Chinatown Express (天天) @ Chinatown Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England

Sweet and sour pork with egg fried rice - a bomb! 

An affordable place for Chinese food is at the top of Chinatown's gate, facing directly opposite St James Park is Chinatown Express. Although they have changed the staffs or maybe chefs, but the food is still the best. GBP5.80 will get you a main course and an appetizer. 

I totally forgotten about its salt and pepper squid. Don't forget to try their Thai Fried Rice, too. 

The link to the reviews on Chinatown Express in Tripadvisor is here. 

The Butterfly Cabinet @ Heaton Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England

It was the first time I had to queue to get into a cafe in Newcastle. In a quiet and upper part of Heaton Road, who would've guess there is a hidden gem for pancakes and breakfast. I've lived in Heaton before when I did my post-graduate studies at Northumbria University. I think I saw this place before but didn't really put it much into consideration that they sell really good food at a considerably affordable price. I left Heaton in 2008 and since then, I rarely visited that part of Newcastle until April this year. 

I met Wira and his girlfriend for brunch. He was my housemate for 2 years during my post-study work days and it was great to see him again. He suggested the Butterfly Cabinet because both of them loved the pancakes so much. It was fluffy and the drink choices were plenty in particular those infused with Elderflower. They picked up with their taxi from Morrisons Byker and just 5 minutes away, we're there! 

Fortunately, not much queue when we arrived. Just maybe 3 parties were before us.

The interior looks good. 

The extensive menu

My drink. I forgot what it was but there's Elderflower in them. Definitely. Their syrups are not for sale though. Wira was disappointed. 

HUGE ASS PANCAKES PORTIONS FOR ONE PERSON! I could only finished 3 pancakes, bacons and sausages. I left the rest for another friend, Al. 

Al's Salmon's Omelette with salads and potato wedges. AGAIN, IT IS SUPER BIG PORTION. 

Lots of paintings on the wall to look at while waiting for your food or to chill down after the big meal. 

Definitely would come back again for breakfast, brunch or lunch! Suitable for children, too.

Theire webpage link is here.

Morrisons' Cafeteria @ Morrisons Byker, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England

Back in university days, pocket money were scarce and so when my friends and I do have some money to spare, we like to have a budget meal in Morrisons. Morrisons is one of the supermarket chains in the UK besides Sainsbury's, Tesco's, Waitrose, Co-Op, LIDL, Aldi, ASDA and many more. 

Morrisons' Cafeteria is best for fish and chips. At least in the city or in the local neighbourhood. The Big Breakfast is also good. For the price that you pay, less than GBP8 pounds you get a hefty meal at a humble price. And you get to do groceries shopping too after that. 

Rasa Sayang @ London Chinatown, England

Chinatown is located behind or beside Leicester Square. There is also a London Underground or Tube Station with the same name - Leicester Square. There are not much Malaysian food options in England so when in Chinatown, and if you are missing home food, do have some good Malaysian and Singaporean food here. 

They are famous for their nasi lemak and char koay teow. Both are priced at GBP8.50 each and they are packed really properly if you have taking them out. So, we bought 2 boxes of nasi lemak and a box of char koay teow as take out so that we can have them back in Newcastle (after 7 hours bus ride). 

It was the best meal that I've ever had in the UK so far. Malaysian ones of course. 

Their webpage link here. 

James Foo Western Food @ Alma, Bukit Mertajam

There is a new branch opening soon at DNP's Impiana shopoffices (where The Library and Geoventure are) in Alma, Bukit Mertajam.

Impiana is located near Aeon Jusco and opposite Tesco Alma. Hard to be missed.  

Korean Table All Ban 올반 @ Northam All Suites Hotel, Penang

After 5 days of GM diet, I decided to go easy for the rest of the diet. No carbs at all and I am still fine. So, GM suggested to go for vegetables, fruits and meat for Day 6 and a Korean barbecue fits today really well. 

I had to choose between Jung Won (情园) at Mount Erskine or Korean Table All Ban (올반) at Northam All Suites Hotel. I got to know about Korean Table All Ban through kenhuntsfood's Instagram and I was instantly hooked! As for Jung Won, as the title of my post has stated, I'll save it for next time. Besides, none of my followers in IG went there before and I am sure those who love Korean food would love to check this restaurant out too. Something different than the ordinary Korean restaurants that we've tried in Penang. 

It is a semi-fine dining due to its dainty portions and it is in Northam All Suites Hotel along Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah. Only got to know through google that they opened just in April 2015 and their tagline is "affordable". Plenty of parking just outside the hotel on Saturdays. Parking coupons are not needed after 1pm  on weekends as the parking zone is on green zone. 

There are two options: 

(1) Seok Chan RM29.90* per person; or 

(2) Man Chan RM39.90* per person. 

(*Excluding 10% service charge. No GST.)

The difference between the two is that Man Chan has 3 extra meat dishes. So, if you want to have more meat then Man Chan is for you otherwise, Seok Chan will be enough. I went with my mother and sister; and we ordered Man Chan for 3. The meat dishes were a bit too much for us to finish as it came only after you have had the grilled meat with ssam (lettuce wrap), pork ribs stew, loads of banchan (side dishes) and japchae (vegetarian glass noodles stir fry). 

Lots of photos ahead! 

 A poorly captured photo but nonetheless, you get to see what is being offered for Man Chan. You get to choose between stews as well as soup too. 

So, All Ban means "All Rice" or where people all gathered over "swamp grass". 

The interior 

One of the many quotes on its wall. The restaurant has black walls.

Simple and elegant.   

Got Jeol Li - freshly made kimchi. You don't get the zing or acidic taste unlike those prepacked ones from supermarket. Those pre-packed kimchi had been fermented. So, this one has yet to be fermented over time. Crunchy and fresh. Not spicy at all. You get to taste the shrimp paste in them too.  

 Salad with house dressing. The red petals are cabbage leaf. I didn't touch much of this due to its dressing. I could not touch mayonnaise until after tomorrow. 

 Pumpkin porridge (ho bak juk) - smooth and light. 

Jeon - Korean pancakes, not too oily and it has crispy parts that I liked.  

Mixed grill - spicy chicken charcoal BBQ and sweet charcoal pork BBQ. 

The pork tasted like bulgogi and it was so divine! Must try! 

A basket of lettuces and ssamjang were given too to eat with this meat platter. 

 Jam Gahe - stir fry glass noodles. 

 Dainty banchan portions!!!

All different, haven't tried most of them before. 

Bibimbap (mixed rice) 

I resisted this terribly. Tempted so much! 

Kimchi jigae (kimchi stew) 

Sweet and sour pork instead of spicy stir fried octopus (they ran out of octopus apparently). 

Its coating is really unique as it is not made from just any flour but glutinous rice flour! The sauce has a strong pineapple taste instead of tomato unlike how the usual sweet and sour sauce is. 

Samgyetang (chicken with ginseng and glutinous rice). 

Miraculously, I didn't manage to eat any glutinous rice at all. Haha..  

As for dessert, we had these. Watermelon and red bean cubes. I think they know we are too stuffed to eat anything else. You get to choose between tea or coffee. So, I didn't expect to get a glass of warm lemon drink as "tea". 

The service is good and I enjoyed the meal very much. The restaurant was not full unlike the one downstairs where the buffet is. Quiet and peaceful ambience to enjoy while having a meal. There was a big group of Koreans dining there during our visit this afternoon. So, I think it must have been acceptable to them as well. The price in the menu was not expensive too but I think with the portion it came with, it might be not enough for those with big appetite. But for women, it could be just the perfect meal. 

Korean Table All Ban

Northam All Suites Hotel
Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah,
10050 Penang
Contact: 017-519 3221

Opening hours: 12-2.30pm and 6pm to 10pm; Closed on Thursdays from June 2015. 

Facebook page

Marlons+Co. Cafe @ Raja Uda, Butterworth

It reminded me of Jack & Co. The colour choice, the design - all sleek, rustic and modern (with a container door on one wall). The coffee bar is elevated and encourage patrons to have their drinks at the bar. Not all cafes do that these days. It is encouraging consumers to be aware of how their drinks are made and also to chit chat with the barista at the same time. 

Self-service order and you will be given a number. We ordered yogurt cheese cake and pork chorizo sausage. The cafe is relatively new so everything including the service is "new". So, be patient as great things take time. 

 It did hit some of us hard especially during tough times. Thanks for the thought. 

When I asked the barista what is their signature drink, he said there isn't any as their signature is the coffee beans. Rhapsody. It sounded sophisticated and we bought the idea. My mother ordered their toffee nut rhapsody coffee and just the smell of it, captured my senses immediately. It was unlike those in Starbucks and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, this pungent coffee smell was unlike any other. For a non-cafe drinker, I found the smell really good and packed a punch! 

 My chocolate was not bad either. Rich and strong. I wonder if all these chocolate drinks came from the same vendor like all other cafe I've been. 

Don't ask why a spoon for sausage. The boss, Alan Khor, is a good chap and he came to explain to us (via Instagram too). He was nice and friendly, checking on each table to make sure our experience are alright. Sure enough, my mother went back to the cafe again just a couple of days ago, with my sister this time.  

To Alan, I was just pulling your leg and I hope you get your set of knives already from the supplier! All the best to your business! 

My favourite from Marlons+Co is this yogurt cheesecake! 

A nice location, very near to Coffee Venture and plenty of parking as it is located at the new shop office premises at the top of Jalan Raja Uda. So, don't accelerate the moment you enter this road otherwise you'll make a lot of u-turns. 

Facebook page here. 

Huey & Wah @ Belissa Row, Pulau Tikus, Penang

 They have relocated from Straits Quay to Pulau Tikus! Finally, get to check out this popular marshmallow cafe! 

 Go upstairs for the bean bags seating

 You get to buy some homemade handy arts and crafts too. 

 The top floor is actually a mezzanine floor. Ceiling is really high. 

Chocolate marshmallow brownie with vanilla bean ice cream, home made honey lemon drink, green tea and passion fruit and camomile tea! 

Facebook page here. 

Coffee Coffea @ Automall, Karpal Singh Drive, Penang

Coffee coffea is a franchise from South Korea. I've not seen any when I was in Seoul, Busan or even Jeju-do. 

When you are alone and in a cafe, do take some time to ponder upon what is it that you want. What is it that you are searching for and whether whatever that you are doing now makes you happy. Why are you still doing what you are now? Is it worth all your time and attention? 

All these thoughts lingering in my mind as I waited for my friend, JC. We were legal practitioners and we have our own problems to solve. Nonetheless, we shared something in common at this moment that is this cup of hot chocolate and the view outside. It was great catching up with JC again now that she is a mummy to be. Congratulations! 

This hot chocolate gotta be the most expensive I've paid for a franchise. RM14.60 including GST. My two cents less 6% GST. =)

Facebook page here. 

Naughty Nuri's Warung @ Burma Road, Penang

My friend from Jakarta commented almost instantly after I have checked in to this location on Facebook. He asked, "eh?? i thought naughty nuri only in bali :O" 

Oh well, this is Penang you're talking about. When it comes to food, we can bring any food from all parts of the world to this tiny island. Haha.. It is just a matter of how much and where. All that hype about pork ribs and cocktails has now come to this visit together with a couple of my friends whom I've not met since last year. So, it was a great place for gatherings especially with boys who are hungry. 

My friend, Saik, he finished this on his own. When I told another friend of mine, she got shocked as the portion was huge enough to share. Oh well, growing boys. I didn't have any but the smell was gobsmacked! The charcoal grill ribs were so fragrant that I almost tempted to pinch some. 

I had this Naughty Boy burger instead. 

The pork patty was so thick that I could barely finish and eat the buns or fries. 

Love the mango salsa on top. 

It opens from 12 noon but they welcome patrons from 11.30am already. As for parking, either Swatow Lane or New World Park food court's parking.

Don't be surprise to see a massive hog greet you at the entrance. Hope to try the cocktails next time. Something novel in Penang at least. Considered a competitor to Morganfields. However, for those who have tried the original Naughty Nuri in Bali, this may or may not be the same feel and taste. I've not been to Bali yet but I hope to some day. 

Facebook page here.

P/S: Just google Naughty Nuri Penang, you will get so many results! Google is awesome!

Kaffa Signature @ Autocity, North-South Highway Juru Interchange, Seberang Perai, Penang

Their signature is Salted Caramel Cafe Macchiato and Cafe Fredo. 

But these two are salted caramel - chocolate macchiato (in glass) and cafe macchiato (in mug).  

I <3 the chocolate macchiato! 

The chicken and avocado sandwich maybe tad too much for one for light lunch. LOL.. 

Come on a weekend at night as there is live band performance from 9pm. Plenty of seatings indoors and outdoors and parking too.

Facebook page here.

The Cinnamon, Hotel Penaga @ Hutton Lane, Penang

Yours truly celebrated her birthday early of this month together with my sister. Our birthdays are just a day apart from each other so annually, it is a double celebration. Unlike previous years, we used to celebrate it on the day of our birthdays but now that our lifestyle has changed, we celebrate them in advance instead.

My family and I enjoy dining in places least visited or yet to be popularised by foodies. So, we chose The Cinnamon Restaurant and Tanglung Bar at Hotel Penaga at Hutton Lane, Georgetown. The service was top notch and my compliments goes to the Chef as well for serving a thoughtful 5 course meals to us. It was about RM55 per person. Not bad, actually.

Bread and dippings. 

Appetizer of the day as recommended by the Chef

Appetizer of choice - deep fried squid #atas

Nutmeg sorbet before the main course, works like mouth cleansing

Lamb as my main

Sirloin steak for my sister

Japanese curry risotto for my dad. Forgot to take photo of my mom's dinner.

Paddlepop ice cream with fruits! 

It was really quiet at the restaurant with ours being the other two tables that night. But with the pool view just beside the restaurant, it was a pleasant dinner and the music was in tune with the celebratory mood. Thanks for the food that we are blessed with and here's to many more years to come! 

The Cinnamon Restaurant

Hotel Penaga,
Jalan Hutton,
10050 Georgetown, Penang
Tel: 04-261 1891

Website here.