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PSL Goreng Pisang

June 9, 2018, 9:00 pm
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This article is part of my 2018 Taiping and Kuala Sepetang trip series.

PSL Goreng Pisang (PSL炸香蕉) used to operate a roadside stall, but now it has a permanent shop at Jalan Pasar, Taiping. The family business is named after the proprietor's wife, Mdm. Phang. There is only one dining table in the shop because most customers opt for take-away.
As the shop's name implies, the specialty here is Goreng Pisang (RM1.20). The banana fritters are coated in batter and then deep-fried to golden crispiness. The banana used is sweet and soft.
Besides Goreng Pisang, other fried items here include Kuih Kelok (RM1.20) and Goreng Popiah (RM1.70). Sweet-and-spicy sauce is provided but I think it is unnecessary. These finger foods are best enjoyed while they are still hot from the fryer.
Address: 85, Jalan Pasar, 34000 Taiping, Perak
Contact: 016-516-1818
Business hours: 12:00pm-8:30pm
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Kedai Makanan OK

June 9, 2018, 10:00 pm
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This article is part of my 2018 Taiping and Kuala Sepetang trip series.

Kedai Makanan OK (OK茶餐室) is a typical kopitiam in Taiping. It is near the Taiping Railway Station (Stesen Keretapi Taiping) and Antong Coffee Mill. Most customers here are locals.
One of the stalls here is called "Sakai". Sakai is a derogatory name given to the people of Orang Asli, who are now better known as "Semang". The stall sells Seafood Porridge (海鲜粥) and Seafood Noodle (海鲜粉). In both cases, the broth is prepared from shrimps and jicama (沙葛).
The Seafood Porridge (RM10.00) is appetizing and quite gentle on my palate. It contains fresh seafood ingredients like grouper (石斑鱼), blue threadfin (马友鱼), fish balls and large shrimps. Also included are pickled vegetables (冬菜), ginger slivers (姜丝), fried shallots and chopped scallions.
Address: 25, Jalan Stesen, 34000 Taiping, Perak
Contact: 012-463-8866
Business hours: 5:00am-3:00pm
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Larut Matang Hawker Centre

June 9, 2018, 11:00 pm
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This article is part of my 2018 Taiping and Kuala Sepetang trip series.

Larut Matang Hawker Centre (拉律马登小贩中心) is probably the most popular local eatery in Taiping. It is just within a short walking distance from our hotel, Novotel Taiping. The hawker center amasses over a hundred stalls under one roof, serving all sorts of hawker dishes across many ethnicities.
Perhaps the most unique dish that I came across here is Goreng Koey Teow (炒鱼丸粿条, RM4.80) from stall number 63 (8:30am-5:30pm). Unlike Penang Char Koay Teow (槟城炒粿条), this recipe is a combination of braising and wok-frying techniques. The resulting noodle is mildly sweet and still moist with dark sauce. The fiery aroma (镬气) that is contained within is superb.
For the noodle, we opted for koay teow (粿条) because it gives the springiness that we desire. Other ingredients in this noodle dish are fish balls, fishcake (鱼饼), char siew (叉烧), sliced pork and choy sum (菜心). Overall, I cannot recommend this unique dish highly enough.
Hor Ka Sai (虎咬狮, RM2.60) is a unique drink from Taiping. It is essentially a combination of black coffee and Milo. The bitterness of coffee and sweetness of Milo seem to complement each other. We ordered this drink from stall number 65 (7:00am-7:00pm, closed on Tuesdays and Fridays).
Address: Jalan Panggung Wayang, 34000 Taiping, Perak
Contact: N/A
Business hours: 5:00am-9:00pm
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Perak Museum

June 10, 2018, 1:00 am
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This article is part of my 2018 Taiping and Kuala Sepetang trip series.

The Perak Museum (Muzium Perak) is located within a short distance from Taiping Lake Garden. It is at the junction of Jalan Taming Sari and Jalan Muzium, and faces the infamous Taiping Prison (Penjara Taiping).
Perak Museum is the very first museum in Malaysia. Constructed in phases between 1883 and 1900, the building combines Neoclassical and Victorian architectures with Moorish elements. The museum itself is divided into 4 galleries.
The Indigenous People Gallery features the daily life of Orang Asli, the natives of Peninsular Malaysia. A fine collection of artifacts like pottery, utensils and ceremonial masks depicts many aspects of their culture.
Meanwhile, the Natural History Gallery contains an extensive collection of zoological specimens such as animal skeletons. One of them is the Malayan Tiger (Panthera tigris).
An adjacent gallery houses temporary exhibits. During our visit, bees and honey are featured here. Like beehives, the wasp nests also have hexagonal cells.
In addition, there are several outdoor displays at Perak Museum. The train coach shown here formerly served the Perak State Railway.
Several classic cars are also displayed outside the museum's main building. Notable ones are Rolls Royce Phantom VI (1972), Rolls Royce Silver Cloud III (1964) and Alvis TD21 Tourer (1960).
The Avon Sabre RMAF F-86 Jet is an Australian-made single seat fighter-bomber. Originally owned by the Australian military, the aircraft was donated to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) in 1969.
Admission to the Perak Museum is a token RM2.00 for Malaysian citizens. Entry is free for children below 12 years old. Depending on your pace and interest level, you may need 1 to 3 hours to explore the museum.

Address: Jalan Taming Sari, 34000 Taiping, Perak
Contact: 05-807-2057
Business hours: 9:00am-6:00pm

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Pusat Makanan 3939

June 10, 2018, 5:00 am
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This article is part of my 2018 Taiping and Kuala Sepetang trip series.

Pusat Makanan 3939 (3939饮食中心) is a popular hawker center in Taiping. Located at the intersection of Jalan Kota and Jalan Manecksha, it is actually one of the three kopitiams here. Customers are allowed to order from any stall regardless where they are seated.
The Batu Caves Fried Kuey Teow (炒粿条, RM4.00) is surprisingly good, as evidenced by its fiery aroma (镬气). The koay teow here is thinner than usual but still gets the job done. The dish is served over a large daun simpoh air (大叶婆). The leaf used to be the common choice to wrap food before the advent of plastic bags.
Another unique dish at this hawker center is O Bak Rice (黑肉饭, RM6.00). For this dish, the pork slices are fried on a griddle with dark soy sauce. The meal comes with a fried egg and white rice. I think the rice itself should be seasoned better.
As for poultry, Peng Aun Inchi Cabin (平安胭脂鸡, RM8.00) is highly recommended. The Nyonya-style fried chicken is marinated with shallots (红葱头), turmeric (黄姜), lemongrass (香茅) and curry powder. The chicken is succulent to the last morsel.
One of the stall here sells Special Sauce Ikan Bakar (特酱烧鱼, RM14.00). Our choice of fish is the stingray (魔鬼鱼). The grilled fish is dressed with spicy-and-savory sauce, and comes with grilled vegetables on the side. The taste of fish is acceptable but I think it can be made more flavorful.
Yuan Yang Laksa (鸳鸯拉沙, RM4.30) is ordered from the opposite kopitiam, Prima Coffee Shop (百龄美食城). Known locally as "Lemak Sui" (Lemak 酸), Yuan Yang Laksa combines the flavors of asam laksa (亚参叻沙) and curry laksa (咖哩叻沙). Personally, I feel that former's taste overwhelms the latter's.
Pusat Makanan 3939 is frequented by locals. This is the type of place that I usually prefer to go as a tourist. Not only are the prices cheaper, the food is also more faithful to the authentic recipes.

Address: 19, Jalan Kota, 34000 Taiping, Perak
Contact: N/A
Business hours: 6:30pm-12:00am
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Taiping Lake Garden

June 10, 2018, 8:00 pm
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This article is part of my 2018 Taiping and Kuala Sepetang trip series.

Taiping Lake Garden (Taman Tasik Taiping) is within a 5-minute walk from our hotel, Novotel Taiping. Spanning 64 hectares on the east side of Taiping, this scenic park has the distinction of being the first public garden in Malaysia.
Taiping Lake Garden was formerly a tin mining pool. Today, it comprises of 10 individual lakes with a network of bridges that connects islands in the middle. Several of these lakes are covered with lotus and other aquatic plants.
Pagoda Cina (Chinese Pagoda) was built in the 1970s and is a relatively recent construct. The design follows the traditional architecture of pagodas in China.
The Rock Garden consists of a deliberate arrangement of rocks that resemble prehistoric animals. Unfortunately, I fail to see any similarities.
Tasik Duyung was originally called Bougainvillea Point because there used to be lots of bougainvillea plants here. Today it is a jetty for water-themed recreational activities. Paddle boats are available for rent.
Raintree Walk is a canopied pathway along the lake's edge. The century-old trees here are called Rain Trees (Albizia Saman), also known as "Pokok Hujan" or "Pokok Pukul Lima" in Malay. Their branches stretch in a peculiar manner towards the lake. The sight of these trees is majestic indeed!
Taiping has a bicycle-sharing service where people can rent bicycles at rates as low as RM1.20 for 30 minutes. A casual ride around the lake is certainly a rewarding experience. Be sure to return the bicycles to the designated area after use.
Taiping Lake Garden is well-maintained by Malaysian standards. The beautifully landscaped landmark ought to be visited by anyone who comes to Taiping for the first time. In addition, visitors may also want to check out Zoo Taiping & Night Safari at the eastern side of the park.

Address: 34000 Taiping, Perak
Contact: N/A
Business hours: N/A

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Antong Coffee Mill

June 11, 2018, 1:00 am
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This article is part of my 2018 Taiping and Kuala Sepetang trip series.

Operating since 1933, Antong Coffee Mill (安东咖啡厂) is one of the oldest coffee factories in Malaysia. The third generation has now taken the reins of the company.
Visitors are welcome to visit the coffee factory. Antong Coffee Mill preserves the traditional way of roasting coffee, i.e. using wood-fired ovens. The factory can produce 10 tonnes of coffee every day.
Antong Coffee Mill sources coffee beans from several plantations throughout Malaysia. Upon request, it also imports beans from other countries. Free coffee samples allow visitors to taste different blends of coffee. Antong's coffee products are also available for sale here.
The administrative office of Antong Coffee Mill is Changchun Garden (长春圃). The house was formerly the residence of Chinese revolutionary Dr. Sun Yat-sen (孙中山) and his mistress, Chen Chuifen (陈粹芬). Visitors are allowed to visit the house at certain hours.
Meanwhile, The Swallow Paradise (观燕楼) is another attraction here. The building allows visitors to observe the edible-nest swiftlet (Aerodramus fuciphagus) up-close. The nest of this bird is harvested to make bird's nest soup (燕窝). Admission is free of charge.
Address: 8A, Jalan Syed Burhan, 34000 Taiping, Perak
Contact: 05-807-5189
Business hours: 8:30am-5:30pm, closed on Sundays

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Novotel Taiping

June 8, 2018, 12:00 am
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This article is part of my 2018 Taiping and Kuala Sepetang trip series.

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

Novotel Taiping is a 4-star hotel in Taiping. It is a property of AccorHotels, a French-based international chain of hotels that also owns luxury brands like Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Pullman and Grand Mercure.
Novotel Taiping shares the building with Taiping Mall, which has its own grocery store, department store, cinema, 24-hour convenience store and several restaurants. The hotel is also strategically close to major attractions in Taiping such as Zoo Taiping & Night Safari.
Food Exchange at Level 7 is the hotel's main dining facility. This halal-certified restaurant serves Asian and Western flavors for lunch and dinner. Buffets are available on selected days of the week. This is also where in-house guests are served breakfast every morning.
The Gourmet Bar at the hotel lobby provides a cozy setting for guests to relax and mingle. The eatery serves light snacks, pastries, gelato, coffee and alcoholic beverages. Do take advantage of the Coffee & Cake promotion here. A mere RM10.00 gets you a cup of espresso-based coffee and a slice of cake!
Novotel Taiping has 197 guestrooms in 3 room categories: Superior Room, Premier Room and Premier Grand Deluxe. There are rooms with city view or lake view. Request for the latter as the scenery afforded is breathtaking. The hotel's check-in and check-out times are 2:00pm and 12:00pm respectively.
Each guestroom comes with an ensuite bathroom. There is a glass wall between the standing shower and the bedroom. I guess this is useful if you want to watch television while bathing. Basic toiletries like dental kit, body shampoo and soap are provided. The bathroom is also equipped with a hair dryer.
In-room entertainment involves a large LED television with cable channels. A work desk allows business travelers to catch up on work. High-speed Internet access is available. Other room amenities include minibar, electric boiler, clothes iron and safe deposit box.
Novotel Taiping has an outdoor swimming pool and a children's pool at Level 7. Arranged on the deck are several sunloungers. From here, sunbathers may enjoy a scenic view of the majestic Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill), a charming hill resort in Taiping's backyard.
The hotel's fitness center, Inbalance, is also located at Level 7. The room is furnished with exercise equipment like treadmills, stationary bicycles and weight machines. Clean towels are provided. The changing room and lockers are conveniently nearby.
Adjacent to the gym, the Kids Club serves to keep the young ones entertained during their stay at the hotel. In effort to present a family-friendly atmosphere, Novotel Taiping allows up to 2 children to stay with their parents (inclusive of breakfast) at no extra charge.
As for business travelers, the business center provides a private setting for sensitive business discussions. The center is also equipped with a facsimile, photocopier and printer. Secretarial services can be arranged upon special request.
Novotel Taiping has several function rooms of various sizes for corporate and private events. Meanwhile, the Grand Ballroom is currently under construction. Once completed, the ballroom can accommodate 1,500 guests in a banquet setting. This makes it the largest pillarless ballroom in Taiping.
Breakfast is served at Food Exchange from 6:30am to 10:30am on weekdays, and from 6:30am to 11:00am on weekdays. Alternatively, guests can also take advantage of the 24-hour room service in the comfort of their own rooms.
The buffet counter contains a number of Western breakfast items such as Turkey Strips, Chicken Sausages and Hash Browns. In addition, there are also assorted cold cuts like beef and chicken slices.
I am particularly fascinated by the Grilled Tomatoes. Gratinéed with cheese, the tomatoes are juicy indeed.
Next, Fried Mee Hoon is a staple dish in Malaysia. The noodle is slightly spicy, just the way many Malaysians like it.
Noodle is also prepared at the open kitchen. Today, the choices are Clear Chicken Soup and Mee Kari. Guests can select their favorite ingredients before handing them over to the kitchen staff for cooking.
Porridge comes with several condiments like fried breadsticks (油条) and salted eggs. Speaking of eggs, guests can order all sorts of egg dishes at the egg station. My favorite choice is omelette.
Nasi Lemak is regarded as the national dish of Malaysia. The rice is infused with aromatic coconut milk. Meanwhile, the spicy sambal udang (prawns in chili paste) is quite appetizing. Other ingredients for Nasi Lemak are ikan bilis (anchovies), hard-boiled eggs, roasted peanuts, cucumber slices and crackers.
As for Chinese comfort food, Baozi (包子) or steamed buns come in 3 different fillings: sweet bean paste (豆沙), lotus seed paste (莲蓉) and coconut jam (咖央).
Meanwhile, Chapati (சப்பாத்தி) is an unleavened flatbread from India. Chapati is commonly eaten with dhal (lentil curry).
The salad bar provides fresh produce like Romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, kidney beans, carrots and corn. Several types of dressing are provided.
Last but not least, the pastry section has interesting choices like vanilla pound cake, butter croissants, mocha Danishes and Kaiser rolls. There are also different types of sliced bread and bread loaves every morning. A conveyor toaster is provided for reheating purpose.
Located in the heart of Taiping, Novotel Taiping is easily accessible to the town's major attractions. In fact, bicycles are available for rent at the hotel lobby. Guests can also get useful travel information and dining suggestions from the friendly concierge here.
Novotel Taiping is probably the most comfortable accommodation that one can find in this lovely town. Would-be guests are encouraged to book from the hotel's website to get the most attractive rates. Meanwhile, frequent travelers may take advantage of Le Club AccorHotels, the hotel chain's loyalty program.
Name: Novotel Taiping
Address: 1, Jalan Tupai, 34000 Taiping, Perak
Contact: 05-820-8288
Business hours: 24 hours
Website: https://www.accorhotels.com/9233
Coordinates: 4.85031 N, 100.74278 E
Directions: Novotel Taiping is located at Jalan Tupai and shares the building with Taiping Mall. The hotel provides complimentary parking at Level 6 for in-house guests.

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Kuala Sepetang

June 8, 2018, 11:00 pm
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This article is part of my 2018 Taiping and Kuala Sepetang trip series.

A 20-minute drive to the west of Taiping leads to the charming village of Kuala Sepetang (十八丁). Situated at the estuary of Sungai Sepetang, the fishing village was formerly known as Port Weld (威砵). It was named after Frederick Weld (1823-1891), the British Governor of the Straits Settlements.
During the height of Taiping's tin-mining days, Port Weld served as Taiping's link to overseas markets. The British administration built Malaysia's first railway line between Port Weld and Taiping. Although the railway track has been removed, the train station's signboard and ticket booth are preserved to this day.
There are several hawker stalls near the former train station. One of the popular stalls here is Kuala Sepetang Curry Mee (十八丁咖喱面). Its specialty is that the curry contains fresh prawns. Also included are pig blood curd (猪血), bean sprouts and tofu puffs (豆腐卜). This tasty dish is only available after 3:00pm and may be sold out quickly on weekends.
Kuala Sepetang Curry Mee (十八丁咖喱面)
Jalan Trump, 34650 Kuala Sepetang, Perak, Malaysia
(+60) 12-505 1475
1:00pm-10:00pm, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Further reading: Port Weld Hawker Centre

Another popular stall here is Port Weld Prawn Fritters (十八丁大街虾饼). The deep-fried snack is made from flour batter, prawns, bean sprouts, onions and scallions. Served with chili sauce, the fritters are best enjoyed while they are still hot from the wok
Port Weld Prawn Fritters (十八丁大街虾饼)
Jalan Trump, 34650 Kuala Sepetang, Perak, Malaysia
(+60) 16-527 4278
12:00pm-5:00pm
Further reading: Port Weld Hawker Centre

Across the river is a smaller village of Kampung Seberang (过港). Until several years ago, Kampung Seberang is only accessible by boat. However, the recent construction of a 110-meter bridge now allows pedestrians and motorcyclists to cross the river.
Kampung Seberang consists of a narrow road with wooden houses on both sides. Like Kuala Sepetang, most inhabitants here are fishermen. Kampung Seberang does not receive many tourists as it is off the beaten path.
At the outskirts of Kuala Sepetang is the famed Charcoal Factory Kuala Sepetang. Nestled in a mangrove forest, the factory is blessed with abundance of wood for producing charcoal. Logs are transported to the factory via a small river, which is navigable twice a month during high tide.
Having operated since the 1940s, the charcoal factory has dozens of charcoal kilns. Each kiln is over 5 meters in height and is built from bricks. Hundreds of logs, weighing over 100 kilograms each, are lugged inside by hand. Once the logs are loaded, the main opening is sealed off with cement.
The kiln is heated by firewood through a small opening at the base. Contrary to popular belief, charcoal is produced not by combustion, but by the removal of water from wood in the absence of oxygen. It takes more than 20 days to turn wood into charcoal. Most of the charcoal produced here is exported to Japan and South Korea.
The factory allows self-guided tours but it is advisable to arrange for a guided tour for better explanation. Tours are free of charge but only available by appointment. During the tour, visitors are given charcoal-roasted Japanese sweet potatoes as snacks.
Charcoal Factory Kuala Sepetang
Jalan Taiping - Kuala Sepetang, 34650 Kuala Sepetang, Perak, Malaysia
(+60) 12-573 9563
9:00am-5:00pm

Another way to explore Kuala Sepetang and its surrounding areas is by sea. Kuala Sepetang Port Weld Eco is one of the major boat operators at the jetty. I suggest that you go for the full package which only costs RM55.00 per person. A minimum of 6 persons is required, but this is usually not a problem as there are many tourists every day.
Each boat is staffed by a helmsman and a tour guide. In general, the waters around Kuala Sepetang are somewhat calm. In the unlikely event that you get seasick, cast your eyes at distant objects. Life jackets are provided to all passengers for safety reasons.
Kuala Sepetang Port Weld Eco
152A, Tepi Sungai, 34650 Kuala Sepetang, Perak, Malaysia
(+60) 11-2955 8118
8:00am-8:30pm

Exploring Kuala Sepetang by boat provides a different perspective of the fishing village. Many of the houses here are owned by fishermen. Most fishermen work at night, so you can see many fishing boats docked next to their homes during the day.
Beyond Kuala Sepetang is an intricate network of water channels surrounded by vast mangrove swamps. The forest supports a complex ecosystem of plants, reptiles, birds, fishes and insects. If you want to explore the swamp on foot, check out the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve.
There are several fish farms at the estuary of Sungai Sepetang, including Kuala Sepetang Puffer Fish Farm at which the boat pays a visit. The farm raises fishes that thrive in brackish water such as grouper (石斑鱼), red tilapia (红非洲鱼) and catfish (白须公). Green pufferfish (Dichotomyctere fluviatilis, 黄金娃娃) and mangrove horseshoe crab (Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda, 马蹄蟹) are also raised here.
The wilderness around Kuala Sepetang is also home to the white-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster). Chicken leftovers are tossed into the water to attract their attention. Watch as these splendid birds swoop down gracefully to grab food. We were also told that humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) are sometimes spotted here. Unfortunately, we did not encounter any of these shy creatures today.
Kuala Sangga (老港) is a remote village at the river mouth, approximately 15 minutes by boat from Kuala Sepetang. A pirate was rumored to live here in the 1960s and 1970s but I suspect this is just a myth. Most residents today are fishermen or operators of fish farms.
A narrow walkway connects the entire length of the village. There are no guard rails on the sides, so keep an eye on younger children. There is no need to walk the entire length of the walkway as most points of interest are located near the pier.
Most houses in Kuala Sangga are built on stilts over water. As the village is not connected to the mainland by land, it has neither electricity nor running water. Therefore, most villagers rely on portable generators and rainwater instead.
Even for a small community of around 30 households, Kuala Sangga has 4 Chinese temples in total. The one nearest to the pier is dedicated to Na Tuk Kong (哪督公).
St. Anne's Chapel is another prominent place of worship. Although the last Catholic household has left Kuala Sangga 20 years ago, the chapel continues to be maintained by the remaining villagers. They believe that Saint Anne protects them from natural disasters.
S.R.J.K. (C) Poay Chee (培智国民型华文小学) is the most peculiar school that I have ever encountered. Built on solid ground, it is connected to the walkway by a small bridge. There are currently 11 students enrolled here. Despite its small size, the primary school has its own basketball court and library.
Kuala Sangga has a single eatery near the pier. This is where most villagers gather. Since there is no tap water, the drinks here are prepared using rainwater. Don't worry, the rainwater has been filtered and boiled beforehand.
There are two special drinks here. Hor Ka Sai (虎咬狮, RM2.80) is a mixture of black coffee and Milo. On the other hand, Sai Ka Hor (狮咬虎, RM2.80) consists of black tea and Milo. In my humble opinion, the former has better aroma while the latter has more soothing taste.
Also included in the RM55.00 boat ride package is firefly watching. The boat sets off after sunset around 7:30pm. Fireflies (Pteroptyx tener) are found several kilometers upstream from Kuala Sepetang. Congregating at pokok berembang (Sonneratia caseolaris) on the river banks, the glowing insects are best viewed with your own eyes. Flash photography is prohibited as this will harm the insects.
Back in Kuala Sepetang, there are several popular seafood restaurants in town but we did not manage to try any this round. The fishing village has several dormitories for visitors to spend the night. But if you are looking for a proper hotel, Novotel Taiping is just a 30-minute drive away.

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Creameal

June 21, 2018, 3:00 am
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Adjacent to Wholey Wonder is Creameal, a shop which specializes in handcrafted ice cream. It used to operate at Jalan Phuah Hin Leong before moving to Hin Bus Depot.
The dining area has air conditioning. Red brick walls surround on both sides of this charming eatery. The ambience here is quite cozy.
Creameal's ice cream is available in scoops or with waffles. Around 12 flavors are available daily. For premium flavors, a surcharge of RM1.00 applies.
I opted for the Handcrafted Ice Cream + Waffle (RM9.90). The waffle has the texture and crispiness that I like. Meanwhile, my choice of ice cream is Mint Chocolate Chips. The ice cream is quite dense because it has a low overrun.
The handcrafted ice cream at Creameal is commendable. In addition, the eatery also serves Western dishes and espresso-based coffee. However, I have not tried any of them yet.
Address: 63, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 016-408-3172
Business hours: 12:00pm-11:00pm, closed on Tuesdays
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Tokyo Kitchen

June 22, 2018, 9:00 pm
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Tokyo Kitchen (東京厨房) is a chain of Japanese restaurants from Klang Valley. The dishes here are inspired by Tokyo cuisine. The sole outlet in Penang is located at Icon City, right next to Ittan Izakaya.
The dining area is elegantly decorated with Japanese ornaments. There is even a small pond with live koi (鯉). To enhance the ambience, Japanese pop songs are played in the background.
Tori Karaage Don (鶏から揚げ丼, RM19.80) is a rice dish with a fried chicken cutlet on top. Dressed with mayonnaise (マヨネーズ), the cutlet is crispy but is a bit salty. The meal also comes with a bowl of miso soup (味噌汁) that contains seaweed (ワカメ) and tofu (豆腐).
Una Cheese Roll (うなチーズロール, RM26.80) is a maki sushi (巻き寿司) with freshwater eel (鰻) on top. The rice is rolled with crab stick (カニカマ), daikon (大根), cucumber and seaweed (海苔). Besides unagi, toppings also include tare sauce (たれ), torched cheese and shrimp roe (えびこ).
Tokyo Kitchen Green Tea Latte (ラテ東京キッチン緑茶, RM9.80) is an ice-blended drink using matcha. Unfortunately, the ice is not blended thoroughly, so there are still chunks of solid ice in the drink.
While the restaurant's ambience and table service are commendable, I think the food taste deserves some improvement. Note that Tokyo Kitchen does not serve pork.
Address: 45, Jalan Icon City, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-505-7282
Business hours: 12:00pm-3:00pm, 5:00pm-10:30pm
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Kitchen Chemistry

June 29, 2018, 10:00 pm
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Kitchen Chemistry has a second outlet at The Glass House in Hin Bus Depot. Like the original restaurant, it specializes in Western cuisine with elements of local flavors.
Masala Lamb Chop (RM35.00) is one of my favorite dishes here. The pan-grilled lamb is marinated with spices from the Indian subcontinent, making its aroma mouthwatering indeed. In terms of taste, the lamb is succulent to the last morsel. However, I feel that the meat is slightly tougher than how I like it to be.
Masala Lamb Chop is served with black pepper sauce. The dish also comes with homemade mashed potatoes and small salad on the side.
The food at Kitchen Chemistry may appear pricey but at least the taste is fantastic. There are no drinks on its menu. Instead, beverages can be ordered from The Black Market.

Address: 125, Jalan Timah, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 012-430-6536
Business hours: 12:00pm-9:00pm, closed on Mondays
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The Black Market

June 30, 2018, 2:00 am
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The Black Market is located right next to Kitchen Chemistry in Hin Bus Depot. The shop sells coffee, tea, fruit juice, milkshake, ice cream float and bottled beer to diners at The Glass House (The Glenlivet Jun 2018).
What's more satisfying than an ice-cold glass of Root Beer Float (RM7.00)? The sweetness of vanilla ice cream complements well with the sharp taste of root beer.
Address: 125, Jalan Timah, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 019-560-8355
Business hours: 11:30am-10:00pm (Tuesday-Saturday), 10:00am-9:00pm (Sunday), closed on Mondays
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Fisherman's Wharf

June 30, 2018, 10:00 pm
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Special thanks to Fisherman's Wharf for extending this food review invitation.

Fisherman's Wharf Penang (槟城渔人码头) is a large hawker center at Fortune Park. The seaside eatery was formerly known as Karpal Singh Drive Food Court & Market. Under the new management, the place has been renovated extensively and is significantly more presentable now.
Fisherman's Wharf is very popular especially on weekends. It features around 40 individual stalls, selling nearby every hawker dish that you expect to find in Penang. Note that not all stalls are available at all times. Some stalls may start operating from 11:00am, but most are usually ready by the evening.
Apam Balik (曼煎糕) can be ordered from a stall near the entrance. The pancakes are filled with ingredients like crushed peanuts and sugar. Examples of premium ingredients are meat floss (肉丝, RM3.00) and banana & coco cream (香蕉可可, RM3.20). I like the crispiness of the thin crêpes.
Asam Laksa (叻沙, RM6.00) is Penang's signature dish. The spicy fish broth contains tamarind (asam) to provide sourness. Besides thick rice noodle, Asam Laksa also contains shallots, ginger flower (姜花), cucumber, bird's eye chili (cili padi) and shrimp paste (虾膏). There is a piece of cracker too.
Hong's Curry Mee (鸿记咖哩面, RM6.50 for basic ingredients) contains pig blood curd (猪血), blood cockles (血蚶), prawns, fish balls and mint. A scoop of chili paste allows customers to customize the spiciness level. This dish has an interesting twist: customers can optionally add roast pork (烧肉) and cheese too!
Lam Mee (淋面, RM5.00) is also known as "drenched noodle". This is the Nyonya recipe, which is more prevalent in Penang and differs from the version in Kuala Lumpur. To prepare Lam Mee, yellow noodle is cooked separately and is only drenched with broth afterwards.
If you are fond of pork offal, you may want to go for Koay Teow Soup With Intestine & Liver (内脏粿条汤, RM5.00). Also included are minced pork, pork slices and fish balls. Thanks to the rich broth, the noodle is delectable indeed.
Fried Dumplings (煎锅贴, RM17.00 for 10 pieces), also known as potstickers, are very popular in northern China. These pan-fried dumplings contain minced pork, cabbage, ginger and scallions.
White Cut Chicken (白斩鸡, RM7.00) differs from most chicken dishes in the fact that it is not cooked all the way. Instead, the heat source is removed as soon as the water reaches its boiling point. From then, the chicken is cooked by residual heat in the water. As a result, White Cut Chicken has juicy flesh and soft skin.
Golden Salted Egg Chicken (黄金流砂鸡, RM7.00) is one of my favorite dishes here. Chunks of chicken are coated with a savory paste made from salted egg yolks. Served over rice, the chicken is very appetizing. I cannot recommend this dish highly enough.
One of the stalls here specializes in fried noodle and fried rice. The signature dish is probably Char Hor Fun (炒河粉, RM6.00). The noodle is fried with dark sauce and then drenched with starchy egg gravy. Prawns, pork slices and choy sum (菜心) are added too.
Dry Bak Kut Teh (肉骨茶干, RM12.00) is cooked and served in a claypot. Unlike the soup version, the herbal broth is reduced to thick gravy. This makes the taste more intense. This scrumptious dish is also braised with okra (lady's fingers) and dried chili peppers.
Yong Tau Foo (酿豆腐, RM1.50 each) comes in several forms. For instance, there are pieces of eggplant (brinjals) and tofu that are stuffed with fish paste. At this stall, the fish paste is made from a type of fish called Bombay duck (豆腐鱼). According to the proprietor, the homemade fish paste does not contain preservatives or borax.
Pork Trotters Vinegar (猪脚醋, RM15.00) is a Cantonese remedy for women who are undergoing postnatal recovery. Stewed for several hours with rice vinegar and ginger, the stew attains a distinctive taste which pleases the palate.
Speaking of herbal remedies, there is another stall which offers a variety of herbals soups like Black Bean Pork Tail Soup (药材黑豆猪尾汤, RM10.00), Ginseng Herbal Soup (洋参须鸡汤, RM10.00), Dang Shen Bei Qi Chicken Soup (党参北芪鸡汤, RM10.00) and more. Each serving comes with a bowl of rice.
Pasembur is a local Penang street food dressed with sweet-and-spicy peanut sauce. The salad contains a variety of ingredients such as keropok udang (prawn fritters, RM4.00), telur rebus (hard-boiled eggs, RM1.00), tauhu (tofu, RM1.00), ubi kentang (potatoes, RM2.00), and jicama and cucumber (RM2.00).
Sup Kambing (RM7.00) is extremely rich in taste. Inside the soup are succulent chunks of mutton. Mutton has been cooked reasonably long until it becomes very tender. Since this is an extremely "heaty" food, remember drink plenty of water afterwards.
Roti Tissue (RM4.00) is a spectacular sight at mamak stalls. Standing 2 feet in height, the flatbread uses the same dough as Roti Canai but it is rolled into a cone. Chocolate sauce is drizzled on top. Roti Tissue is named so because the crêpe is thin like tissue paper.
Belacan Fried Rice (ข้าวผัดกะปิ, RM7.00) can be ordered from the Thai food stall. The fried rice is flavored with savory shrimp paste (กะปิ), making it tasty and aromatic. Side dishes include fried prawns, roasted pork (หมูย่าง), sliced omelette, unripe mango salad (ตำมะม่วง) and onions.
Still on the topic of Thai food, the fiery Tom Yam (ต้มยำ, RM7.00) is guaranteed to put your taste buds on fire. The noodle dish also contains fried fish fillet, which I find very delectable. Instead of Tom Yam, customers can alternatively request for Fish Soup or Sour & Spicy Soup.
If you are fond of seafood, be sure to try the Fisherman Wok Bake Crabs (渔夫干锅烤蟹, RM60.00 per kilogram). The ideal way to highlight the brown crabs' freshness is by not using any gravy. A hammer is provided to crack their tough shells.
Dry Chili Frog (宫保田鸡, RM17.00) is another exquisite delicacy. The frogs are cooked with dried chili peppers and ginger. Although the taste is not too spicy, this dish still delights my taste buds.
Next, the barbecue platter comprises of BBQ Pork Ribs (口琴骨, RM16.00 per serving), BBQ Squid (烧烤苏东, RM28.00 each) and Duck Leg Wrap (秘制鸭脚包, RM3.50 each, RM10.00 for 3 pieces). All items are marinated in-house. For the BBQ Squid, the actual serving size is larger than the one shown below.
Colonial Hailam Chicken Chop (RM9.90) is a local adaptation of Western-style fried chicken with Asian-style onion gravy. A slice of garlic bread allows one to mop up any remaining gravy. The meal also comes with free mushroom soup.
Pizza Mix Seafood (RM20.00) uses a moderately thin crust, which is neither too crispy nor doughy. The crust is covered by a layer of molten cheese, and then followed by various seafood toppings. The pizzas here are available in take-away boxes.
One of the stalls sells a variety of Japanese dishes. Ironically, the most popular dish here is a Westernized Japanese dish (洋食), Spicy Cheese Butter Chicken (スパイシーチキンカツ, RM11.00). The deep-fried chicken cutlet is covered with cheese and Japanese spice mix (七味唐辛子). It also comes with rice, miso soup (味噌汁) and salad.
Korean food is available at Fisherman's Wharf too. Seafood Pancake (해물전, RM12.00) is a popular Korean food that is often eaten as a side dish (반찬). Unfortunately, the Korean pancake is not as flavorful as I hoped it to be. Perhaps it would be good to allow customers to customize the amount of seasoning.
As for Middle Eastern food, Mr. Majd serves several types of shawarma (شاورما‎) and manakeesh (مناقيش‎). Shawerma Special (RM15.00) is suitable to be shared around the table. Using pita bread as the base, it is topped with grilled chicken and molten cheese. The snack resembles a thin-crust pizza.
3D Jelly (RM28.00) is extremely time-consuming to prepare but it is undisputedly visually appealing. The handcrafted jelly comes in several flavors like passion fruit, blackcurrant and coconut cream. Not all flavors are available, so prior booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
As for kuih, customers can sample an assortment of local favorites such as Kuih Sago (沙谷糕), Pulut Tai Tai (咖椰糯米糕) and White Sugar Sponge Cake (白糖糕). Pulut Tai Tai is usually eaten with kaya (coconut jam). In addition, I also love Chai Kueh (菜粿). These steamed dumplings are filled with garlic chives (韭菜) or jicama (沙葛).
Moving on to desserts, Ais Kacang (红豆冰, RM5.00) and Cendol (煎蕊, RM4.00) are clearly local favorites. The former contains ingredients like attap chee (亚答子), grass jelly, kidney beans, creamed corn and crushed peanuts. The dessert also comes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The signature Iced Lemon Tea here contains a blue layer at the bottom. The coloring is naturally derived from butterfly-pea flowers (蝶豆花). The drink's citrus tanginess is perfect for quenching thirst especially during a hot afternoon.
With so many stalls at Fisherman's Wharf, there is really no shortage of choices for people from all walks of life. As for visitors to Penang, this place offers a great opportunity to sample Penang's diverse hawker fare under one roof. But unlike tourist traps in downtown George Town, the food pricing here is more affordable.
Fisherman's Wharf has a large parking space in front, making it very convenient for customers. In addition, the promenade adjacent to the hawker center is also a scenic place to take a walk in the evening.
Name: Fisherman's Wharf Penang (槟城渔人码头)
Address: 92A, Lebuh Sungai Pinang 1, 11600 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 012-404-0265
Business hours: 11:00am-2:00am
Website: https://www.facebook.com/fishermanswharfpenang
Coordinates: 5.39389 N, 100.32585 E
Directions: Fisherman's Wharf is located next to the sea at Fortune Park. There are plenty of parking spaces in front of the hawker center. Parking is free of charge.

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Ome By Spacebar Coffee

July 1, 2018, 1:00 am
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One should be forgiven for overlooking Ome By Spacebar Coffee. The narrow alley at which it is situated, Lorong Toh Aka, is narrow even by George Town's standard. To make matters worse, there are no visible signboards on the café's facade.
Brick walls line both sides of this secluded place. The barista counter in front has only a several seats while the back section provides marginally more space. Nevertheless, be sure to check out the specially carved coffee table here!
I ordered Coffee With Milk (RM13.00), which is essentially caffè latte. Served in a 9-oz. cup, the drink contains two shots of espresso. Fresh milk lends its soothing sweetness, making the coffee satisfying indeed.
Besides espresso, the café also offers Hand Brew Black Coffee (RM18.00) through drip brewing or AeroPress techniques. Compared to espresso, these techniques usually result in clearer brews.
Ome By Spacebar Coffee is considered a more "traditional" café in the sense that it does not serve cooked food. This allows customers to focus their attention on coffee and only coffee.

Address: 1, Lorong Toh Aka, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 019-309-1450
Business hours: 8:00am-6:00pm, closed on Thursdays
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Homey

July 1, 2018, 10:00 pm
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Special thanks to Homey for extending this food review invitation.

Homey is a Penang-based food delivery service. Unlike other service providers, Homey strives to promote healthy eating by serving balanced meals. Supervised by nutritionists and dietitians, the meals contain reduced salt and sugar. No MSG and artificial additives are used.
At Homey's website, customers can choose from a list of kitchen partners by geographic region. For instance in Bayan Baru, Feed Me is available for lunch. Meals can be ordered for 5 days or 20 days in advance.
Payment can be made online, so there is no need to prepare cash when food is delivered to the doorstep. This makes Homey a convenient way to cater food for children and the elderly.
Each meal comes with a main dish, side dish, rice and fruit. The actual dishes vary from day to day. Here are several examples.

Steamed silver pomfret with mushrooms, steamed cucumber, brown rice and apple slices.
Grilled chicken breast, fried cabbage, brown rice and an orange.
Fried yi mein (炒伊面), choy sum (菜心), stewed minced pork (卤肉碎) and papaya slices.
Ginger & onion chicken (姜葱鸡), soft tofu, brown rice and red grapes.
Homey can also tailor meals for people with specific needs like obesity, high cholesterol, diabetic, postnatal and post-surgery. If one has any allergies or dietary restrictions (for example vegetarian), Homey is able to accommodate accordingly.

Name: Homey
Address: N/A
Contact: 014-304-0711
Business hours: 11:00am-1:00pm, 5:30pm-7:30pm, closed on Saturdays and Sundays
Website: http://www.homey.com.my
Coordinates: N/A
Directions: N/A

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Sri Nibong Cafe

July 6, 2018, 5:00 pm
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Sri Nibong Cafe (理旺茶园) is a small hawker center at the entrance to Taman Sri Nibong. There are roughly a dozen food stalls here. The eatery is very popular among locals; it is difficult to find a vacant table after 8:00am.
The most popular hawker stall here is probably Sungai Nibong Koay Teow Th'ng (天桥下粿条汤). It is open from 6:30am to 3:00pm. The stall receives uninterrupted orders during breakfast and lunch hours. Fortunately, the noodles are cooked rather quickly. In the evening, the proprietor operates in another shop in Bayan Baru.
The soup for Koay Teow Th'ng (粿条汤, RM5.30) is very tasty as it is infused with rich flavors of pork. In addition, the minced pork is heavenly indeed. Meanwhile, the fish balls here are made from whitefin wolf herring (西刀鱼). Also included are fishcakes and egg. I cannot recommend this dish highly enough.
Pancake (曼煎糕) is also known as "apam balik" in Malay. It is made from flour dough that is cooked in a round griddle. The crêpe is topped with a variety of ingredients, and then folded over once the dough is cooked.
There are several choices of ingredients. I opted for opted for Peanut (花生, RM1.20) and Brown Sugar (黑糖, RM1.30), which are more common ingredients. More exotic choices are Peanut Butter (花生酱, RM2.20) and Cheese (芝士, RM2.70). I think the shell is thicker than it should be. It feels a bit doughy; I prefer it to be crispy.
My caffeine fix comes from a hot cup of Kopi Susu (RM1.40). The black coffee has a layer of condensed milk at the bottom. Good cup of coffee is my way to start off the day on the right foot.
Address: 247-F, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Taman Sri Nibong, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: N/A
Business hours: 6:30am-10:00pm, closed on Mondays
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Morganfield's

July 7, 2018, 10:00 pm
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Special thanks to Morganfield's for extending this food review invitation.

Morganfield's is renowned for its "Sticky Bones", i.e. succulent pork ribs basted with special sauces. This barbecue restaurant chain presents a rustic appearance with elements of wood and bricks.
Most outlets, including this one in Queensbay Mall, allow al fresco dining. Customers can also choose to be seated at the bar if they are only having drinks. Overall, the laid-back atmosphere makes this place the perfect spot for dining with friends and family.
In celebration of the 7 years since its first outlet at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Morganfield's is having the 7th Anniversary promotion. From 1 July 2018 to 15 August 2018, customers can choose either the Anniversary Platter (RM219.90) for 3 or 4 persons, or the Mini Anniversary Platter (RM98.90) for 2 persons.
The Anniversary Platter consists of a full slab of Sticky Bones, 2 sausages, 2 Asian Herb Chicken Skewers, 4 BBQ Chicken Wings, Mr. Calamari, Pilaf Rice, Garden Salad and dipping sauce. The meal also comes with 2 complimentary desserts of the day. In the spirit of patriotism, Morganfield's will donate RM3.00 to Tabung Harapan Malaysia for every Anniversary Platter ordered.
Since we have been having the signature Hickory BBQ Spare Ribs previously, it is high time we try something different: Garlicky BBQ Spare Ribs. The ribs are marinated overnight and slow-cooked for several hours until they become delightfully tender. The Sticky Bones are basted with tangy sauce, and then topped with crispy garlic crumbs. The pungent aroma substantially improves the appeal of the succulent ribs!
Also included are two of Morganfield's homemade sausages: Spicy Devil and Herby Hog. As for poultry, there are Asian Herb Chicken Skewers and BBQ Chicken Wings. Meanwhile, Mr. Calamari (fried calamari) goes well with the sweet-and-spicy dip. Last but not least, the cup of Pilaf Rice balances everything out with its gentle texture.
7 Heaven (RM15.90) is a special beverage on the 7th Anniversary menu. Made from carbonated water and fruit juices, the mocktail comprises of 4 distinct layers: Blue Lagoon syrup, pineapple juice, cranberry juice and orange juice. I believe the 4 layers represent the colors of the Malaysian flag: blue, yellow, red and white. The drink is decorated with orange zest on the rim.
We also ordered other mocktails from the regular menu. Agua Fresca (RM16.90) and Cucumber, Apple, Mint Spritz (RM16.90) each comes with a scoop of calamansi sorbet. Meanwhile, the Sour Plum Mojito (RM15.90) follows the classic mojito concoction minus the rum, but with a tangy twist of sour plum!
Name: Morganfield's
Address: GF-121, Queensbay Mall, 100, Persiaran Bayan Indah, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-643-5049
Business hours: 11:00am-1:00am
Website: http://www.morganfields.com
Coordinates: 5.33421 N, 100.30668 E
Directions: Morganfield's is located on the Ground Floor of Queensbay Mall, right next to Starbucks Coffee. Queensbay Mall has a multilevel parking garage and several outdoor parking spaces.

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Swez Brasserie

July 12, 2018, 4:00 am
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Special thanks to Eastin Hotel Penang for extending this food review invitation.

Eastin Hotel Penang is offering the Burger Bonanza for the months of July to September 2018. Served from 12:00pm to 10:30pm at Swez Brasserie, the enormous burgers can come with any of 4 patty choices (beef, chicken, fish and lamb) and 3 bun choices (charcoal, green tea and garlic).
The Bullseye (RM32.00) is the probably the most popular burger here. The beef patty is gently grilled to retain its natural juices, making the burger succulent indeed. Also sandwiched inside the charcoal bun are tortilla chips, cheddar cheese, onions, red cabbage and cucumber. Each serving of burger comes with garden salad, alfalfa, steak fries and curly fries on the side.
Should customers prefer poultry, the Sweet Chick (RM25.00) is available too. Sandwiched inside the garlic bun is a chicken breast that is grilled to scrumptious perfection. Creamy dressing is used. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to taste this burger this round.
My favorite burger among the four is Something Fishy (RM37.00). The choice of fish is grouper, which is rather unusual for fish burgers. The fillet is breaded and fried for the crispy appeal, and then seasoned with black pepper for improved taste.
Little Lamby (RM35.00) is a strong contender for my favorite. This interesting burger is blessed with a juicy lamb patty. The generous serving of patty has arguably better flavor than its beef counterpart. In addition, cheese seems to blend seamlessly with the chargrilled patty. Green tea bun is used in this case.
Besides Burger Bonanza, diners can also check out the concurrent Surf And Turf menu. Surf And Turf is an American dish which combines seafood and meat. Available between 6:00pm and 10:30pm, the Surf And Turf menu offers 4 different combinations. Each serving comes with trio fries (steak fries, curly fries and fried potato wedges) and coleslaw.

The most intriguing combination of Surf And Turf is Lamb Chop & Slipper Lobster (RM65.00). Seasoned with rosemary, the frenched lamb ribs are best enjoyed with mushroom gravy. Joining the platter is a slipper lobster that is baked with cream cheese. I think the lobster's taste is amazing.
Chicken Thigh & Salmon (RM38.00) is another crowd favorite. A piece of boneless chicken thigh, thoroughly roasted, is served over poached salmon fillet. Two sauces are provided here: brown sauce and lemon butter sauce.
As for Turkey & Prawn (RM35.00), the broiled turkey breast is rather lean. I actually prefer the turkey steak to be tenderer. Also included are two shrimps, nicely grilled with garlic butter to produce a tantalizing aroma. Mushroom gravy is provided as the condiment.
As long as you take beef, you can never go wrong with Sirloin Steak & Squid (RM38.00). The sirloin steak pairs with black pepper sauce in an elegant manner. Meanwhile, the whole squid is barbecued to optimal springiness. Watch out for the plastic-like cartilage in its mantle; it is inedible.
Coffee, tea or soft drink is offered for an additional RM5.00 only. Besides dining in Swez Brasserie, customers can also enjoy their meals at The Lounge should they prefer so. The Lounge's bar has an interesting range of cocktails and mocktails to go with any dish. Last but not least, it is worth mentioning that Swez Brasserie's kitchen has halal certification.
Name: Swez Brasserie
Address: 1, Solok Bayan Indah, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-612-1111
Business hours: 6:00am-12:00am
Website: http://www.eastin.com/penang/dining
Coordinates: 5.33629 N, 100.30632 E
Directions: Eastin Hotel Penang is located along Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway (Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu) and is conveniently next to Queensbay Mall. Swez Brasserie an eatery next to the hotel lobby. There are parking spaces at the basement levels of the hotel.

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Black Kettle

July 14, 2018, 10:00 pm
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Special thanks to Black Kettle for extending this food review invitation.

Black Kettle stands at the intersection of Beach Street (Lebuh Pantai) and Chulia Street Ghaut (Gat Lebuh Chulia). Its yellow facade and black roller blinds are impossible to overlook. Occupying two contiguous shops, the restaurant-cum-café-cum-bakery is spacious indeed.
Black Kettle presents a casual dining atmosphere. A lightwell at its center allows sunlight to illuminate the dining area. As a family-friendly restaurant, the place is very popular especially on weekends.
Black Kettle specializes in French cuisine, or European fare in general. The food menu has been substantially revamped last month, so it is high time for me to pay another visit.

For starters, Authentic French Onion Soup Au Gratin (Soupe à l'oignon Lyonnaise, RM18.00) is a traditional comfort food from Lyon. The soup is prepared from chicken stock, caramelized onions and herbs. In the middle lies a piece of Swiss cheese crouton. In addition, the soup also contains an infusion of white wine.
Hongos Con Paprika Ahumado (RM19.00) is a popular Spanish tapas dish which literally means "mushrooms with smoked paprika". I am immediately taken by its mouthwatering aroma. The wild mushrooms are sautéed with pimentón (smoked paprika), garlic, tarragon, olive oil and cream. This delectable appetizer comes with slices of sourdough bread.
Black Kettle's Famous Chicken Chop (RM23.50) is one of the restaurant's bestselling dishes. The fried cutlet uses panko bread crumbs, which explains why it has an airy crispiness like the Classic Fish And Chips. Served on the side are the restaurant's signature pomodoro (tomato) sauce, fried egg and thick-cut fries (pommes frites).
Bouillabaisse (RM29.00) is a unique fish stew from Marseille, France. The recipe was originally invented by fishermen in order to salvage unsold fish. Black Kettle's version uses white fish, squid, mussels, shrimps, tomatoes, potatoes, herbs, spices and a dash of white wine. The French customarily dip some bread into a rouille (garlic mayonnaise), and then redip it into the rich seafood broth. I cannot recommend this stew highly enough.
Across the Mediterranean, Fillet Of Sea Bass Chamoula (RM29.00) is inspired by flavors of Morocco. The fillet is marinated with chamoula, and then pan-fried with olive oil. Chamoula (شرمولة‎) is a traditional relish from North Africa. As the taste of chamoula is exceptionally pungent, the fillet is best eaten with pilaf rice. Fresh arugula is served on the side.
Several dishes at Black Kettle are inspired by Penang's local flavors. For instance, Kettle's Heh Bee (RM32.00) combines Italian pasta with dried shrimps (虾米) and bird's eye chili. The spaghetti is also sautéed with lemon zest, garlic and herbs. Several shrimps are presented on the side.
As for confectionery, Black Kettle provides a variety of artisan bread made from sourdough. The sourdough here is prepared from a 15-year levain culture. Although it takes levain more time than instant yeast to leaven bread, the resulting taste and texture are subjectively better. Black Kettle's bakery does not use artificial additives.
Black Kettle's cakes are sold by the slice. The Chocolate Truffle Cake (RM14.00 per slice) has layers of chocolate mousse with a hint of Grand Marnier liqueur. The cake is also dusted with fine cocoa powder. Meanwhile, the Dutch Apple Pie (Appelkruimeltaart, RM14.00 per slice) is filled with crispy apples, raisins and cinnamon. The pie's sweet crust is topped with almond flakes.
As for tarts, today's choices are Lemon Meringue Tart, Chocolate Caramel Tart and Tarte Aux Fraises (Strawberry Tart). The Lemon Meringue Tart (RM7.00) comprises of a shortcrust pastry base, lemon custard and meringue. The tangy taste of lemon delights my palate.
Flat White (RM10.00) and Chocolate (RM11.00) are popular drinks from the menu. At Black Kettle, coffee beans are supplied by Degayo. The House Blend is a combination of beans from Sumatra and Java.
Alternative beverages include Matcha Milkshake (RM17.00) and Choco Mint Frappes (RM17.00). Although the latter is sweeter than my personal preference, I enjoy the refreshing breath of peppermint in my mouth.
Black Kettle's new menu has a number of interesting dishes that your taste buds deserve savoring. The food here is specially crafted to suit the local palate, but at the same time differentiates itself with a twist of culinary creativity. If you have not visited Black Kettle before, I highly recommended that you give it a shot.
Name: Black Kettle
Address: 105, Lebuh Pantai, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-251-9270
Business hours: 9:00am-11:30pm (Sunday-Thursday), 9:00am-12:00am (Friday-Saturday)
Website: http://www.blackkettle.com.my
Coordinates: 5.41539 N, 100.33977 E
Directions: Black Kettle is located at the intersection of Beach Street (Lebuh Pantai) and Chulia Street Ghaut (Gat Lebuh Chulia). Street parking is available along both streets.

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