…. This is probably the first time we are consuming pasta in a paper cup just like a take-away Chinese food. Our parents have thought us that “Do not judge a book based on its cover” so let’s try our Tomyam Seafood Spaghetti from 178 Cafe before giving comments.
Food by Location
A.Maze @ Nagore Road, Penang
If A.Maze (GPS: 5.42067,100.32609) is going to participate in Malaysia Book of Records, it probably will walk away with few awards, including:
- Probably the smallest “restaurant” in Penang with
- only one staff and
- has no menu.
Welcome to the world of Omakase – a Japanese dining concept with dishes selected by chef for you.
Christmas Buffet 2016 @ E&O Hotel, Penang
In conjunction with upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations, Sarkies in Eastern & Oriental Hotel, George Town, Penang (GPS: 5.42361,100.33472) is offering special buffets for those looking for a wonderful and premium dining experience next to the Strait of Malacca in the heart of heritage city. We recently visited the 5-star hotel for a Christmas buffet preview session.
DCOVA 2017 Menu
About six months ago, DCOVA (GPS: 5.41806,100.34250) introduced two new items (Teriyaki Tori and Ebiko Alfredo). Today, DCOVA completely redesigned its menu and at the same time, introduced more items to indulge customers with more pasta and beverage. We recently visited it for its preview session.
Passionis @ Siam Road, Penang
Passionis (GPS: 5.41453,100.32119) occupies two shops at Siam Road, George Town, Penang with four parking spaces reserved for customers in front. Do not park your car there if you are not intended to visit Passionis as you will probably be whipped by the lady owner. We recently visited it for a unique tea pairing session.
Weekend Roast @ Eastern & Oriental Hotel
Time flies and it has been six months since our last visit to Farquhar’s Bar in Eastern & Oriental Hotel, George Town, Penang for Sunday Roast. Recently, we re-visited it again and this time, it was upgraded from Sunday Roast to Weekend Roast in which guests are able to enjoy juicy roast side of beef, roast chicken and slow-cooked lamb shoulder on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Hard Rock Hotel Penang Yuletide & New Year
It is never too early to plan a Christmas and New Year’s celebration with friends and family. Whether you are planning a short family getaway, a dining celebration or a party, here are 6 no-brainer ways to celebrate the upcoming holidays at Hard Rock Hotel Penang
Thanksgiving Buffet Dinner @ G Hotel Gurney
This Thanksgiving Day (24-Nov-2016), Taste Cafe in G Hotel Gurney (GPS: 5.43778, 100.31056) will be cooking up a storm for a gourmet Thanksgiving feast at an attractive price. This is also a good opportunity for early Christmas celebration in case you plan to avoid crowd during holiday session. We recently visited the premise for a preview session prepared by the culinary team led by Sous Chef Ketut Gede Dodi who excels in French, Indonesian and International cuisine, backed with 12 years of international experience.
Bouncy Food
Bouncy is not difficult to spot as it is one of the resident-turns-commerce house at Jalan Mahsuri next to 888 Hokkien Mee (after Sunshine Square and before FIZ3 traffic light under the flyover) (GPS: 5.32684,100.29037). Parking-wise, there is a car porch for two cars in front of the cafe. Alternatively, you may park your car along the main road.
Tian Yew Claypot Restaurant 天佑砂煲鱼头
Compared to other Choo Char restaurants, Tian Yew Claypot Restaurant 天佑砂煲鱼头 offers only few dishes such as the signature claypot fish head. Founded by young couples, the restaurant is located at Arena Curve, The Arena opposite of sPICE (formerly PISA). To get there, assuming you are coming from Sunway Tunas traffic light, turn left when you see the new Toyota show rooms. Go straight and the restaurant is on the left (GPS: 5.32573,100.28026).
Opened since June 2016, Tian Yew Claypot is opened daily during lunch and dinner times (11am-3pm, 6pm-9pm) and is closed on Monday. As mentioned, their signature dishes being claypot fish in two variances – stewed or curry. Note that despite of “fish head” title, customers can opt for fish body as well and as a matter of fact, we ordered fish block/tail all the time.
It took a while for the dish to be served as the fish along with other ingredients such as yam, leek, tomato, spongy beancurd cubes, and salted vegetables will be stewed in the claypot itself for few minutes. The key ingredient here is the yam which turns the soup into sweet and savory flavor. Honestly, we have phobia when ordering fish dishes like this as we always get “bill shock” (e.g. >RM40 for small plate) after the meal. Fortunately, price at Tian Yew Claypot is quite reasonable with claypot containing a single block of Barramundi (a.k.a Siakap in Malay) like this priced at RM27. Note that fishes are counted by weight and is based on market price.
For those preferring something spicy, they may opt for curry fish head/block. The curry with mild spiciness tastes more like an “Indian” curry with strong aromatic taste from spices. As ladyfinger lover, we had some extra ladyfingers added. Pricing-wise, it is similar to the “stewed” version.
Another unique dish here is the Stir-Fried Sweet Leaves with Egg 树子菜炒蛋 (RM10 small). We were surprised that sweet leaves (also known as “Mani Cai”) commonly used in complimentary soup of Pan Mee can be stir-fried into a scrumptious main dish hardly found in other restaurants.
Green Dragon Vegetable 清炒青龙菜 (RM12) – our new favorite for vegetables and tastes as good as other vegetables by plainly stir-fried it. Other than claypot, other signature dishes include Teochew porridge and stuffed bitter gourd.
As a whole, despite of its limited choices, Tian Yew Claypot Restaurant is a great place for claypot fish along with some unique dishes. Pricing-wise, it is quite reasonable as well. A little wait time is required as the food is usually prepared by the chef cum owner himself.