Crisp of Life - Penang Food & Travel Blogger

Penang Bagel's Dream at Campbell Street Georgetown

noreply@blogger.com (Shirleen) — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 01:06:45 +0800

In the midst of the morning rush, a quick grab-and-go of freshly baked bagel and a good cup of coffee always hit the spot. While walking along Campbell Street, we spotted Bagel Dream an decided to drop in for a quick brunch.

The cafe features an unassuming interior that feels cozy to enjoy some relaxing bites. Their menu is split into two main categories which are sourdough bagel sandwich and the cream cheese series. We also noticed some interesting localized bagel options, like the roti bakar with dip and the peanut butter series.

Everything Bagel with Cream Cheese (RM 10.50)

268 Hokkien Mee Jelutong Penang: The Latest Supper Spot

noreply@blogger.com (Shirleen) — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

There are not many supper spots available in the Jelutong area especially Hokkien mee. It's part of Penangite's midnight ritual on craving a bowl of warm hokkien mee and can add on extra toppings is even better.

The emergence of 268 Hokkien Mee, located at the front portion of the TNT Motors shoplot, offers simple hokkien mee option with some topping options to add on such as fish ball, prawns and pork ribs.

They used to sell in Jelutong market in the morning and this is their new location. Penang Hokkien Mee or prawn mee, it comes with springy yellow noodles and rice vermicelli. The aromatic prawn soup is the heart of the dish that one can vividly tell it is the extract from the prawn shells.

Classic toppings were added like prawns, slices of chicken meat, poached eggs and fried shallots. The chilli paste is served alongside and its the key to give the broth an extra kick. Add more if you want to have a deeper and spicier flavour.

If you are around Jelutong and craving a bowl of local prawn mee at late hour, this one would be a nice choice to add into your food hunting list.

Misai Mee Jawa: A Longtime Favourite for Mee Jawa in Raja Uda Butterworth Penang

noreply@blogger.com (Shirleen) — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

If you are a fan of old-school Penang hawker food, Misai Mee Jawa is one interesting spot that worth adding to your Butterworth food list.

Tucked along the bustling Jalan Raja Uda, Misai Mee Jawa is a humble hawker stall under the zinc-roofed hawker center. serving its signature Mee Jawa for more than two decades. It has been inherited by the second generation now and they has also been recognized by the MICHELIN Guide in year 2023. However, what makes them interesting was not because the MICHELIN red round sticker but the unique Mee Jawa taste that only can be found here.

Mee Jawa + Crackers (RM 7)

炭烧炒米粉 Old School Charcoal Fried Mee Hun in Batu Lanchang Penang from RM 2

noreply@blogger.com (Shirleen) — Wed, 9 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Without huge billboard or permanent signage, this hidden spot in Batu Lanchang is easy to miss if you do not know where to look. However for the regulars, they knows exactly where to find this humble stall serving old-school economy-style soy sauce fried mee hun and traditional tongsui.

Located in the common open space of grass field, right in front of the flats along the bustling Jalan Tan Teh Hwa Lim, the stall is tucked under a simple zinc-roofed shelter. If you are familiar with Nasi Lemak Liverpool, it is located just few steps away.

The menu is simple and affordable, with their fried noodles and tongsui starting from just RM 2. The noodles option are meehun, yellow noodle, kwayteow and Maggie where you can mix and match them. You can also add on various sides such as egg, curry chicken, popiah, vegetarian duck and more, making it easy to put together a simple yet satisfying plate for a fulfilling meal.

The Eastern & Oriental Hotel Penang Mooncake Collection 2026: A Luxurious Mid-Autumn Keepsake

noreply@blogger.com (Shirleen) — Tue, 8 Sep 2026 21:22:33 +0800

This year’s mooncake collection from The Eastern & Oriental Hotel Penang is one that feels almost too beautiful to part with. Each exquisite mooncake is delicately engraved with the hotel's iconic logo, adding an elegant and distinctive touch to the Mid-Autumn set.

Available in four exquisite flavours, the mooncakes are beautifully presented in a luxurious gift box dressed in a striking bright orange and yellow hue. The vibrant colour evokes the warmth and glow of the moonlit Mid-Autumn season, while the refined design makes the entire presentation feel like a keepsake in itself.

What makes the gift set even more thoughtful is the inclusion of a USB-rechargeable lantern, a modern elegant lantern collection to celebrate the season of togetherness. It is a lovely touch that extends the celebration beyong the mooncakes, making this set especially appealing as a gift for family, friends and business associates.

Four delightful flavours all in this gift set:
🥮 White Lotus Single Yolk
🥮 Green Tea Single Yolk
🥮 Red Dates
🥮 Pu Er Tea

Price: RM 258 nett per set.

Available for purchase and collection from 25 August to 25 September 2026.

For reservation:
📞 Call: +604 222 2151 / +6016 419 8379
📧 Email: fbcentral.resv@eohotels.com

Via Pre Penang: What to Order at This Long-Standing Italian Restaurant in George Town

noreply@blogger.com (Shirleen) — Tue, 8 Sep 2026 01:13:42 +0800

It's common to find rapid changes in the food business, we sometimes find ourselves chasing after the new dining spots out of curiosity to discover and experience. There are some spots in Penang that you will find yourself returning to it. Via Pre is one of them.

Established in 2012, Via Pre has been serving Italian cuisine in Georgetown for more than a decade. Their first spot was at Weld Quay before they moved to the current location Lebuh Penang. This round, we brought our two little foodies along for a family meal.

With a table filled with antipasto, soup, pasta, pizza, seafood and desserts. It turned out to be quite an Italian feast!

If you are planning your own visit to Via Pre, perhaps what we have tried here could your guide.

Thank you Via Pre for hosting us.

Burger Grill Seberang Jaya Penang: Late-Night Burgers, Claypot Maggi & Mix Grill

noreply@blogger.com (Shirleen) — Mon, 7 Sep 2026 17:19:34 +0800

Unlike the usual roadside burger stall, Burger Grill Seberang Jaya has grown into a popular spot for late-night supper spot, and the best part? You can satisfy your cravings here until as late as 4am.

The first thing that caught our attention was the variety. Their burgers are a major hit, big and indulgent creations featuring grilled patties and generous amounts of melted cheese which we Malaysian called cheese meleleh. However, the menu goes far beyong burgers,

The claypot section was especially interesting. During our visit, the multiburner gas stovers were constantly busy, with claypots sitting over fierce orange flames as orders pouring in. The sigh alone was enough to make us curious about what was cooking.

Thank you Burger Grill Seberang Jaya for hosting us.

8 busy gas stove cooking the customers' orders.

Multiburner gas stove cooking the traditional claypot at the same time.

Maggie Claypot Special (RM 12)

Claypot Maggi Hits Differnet

You might argue that you can simply cook a packet of instant noodles at home, but somehow, Maggi cooked in a claypot just hits differently.

The noodles are cooked over high flames, allowing the curry powder's aroma and umami flavours to develop beautifully. Then comes the indulgent toppings of chicken cutlet, prawns, fishcake, vegetables , cheese and an egg. All packed into one hearty pot.

It is still instant noodles at heart, but the claypot preparation and generous toppings elevate it into something more satisfying. The heats is preserved until the last bite with claypot. Perhaps instant noodles are simply part of the Asian in us, but this is definitely a more indulgent way to enjoy them.

While we thought they have just maggie claypot, but they took our Penang's asam laksa to next level by cooking in claypot. While claypot rice is common at Chinese coffee shop, nasi claypot, the Malay's style of claypot rice is an interesting find here.

Claypot Asam Laksa and Nasi Claypot

We initially thought their claypot selection was mainly about Maggi but there were a few surprises.

Their Penang Asam Laksa gets the claypot too, giving a familiar local favourite a different presentation and cooking style. Now I wonder how it taste.

Then, there is Nasi Claypot, which caught our attention because while claypot rice is commonly associated with Chinese style cooking, seeing a Malay-style claypot rice here was something different. We are going to try this on next visit.

It's these little twists on familiar comfort food that make the menu at Burger Grill so interesting.

Burger Grill Chicken Cheese Meleleh (RM 14)

The Signature Grilled Burgers

Of course, you cannot come to Burger Grill and leave without trying one of their burgers.

Their signature melting-cheese burgers come with different grilled patties, including chicken, beef and lamb. If you are looking for something more loaded, go for the double-patty options.

Another fun choice is the Burger Kawen, where two different types of patties are combined into one burger. The kawen is like the "kahwin" concept that brings two different meats together, making it a good option if you can't decide between your favourites.

The grilled patties paired with the melted cheese make these burgers particularly indulgent, and exactly the kind of Malaysian's supper food that feels even better late at night.

Fish & Mash with Lemon Butter Sauce (RM 19)

Mix Grill (RM 35)

Western Grilled Favourites

If burgers are not what you are craving, there's also a whole section dedicated to Western grilled dishes, with different types of grilled meat and seafood.

We tried the Fish & Mash, featuring fried fish filled drenched in lemon butter sauce, served with mashed potatoes and salad. The lemon butter sauce adds a bright, buttery touch to the fish, while the mashed potatoes make it a comforting and filling meal.

Since this was our first visit, I wanted to try a little bit of everything. There we went for Mix Grill.

It arrived as a huge plate loaded with grilled beef, chicken and lamb, served with gravy alongside salad and mashed potatoes. The meats had that lovely smoky grilled aroma, while remaining juicy and flavourful.

Teh Ais Vanilla (RM 5)

A Late Night Spot with Something for Everyone

What makes Burger Grill stand out is not just its burgers. Its the combination of late-night dining, grilled burgers, claypot comfort food and Western dishes all under one roof. The leisure and casual dining settings to hang out with freinds or family in the truly Malaysian style.

Burger Grill Seberang Jaya

70, Jalan Tenggiri, 13700 Seberang Jaya, Pulau Pinang

+60136444166

7am - 4pm Daily

Check out Shirleen & Ee Pin's Instagram for more beautiful photos we have taken.

Sambal the Flavours that Brings Malaysians Together with Domino's Pizza NEW & IMPROVED Sambal Pizza

noreply@blogger.com (Shirleen) — Wed, 2 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Malaysia is a country where different cultures, traditions and flavours come together at the same table. For many of us, some of our fondest food memories began at home, where sambal recipes were passed down through generations.

Every family may have its own recipe and every sambal its own story, but it is a flavour that Malaysians can all enjoy. From nasi lemak breakfast to family dinners and festive gatherings, sambal has a special place in Malaysian food culture.

And with Merdeka around the corner, there is no better time to celebrate a flavour that brings Malaysians together.

Inspired by this shared love, Domino’s has brought back its much-loved Sambal Pizza, now New & Improved with a spicier, richer, bolder Sambal flavor, a stronger kick, richer umami, and irresistibly addictive appeal.

Shinwa Kyoto Sushi & Tonkotsu Ramen at Tanjung Tokong Penang

noreply@blogger.com (Shirleen) — Tue, 1 Sep 2026 19:17:21 +0800

Shinwa Ramen quickly caught a lot of attention with its zen Japanese-inspired decor since their launch in year 2024. The cozy dining seating, especially the little garden with a koi pond at the center of the bungalow, quickly transporting you to Japan. That makes you wanting to stay longer, enjoying the Japanese dishes here.

They started out with strong ramen focus identity, but this year they have rebranded themself to Shinwa Kyoto Sushi and Tonkotsu Ramen, brings together ramen and sushi under one roof, offering more options for Penang's Japanese food lovers.

Thank you Shinwa Kyoto Sushi & Tonkotsu Ramen for hosting us.

Shan Xin 汕心潮汕甜汤 at Gurney Plaza: Modern Teochew Sweet Soups in Penang

noreply@blogger.com (Shirleen) — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Shan Xin 汕心潮汕甜汤, this rapid growth dessert chains with modern take of Teochew's nourishment dessert has arrived to Malaysia, opened their first store in Penang at Gurney Plaza..

Before we dive into their desserts, the canned-inspired packaging and presentations definitely caught our attention. It's refreshing and gives the traditional dessert concept a more contemporary feel.

It gets more interesting with their DIY customization concept. You can start by choosing your sweet soup base, then build up your own bowl by adding different ingredients. The individual add-ons of ingredient may seem reasonably priced, but keep adding a few more and the final bill can quickly add up, could be a shocking price though.

If you are in a hurry, or simply want to save yourself from making yet another decision for the day, just go straight to their Teochew Classics.

We tried the ShanXin Peach Gum 5 Treasure Sweet Soup (RM 22.50). At this price point, it definitely not your usual local tong sui price, but the overall taste was comforting and enjoyable. Another thing we like is can choose our preferred sugar level, so we can keep it lighter as to our preference.

This modern interpretation of the familiar Teochew dessert tradition could brings the the Teochew dessert closer to younger generation. However, perhaps the adding cost of its premium location, the dessert's price tag remains debatable though.

桥下云吞面/尹面之家 Under the Bridge Wantan Mee Noodle History Alor Setar

noreply@blogger.com (eepin) — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 02:23:31 +0800

Alor Setar, the capital city of Kedah is famed for a selection of dishes such as Nasi Lemak, steamed fish with pickled radish and others. However one of it that left me with deepest impression would be so called the “Under the Bridge Wantan Mee”, 桥下云吞面 or their proper name Noodle History 尹面之家.

When the unassuming shop sandwiched between residential area starts operation, regular customers came from all over places to dine in and takeaway at Noodle History, evident by the cars park within the vicinity - nearby resident area, by the road, or some park for own convenience, but somehow most locals here understood it and choose to forgive, instead of reprimanding.

I came here a few times because I like the food here. Their noodles were not my favourite. As someone hailed from Penang, I prefer the al-dente noodles coated with dark soy sauce instead of the white version here. However their char siew here is topnotch. It is coated with a honey-like BBQ sauce, having a balanced lean and fatty meat, and it feels sleek when it landed in my mouth. Every time I came here, additional char siew is a must. Nowadays even my younger daughter loves the char siew here.

To enjoy the char siew, you must order the add-on char siew because apparently the add-on is different from the usual char siew topping the noodles.

As for the other dishes such as wantan, poached chicken and vegetables, they were fine but char siew is the main reason I am back here everytime. I will crave for it even when I am in Penang!

A Taste of Childhood: Nyonya Kuih at Pearl Kopitiam, Island Glades

noreply@blogger.com (Shirleen) — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:01:17 +0800

Nyonya Kuih has alwasy been a little taste of childhood for me. I grew up enjoying these colourful, traditional treats for breakfast or tea break, so I guess my love for kuih has naturally been passed down to my two daughters too!

Last year, we discovered this humble little kuih stall tucked in a corner of Pearl Kopitiam at Island Glades. It is run by a very elderly aunty all by herself, which somehow makes the place feel even more nostalgic and charming.

If you come early, around 3pm to 5pm, you will usually find a good variety of freshly made kuih filled up the yellow plastic tray. A classic scene of kuih stall that feels nostalgic to me. We tried quite a few and almost visit it weekly, most of them quickly became family favourites.

Penang Marriott Hotel's Exclusive Mooncake Gift Set 2026: Moonlit Heritage, Timeless Connections

noreply@blogger.com (Shirleen) — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 21:22:00 +0800

A lovely Saturday's afternoon spent at Penang Marriott Hotel, celebrating the launch of their exclusive Penang mooncake gift set - Moonlit Heritage, Timeless Connections

We started with a delightful tea break, savouring Marriott's beautifully crafted mooncake paired with refreshing T Kombucha.

Then came a lovely surprise-the special appearance of Jordan Voon 温绍平 who caught us off guard after we had just watched his Marriott mooncake's promotional video on screen.!

One of our favourite moments was getting hands-on with mooncake making and baking our creations fresh with help of Flourlab. It was such a fun and memorable afternoon filled with laughter and wonderful moments shared with friends.

Penang's Marriott Mooncake - Moonlit Heritage, Timeless Connections:

🥮 Pandan Paradise with Golden Yolk

🥮 Imperial White Lotus with Golden Yolk

🥮 Sweet Harmony Honey Longan

🥮 Nutritious Red Dates

🎁 RM 238 nett

Planning to get mooncakes for family, friends or corporate gifting?

For bulk purchase discounts or reservations, WhatsApp or call them at 60128995766

Thank you Penang Marriott Hotel for hosting us.

A Taste of Guangzhou's Culinary Heritage at Guangzhou Restaurant 广州酒家

noreply@blogger.com (Shirleen) — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 01:51:15 +0800

One of my favorite things to do when traveling is to discover a destination through its food. Culinary experiences often tell stories that go beyond what we see in guidebooks, they tell the traditions, culture and everyday life that have shaped a city. Besides the beautiful scenery, food hold a strong memory connection and as experience too.

Guangzhou Restaurant 广州酒家 is exactly that kind of place. During our culinary journey through Guangzhou 双城寻味广州行 with Golden Success Holiday 鑫驰旅游 and Kwong Wah Yit Poh 光华日报, we visited the Wenchang Main Restaurant, the birthplace of this iconic brand. Established in 1935, Guangzhou Restaurant is a recognized Chinese time-honored brand and is known as "食在广州第一家“, that translated as "the first name in Guangzhou dining"

A Lingnan Garden in the Heart of the Restaurant

Stepping into Guangzhou Restaurant, I was immediately drawn to the beautiful Lingnan-style courtyard at the heart of the restaurant. It felt so surreal to find such a tranquil garden tucked within a bustling city.

The central courtyard has a large glass skylight featuring colorful stained-glass elements that tells about Guangzhou, allowing sunlight to filter through the vibrant glass and illuminate the space below. Surrounding the courtyard are landscaped greenery, a pond, trees and stone. Such a beautiful balance between heritage and modern design.

It is not only a photogenic setting but also makes dining here feel almost like enjoying a meal inside a traditional Lingnan garden. The combination of water, greenery, natural light and architecture gives the restaurant a character that feels distinctly Guangzhou.

Cheering for the success of jointly planned culinary trip through two cities with Kwong Wash Yit Poh 光华日报, Guangzhou Self-Media Association 广州市自媒体协会, Guangdong Culinary Association 广东烹饪协会 and KOL from Penang at Guangzhou Restaurant

A Taste of Traditional Cantonese Cuisine

Guangzhou Restaurant is known for its traditional Cantonese cuisine and dim sum, making it a nice place to experience the Cantonese yum cba culture where slow mornings spent over pots of tea, backets of freshly steamed dim sum and conversations around the table.

The highlight of the meal for me was the seasonal Red Plum Blossom Pastry 红梅酥 was the highlight of our dinner. It was almost too pretty to eat, meticulously crafted to resemble a blooming five-petal plum blossom. It is also share cultural connection to Guangzhou's city flower, kapok flower 木棉花. The pastry is a beautiful example of how Cantonese cuisine can be both culinary and artistic, turning a traditional pastry into an edible piece of art.

What made it even more special was that this is a seasonal item, available only during certain festive periods and the spring season. I felt particularly lucky to be able to try it during our visit.

Another adorable creation was the Red Date Bun 红枣包, shaped like an oversized red date. Bite into the soft bun and you get a sweet, rich red-date filling inside.

For dim sum classics, the Large Shrimp Dumpling 虾饺 is one you should not miss. The translucent skin wrapped around plump, generous pieces of shrimp, giving it that satisfying combination of delicate texture and fresh seafood flavour. The Fried Shrimp Ball 炸虾球 was another favourite. Crispy on the outside with juicy shrimp inside, it was wonderfully addictive.

Red Plum Blossom Pastry 红梅酥

Red Date Bun 红枣包

Fried Shrimp Ball 炸虾球

Moving on the main dishes, the Steamed Mandarin Fish 蒸桂花鱼, was simple yet comforting. The fish was fresh and tender, while the premium soy sauce brought out its natural sweetness without overpowering it.

The Roasted Goose 烧鹅 was another standout. The skin was beautfully crisp, glazed with a slightly sweet sauce that added another layer of flavour to the rich and succelent meat.

We also try their Lai Fun 濑粉, thick rice noodle served in a comforting broth that worked particularly well alongside the richer dishes. To round everything off, we added a Scallion Pancake 葱油饼, thin and crispy with plenty of fragrant scallion aroma.

Trip.com

Roasted Goose 烧鹅

Steamed Mandarin Fish 蒸桂花鱼

Dining at Guangzhou Restaurant was more than just another meal during our Guangzhou trip. From its century-old culinary heritage and beautiful Lingnan courtyard to the traditional flavours on the table, it gave us a small but delicious glimpse into the food culture that makes Guangzhou so special in my heart.

Want to explore more dim sum spot, check out my post here.

Read more of my 5D4N Guangzhou's itinerary here.

Check out Shirleen & Ee Pin's Instagram for more beautiful photos we have taken.

~End~

Domino's Malaysia NEW Pizza Puff: A Pocket Full of Cravings for Solo Pizza Lovers

noreply@blogger.com (Shirleen) — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:46:08 +0800

Does this moment sound familiar? You are craving for something much fulfilling but payday is still a few days away. You do not wish to spend too much, but you also do not want another usual meal that leaves you hungry an hour later.

For many Malaysians, that moment has become familiar. As living costs continue to shape spending habits, people are becoming more thoughtful about every purchase. They are not only looking for lower prices. They are looking for food that feels satisfying, filling, and worth every ringgit.

Domino's Malaysia saw a growing shift in the way people eat. More customers are enjoying meals on their own, grabbing a quick bite between meetings, or satisfying a craving without ordering a full pizza. That insight inspired Pizza Puff, a fresh way to enjoy pizza that is created for today's everyday occasions.

Thank you Domino's Pizza Malaysia for these Pizza Puff.

Pizza Puff delivered to home

1926 Heritage Hotel Penang Grand Launch: A New Chapter for a Century-Old Landmark

noreply@blogger.com (Shirleen) — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 21:52:05 +0800

1926 Heritage Hotel Penang celebrated its grand launch as a restored urban resort in the city on July 23, 2026, bringing a property first built in 1926 into a new era of heritage-led hospitality under The Unlimited Collection by The Ascott Limited.

The official launch marks a new chapter for one of Penang's distinctive heritage properties at a time when the island continues to build momentum as a leading destination for culture, lifestyle and experience-led travel. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, domestic tourism recorded 290.1 million visitors in 2025. an increase of 11.5% from 260.1 million in 2024. This positive momentum continued into the first quarter of 2026, with 74.7 million domestic visitors recorded, representing a 7.2% increase compared with the same period in the previous year.

As Penang welcomes stronger visitor demand, thoughtfully restored properties such as 1926 Heritage Hotel Penang are adding new depth to the island's hospitality offering. The hotel introduces a fresh urban resort experience to Penang's accommodation landscape while preserving the character, sense of place and individuality that continue to set the destination apart,

The grand launch was officiated by YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang in the presence of Dato' Ir. Rajendran P. Anthony, Mayor of Penang, Dato' Frank Koay, the owner of 1926 Heritage Hotel Penang, Mr. Mondi Mecja, Country General Manager, Ascott Malaysia and invited guests representing Penang's tourism, hospitality, business, creative and lifestyle industries.

Dian Dou De Guangzhou 点都德广州: The Best All-Day Dim Sum Experience You Shouldn't Miss

noreply@blogger.com (Shirleen) — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 20:10:03 +0800

One of the best things about being in Guangzhou is that you do not have to wait until morning to enjoy a proper dim sum feast. We had dim sum for dinner in Guangzhou because why not? When in the birthplace for Cantonese cuisine, there is never a wrong time for Yum Cha.

Dian Dou De (点都德), one of Guangzhou's most iconic Cantonese teahouse chains, is renowned for seving freshly steamed dim sum thoughbout the day. Its name originates from the Cantonese phrase "Dim Dou Dak (点都得)" which loosely translates to "everything is fine or anything anyway that goes." True to its name, Dian Dou De embraces the traditional Yum Cha culture while adapting to the modern lifestyles by making authentic dim sum available from morning until night.

Traditionally, Yum Cha is enjoyed in the early morning with family and friends over tea and baskets of steamed delicacies. However, not everyone follows the same schedule, especially travellers with limited time in the city. Instead of squeezing an early morning dim sum session into a packed itinerary, Dian Dou De allows visitors to savour an authentic Cantonese tea experience whenever it suits them.

The restaurant offers a comfortable dining environment, attentive service, and an extensive menu showcasing premium ingredients in both its dim sum and classic Cantonese dishes.

Thank you Dim Dou De for hosting us.

5D4N Culinary Journey Through Two Cities: Discovering Guangzhou's Lingnan Culture, Cantonese Cuisine & Modern Innovation

noreply@blogger.com (Shirleen) — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 02:04:49 +0800

In the early June 2026, I had the wonderful opportunity to join the "Culinary Journey Through Two Cities 双城寻味", a 5-day-4-night media trip to Guangzhou, China. The trip was proudly organised by Malaysian Influencer Association, sponsored by Golden Success Holiday (鑫驰旅游), with media coverage by Kwong Wah Yit Poh (光华日报).

I was incredibly grateful to be among 20 content creators from Penang invited to experience the rich culinary heritage, fascinating history, and rapid technological development of Guangzhou through this trip.

More than just a food trip, this journey deepened our understanding of the cultural connections between Guangzhou and Penang. As cities with strong Cantonese influences and shared Nanyang heritage, we discovered many similarities in traditions and cuisine.

Once of the highlights of the trip was attending a special preview screening of "Dear You给阿嫲的情书" before its official release in Malaysia. The touching story traces the hardships faced by early Chinese migrants who journeyed south to Nanyang, helping us better appreciate the sacrifices of our ancestors and the cultural identity that continues to shape Malaysian Chinese communities today.

I also felt deeply honoured to attend the launch ceremony of "Taste of Guangzhou in Two Cities", where we were presented with a Certificate of Honour. It was a memorable and meaning recognition that made the experience even more special.

Thank you Golden Success Holiday and Kwong Wah Yit Poh for this Guangzhou 5D4N trip.

Strudel Bakery House Malaysia's Viral Fresh Fruit Strudels

noreply@blogger.com (Shirleen) — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 17:22:11 +0800

Originating from Vienna, Austria, strudel is a classic Euripean pastry known for its delicate, flaky layers wrapped around sweet and savoury fillings. While it is a common sight across many European countries, authentic strudel has long been a rarity in Malaysia.

That changed in 2020 with the launched of Strudel Bakery House, a Klang-based bakery operated by a bakery chef with over 30 years of baking experience. Specialising in handcrafted strudels made fresh daily, the bakery quickly gained a loyal following, making this European favourite more accessible to Malaysian.

Freshness is at the heart of the brand, which is why most of its outlets are still concentrated around Klang Valley and Selangor. I still remember when the demand in Penang was so overwhelming that independent runners would regularly offer delivery services, bringing freshly baked strudels all the way from Klang Valley just for eager customers. It was one of those treats that people simply couldn't wait to get their hands on nor get over it.

Sulb Cafe Aesthetic Industrial Café in Alor Setar Kedah

noreply@blogger.com (Shirleen) — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0800

One of the aesthetic cafe in Alor Setar, that has been the place to you if you are looking for a cozy, quiet and spacious spot since opening its door in year 2023. Whether you are planning a catch-up with friends, looking for a productive workspace, or simply wanting a peaceful corner to enjoy a good book, it offers the perfect setting.

On my first visit, I almost missed the entrance. The cafe is located on the second floor, and its vertical signboard at ground level was partially hidden by a parked car, making it easy to overlook. Once we took the lift upstairs, however, we were welcomed by a vast industrial-inspired space with high celings and planty of seating, creating an inviting atmosphere to linger.

Big Bad Wolf Books Alor Setar 2026: 40% New Titles, Gold Rush Giveaway & Event Highlights

noreply@blogger.com (Shirleen) — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:42:06 +0800

In an ambitious move to elevate regional reading habits while delivering exceptional community value, the world-renowned Big Bad Wolf Book Sale is officially returning to the state. This year’s edition marks the dawn of a comprehensive literacy movement meticulously designed to meet unique local cultural and educational aspirations.

To ignite widespread public excitement, Big Bad Wolf Books is pairing its intellectual mission with a

spectacular incentive: the BBW Gold Rush Campaign, which gives shoppers the extraordinary opportunity to walk away with a physical 10g solid gold bar. Spearheading this latest stop, the physical appearance of the iconic Big Bad Wolf Mascot will anchor community engagement, accompanied by a massive stock update featuring 40% new titles never before seen in the region.

Harmonising Culturally Curated Tales: Nurturing the Next Generation

Deeply respecting and aligning with the region's rich Islamic heritage and academic focus, Big Bad Wolf Books is hosting an exclusive publisher showcase this round, introducing Sidr Productions’ highly anticipated ‘Little Ummah’ collection to Alor Setar for the very first time. This dedicated, culturally curated segment features beautifully illustrated, value-driven literature crafted specifically to nurture growing Muslim minds. By providing access to high-quality international and regional stories at heavily discounted prices, this initiative aims to empower parents and educators with tools that seamlessly blend contemporary literacy with traditional family values

Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, Penang Unveils Mid-Autumn Mooncake Sets

noreply@blogger.com (Shirleen) — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:48:37 +0800

Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, Penang is now offering Mid-Autumn mooncake sets crafted for togetherness, bringing families and loved ones together in the spirit of the season. This specially curated collection is available until 25 September 2026. Designed to go beyond gifting, each mooncake box features distinctive textures and branded colourways, reflecting the resort’s signature style. With thoughtfully crafted drawers and compartments, the boxes can be reused as stylish keepsakes to store jewellery and watches, helping treasured pieces stay neatly organized in coordinated, trendy colours.

Thank you Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, Penang for hosting us.

A Sweet Find at China Street Choux Choux by Two Frenchies Penang

noreply@blogger.com (Shirleen) — Sun, 31 May 2026 19:44:40 +0800

A spontaneous stroll along China Street led us to one of our most delightful discoveries, Choux Choux. What immediately caught our attention was its connection to Two Frenchies Cafe Bistro, a name well-loved among Penang food enthusiasts for serving authentic French cuisine for years. While Two Frenchies is known for its classic French offerings, Choux Choux takes a slightly different approach with a menu inspired by Mediterranean flavours.

Stepping into the restaurant, we were instantly drawn by its warm and inviting atmosphere. The bright window display showcasing freshly baked croissants, brioche and an assortment of artisanal breads was hard to miss. As we explored further, the pastry counter quickly stole our attention, and our sweet tooth took over.

Tono Izakaya Penang Launches Premium Japanese Weekend Buffet

noreply@blogger.com (Shirleen) — Wed, 20 May 2026 18:20:24 +0800

The modern Japanese izakaya brand from Kuala Lumpur, Tono Izakya Penang has quickly made its mark in Penang since opening in 2025. Known for its premium Japanese offerings and vibrant neon-lit ambiance, the restaurant instantly transports diners into the energetic streets of Japan the moment guests step inside. From glowing Japanese signboards to the lively atmosphere, every corner feels like a scene straight out of Tokyo nightlife.

Thank you Tono Izakaya Penang for hosting us.

5 Reasons Why Families Will Love Marriott Executive Apartments Penang

noreply@blogger.com (Shirleen) — Tue, 12 May 2026 00:46:00 +0800

Penang Marriott, the new lofty presence along the iconic bustling Gurney Drive housed three different properties which are Penang Marriott Hotel, Marriott Executive Apartments, Penang and Marriot Residences.

During our recent family staycation, we checked into Marriott Executive Apartments for 3 Days 2 Nights experience, and it turned out to be one of those unforgettable family stays that stay close to our heart after checking out.

What made this stay different was how it beautifully blended luxury hotel living with the warmth and convenience of home.

Thanks to Penang Marriott for hosting us.