasted Lamb is seasoned reasonably well. Mint sauce and raita (yogurt sauce) are prepared as condiments. In addition, fried potato wedges are served on the side.
Nasi Beriani Kambing is flavored with mutton stock and various spices, making the rice dish quite appetizing. I also love the fluffy texture that the rice presents. The dish is garnished with tomato and orange slices along its circumference.
Meanwhile, Fried Noodle uses a type of egg noodle called yi mein (伊面). The noodle has a chewy texture which I find most appealing. It is cooked with vegetables. Next to it is a poultry dish, Ayam Masak Kurma.
As for Ikan Tiga Rasa, fish fillets are fried with a coating of flour batter, and then dressed in sweet and sour sauce. I feel that the fish's texture is not as delicate as I hoped it should be. Should diners prefer, Ikan Bakar (grilled fish) is also available at the action counter.
Gulai Daging Ubi contains beef slices and potato chunks in red curry. The curry is rich in coconut milk, making it creamy and rather appetizing. On the other hand, I feel that the beef slices are too tough for me.
Hotel NEO+'s Bubur Lambuk gives a good balance between savory, salty and sweet tastes. I feel that the rice porridge is appetizing down to the last morsel. As for soups, Sup Ayam (chicken soup) and Chicken Tom Yam Soup are prepared today.
Chicken and beef satay are marinated with spices such as turmeric. Satay is typically served with shallots and sweet-and-spicy peanut sauce. While the chicken satay is quite appealing, I feel that the beef version ought to be tenderer.
Pasembur is a mixture of cucur udang (prawn fritters), hard-boiled eggs, tofu, sengkuang (jicama) and cucumber. This local salad is dressed with sweet-and-spicy peanut sauce.
The pastry section provides a modest choice of butter cakes, chocolate cakes, red velvet cakes and cheesecakes. There are also several types of flavored jelly.
Malay kuih includes karipap (curry puffs), seri muka (glutinous rice with pandan custard), kuih ketayap (pandan crêpes rolled with coconut butter), kuih lapis (layered cake) and kuih keria (glazed doughnuts).
Chilled drinks like air soya (soy milk), air jagung (corn juice) and teh bunga kekwa (chrysanthemum tea) are served in dispensers. Instant coffee and tea are provided too. Upon request, Cendol is also available.
The Mustika Rasa Buffet Dinner is priced at RM58.00 net per adult. Children and senior citizens enjoy discounted prices of RM28.00 and RM38.00 respectively.
Name: Lemongrass Restaurant
Address: 68, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-255-1000
Business hours: 6:30pm-10:30pm
Website: Click here
Coordinates: 5.41226 N, 100.32853 E
Directions: Hotel NEO+ is located at the junction of Jalan Gurdwara and Lebuh Presgrave of George Town. Lemongrass Restaurant is located on Level 1, just above three flights of stairs from the lobby. Multi-level parking is available. Guests of the restaurant can get their parking tickets validated at the front desk for flat rate of RM6.00 per entry.


Olive Tree Hotel

Special thanks to Olive Tree Hotel for extending this hotel review invitation.

Olive Tree Hotel is a 4-star hotel in Bayan Baru. Thanks to its proximity to Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, the hotel is a popular choice of accommodation for business travelers and expatriates. Another advantage that Olive Tree Hotel enjoys is its strategic location near Setia SPICE Convention Centre.
The hotel's facade is decorated with metal leaves which seem to ripple in unison with the wind. The main entrance leads to a large lobby with a mezzanine floor above. Suspended from the ceiling are colorful lights that resemble a flock of sparrows.
Olive Tree Hotel is a certified green building. To minimize its impact to the environment, the building was constructed using sustainable and recyclable materials. Most lighting and escalators are activated by motion sensors. It is also important to note that Olive Tree Hotel is a 100% smoke-free hotel. Smoking is strictly prohibited in guestrooms and all common areas.
In total, Olive Tree Hotel has 240 guestrooms across 5 different categories. For this review, I am staying in a Deluxe room. The room comes with a king-size bed with a Chiro-Tech Coil mattress. In-room conveniences are 40-inch LED television, high-speed Internet access, a writing table, a safe, a clothes iron, an electric boiler and a minibar.
The Executive Deluxe is slightly larger than Deluxe room and offers a better view as there are more windows. Its bathroom is furnished with a bathtub in addition to a shower stall. Basic toiletries like dental kit are provided.
Finally, the Executive Suite offers a premium class of accommodation. Spanning twice the size of a Deluxe room, the Executive Suite has partitions for the bedroom and living room. This is particularly convenient for business travelers who need to conduct some work in the comfort of their own rooms.
At the living room, the suite is furnished with sofa chairs, a large office desk and a small kitchen. Speaking of kitchen, guests who do not wish to leave their rooms can always order food from the 24-hour room service menu.
Olive Tree Hotel's fitness center is located at Level 8. The gym is open from 5:00am to 12:00am and requires a keycard to access. There are over a dozen pieces of exercise equipment including treadmills, stationary bicycles and weight machines. Clean towels are provided for guests' convenience.
The hotel's swimming pool is also located at Level 8. It is open from 7:00am to 8:00pm. There are no lifeguards on duty, therefore children should be supervised at all times. On the wooden deck next to the swimming pool are several sunloungers where guests can enjoy some fresh air.
Olive Tree Hotel's Grand Ballroom has two levels. The mezzanine level is an ideal venue for cocktail receptions. Meanwhile, the ballroom itself can accommodate up to 46 tables in a banquet setting. Wedding packages start from RM888.00+ per table. The hotel also has several smaller function rooms on Level 6.
The business center is equipped with a computer terminal for guests to browse the Internet. There is also a printer where guests can print airline tickets. Speaking of transportation, Olive Tree Hotel provides complimentary shuttle service to popular destinations like Queensbay Mall and Beach Street (Lebuh Pantai). Check with the concierge for the shuttle's schedule.
Open daily from 5:00pm to 12:00am, 7 Lounge is a nice place for guests to mingle. The sports bar serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. A roaster of music bands performs here every Saturday evening.
7 Lounge has a large projection screen where guests can catch the latest sporting events around the world. Other forms of entertainment are air hockey and arcade games. In addition, 7 Lounge has several board and card games for guests to pass the time.
As for quick bites and coffee, Selah is a casual eatery next to the lobby. This is also where the Brazilian BBQ is served every Friday evening. By the way, Selah is named after the Hebrew word "סֶלָה‬", which means "to pause" or "to reflect".
Directly above Selah is Sukkah Coffee House. This is the hotel's all-day dining restaurant. Breakfast is served here from 6:00am to 10:30am every morning.
It is good to start the morning with breakfast cereals. Familiar brands like Corn Flakes, Frosties, Froot Loops and Coco Pops should appeal to most people. Fresh milk is also provided.
As for Nasi Lemak, the rice is cooked with coconut milk to attain a lovely aroma. The succulent chicken rendang goes well with it. Other ingredients for Nasi Lemak are sambal tumis (chili paste), fried anchovies, roasted peanuts, cucumber and hard-boiled eggs.
Congee comes in 2 versions: plain and corn. Condiments to go with the rice porridges are preserved vegetable (榨菜), picked lettuce (香菜心), peanuts, soy sauce and sesame oil. Meanwhile, other Chinese dishes are dim sum (点心), steamed bun (包子), spring rolls (春卷), braised vegetable and fried rice.
As for something Western, Pasta Aglio-Olio is prepared this morning. Other popular Western breakfast items are fried eggs, cold cuts, sausages, hash browns and baked beans.
Penang Prawn Noodle (槟城福建面) is prepared using shrimp-flavored broth. Other key ingredients for this popular hawker dish are yellow noodle, rice vermicelli, shrimps, shredded chicken, fishcake, hard-boiled egg and fried shallots. A spoonful of chili paste may be added for the extra spiciness.
Moving on, the pastry section presents a variety of Danish pastries, croissants and muffins. Bread is also available in loaf and sliced forms. A conveyor toaster and a toaster oven are conveniently placed nearby.
At the desserts counter, fruit cocktail and low-fat yogurt are served over ice so that they remain chilled. Also included are cut fruits such as banana, honeydew and watermelon.
The drinks dispensers contain thirst-quenching orange, pineapple and guava juices. As for hot drinks, guests can help themselves with black coffee and tea. There is also an espresso machine for guests who need caffeine shots.
Olive Tree Hotel provides a commendable level of hospitality for a 4-star hotel. As the hotel is relatively new, its amenities are in good shape. Would-be guests should make room reservations through the hotel's website to enjoy the most attractive rates. The check-in and check-out times are 3:00pm and 12:00pm respectively.
Name: Olive Tree Hotel
Address: 76, Jalan Mahsuri, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-637-7777
Business hours: 24 hours
Website: http://olivetreehotel.com.my
Coordinates: 5.32706 N, 100.27941 E
Directions: Olive Tree Hotel is located at Bayan Baru, just across the street from SPICE Arena. The hotel provides complimentary parking for hotel guests.

Hai Boey Seafood

Hai Boey Seafood (海尾海鲜) is one of the more popular seafood restaurants in Penang. Located at Teluk Kumbar, "Hai Boey" literally means "end of the sea". Indeed, the restaurant is right on the beach and enjoys the cooling breeze from the sea.
Hai Boey Seafood serves Chinese-style stir-fried (煮炒) dishes with greater emphasis on seafood. At the entrance of the restaurant are fish tanks with live tilapia, grouper, crabs, lobsters, mantis shrimps, clams and geoduck and many more marine creatures.
Each type of seafood can be prepared in one of many cooking styles. For instance, Sweet & Sour Crabs (酸甜花蟹) use an appetizing sauce made from vinegar. Bite-size pieces of mantou (馒头) are provided so that diners can mop up any remaining sauce.
Kam Heong Prawns (甘香明虾) are fried with savory sauce and curry leaves. This dish is moderately spicy by Malaysian standards. Tucked inside the shells is the shrimps' crunchy flesh. This dish is certainly worth trying.
The Steamed Stingray (清蒸魔鬼鱼) is cooked with coriander (香菜) and garlic, resulting in a milder taste that accentuates the fish's natural flavor. Stingray is known for its firm flesh that is easily separated from the bones. Avoid biting on any cili padi (bird's eye chili) as it can be very pungent.
Next, Stir-Fried Chinese Cabbage (清炒奶白) serves to "balance out" other heavier dishes. The vegetable is cooked with minimal sauce as most liquid comes from its juicy stems.
Moving on, Seafood Fried Rice (海鲜炒饭) is cooked with chopped shrimps, eggs and vegetables. The rice grains are firm and waxy, resulting in a satisfying texture. The aroma is lovely too!
Fried Bee Hoon (炒米粉) is one of the restaurant's signature dishes. The ingredients are pretty similar to Seafood Fried Rice. This noodle dish is best enjoyed while it is still hot from the wok.
As for dessert, Lemongrass Jelly (香茅冻) contains basil seeds that resemble frog eggs. In addition, the sweet jelly also contains longan (龙眼), lemon and mint. This makes a nice finale for today's meal.
Hai Boey Seafood operates in the evening only. The food here is quite good; the restaurant certainly lives up to its reputation. Despite its remote location, Hai Boey Seafood is very popular especially on Friday and weekends.
Address: 29, Mk 9, Pasir Belanda, Teluk Kumbar, 11920 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-649-3746
Business hours: 5:30pm-11:00pm
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Something Else

Located near Olive Tree Hotel is an eatery with a peculiar name, Something Else Bistro & Bar. Adjacent to Arang Coffee, the restaurant has several tables outside to allow al fresco dining. Thankfully the bistro does not face the evening sun.
As a drinking establishment, Something Else has a bar on one side of the indoor dining area. A small stage at the back is where live music is performed every evening.
Besides alcoholic beverages, Something Else also serves light meals. The soup of the day is Pumpkin Soup. Taking advantage of the fruit's natural sweetness, the creamy soup is soothing to the palate. Croutons and black pepper are thrown into the mix.
Chilli Chilli Bang Bang (RM18.40) is obviously a parody of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", a classic musical film from the 1960s. Known in Spanish as "chili con carne", the dish is a stew of slow-cooked ground beef, chili peppers, tomatoes and onions. A basket of toasted garlic bread is provided to mop up the chili.
As for the dessert, available ice cream flavors are vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. I opted for strawberry ice cream today. It is served with a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Address: 72A-G, Persiaran Mahsuri 2, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-611-7678
Business hours: 5:00pm-12:00am, closed on Sundays
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Baguni Kitchen

At Level 1 of Sunshine Square is Baguni Korean Concept Store. Located near CIMB Bank, the shop sells Korean merchandise like snacks, noodles and drinks. The Korean specialty store shares the premise with Gusttimo. By the way, the Korean word "baguni" (바구니) means "basket".
Inside the store is a small eatery called Baguni Kitchen. Its menu includes cooked Korean food like Ramyun (라면) and Bibimbap (비빔밥). The café-like dining section is spacious and fairly comfortable.
The most popular choice is Shin Ramyun Soup (RM9.40) from Nongshim (농심). The bowl of noodle comes with two choices of toppings; I opted for egg and chicken sausage. A small portion of napa cabbage kimchi (배추김치) is also provided.
Another interesting choice is Hot Chicken Cheese Ramyun (RM9.40) from Samyang (삼양). The ramen is flavored with chicken-flavored seasoning, cheese and pungent spices. Go easy with this dish because the spiciness level may be unbearable for many people.
Address: Level 1, Sunshine Square, 1, Jalan Mayang Pasir, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-641-0045
Business hours: 10:30am-11:00pm (Sunday-Thursday), 10:30am-12:00am (Friday-Saturday)
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Food Exchange

This article is part of my 2018 Taiping and Kuala Sepetang trip series.

Special thanks to Novotel Taiping for extending this food review invitation.

Food Exchange is one of the two eateries in Novotel Taiping. Located at Level 7, Food Exchange serves Asian and Western cuisine. This is also where in-house guests are served breakfast every morning.
The dining section presents a relaxing setting for both casual and business meals. As a family-friendly restaurant, Food Exchange provides high chairs for the young ones. Meanwhile, diners who need some privacy can request to be seated in the private room.
Al fresco dining is also a viable option especially in the morning and evening. With scenic views of Taiping Lake Garden and Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill) at a distance, the ambience here is pleasant indeed. The restaurant's extendable canopy keeps diners dry even when it rains, which is quite frequent in Taiping, the "Rain Town".
Food Exchange offers the Chinese Set Family Dinner on weekdays. There are 4 meal packages ranging from 2 persons (RM50.00 net) to 7-8 persons (RM180.00 net).
Diners can choose from a menu of 15 signature dishes. These homestyle dishes are prepared by a veteran Chinese chef with over 2 decades of culinary experience.
The meal starts with complimentary soup of the day. The Corn & Chicken Soup is soothing to the palate and helps to build appetite before the main dishes.
Nyonya Fish Curry With Lady Finger (娘惹咖喱鱼片) is one of the chef's strongest suits. The choice of fish is black pomfret, whose firmness goes well with the curry. The curry tastes spicy initially, but quickly reveals multiple layers of flavor. It also has a hint of sourness from tamarind.
Crispy Chicken With Thai Chilli Sauce (香酥炸鸡泰式酱) is one of our favorite dishes today. The chicken is marinated thoroughly, and then breaded and fried to golden perfection. The cutlet is served with sweet-and-spicy Thai chili sauce, plus cucumber, carrot and shallot shreds on top.
As for tofu, Steamed Beancurd With Dried Shrimp And Minced Chicken (虾米鸡粒蒸豆腐) is recommended. We appreciate the tofu's softness and its rich soy taste. The dish is garnished with fried enoki mushrooms, which not only improves the aesthetic but enhances mouthfeel too.
Fu Yong Omelette With Crab Meat (芙蓉蛋炒蟹肉) is a comfort food in Malaysian Chinese households. Besides crab meat, the omelette also contains assorted vegetables to enhance its juiciness. The omelette is surprisingly not too greasy; the right amount of oil is used to get the job done.
With a milder taste, Blanched Romaine Lettuce With Chicken Floss (鸡松蚝油生菜) serves as counterbalance to other dishes. This juicy vegetable dish is topped with fluffy chicken floss to impart some sweetness.
As for dessert, Tong Sui (雪耳龙眼糖水) is served with snow fungus and longan. The syrup's cooling sweetness is the perfect way to conclude the meal.
Food Exchange's Chinese Set Family Dinner also includes complementary rice and drinks. For the latter, cordial is usually served. The meal is complete in its own right, making it an affordable option for people who work in nearby offices. It is important to note that Food Exchange is a halal-certified restaurant.
Name: Food Exchange
Address: Novotel Taiping, 1, Jalan Tupai, 34000 Taiping, Perak
Contact: 05-820-8239
Business hours: 6:30am-10:30pm
Website: Click here
Coordinates: 4.85025 N, 100.74297 E
Directions: Novotel Taiping shares the building with Taiping Mall at Jalan Tupai. Food Exchange is located on Level 7. There is a multistorey parking garage inside the hotel.

Gourmet Bar

This article is part of my 2018 Taiping and Kuala Sepetang trip series.

Special thanks to Novotel Taiping for extending this food review invitation.

Located at the lobby of Novotel Taiping, Gourmet Bar provides a relaxing setting for guests to hang out. The eatery is furnished with comfortable couches and sleek marble tables, presenting a welcoming ambience for newly arrived guests.
Gourmet Bar serves as an alternative dining option to Food Exchange on Level 7. While the latter serves mainstream Asian and Western dishes, Gourmet Bar focuses on light snacks, coffee and gelato. Alcoholic beverages are also available. The Coffee & Cake promotion gives customers a cup of espresso-based coffee and a slice of cake for only RM10.00 net.
My choice of coffee is Cappuccino, which has creamy consistency and soothing aroma. The hot drink is topped with a thick layer of foam and sprinkles of cocoa powder.
Gourmet Bar's cakes are prepared by the hotel's in-house pastry chef. There are usually 6 types in the chiller every day. The Hazelnut Torte Cake today looks tempting. Covering the layered butter cake are chocolate icings and chopped hazelnuts.
Meanwhile, the Green Tea Cake is equally appealing. Flavored with premium matcha, the cake is dotted with sweet azuki beans. Fine green tea powder is sprinkled on top for aesthetic effect.
For a mere RM10.00, Coffee & Cake is surprisingly affordable indeed. If you are yearning for a sweet treat, why not drop by Gourmet Bar to satisfy your cravings?

Name: Gourmet Bar
Address: Novotel Taiping, 1, Jalan Tupai, 34000 Taiping, Perak
Contact: 05-820-8239
Business hours: 10:00am-11:00pm (Monday-Friday), 10:00am-12:00am (Saturday-Sunday)
Website: https://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-9233-novotel-taiping-perak/index.shtml
Coordinates: 4.85018 N, 100.74282 E
Directions: Novotel Taiping shares the building with Taiping Mall at Jalan Tupai. Gourmet Bar is located at the hotel lobby. There is a multistorey parking garage inside the hotel.

Golden Bowl Cafetiam

Special thanks to Golden Bowl Cafetiam for extending this food review invitation.

Golden Bowl Cafetiam is a small eatery near Pasar Batu Lanchang (Batu Lanchang Market). Frequented by locals, the restaurant serves Western breakfast, noodle and fried chicken cutlet.
Curry Cheese Maggie (RM7.90) is one of the bestselling dishes here. While the curry is quite spicy, the sharp taste of cheddar cheese makes this dish really stand out. Also served with instant noodle are sausage, ham and fried egg.
Mushroom Breakfast Set (RM8.50) comprises of mushrooms, egg, two sausages, buttered toast and a slice of ham. The savoriness of sautéed mushrooms always appeals to my palate. As for the egg, customers can choose among omelette, scrambled and sunny side up.
For a nourishing breakfast, go for Organic Egg + Toast (RM4.00). I think it would be nice if the butter for toasts were slightly salted.
Hailing from Taiping, Hor Ka Sai (虎咬狮) is a peculiar combination of Kopi O and Milo. At Golden Bowl Cafetiam, the drink can be served hot, cold or ice-blended (RM4.90). Another unique drink here is Salted Cream Cheese Black Tea (RM5.90). Sipped through the foamy layer, the tea's gentle saltiness is quite soothing to my taste buds.
The food at Golden Bowl Cafetiam is very affordable and appeals to local residents. In addition to this location, the restaurant has 2 more outlets at New World Park and Promenade. The menus at those locations are slightly different from the one here.

Name: Golden Bowl Cafetiam
Address: 9, Medan Penaga, Kampung Batu Lanchang, 11600, Jelutong, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 016-420-5387
Business hours: 7:30am-2:30pm, closed on Tuesdays
Website: https://www.facebook.com/goldenbowlcafetiam
Coordinates: 5.38941 N, 100.30770 E
Directions: Golden Bowl Cafetiam is located at the junction of Lebuhraya Jelutong and Medan Penaga. Street parking is available in front of Central Park and Pasar Batu Lanchang (Batu Lanchang Market).


The Glenlivet

Special thanks to The Glenlivet for extending this event invitation.

The Glenlivet is one of the oldest brands of Scotch whisky in the world, having operated nearly continuously since its founding in 1824. The Glenlivet Guardians is an exclusive club which brings the whisky-loving community together. The Penang chapter was launched 2 years ago and is some 2,000-strong now. This evening, The Glenlivet Guardians hosts a tasting session in The Glass Houses at Hin Bus Depot.
Scotch whisky, or "Scotch" for short, is distilled from malted barley and aged in wooden casks (barrels). By law, scotch must be distilled, aged and bottled in Scotland. 3 aged labels are featured today: 12, 15 and 18 years of age. The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve, a non-age statement label, is also poured this evening.
Pairing whisky with nasi kandar may sound unorthodox to many, but let's keep our minds open. Today's nasi kandar comprises of fried chicken, fish roe, curried squid, salted egg, lady's fingers (okra) and curried rice. Overall, I feel that the 12-year age label works best with nasi kandar.
Apam telur is a sweet pancake with an egg on top. The savoriness of egg allows The Glenlivet 18 Years Of Age to bring out its full flavor. Whisky can be enjoyed "neat" (without diluting) or diluted with water or ice. I think some ice helps to alleviate the burning sensation in the throat.
Name: The Glenlivet
Address: N/A
Contact: N/A
Business hours: N/A
Website: https://www.theglenlivet.com
Coordinates: N/A
Directions: N/A

Mezza9

Special thanks to Iconic Hotel for extending this food review invitation.

Iconic Hotel is a 4-star hotel at Icon City. It is the closest hotel to Bukit Minyak Industrial Park. Located at the Mezzanine Level, Mezza9 is one of the two eateries that are directly managed by the hotel. This evening, the restaurant debuts its Seafood Buffet.
Whenever it comes to seafood buffet, the main highlight typically revolves around seafood on ice. Presented on a wooden canoe are exquisite marine delicacies like flower crabs, scallops and prawns. Condiments such as Tabasco sauce, chili sauce, spicy soy sauce and lemon wedges are provided.
Each customer is entitled to half of a Baked Slipper Lobster. Gratinéed with cheese and garlic, the slipper lobster comes with fries and salad on the side.
Meanwhile, Cheesy Oysters are presented over a dulang (rattan tray) of rice. The oysters are gratinéed with cheese on their shells. Also served today is Crab Claw Custard Steamed Egg. Although the egg custard is meant to resemble chawanmushi (茶碗蒸し), I feel that it is too firm.
Curry Salmon Head is one of the more appetizing hot dishes. The delectable curry blends well with the salmon's tasty flesh. For restaurants that serve sashimi, this dish is an elegant solution to minimize wastage in the kitchen.
Diners can also enjoy unlimited helpings of flower crabs, razor clams and shishamo (柳葉魚) from the grilling station. Several condiments are prepared to go with seafood but I think the variety can be improved.
As for sashimi (刺身), the choices are salmon (サーモン), tuna (マグロ), butterfish (イボダイ) and octopus (タコ). Several types of sushi (寿司) are available too.
There are also several non-seafood dishes like Stir-Fried Beef With XO Sauce. I enjoy the delightful savoriness of beef in my mouth. The beef is also remarkably tender.
At the cold cuts section, notable choices are beef salami and smoked salmon. The buffet also serves cocktail salads like Chicken Salad, German Potato Salad (kartoffelsalat) and Japanese Baby Octopus Salad (中華イイダコ).
On the other hand, diners who prefer to mix their own salads can take advantage of fresh vegetables and dressings at the salad bar. Popular salad dressings include Thousand Island, French and pesto dressings.
Moving on to the pastry section, macarons are meringue-based cookies from Italy and France. These confections come in multiple colors; some are even filled with buttercream. In general, I feel that macarons are too sweet for my palate.
Other sweet treats at the desserts counter are cheesecake, mousse cakes, opera cake, tiramisu, panna cotta, fruit jellies and tartlets.
The chocolate fountain is particularly appealing to cocoa lovers. Mezza9 has prepared skewered items to be dipped into molten chocolate. Examples are savoiardi (ladyfingers), brownies, marshmallows, strawberries and grapes.
In addition, I am fascinated to see churros too. This Spanish fried snack is often dipped in a sweet sauce before being eaten. This is where the chocolate fountain comes in handy.
Last but not least, Ais Kacang and Leng Chee Kang (莲子汤) are included in today's buffet. A large variety of ingredients are made available to go with these two sweet treats.
Iconic Hotel's Seafood Buffet is served from 7:00pm to 10:00pm every Friday and Saturday. Live music is performed during the meal. The buffet is priced at RM128.00 net per adult. Unlike typical buffets, there is no charge for children aged 12 years and below - as long as each non-paying child is accompanied by a paying adult.
Name: Mezza9
Address: Iconic Hotel, 71, Jalan Icon City, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-505-9988
Business hours: 6:00am-11:00pm
Website: https://www.iconichotel.com.my/dining
Coordinates: 5.34206 N, 100.43287 E
Directions: From the North-South Expressway, take the Bukit Mertajam exit and head east. Turn left just before Petron gas station, then turn right to the front entrance of the 15-floor Iconic Hotel. Mezza9 is located on the Mezzanine Level of the hotel. The hotel provides multistorey parking.

4FINGERS

Special thanks to 4FINGERS for extending this food review invitation.

4FINGERS Crispy Chicken is a chain of quick service restaurants from Singapore. There are currently 6 outlets in Malaysia. All stores are located in Klang Valley except a sole one in Penang. This outlet in Gurney Paragon Mall occupies the former location of Caffé Bene at the Ground Floor.
The founders of 4FINGERS were inspired by Korean fried chicken in New York City. The recipe was subsequently modified with Asian-style seasonings to suit the local palate. The brand is called "4FINGERS" because the founders believe that everyone needs 4 fingers to tear their fried chicken apart.
4FINGERS uses the self-service model to save manpower. Each customer typically places an order at the front counter and is given a pager. When the pager beeps, the customer may collect food from the pick up counter. During my visit, food is served within 15 minutes upon ordering.
For starters, I opted for 1 Drumstick & 3 Wings (RM19.70 for combo meal). The chicken consists of 1 drumstick, 1 drumette and 2 wingettes. In addition, the combo meal also includes Skinny Fries and a soft drink. Skinny Fries can be served with seaweed or kimchi.
As for fried chicken, there are 2 seasoning choices: Soy Garlic and Hot & Spicy. Customers can also request for a combination of both. The Asian-inspired soy sauce is fermented for 5 months and does not contain any artificial flavoring. Meanwhile, the Hot & Spicy flavor packs a fiery punch of pungency; you have been warned!
Next, the Seafood Rice Box (RM16.90 for à la carte) contains battered calamari and shrimps that are fried to a scrumptious crisp. The rice box also includes kimslaw on the side. The word "kimslaw" is a portmanteau of "kimchi" and "coleslaw". At 4FINGERS, the kimslaw is fermented on-site every day.
The B.F.F. (RM15.00 for à la carte) is the bestselling chicken burger at 4FINGERS. The crispy chicken chop is sandwiched between halves of a sesame bun, and accompanied by fresh mushrooms and roasted garlic sauce. Like the fried chicken, the burger patty is available in either seasoning.
Moving on, the Chicken Katsu Sandwich (RM15.00 for à la carte) is prepared using fried Chinese buns (炸馒头). Inside each bun is 4FINGERS' signature chicken with a sizable portion of kimslaw and iceberg lettuce. Each serving comes in 2 pieces.
As for iced drinks, Signature Honey Yuzu (RM5.60) is prepared in a cocktail shaker. The drink's citrus tanginess makes it a perfect beverage to quench thirst.
All 4FINGERS outlets in Malaysia have halal certification. The franchise emphasizes on using fresh chicken and natural seasonings to prepare food. 4FINGERS does not use monosodium glutamate (MSG) or other artificial flavorings in its recipes.

Name: 4FINGERS Crispy Chicken
Address: L1-06, Level L1, Gurney Paragon Mall, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-293-8741
Business hours: 10:00am-10:00pm
Website: http://www.4fingers.com
Coordinates: 5.43576 N, 100.31164 E
Directions: 4FINGERS is located at Level 1 of Gurney Paragon Mall. The restaurant is adjacent to Cho Dong Jib. Gurney Paragon has a multi-storey parking garage.

Lou Wong

A visit to Ipoh would not be complete without having a meal of bean sprouts chicken (芽菜鸡). Restoran Tauge Ayam Lou Wong (老黄芽菜鸡沙河粉) is probably the most famous restaurant which serves this dish. Located at the intersection of Jalan Yau Tet Shin and Jalan Dato Tahwil Azar, Lou Wong is within a stone's throw from Funny Mountain.
The bean sprouts chicken here uses bearded chicken, whose flesh is yellowish and tenderer than regular chicken's. The bearded chicken (胡须鸡, RM11.00 for single portion) is served with light soy sauce, sliced cucumber and chopped scallions. It also goes well with homemade chili sauce.
Ipoh's bean sprouts are said to be blessed with pristine water from limestone hills, making them exceptionally plump and juicy. The juicy bean sprouts (芽菜, RM3.00 for single portion) are briefly blanched to preserve their crunchiness.
The boiled chicken can be eaten with hor fun (河粉) or chicken rice (鸡饭). We opted for the former (RM2.00). The flat rice noodle is delightfully springy. In addition, the clear chicken soup in which hor fun is served in is quite strong in flavor.
Although Lou Wong's bean sprouts chicken is reasonably good, it is not impossible to find other restaurants that can cook equally well. The tables are served by elderly staff members whose patience is in short supply. So it is advisable to make up your mind before placing orders.
Address: 49, Jalan Yau Tet Shin, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
Contact: 05-254-4199
Business hours: 10:00am-10:00pm
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Funny Mountain

Having operated for more than 60 years, Kacang Soya Funny Mountain (奇峰豆腐花) is probably the most prominent dessert shop in Ipoh. Located near Lou Wong, this is its only outlet in existence.
Funny Mountain's trademark, that of a rabbit pushing a wheelbarrow, is uncannily similar to that of Chek Hup. Actually both businesses originated from the same founder but Chek Hup spun off in 1965.
Funny Mountain's Tau Fu Fah (豆腐花, RM3.00) is prepared in the traditional way, not from artificial flavoring. I love the soft texture of the warm dessert. The brand certainly lives up to its reputation.
Kacang Soya (豆精水, RM2.50) is usually called "豆浆水" outside Ipoh. The homemade soy milk has just the right level of sweetness in order not to feel too surfeiting.

Meanwhile, Black & White (黑白, RM2.50) is a mixture of soy milk and grass jelly (凉粉). I enjoy the unique taste and mouthfeel of this chilled drink. I think everyone should give it a try.
There are no dining tables at Funny Mountains. Most customers opt for take-away or eat while standing. Interesting, some customers even do "drive-thru", i.e. stop their cars in front the shop and eat in their cars.

Address: 50, Jalan Mustapha Al-Bakry, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
Contact: 012-588-6167
Business hours: 10:30am-7:30pm, closed on Tuesdays
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Sin Eng Heong

Several shops away from Funny Mountain and directly opposite of Restoran SYW is Kedai Biskut Sin Eng Heong (新荣香淡汶饼店). This shop in Ipoh sells all sorts of Cantonese pastries.
Sin Eng Heong is renowned for its Tambun Biscuits (淡汶饼), Kaya Puffs (加央角), Heong Peng (香饼) and Egg Tarts (蛋挞). The pastries are continuously baked fresh from the oven. There is usually a sizable queue every day.
The shop also sells dry goods from other suppliers. These include Sweetheart Cake (老婆饼), Chicken Biscuit (鸡仔饼), Omelette Crisp (荷包饼), Achar (亚扎) and much more.
Address: 64, Jalan Mustapha Al-Bakry, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
Contact: 05-243-9659
Business hours: 9:00am-7:00pm
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Restoran SYW

Opposite of Sin Eng Heong and several shops away from Funny Mountain is Restoran SYW (新扬威). This eatery in Ipoh is renowned for its signature roasted duck. Opened in 1976, the family business has been operating for more than 4 decades. By the way, "SYW" stands for "Sun Yeong Wai".
Restoran SYW is one of the few such shops that have air conditioning, making it relatively comfortable compared to many restaurants nearby. There are also extra dining spaces upstairs. However, the upper floor is only used when there are too many customers.
We ordered a plate of Barbecue Pork + Roasted Duck Rice (叉烧烧鸭饭, RM8.50). The restaurant's signature roasted duck (烧鸭) has a waxy coating to begin with. Marinated with herbs, the duck is quite scrumptious. We would have ordered roasted duck drumstick (烧鸭腿) instead but it is not available at the moment.
Meanwhile, the barbecue pork (叉烧) is delectable too. We also enjoy the oily rice (油饭) as it goes pretty well with duck and pork. As for condiments, the chili sauce has a substantial degree of saltiness.

A meaty dish is best paired with Chinese tea. Served in a tea bag, Tie Guan Yin (铁观音, RM2.00) helps to cleanse the palate after a heavy meal.
While this is Restoran SYW's flagship shop, there are two more outlets at Taman Ipoh Jaya and Bandar Baru Medan Ipoh.

Address: 63, Jalan Mustapha Al-Bakry, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
Contact: 05-241-3771
Business hours: 10:00am-8:00pm
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Kedai Makanan Nam Heong

Kedai Makanan Nam Heong (南香茶餐室) is an old kopitiam in what's literally the "old town" district of Ipoh. Being the progenitor of OldTown White Coffee, this is where the most famous kopitiam chain all started.
Not ordering a cup of White Coffee (白咖啡, RM1.80) here would be as sinful as visiting Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. The familiar taste of Ipoh's white coffee is always soothing to me.
Meanwhile, the Caramel Custard (炖蛋, RM2.80) is quite similar to crème caramel. The custard is rich in eggs and is served with caramel sauce.

As for Dim Sum (港式点心, RM2.00), the three pieces of siew mai (烧卖) are just mediocre in terms of taste. Nothing to shout about.
Kedai Makanan Nam Heong has several more stalls that sell various hawker dishes, but we have yet to taste any of them. The eatery is very crowded during peak hours, so you will likely need to share a table with strangers.

Address: 2, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
Contact: 012-588-8766
Business hours: 8:00am-6:00pm
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Zoo Taiping & Night Safari

This article is part of my 2018 Taiping and Kuala Sepetang trip series.

Established in 1961, Zoo Taiping & Night Safari is the oldest zoo in Malaysia. It spans 14 hectares on the east side of Taiping Lake Garden. The zoo is also within a short distance from the foothill of Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill), another popular tourist destination.
The zoo has a collection of over 100 species of animals. Most animals are kept in outdoor enclosures where they can roam freely. A 2.5-kilometer paved trail allows visitors to visit all animals at their own leisure. Alternatively, visitors can also explore the zoo by train. Train rides are free of charge.
The Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) is the closest living relative to humans (Homo sapiens). Its Malay name literally translates as "person of the forest". The ape has reddish-brown hair and spends most of its time in trees.
The Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) is slightly smaller than its African cousin (Loxodonta africana). A fully-grown male Asian Elephant weighs as much 4,000 kilograms.
The Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus) is the smallest species of bear. An adult only weighs 80 kilograms, which is small compared to a polar bear (Ursus maritimus) at 700 kilograms. Found in tropical forests of Southeast Asia, the Sun Bear is currently threatened by deforestation and poaching.
The Milky Stork (Mycteria cinerea) is found in lakes and mangrove swamps of Southeast Asia. Its white plumage becomes pale yellow during courtship, earning it the name "milky". The Milky Stork is now an endangered species.
Some animals such as the Buffy Fish Owl (Ketupa ketupu) are nocturnal, which means that they are only active after sunset. The Night Safari allows visitors to watch them at night.
Moving to other continents, the Australian Outback is home to unique animals like the Agile Wallaby (Macropus agilis), Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) and Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae).
Meanwhile, the African savannah is populated by animals such as the Plains Zebra (Equus quagga), Ostrich (Struthio camelus) and Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus).
The Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is another familiar sight in the savannah. An adult male stands around 5 to 6 meters in height. The extra height gives the animal an advantage in foraging and defense.
Also known as the Arabian Camel, Dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) is an important pack animal in the desert. The camel has adapted to survive for extended periods of time without water.
Hailing from Africa, the Nile Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) spends most of the day submerged in water. The zoo has an adult couple and their offspring.
Animal feeding time is between 10:00am and 11:00am. Some of these animals have become very attached to their wardens. They seem to know when it is time to eat!
Admission tickets to Zoo Taiping and Night Safari cost RM17.00 and RM21.20 respectively. Children (3-12 years) and senior citizens (60 years or older) enjoy 50% discount. Unlike Singapore Zoo, the animal exhibits during daytime and nighttime are the same. Therefore, I do not think it is absolutely necessary to visit both.

Address: Jalan Taman Tasik Taiping, 34000 Taiping, Perak
Contact: 05-808-6577
Business hours: 8:30am-6:00pm, 8:00pm-11:00pm (Sunday-Friday), 8:30am-6:00pm, 8:00pm-12:00am (Saturday and eve of public holidays)

Port Weld Hawker Centre

This article is part of my 2018 Taiping and Kuala Sepetang trip series.

Kuala Sepetang, formerly known as Port Weld, used to export tin ore from the mines of Taiping. The first railway in Malaysia was built by the British administration between Port Weld and Taiping. Although the railway track has been decommissioned, the station's signboard and ticket booth at Port Weld are preserved to this day.
There are several hawker stalls near the former train station. One of them is Kuala Sepetang Curry Mee (十八丁咖喱面). Operated by Ah Thai (阿呆), this family business serves noodles and drinks. The stall is open from 1:00pm to 10:00pm, and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The Curry Mee (咖哩面, RM4.00) is quite rich and tasty. Taking advantage of the abundance of fresh seafood in this fishing village, the recipe contains fresh prawns too. Also included in the bowl are pig blood curd (猪血), bean sprouts and tofu puffs (豆腐卜). Ah Thai serves Curry Mee from 3:00pm onwards.
Ah Thai's Laksa (拉沙, RM4.00) is very similar to Penang's asam laksa. However, the fish broth is not as thick as the typical Penang version. Nevertheless, it has a pleasant degree of sourness from tamarind (asam).
Hor Ka Sai (虎咬狮, RM2.30) is the signature drink in Taiping and nearby villages. It is essentially a mixture of black coffee and Milo. The drink literally translates as "tiger bites lion". It is believed that this drink will make one as energetic as a tiger!
Iced Blended Red Bean (红豆搅, RM2.30) is another popular drink here. Bits of red bean remain suspended in the slushy beverage. It is the perfect drink to cool the body down during a hot Saturday afternoon!
Port Weld Prawn Fritters (十八丁大街虾饼) is another popular stall here. It is open from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. Fried items at this stall include Fried Prawn Fritters (炸虾饼), Fried Banana Fritters (炸香蕉), Kuih Bakul (炸年糕), Curry Puffs (咖喱角), Spring Rolls (春卷) and more. The wok is kept busy all the time due to the continuous flow of customers.
The Fried Prawn Fritters (炸虾饼, RM1.20 each) are made from flour batter, prawns, bean sprouts, onions and scallions. Crispy and scrumptious, the fritters are best enjoyed while they are still hot from the wok. Chili sauce is provided as condiment.
Address: Jalan Trump, 34650 Kuala Sepetang, Perak
Contact: N/A
Business hours: 12:00pm-10:00pm
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Pusat Penjaja Taiping

This article is part of my 2018 Taiping and Kuala Sepetang trip series.

Pusat Penjaja Taiping is a hawker center at Jalan Tupai, right across the busy street from Novotel Taiping. As recommended by the hotel's concierge, we are having dinner at a Malay stall called Yong Tau Foo Asra. This is just one of the several similar stalls here.
Malay-style yong tau foo is essentially Sotong Kangkong, i.e. boiled cuttlefish and blanched water spinach. Also included are familiar yong tau foo items like stuffed chili peppers, fish balls and fish cakes. The sweet-savory dressing is made from belacan (shrimp paste). Crushed peanuts and sesame seeds are sprinkled on top.
The dish, which includes a half portion of cuttlefish, costs RM17.50. Overall, the taste is acceptable but I think it is not difficult to find equally good stalls nearby.

Address: Jalan Tupai, 34000 Taiping, Perak
Contact: N/A
Business hours: 6:00pm-12:00am
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Bukit Larut

This article is part of my 2018 Taiping and Kuala Sepetang trip series.

Bukit Larut, formerly known as Maxwell Hill, is a hill resort to the east of Taiping. Founded in 1844, it is the very first hill resort in Malaysia - even earlier than Cameron Highlands and Fraser's Hill. At present, Bukit Larut is still a popular hiking trail for locals.
Maxwell Hill was named after William George Maxwell (1871-1959), the British Resident of Perak. Not accustomed to the tropical heat, many British officers built their summer houses on the hill to take advantage of the cooler weather. Many of these bungalows remain to this day.
For safety reasons, private cars are not allowed to ascend Bukit Larut. Visitors can either hike up (3 to 5 hours uphill) or ride a Land Rover from the foothillImage may be NSFW.
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. The Land Rover has fixed departure and return times; the first ascend is at 8:30am.
The round trip ticket is RM10.00 per person. Limited seats are available and prior booking is not allowed. Therefore, it is highly advisable to arrive earlier especially on weekends or public holidays. The ticket counter opens at 8:00am.
The 14-kilometer paved road is narrow and winding. The journey uphill takes almost 30 minutes. The Land Rover only stops at the 11-kilometer mark. There is a rest house and a small café here. Visitors can continue to explore the surrounding areas on foot.
It is quite windy at the summit of Bukit Larut. The daytime temperature is around 20oC. Remember to bring warm clothes if you are not used to cold weather. Bukit Larut enjoys the highest rainfall in Malaysia. Fortunately for us, the weather is fair during our visit.
At 1,250 meters above sea level, the rest area gives a bird's-eye view of Taiping to the west. Further away, one can spot the fishing village of Kuala Sepetang and the Strait of Malacca. The scenery here is simply breathtaking!
Along the paved road are the remnants of picturesque bungalows. Most of these buildings have been abandoned and are in various states of decay. Some of them have been restored by the municipal council and are available for rent. Unlike other hill resorts in Malaysia, Bukit Larut is almost untouched since the British colonial days.
If you enjoy hiking, continue walking uphill along the paved road. A casual walk towards the end takes around 45 minutes. The gradient is gentle so it is fine for most people. As Bukit Larut is located within a permanent forest reserve, there are many species of birds along the way.
Near the end of the paved road is a hidden jungle trek that leads to the Birch Monument. Historians have been debating whether the plaque was referring to James W. W. Birch (1826-1875), the first British Resident of Perak.
A telecommunications tower (1,376 meters a.s.l.) marks the end of the paved road. If you have enough time and energy, you may continue on a jungle trail towards Gunung Hijau (1,449 meters a.s.l.). Remember to allocate enough time for the downhill journey so that you can catch the Land Rover.
Address: Jalan Bukit Larut, 34000 Taiping, Perak
Contact: 05-807-7241
Business hours: 8:00am-5:00pm

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