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Author: Nick Chan

Island Problems – No Problem In This Japanese Thai Fusion Restaurant

The name of this eatery – Island Problems does sounds amusing, but it’d become one of my favourite to go place for some intimate and chill dining. Serving a menu full of Japanese-Thai fusion dishes, their food do not disappoint at all, as the chef constantly tweaking their menu while collecting feedback from restaurant-goers.

Tucked in this heritage beautiful street of Campbell St, it’s not easy to sight as there’s no big signage. Note for a black interior, you can visual the open kitchen and counter seating right from the outside. Island Problems has a small footprint, thus a reservation is highly recommended for a good seat at the counter so you could catch the live action of the chef preparing your meal. Upstairs has a few seats and also showcases their in-house street wear attire.

It was a casual Thursday night and we arrived earlier which in luck, we’ve got a seat at the counter as later that night someone booked the stretch of counter seating.

Steak & Butter Rice (RM49) is my go to dish at Island Problems as this was the 2nd time I ordered it. It’s a very basic, yet exquisite dish – tenderloin steak cutlet (cooked to personal preference), top with range yolk (purely yolk only) with butter onion infused rice. The steak juice blends well with the butter rice which makes an authentic fragrant in this simple rice bowl.

Clarice ordered a Trio Roe Pasta (RM39), a cream-based pasta dish that presented a strong seafood mixture which would creates some seafood explosion in your taste buds. A combination of scallops, prawns, shrimp & salmon roe, the black pasta did amaze us.

Watermelon Lychee Cooler

Lemongrass Soda

Also, not to forget to pair with some in refreshing beverage; we had Watermelon Lychee Cooler – blended with ice cold water melon & lychee (RM13) and Lemongrass Soda – literarlly lemongrass with soda (RM13)

More dish to be tasted on the next visit!

The drinks menu.

The food menu.

Update (26/05/2020):

Salmon Belly in Spicy Teriyaki Sauce w Rice. RM34

Mentaiko Tamagoyaki. RM19

Opens Thursday – Tuesday (Closes on Wednesday) 12pm – 11pm

161, Lebuh Cambell, 10100 George Town, Penang.

Facebook / Google Map / Waze

March 25, 2020
Norm Micro Roastery Combines Good Coffee With Minimalist Warehouse Interiors

Cafe scene in Penang is very interesting with new cafe popping up now and then, but the good one stays long and the least interesting one got of the cafe-game soon. One of my favourite – Norm Cafe has a new outlet at Church Street Ghaut.

House in a refurbish warehouse, the bare and crisp minimalist setup does makes a good backdrop for Instagram-hispter and interior-lover like me. Not many seatings are available in this spacious warehouse setting though – which is a plus! However, it was still that busy and crowded on my last visit (just before the COVID-19 lock down in Malaysia).

Unlike the original Norm Cafe, Norm Micro Roastery serves coffee and brunch; as the name explains, they roast their own coffee here.

What makes a good cafe for hopping is the space composition and this cafe does has the recipe for it.

Note: There’s beautiful little green mosses and if you do visit, do be careful and not step on them. It’s the indoor landscape that complement the overall setting.

Opens daily 9am – 11pm

13, Gat Lebuh Gereja, 10300 George Town, Penang.

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March 18, 2020
Sia Boey Park – Penang’s Own Central Park That We Are Proud Of

Officially known as Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park, this miniature city park is located in the heart of George Town, yes, literary in the centre of this city, just like the iconic Central Park in New York City, except that it’s just a small fraction size of the real one.

Sia Boey – I remembered this was the place where I went with dad to buy firecrackers for Chinese New Year when I was little. Later, this place was not heard of as it was barricaded, at first heard that they were redeveloping this area, and later the local government announced to turn it into a city park. It took them really long to realise this project, and finally it was opened in November 2019.

I checked out the park late, like just recently but it’s fascinating. It was controversial at first as some social media postings show that the once dirty Prangin Canal that run through the park has been thoroughly cleaned, so clean that it has Koi fish swimming in the canal. However, the planner did a great job diverted the canal and created a ‘pond’ through the existing Prangin Canal and breed Koi fish in it. The Koi fish is the main attraction of this park actually.

Day it would be a little too hot to spend time in the park, but the pond and shades do attract park goers. Night time would be very busy, with children running and playing at the play ground, filling the atmosphere with laughter; there’s even a upbeat cha-cha dance activity going on at the market hall space.

Let’s hope more public parks will sprout out in Penang. It’s just wonderful to bring harmony into the community.

Google Map / Waze

March 1, 2020
Very Good Mee Goreng & Coconut Shake At Bukit Mertajam
Food hunting in the mainland? One must not miss this Mee Goreng stall located on Jalan Kulim – Haji Mohamed Mee Kuah Ketam Tokun. The eatery stall name does indicates Mee Kuah Ketam (crab flavoured gravy fried noodle) but my heart went all in for the Mee Goreng and it did not disappoint.

Topped with sweet-spicy cuttlefish, extra potato cube, chopped lettuce and cut chilli, the malay fried noodle dish does definitely brings in a wonderful explosion of flavour in the taste buds. Comparable to the Mee Sotong at Esplanade, but a differently good.

On my next visit, I must try their OG Mee Kuah Ketam, which is their first star dish, but Mee Goreng must not be missed too. I ordered the Special variation, with extra cuttlefish and potatoes.

Another star player here at this roadside eatery is Coconut Man, pairing their coconut milkshake with pearl and fresh coconut juice together with a hot plate of Mee Goreng, these do fused into a wonderful meal combination while eating in a warm environment.

The place is not exactly near to Tokun, but it’s on the way to Tokun if you are coming from BM old town. Very easily to find, you may park your car at the Caltex petrol station just beside it.
- Mee Goreng Special: RM6.50
- Coconut Shake with Bubble Pearl & Nata De Coco + Coconut Juice: RM9
Opens 9am – 6.30pm (Close on Friday)

Google Map / Waze
February 26, 2020
Kampung Agong, A Bali-Inspired Hidden Instagramable Spot in Penang

Kampung Agong, a very interesting place located near to Kepala Batas, about 45 minutes drive from George Town. It has Bali-inspired swing-tie-to-coconut-tree and picturesque bird nest spot. Instead of having a Balinese green terrace backdrop, Kampung Agong however has its own charm – the green paddy field.

Instagram-fans must visit this place as it could easily took up a couple hours there just to take good shot. Best of all, entry fee is RM5 for Malaysian only. For local, it’s worth taking the trip to here, but if you are traveling to Penang for the first time, consider this only when you have finish touring the beautiful George Town, and it’s not easy to get here unless you drive.

There’s a stall selling fresh coconut, do not expect pandan-ish sweet coconut, but it’s refreshing enough as you can catch real action of plucking coconut.

Note: Remember to clear your pocket, or zip your bag well when you are on the swing. Why? One of us dropped our iPhone into the muddy paddy field while on the swing, luckily it didn’t gone far and iPhone 11 has a good IP rating!

841, Bakar Kapur, Kampung Bakar Kapor, 13100 Penaga, Penang

Google Map | Waze

February 25, 2020
Penang Secret Avatar Garden & Seafood Dinner At Pearl Garden
It’s no more secret anymore as the name on Google maps shows ‘Secret Avatar Garden’ as many people has been flocking into this little north east corner of Penang where the historical Tua Pek Kong shrine is located at. Tanjung Tokong Tua Pek Kong Temple is the commonly known name which has been around for century and the small seafood cafe still standing strong after decades and business gets rocketed with this ‘Secret Avatar Garden’.

Pearl Garden Seafood Cafe, looking simple, but it’s amazingly local.

Total damage of the night – RM153.

Satay was OK, so I did not take any photo of it.

Checking out the century old shrine before heading to the hilly slope to see the installation.

View tower on the beach lights up with cool neon light.

So what’s this secretive all about? A man-made light installation on the tree top that resembles the magical look of the famous James Cameron’s flick – Avatar. This is not Jiuzhaigou hilly forest, but I am confident the the light installation will amaze you.

There’s a old bunker by the seaside and it looks extremely amazing with this neon colour.

How about some Chinese Chess?

A visit to this place would be nice during evening before sunset to catch a glimpse of the beautiful straits and enjoy a little simple seafood meal. Nothing fancy, just grilled crab, steamed prawn, fried noodles and coconut juice, it makes a simple meal great though. As night falls, the light installation turns on and you can slowly make your way to the hilly slope at the back of the seafood place.

It’s crowded, even during weekdays, and it’s no doubt became the new attraction of Penang. Have fun!

Here are some tips:
- Just drive your car all the way to the beach, there’s car park attendant collecting payment and they will help you to look for a good parking spot. Parking @ RM3.
- Weekday visit would be good, weekend would be crowded, on the road.
- Seafood is reasonable, so have a feast first before checking out the area.
- Going over by Grab/Uber? Just key in – Thai Pak Koong Temple Tanjung Tokong.
August 5, 2017
Tua Bui Teik Durian Stall With Authentic Local Penang Durian

Durian prices has shoot up very high this year with the famous Maoshanwang selling at almost RM90/kg, that’s very crazy compare to last years about RM60/kg. But then, coming to Penang for a durian trip is not about looking for the all time durian king, but to savour the local type of durian that’s grown in the hill of Balik Pulau which is well known in this island and throughout the region too!

Not many durian left during our after lunch visit on a weekday.

Forget about Maoshanwang, forget about D24, when you are in Penang, you eat what the locals eat, you eat what the local produces e.g. Ang Hair (Red Prawn), Tek Ka (Bamboo Leg), Hor Lor (no idea), Orh Qi (Black Thorn) and so on, funny name right. I don’t know how to differentiate yet, I only know how to spot the real Maoshanwang, that its ass has a 5 point star shape.

But, how do you know you are eating good Penang durian? Just check out Tua Bui Teik (you can just call him Ah Teik) stall located on side of Perak Road, in front of a little Tua Pek Kong Shrine, he’s the real good man who introduces good local durian at a reasonable price. I know there’s a another stall that is nearby which is very famous, and I am pretty sure you will get a shock on the bill too, which adds its fame.

Xiao Hong (Little Red), totally no idea how she got its name.

Tek Ka (Bamboo’s Leg), funny name and it taste like Maoshanwang’s brother, but still cannot be the king yet.

You will never go wrong with Teik’s durian! Damage of the day, RM130 for Tek Ka & Xiao Hong. Personal new favourite – Tek Ka.

Just note, he started his selling in the morning which he will pack up when the durian finishes at about 3-4pm. Lunch time is a good time to visit.

August 3, 2017
Evening Run Along Gurney Drive (Soon, Gurney Wharf)

It’d been a while since I’ve really stroll or run along the Gurney Drive promenade. There’s a major sea reclamation work going on along this famous seafront and a fence was built to hide the ugly sight partially. Until the new Gurney Wharf is built, the Gurney Drive would not be as fun to walk on as before. I bet there’s still a few years to go till proper completion of a new walkway along the new extended coast line.

Although the speed of reclamation work is at a fast pace, it’s still slower than the Chinese doing the work at the Johor’s straits. And, upon finishing the reclamation work, there still plenty of planning work to do before a new promenade is built. So, it’s gonna be a long wait. For now, I’m just gonna continue to jog along the Gurney Drive, behind the fence.

The entire stretch of Gurney Drive is about 1.7km, so a return run would be a 3.4km and it took me a little while to get used to it as I’ve not been running on the road for quite some times. Lazy is the keyword. Haha, but it was a good run with lovely blue sky and good breeze. At the same time, indulge myself into the beauty of my neighbourhood.

Well, if you happens to be around, just put on your shoes and run along the promenade, it’s still lovely with all the work going around.

See the blackened super condo unit, there’s a fire from short circuit two weeks back. And this condo is about 10,000sf in size per unit!

Little shore at the end of Gurney Drive still looking good.

Behind the fence.

Reclamation work going on round the clock, even on a Sunday.

Newest condo skyscraper along the Gurney Drive. Eventually, there would be another building in front on the reclaimed land. Don’t know to be happy, or not?

77 Curry Fish Head Restaurant, still standing strong after more than 20 years of business.

Favourite food place during high school, surprised to see a good crowds dining there. Will pay a visit soon.

The Gurney Wharf in making.

Unfortunately, traffic congestion is one sad thing and makes running felt bad.

The new Starbucks Coffee often seen empty inside, wonder how’s business going on at there? I miss McDonald’s actually.

Although the McDonald’s is now gone, the classic signage is still standing high.

They are making a new walkway + bicycle lane and I am looking forward to ride safely all the way to Queensbay Mall, up to Batu Maung soon!

July 25, 2017
Magazine 63, Speakeasy Hidden Bar In Penang

Even though this speakeasy is known as Magazine 63, most people still tends to refer it as the ‘Hidden Bar’ in Penang as it’s one of few speakeasy bar in Penang. Speakeasy is more of a correct way to refer to the ‘hidden’ bar, which normally no proper signage of the bar establishment, commonly has an unnoticed entrance.

There’s actually two speakeasy in Penang, well one is this, and another one, will be sharing with you all on my next visit. Looking dead and nothing from the outside, one could easily missed the entrance but recently they have just put up a banner – 小龙女家具中心 which translate into Xiao Long Nv Furniture Shop, it’s easier to spot on. Another way to recognise it is to look for Da Ma Cai lottery shop which is just beside it.

Furniture Centre as written on the banner as to further hide the establishment.

Entering the scissors grille door, there’s another hidden entrance.

Still, there’s another hidden entrance upon passing the scissors gate, but it’s not hard to look for the real door. Gonna keep things secretive here for your own exploration. Entering the bar brings you into a new dimension, as if you are entering into a old Chinese bar. DJ is playing on a cool upper window deck, overlooking the lower floor with trance, the inside was crowded on a Saturday night, real crowded.

天下第一客栈 (Tian Xia Di Yi Ke Zhan) is the other name of Magazine 63, the Chinese signage is proudly display on the raw wood wall, blending well with a brick setup. You cannot recognize that you are actually in a colonial shophouse from their setup.

The bar tender introduced their in-house special cocktail in a Chinese wine bottle – Nv Er Hong which is decently sweet, but not to my tastebuds liking. Though, the Chinese wine bottle do brings a lot of attention and the girls like it a lot, as in the sweetness in it and also for Instagram.

Nv Er Hong 女儿红, their in-house cocktail in Chinese Wine Bottle, different from the real Nv Er Hong liquor in China, this is more of a self-made alcohol.

There’s a range of wine selection as well.

The people with me that night. Lovely night with economist, hotel owner, F&B distributor.

Ambiance is real cool, alcohol price is on a higher side, as I believe they target the working class which I find it great for Penang. It is highly advisable to reserve a table if you are coming on a weekend for a good night out.

天下第一客栈 Magazine 63

63, Jalan Magazine
10300 Georgetown, Penang
Tel: +616-4992299

Daily: 8pm – 3am

July 24, 2017
Dimsum At Chong Qing Lao Huo Guo, Kelawai Road

The Chinese hot pot chain at Kelawai Road has been making the limelight lately in Penang for its good late night steamboat (that’s what we call hot pot in Penang) and every time I passed by the restaurant, it’s always full of patron’s vehicles from evening till midnight.

Though, the funny thing is I have yet to try the steamboat and I am looking forward for my next steamboat meal. As their opening hours is 5pm before sunset – 5am before sunrise, the restaurant was always close in the day and just until recently, it serves dim sum during the day which somewhat makes it an all day restaurant.

Being a Cantonese descendant, dim sum is essential in life. Hahaha, and we went for a Sunday breakfast. The crowds was strong but the waitress seemed unused to the dim sum serving as it took them long for us to make the order.

However, serving was pretty quick and thereafter, we were chomping our yummy siu mai (pork dumpling) and har gao (shrimp dumpling) all the way. A quick recap with the dim sum I had, it’s not the best to my taste buds, yet it’s somewhat a step up if to compare with local Penang’s dim sum in Farlim or Lip Sin. I’ve been to dim sum in KL, Singapore, Hong Kong, London and Guangzhou and still nothing in Penang resembles the authentic-ness yet.

Tips, don’t order wan tan noodle and the cheong fun, it’s just, not good. Noodle soup was too blend, the noodle was soft and not springy; while the cheong fun’s shrimp was not fresh and the soy sauce was totally tasteless. Come back again? Probably. Still in search for good dim sum in Penang, I remembered Forum Restaurant at Island Plaza was good when I was small.

重庆老火锅 – Kelawai Road Branch

41, Kelawai Road,
10250 Georgetown, Penang
Tel: +604-2295155

Daily: 5pm – 5am

July 20, 2017

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