( NH ) Sushi Zento - Precinct 10

Frankly speaking, I've put off coming here for so long..

...because I always imagined it would burn a big hole in my pocket

(NH) Sumida Japanese restaurant - Set Lunch

If you haven't noticed already, I'm making a slow and steady transition in my diet, since the beginning of this year. Japanese cuisine, seems to be becoming, part and parcel of my life now. Late bloomer , I know, I know ....
Somehow when we travel, it changes our outlook and influences our decisions. While it wasn't my trips to Japan that changed me, rather, Bangkok plays a starring role in this, especially after I saw the explosion of Japanese joints all over the city being wholeheartedly embraced by the Thais themselves .

Coming back to Sumida, it's been around for some time already. The fact that I wanted to try another new place, brought me here. Rumour has it that the place was originally helmed by a Japanese owner but not anymore.

( NH ) Daorae Tg Tokong - sunken tatami vs the other side

This section, was where they treated us like Kings, on our previous visit

Today, however, we decided to sit over on the other side, just to see if there was a difference in the level of service.

Daorae Premium Korean Dining - Tg Tokong ( NH )

Whoever it was who started the rumour, that Psy came here because he was forced to meet someone, is spewing hot air from their behind .
If you wanna treat someone to authentic, delicious Korean food and make them feel special, this place is it ! Don't listen to the rumourmongers !

Aji Noren - Prima Tanjung (NH )

8th March 2013 update :

Popped in for lunch and some concerns turned out to be true. Yes, the rice was too moist especially when you get to the bottom. Plus my favourite tempura/sashimi combo was not on the menu.
Think I prefer to come at night, as it just doesn't feel as cozy during daytime.

Earlier post :

Aji Noren is well known in Penang, for serving absolutely tasty, Japanese food, at moderate prices .

The cozy, inviting setting, reminds me of coastal street restaurants in Japan.

Noor Bee Nasi Melayu ( U )

Because they churn out some really fine foods,

I sometimes wish they were located somewhere far better than here.
 

It's a small family run business, well known amongst the islanders.

Comfort foods, so typically Tanjung Tokong style, yes that's what they serve here.

That means a great, winning hodgepodge mixture of Mamak , Pakistani, Penang and Kelantanese Malay, all mixed together, producing very unique ( but no less delicious ) curries with a hint of bitter.

Sarumi - the little known salad, consumed by Penangites

 

 

Many have been wondering how Penang women stay youthful, with lithe sexy figures even when approaching 70.

While genes play a major role, exercise, fresh air from the sea and the hills, a passion for life and I dare say,love too, are major contributory factors .

 

However, women from other states have been speculating for decades, that perhaps, it could be due to foods, such as assam laksa and heh koh.

To me,other than fresh shore oysters,the Ampla fruit drink, this bitter vegetable below, could well be one of the reasons.

( You can count fish out, because, even flies won't go near these formaldehyde soaked carcasses nowadays.)

 

Kham Kee Beef Steamboat - part 2 ( NH )

Kham Khee is not your typical chinese beef steamboat place.

In fact, although the cuts which they use, are of higher quality,compared to other places, they're not one to sacrifice, good old fashioned tendons and fats .

As you can see, from this table, Kham Kee's regular customers, are all hale, hearty, blessed with amazing appetite and longevity. 

Kham Kee Beef Steamboat - strong enough for 3 pythons ( part 1 )

There's a curious hanging on the wall here, that harks all the way back to the 50s.

It shows a group of men ( one of whom is the old boss of Kham Kee ) posing with 3 pythons. 

Fwahh.... like Tarzan only ! 

Starbucks Drive In Outlet - now open in Tg Tokong

Have to admit I haven't stepped in yet.

But this piece of news will delight those in the northern region.

After all, we get loads of people pouring into the island every day, on the lookout for something new to pique their senses.

 Haven't stepped in yet, yep,

even though they are ( were) 2 tempting offers.

( NH ) Keat Duck Rice, Fettes Park

Update : I've found them again .
They were the couple that was pictured inside the viral picture in the surau after the floods .
 They are now operating from a corner kopitiam also in Fettes Park just 3 or 4 shops away from their old premises .
Open during lunch , you can find this couple in the back of that shop .
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To me, this is the best chicken rice shop in Penang.

The irony is, he sells more chicken,char siew and siew yoke, than duck, although the shop name denotes otherwise.

But that doesn't mean that his duck isn't good.

It is. The skin is crispy. The meat most delicious.

 Just that Penangites prefer to see more ducks hanging not just 1 or 2 .

More as in 20 ducks hanging before taking your duck rice claim very seriously.

But who cares which is the best seller, when what they serve here is so good, they even get Mat Sallehs as regular customers.

( U ) Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt, Island Plaza

Today,it was so unbearably hot . Time for a yogurt treat

( U ) Nameless Tomyam shack, Tanjung Tokong

Update : Closed down due to the development in Tg Tokong
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This is another tomyam shop operated by a Thai-Malay husband and wife team.

Always friendly and obliging, they even help cook fish, that local villagers bring to their shop, for a small fee.

Tanjung Tokong Rempits often hang outside this pathway for a drink and a smoke.

( NH ) Supper at 999 Seafood, Fettes Park

999 Seafood is a cheap place for a great home cooked meal . Run by a husband and wife team, many singletons come here as they offer one dish rice meals that are cooked on the spot .

The sambal, belacan and gulai dishes are awesome but I seriously think that they are not from the northern states as it is not typical Penang fare. The lone cook whips out everything on his own and has given an edgier,more exciting take on those kinds of dishes Penangites love so much .

( NH ) Sea Pearl Lagoon Cafe,Tanjung Tokong

This cafe is situated just next to the famous 18th century Tua Peh Kong temple , where the burning of jossticks is read annually, to predict the robustness or sluggishness of the Malaysian economy.

The village outside of the temple compound, is a Hakka fishing village that was one of the earliest settlements on Penang island.

Frog Porridge, Goodall Cafe ( NH )

Some people believe that frogmeat is supposed to be beneficial for cleansing our blood and perking up our constitution.

It is considered good for treating exhaustion, great for strengthening the immune systems in small children. Even better for women who seek a radiant complexion.

Almost wiped out and hunted to extinction, most of it that makes it to our table today is farm produced.
The method of slaughter however is starkly cruel on the same level as dog and whale meat.
Thus if you find this delicacy shockingly unagreeable, I would advise you not read on.

To make it sound more palatable, it is sometimes called 'tin kai' or padi chicken.
Whether it is farmed American bullfrog or river frog,whatever they label it,it is still frogmeat.