*This article was published in the New Straits Times on 21st August 2010.
Tanjung Tokong Malay Village, which was once a sleepy “kampung” in the 60s and 70s, has grown into a suburb with rows of flats, overshadowing what is left of the kampung houses. Gone are the seafronts directly opposite the village where the natural sand split and mangrove trees grew. The village now faces vast reclaimed land and its sea view is blocked by modern concrete houses and high rise towers.
Despite the modernisation, the residents have maintained the uniqueness of Malaysian culture — the evening food bazaar, or commonly known as “pasar malam”. The Tanjung Tokong night market operates every Saturday evening and is one of the designated Ramadan food bazaars.
*This article was published in the New Straits Times on 31st August 2010.
A lot of soul put in the cooking and hopefully lots of soul music to refresh your little soul on sunny Penang Island.
Soul Kitchen Trattoria tucked away on Muntri Street in a pre-war house is the place to visit if you are looking for great eats in a laid back ambiance. This restaurant, barely a few months old is run by a young creative Malaysian-German couple, Michele Yim and Tonio Neuhaus.
*This article was published in the New Straits Times on 18th August 2010.
Hameediyah Restaurant, a century-old eating house established in 1907 is among one of the oldest restaurants in Penang. The restaurant with a yellow facade located on Campbell Street serves South Indian cuisine and is well known for its nasi kandar. Those who have tried the curry dishes in Hameediyah are hooked by its intricate flavors.
Having stood the test of time and firmly established its name in Penang, the owner has since embarked on the next stage with the opening of another outlet two doors away. The new outlet, Hameediyah Tandoori House is definitely a friendly neighborhood restaurant. It has moved away from the traditional look.
This new shop has a spacious and cleaner environment, with pleasant food presentation (only white plates are used), while still retaining the flavors of Hameediyah that many of us grew up with. This restaurant is fully air-conditioned, so diners need not sweat it out while dining.
Interior of the new outlet
*This article was published in the New Straits Times on 23rd July 2010.
Nazeri Ismail is the Executive Pastry Chef at Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa. He has charmed many diners with his varieties of outstanding cakes and pastries over the years. What’s more, he has been making cakes for the Penang Governor for the past four years.
The Penang Governor cutting the birthday cake
* This article was also published in the New Straits Times on 14th August 2010.
Bayview Hotel Georgetown is one of the many hotels in Penang offering Ramadan buffets in the holy month of Ramadhan. The Buka Puasa buffet or breaking fast at this hotel offers a spread of mouth watering and sumptuous selection of traditional local cuisines and international favorites.
Revolving Restaurant sitting on top of the hotel
* This article was also published in the New Straits Times on 13th August 2010.
Since opening its doors over three decades ago at Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, the Feringgi Grill has always offer a truly unique fine dining experiences for both locals and international diners. This great restaurant has garnered the Most Innovative Western Restaurant in Malaysia 2008/2009 Award.
A view of the beautiful chandelier through Feringgi Grill
The dining room provides guests with a refined dining experience
*This article was also published in the New Straits Times on 6th August 2010.
Nestled within Bellisa Row in Penang’s bustling Pulau Tikus is Cassis, a fine dining restaurant. The cozy restaurant with a dining hall upstairs is decorated with a huge chandelier. Despite being only opened several months, Cassis is already drawing in the crowds and had garnered a following of diners.
Hubby and I recently enjoyed a six course set dinner in this restaurant which is helmed by the relatively young Chef Weng. His last stint was at Wino’s, Margaret River in Perth before coming back to Penang.
