Manned by Chinese Muslims, Mee Tarik Shepherd is a Muslim-friendly eatery in Sungai Nibong that specializes in Xinjiang cuisine. The air-conditioned restaurant serves up classics like hand-pulled Mee Tarik, lamb pilaf, stir-fried dishes, and barbecue skewers. A good option for those looking to try something different beyond the usual local fare, with a comfortable setting to enjoy it in.
Dong Dong Korean BBQ is a new addition to Karpal Singh Drive, and they seem to specialize in aged pork meat, which gives their BBQ offerings a richer flavour and tender texture. Aside from the BBQ, their menu is generous — you’ll find Korean favourites like Bibimbap, Japchae, Tteokbokki, Kimbap, and Fried Chicken. When I visited, the food quality was good overall, with the meats well marinated and the sides satisfying. The prices are reasonable too, considering the portions. The only downside was the service, which felt a bit lacklustre — probably first-day jitters. With some improvements in that area, this spot has strong potential among Korean food lovers in the area.
Dak Haan Yum Cha is a new dim sum spot housed in one of the shop lots at Avatel Hotel Jelutong. Run by the same team behind The Secret Tunnel, the eatery offers a range of homemade dim sum, covering most of the classics — from steamed to fried items — along with a small selection of stir-fried noodles. Prices are reasonable, making it a casual spot for a dim sum fix. However, those sensitive to heat may find it less comfortable due to the lack of air-conditioning.
Lao Ban Mian 老板面 has finally opened its first Penang branch at Nagore Square, occupying a comfortable two-storey shop lot with full air conditioning. The chain specializes in Pan Mee, offering a variety of toppings and dressings to dress up the classic. During our visit, the quality was decent — the noodles had good texture, and the toppings were satisfyingly fresh. It doesn’t stretch beyond being a solid Pan Mee meal, but if you’re craving that familiar noodle comfort, it’s a good, fuss-free option.
After seeing the great success of Komorebi Dining over the past two years, the team has now launched a new restaurant in Bukit Mertajam — Kojitsu Dining. Unlike the original concept that focuses mainly on bar-counter seating and Chef's Omakase, this new space offers proper dining tables and a more spacious setup that can accommodate more guests. The menu extends from Chef’s Omakase to à la carte selections, featuring some of the team’s signature creations. While the à la carte prices may have been adjusted, the quality remains uncompromised. Walk-ins are welcome, though early reservations are still recommended.
Many Thanks to Kojitsu Dining for hosting us.
Just a short three-hour drive from Penang, Hatyai has long been a favorite getaway for Malaysians. The city’s food scene continues to evolve— beyond the familiar Thai staples, you’ll now find a growing number of international eateries and a lively café culture. On this trip, we explored both Hatyai and neighbouring Songkhla, tasting our way through local favourites while checking out a few newer spots. In this post, I’m sharing some of the places we enjoyed for food as well as the hotels we stayed in—simply to document and hopefully help anyone planning a visit.
A new spot in the neighborhood, Happo brings a Japanese-inspired menu with a special focus on Chicken Ramen. While the menu isn’t extensive, the dishes are thoughtfully prepared, highlighting quality over quantity. The cozy dining atmosphere makes it an inviting place for a casual meal, and the comforting flavors of the ramen definitely make Happo worth checking out if you’re in the area.
Ban Bu Dian has made its way to Gurney Paragon, bringing a taste of Sichuan cuisine to Penang. While prices here lean toward the higher side, the quality makes up for it. The dishes are well-executed with bold, multi-dimensional flavors that go beyond just being spicy— there’s depth and balance in the seasoning that makes the food stand out. For those who enjoy Sichuan cuisine with character and refinement, Ban Bu Dian is definitely a spot to check out.
Kim Han Coffee House 金汉餐室 — A nostalgic local café lands in Simpang Ampat With over six decades of history rooted in Jawi, Kim Han Coffee House finally brings its neighbourhood charm to Simpang Ampat. Known as a quick-fix go-to for locals, the new café effortlessly blends tradition with convenience—expect familiar kopitiam staples, quick bites, and comforting drinks in a no-fuss, welcoming space. It’s a slice of old-school Penang that both long-time fans and new visitors can appreciate.
Situated in a comfortable, fully air-conditioned space, 5 Senses Noodle Bar (Sharing Plates) offers a thoughtfully spaced layout that makes for relaxed dining. There’s free parking available at the back (via Victoria Street), with additional spots right in front—so access is convenient too. The menu brings together Chinese-style dishes with a Western twist, and their handmade noodle selection truly shines. Just a heads-up—most dishes are pork-based, so it may not be the best fit if you're avoiding pork. Still, if you enjoy hearty noodles with an interesting fusion flair, it’s definitely worth a look.
Occupying the former AIA Training Academy space at Bishop Street, Kafe Dapor Rumah dishes out a comforting kopitiam-style menu in a cozy, air-conditioned setting. Alongside the usual staples, highlights include Curry Laksa, Nasi Ayam Penyet, and Mee Udang. Prices are reasonable, making it a great spot for a quick and satisfying local fix in town.
Dalat is a charming mountainous city in Vietnam, well-loved for its cool breeze and mild climate with an average temperature of around 20°C. The city is accessible by direct flights from Kuala Lumpur via AirAsia, or by land from other parts of Vietnam, making it a fairly easy getaway spot. Known for its natural beauty and slower pace of life, Dalat is an ideal destination for travelers who appreciate scenic landscapes, flower gardens, and tranquil surroundings. Unlike the bustling coastal cities, Dalat offers a quieter escape—perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.
Located in the bustling area of Dato Keramat, Chias offers a creative mix of local Malaysian classics and Middle Eastern-inspired dishes. Expect penang-style favourites like Teluk Kumbar Mee Udang, alongside items with a Middle Eastern twist such as Shawarma Wraps and Fattah Rice. The menu strikes a practical balance—not overly extensive, but varied enough to satisfy. Everything is reasonably priced, and the dining space is fully air‑conditioned, making it a comfortable spot to indulge in this eclectic mash-up.
Another spot to get your fix of hand-pulled noodles—Mee Tarik China Muslim has opened a branch at Ivory Plaza, Bukit Gambir. Like other Mee Tarik establishments in Penang, the menu centers around Lanzhou-style beef noodles, alongside a selection of Muslim-friendly Chinese dishes. The place is fairly small with limited indoor seating (air-conditioned) for about four tables, and a few more outdoor tables without air-conditioning. A decent halal option in the neighborhood, especially for those craving something warm and filling.
Nha Trang, located along Vietnam’s south-central coast, is a vibrant seaside city known for its sandy beaches, fresh seafood, and relaxed atmosphere. Beyond its natural beauty, the city offers a variety of experiences — from water activities to wellness retreats — making it a well-rounded destination for travelers.
Our own journey there began with a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Dalat, followed by a bus ride that took us through scenic landscapes before reaching Nha Trang. Once in the city, the abundance of seafood quickly stood out, with countless eateries serving the day’s freshest catch.
[No Photos Available] One experience we particularly enjoyed was the Mud Spa, a must-try activity in Nha Trang. We booked our package via KLOOK, which included a two-hour massage, making the visit even more relaxing. Soaking in mineral-rich mud pools was both refreshing and fun — a unique way to unwind and recharge.
How to go to Nha Trang from Dalat (vice versa)?
Nha Trang is not far from Dalat, probably around 4 hour drive. On our trip- we made a return trip to Nha Trang from Dalat via Goro Trip. Goro Trip specializes in offering limousine buses and premium shuttles from Nha Trang to Dalat (vice versa). Based on our experiences, the buses departed right on time as per schedule and the whole journey was more than comfortable. The assistance speaks basic English so communication is not going to be an issue. The customer service even contacted me via email as they were rescheduling one of the trips (to 40 mins earlier). We thought the whole process was very smooth and the customer experience was good.
Dalat to Nha Trang: we had to wait at a dedicated stop (10 min drive from Dalat city) and the bus departed on time. For your benchmark- we paid VND 230,000 per pax per way.
Nha Trang to Dalat: the driver offered to pick us up from our hotel in Nha Trang city. For your benchmark- we paid VND 250,000 per pax per way.
