Barefoot Char Koay Teow

Prior to my trip to Penang, I was actively craving a plate of Penang Char Kway Teow, especially one fried with duck egg, which is surprisingly scarce in Singapore. After watching a few YouTube reviews and getting a recommendation from my sibling, we decided to check this stall out. Upon reaching Cecil Street Food Centre, we made our way to the far end to locate it. I was excited and immediately rushed to place my order.

Stall of Barefoot Char Koay Teow

The lady taking orders had a rather extraordinary method, she literally wrote the orders on the eggs. The stall only accepts cash, and a number tag is issued upon ordering. It’s entirely self-service, and I waited close to 30 minutes for my plate to be ready. Customers can choose between a duck egg or a chicken egg, which was a nice touch.

Number to be called

When our order was finally ready, we collected it and took a closer look. The Char Kway Teow was fried over charcoal fire, and the prawns were undeniably plump, with that expected smoky wok hei clinging to the koay teow. However, the first mouthful left me disappointed. All my expectations of a satisfying plate of Char Kway Teow came crashing down, it simply wasn’t as memorable as what I had in Penang months ago. The ingredients included duck egg, Chinese sausage, and prawns, but somehow the overall balance just didn’t hit the mark for me.

Barefoot Char Koay Teow - RM 8.50

Would I wait another 30 minutes for another plate? Probably not. There are better versions out there, and this one just isn’t my style. Browsing through the Google reviews later on, I began to understand why opinions were so mixed. Turns out, I’m not in the minority who felt the same way.

Barefoot Char Koay Teow
Location: Pasar Lebuh Cecil, Lebuh Herriot, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

LUM LAI Duck Meat Koay Teow Th'ng

Our morning ride to Cecil Street Food Court was all about getting a taste of local breakfast and immersing ourselves in the everyday rhythm of Penang’s food culture. We were there with one clear goal in mind, the famous Barefoot Char Kway Teow. However, as I navigated my way through the bustling food court, a long queue caught my attention, and the words “Duck Koay Teow” immediately drew me in.

We settled down at our first stop and placed our order at the Char Kway Teow stall, collecting a number tag while waiting. With time to spare, I set myself a second mission, to join the queue at Lum Lai Duck Meat Koay Teow Th’ng, a stall also recommended in the Michelin Guide. Despite having more than ten people ahead of me, the wait moved surprisingly fast, thanks to the efficient teamwork behind the stall. Each member had a clearly defined role, keeping the operation smooth and impressively organised.

Lum Lai Duck Meat Koay Teow Th'ng

Ordering was straightforward, with only two options available, small or big, no medium. Knowing Penang’s portions tend to be modest, and having queued for quite some time, I opted for the big bowl.

Pricing

The broth was the star of the dish, prepared by slow-simmering whole duck with pork bones, intestines, and loin for at least two hours. The result was a comforting, flavourful soup that complemented the duck beautifully, with a subtle sweetness that softened the duck’s natural robustness. The duck meat was deboned and cut into bite-sized pieces, making it easy to enjoy. The bowl was completed with fishballs and fish cakes, adding extra texture to an already inviting dish.

Duck Koay Teow Th'ng - RM 8.50 (Big)

Would I eat it again? Why not, especially if I find myself back at Cecil Street Food Court once more.

LUM LAI Duck Meat Koay Teow Th'ng
Location: Cecil Street Food Court, 24, Lebuh Cecil, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Mommy Irene @ Sungai Dua

While taking a walk around the hotel vicinity after lunch, we spotted a Tau Fu Fa specialist right across from the hotel and decided to drop by. I don’t recall noticing this shop during our visit last year, so it felt like a pleasant little discovery.

Mommy Irene

We walked into Mommy Irene’s Kitchen, and it honestly felt like stepping into someone’s landed home. That said, it’s quite common in Malaysia to find eateries or service spaces set up in residential-style properties, so the experience felt both familiar and welcoming.

Menu

We had the Cantonese Tau Hua, which comes with a choice of brown sugar or chrysanthemum sugar. We went with the former, and the syrup was thoughtfully served in a separate bowl. The tau hua didn’t fill the bowl entirely, but it was silky-smooth in texture.

Brown Sugar Tau Hua - RM 5.50

We poured in the brown sugar syrup, and the sweetness was just right. The silky, wobbly texture was almost jelly-like, making each spoonful light and soothing. Served chilled, it was incredibly comforting and refreshing.

Wobbly

We also went for something warm the recommended Bubur Pulut Hitam, made with Thai black glutinous rice and topped with fresh coconut milk for a rich, comforting finish.

Bubur Pulut Hitam - RM 5.80 

The sweetness was just right, and every mouthful felt like a traditional indulgence. Comforting and satisfying, we polished the bowl clean before heading off.

I love this taste

We had planned to return for their Bubur Cha Cha, especially since our accommodation was nearby, but time never worked in our favour. On top of that, Bubur Cha Cha is only served randomly on weekends. Well then, we’ll just have to see if there’s a next time for us to visit again.

Will want to be back

Mommy Irene @ Sungai Dua
Location: 727F, Jalan Sungai Dua, Desa Permai Indah, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Fatty Fatty Chicken Rice

We had tried Fatty Fatty Chicken Rice as a takeaway on our previous trip, so this time we decided to dine in. It ended up being our very first meal in Penang, right after checking in nearby. Its a simple, comforting, and exactly what we needed to kickstart the trip.

Fatty Fatty Chicken Rice

The place was crowded, but the queue moved quickly and everything felt well organised, with an assistant ushering us to a table almost as soon as we joined the line. The interior wasn’t anything fanciful,just simple and straightforward, with old-school ceiling boards, cassette air-conditioning, and basic tables and chairs.

Interior

After placing our orders, the soups were served first, comforting and tasty, with a natural chicken sweetness. Carrots and potatoes rounded out the homely, nourishing bowl.

Soup 

We also ordered longan ice drinks to go with our meals. Lightly sweet and refreshing, they came with a few pieces of dried longan for an extra touch.

Longan Ice - RM 2.40

The rice was fluffy and packed with fragrance. Just by looking at it, you could already tell the grains were light, loose, and well cooked.

Rice

We ordered the Mix Four Rice, which lets you enjoy the best of all worlds: chicken (roast or steamed), BBQ pork, roast pork, and BBQ sausage. The portion is perfect for one, giving you a taste of four different kinds of meat in a single meal. I love the variety it offers, and since both of us wanted to try it, one of us went for the roast chicken while the other chose the steamed chicken.

Mix Four Rice - RM13.50

The sweet dark sauce on the plate was more than enough to drizzle over our rice, adding that perfect touch of flavor. Combined with the fragrant chicken rice and the charred BBQ pork (char siew), it was absolutely delicious. The charred edges brought a subtle smokiness, while the caramelized pork added a rich, savory-sweet punch.

BBQ Pork

The roast pork was delicious as well. The crackling skin on top wasn’t too tough, hitting just the right balance of crispiness. The texture was spot on, with the meat and fat clearly distinct yet perfectly harmonious, every bite was satisfying.

Roast Pork

I didn’t manage to take photos of both the steamed and roast chicken, but I would say they were tender overall. That said, the roast chicken leaned slightly towards the drier and saltier side. If I were to choose again, I would definitely opt for the steamed chicken in the platter instead, it felt more balanced and enjoyable.

The next item on the plate was none other than their BBQ sausage. It carried that classic Chinese sausage flavor, yet it wasn’t overly salty. Well-balanced and comforting, another spot on choice!

BBQ Sausage

For those craving roasted delights, do make a stop at Fatty Fatty Chicken Rice, it’s definitely worth a try.

Fatty Fatty Chicken Rice
Location: 4P, Desa Universiti Commercial Complex, Jalan Sungai Dua, 11700 Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia

Chinchilla Trading

It had been a while since we heard about the chinchilla café in Johor, so we decided to make a spontaneous trip to check it out. The space was admittedly quite limited, but honestly, it was cozy enough for the experience.

Chinchilla Trading

One side of the café was dedicated to the adorable chinchillas, housed in clean, well-kept cages — and yes, they’re even available for purchase if you’re tempted to bring one home!

Meerkat

What made the visit more interactive was the option to feed the chinchillas with special feed available for purchase. It was such a unique and delightful way to spend some time up close with these fluffy little creatures.

Display

It feels oddly therapeutic being surrounded by posters and little Totoro figurines, a cozy touch that warms the space

Display

Posters Display

That’s so cute! They’ve even got the little Soot Sprites (Susuwatari) on display, such a whimsical Ghibli touch.

Soot Sprites

They have Totoro Plush too.

Totoro

We made our order next door at Chinchilla Fruit, where there were a few cakes in the chiller display.

Cake Order

Chinchilla Trading and Chinchilla Fruit

When your buzzer rings, you can head over to pick up the order.

Ordering Buzzer

They also have a transparent cage with air holes that doubles up as a dining table, allowing diners to feed the chinchilla while enjoying their meal.

Chinchilla

Looking at this cute little chinchilla, a fluffy ball of fur while dining feels surprisingly therapeutic.

Fluffy Ball of Fur

Over at the back of the café, there are numerous breeds of chinchillas waiting for someone to take them home. For those interested, the café can even arrange delivery and purchase to Singapore with all the necessary documents.

How Adorable?

Do you want to take them home?

Cutely illustrated and thoughtfully presented in a carton box with faux newspaper, the Tiramisu Totoro was a feast for the eyes. Though visually delightful, it was a little firmer than the usual tiramisu I’ve had.

Tiramisu Totoro - RM 23

The Oreo mousse caught my eye too. Even though I’m not exactly a fan of Oreo-based desserts, I have to admit it looked irresistibly cute!

Oreo Mousse 慕丝奥宝- RM 23

To pair with the desserts, we had some watermelon beverages, light, refreshing, and just perfect for beating the heat on such a warm day.

Watermelon Jasmine Tea Smoothie - RM 13

And of course, for chinchilla lovers, I think you should definitely make a visit here. Watching those fluffy little ones while dining adds such a charming and therapeutic touch to the whole experience.

Chinchilla Trading
Location: 37, Jalan Bendahara 9, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia

Sama Sama Cuisine Y Space

Our food journey in Johor Bahru led us to a striking white colonial-style building that instantly caught our attention and admittedly, gave us a moment of pause. We couldn’t help but wonder: Was this going to be one of those places where the ambience costs as much as the meal?

But stepping into Sama Sama Cuisine quickly put those doubts to rest. Celebrating the diverse flavors of Malaysia, every dish here is a heartfelt tribute to the nation's rich culinary heritage a beautiful reflection of its culture, taste, and warmth.

Sama Sama

Thankfully, Sama Sama Cuisine proved otherwise. This No Pork, No Lard eatery celebrates the rich and diverse flavors of Malaysia, with every dish serving as a heartfelt tribute to the nation’s culinary heritage.

And just recently, on 13 March 2025, all Sama Sama Cuisine outlets received certification from iMesra, affirming their commitment to using halal and Shariah-compliant ingredients in every dish. A reassuring stamp of trust for diners seeking authenticity, quality, and peace of mind.

No Pork No Lard

Inside, Sama Sama Cuisine is just as inviting as its grand exterior. The space is bright and airy, with high ceilings, arched windows, and plenty of natural light. White walls and wooden accents give it a clean, classic feel, while touches of Malaysian culture, like rattan furniture, add warmth and character.

Dining Area

The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable, whether you're seated indoors or out on the verandah. It feels like dining in a charming heritage home, with just the right mix of tradition and modern comfort.

Funishing

To beat the heat, we started with some refreshing drinks, the Passion Aloe Vera Fruit Tea was a vibrant and cooling choice, bursting with tropical flavors and a hint of natural sweetness.

Passion Aloe Vera Fruit Tea - RM 14

For the curious bunch that we are, we couldn’t resist trying the drink that shares the restaurant’s name, the Sama Sama Fruit Tea. Naturally, we assumed it had to be something special.

Sama Sama Fruit Tea - RM 14

The Pineapple Paradise was another standout served with a playful touch, a stick of juicy pineapple chunks laid neatly across the glass, making it as fun to look at as it was to drink.

Pineapple Paradise - RM14

The honey lemon aloe vera didn’t quite steal the spotlight, but it was still refreshingly good, light, zesty, and pleasant on a warm day.

Honey Lemon Aloe Vera - RM 14

That Salted Caramel Coffee Cream Chip sounds absolutely delicious! The combination of rich coffee cream with the sweet caramel and a subtle salty touch is such a winning flavor profile. And the mousse cream on top with caramel drizzle and chocolate rice must add great texture and visual appeal too.

Salted Caramel Coffee Cream Chip - RM 16

The Dark Mocha with a zig zag chocolate drizzle sounds super elegant and tempting! That kind of presentation really elevates the whole experience, makes it feel like a little work of art before you even take a sip.

Dark Mocha - RM 12

The coffee is adorned with a delicate stencil of the restaurant’s name on the creamy top layer, adding a personalized and artistic touch that elevates the coffee experience. This thoughtful design makes every sip feel special, blending rich aroma and taste with visual charm.

Kopi Xsama - RM14

Nyonya Laksa Hotpot brings the heart of Peranakan comfort to the table with a steamy, aromatic bowl of Nyonya laksa soup, creamy, spicy, and full of depth. This hotpot is generously loaded with tiger prawn, tender fish fillet, and sotong rings, delivering a burst of seafood umami in every bite. Complemented by fresh carrot, enoki mushrooms, cabbage, long beans, taupok (tofu puff), and seafood bean curd, it’s a medley of textures and flavours. We had the base of Bee Hoon to soak up that rich, flavorful broth.

Nyonya Laksa Hotpot - RM36

The Crispy Squid Lemak Rice is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that hits all the right notes. This hearty dish features fluffy nasi kukus (steamed rice) as the perfect base, topped with golden, crispy squid that adds a satisfying crunch. Complemented by Chef Mama’s spicy sambal, tender baby crab, a hard-boiled egg, refreshing cucumber, sweet pineapple, and crunchy tempeh with belacan and peanuts, every bite delivers a harmonious balance of savory, spicy, sweet, and nutty flavors. It’s a vibrant plate that offers a truly satisfying and well-rounded meal.

Crispy Squid Lemak Rice - RM28

The Chef’s Mama Rojak is a bold celebration of textures and tropical flavours. This vibrant salad features a medley of kangkung, sengkuang (jicama), jackfruit, pineapple, and guava, each bringing its own crunch and sweetness. Earthy elements like tofu puffs (tau pok) and crispy tempeh add substance, while a generous sprinkle of crushed peanuts ties everything together with a satisfying crunch. Dressed in a tangy-sweet, spicy rojak sauce, it’s a nostalgic dish with a modern twist, a true Malaysian soul food reimagined with finesse.

Tropical Harmony Rojak - RM18

Mamak Goreng Pasta was a truly Malaysian experience reimagined with a twist. Served with al dente spaghetti, this vibrant dish was generously topped with tiger prawns, sotong rings, and squid flower, adding both texture and seafood depth. Crispy tofu, bean sprouts, and egg were stir-fried together in a rich, aromatic mamak-style paste, capturing the essence of street-side wok hei. The dish was beautifully finished with cucumber slices, crushed peanuts for crunch, and a fresh calamansi wedge to brighten up the flavors.

Mamak Goreng Pasta - RM 23

This hearty plate features House’s Cut Fish Fillets, golden and crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, served with a wedge of lemon to brighten the flavors. On the side, you’ll find a generous helping of French fries, a refreshing mix of lettuce and cherry tomatoes, and two classic dips: Xsama tartar sauce for a creamy tang, and chili sauce for that sweet-heat kick. Simple, satisfying, and comforting.

The Fisherman Plate - RM33

Fish & Chicken Bolognese is where surf meets turf with a twist. Al dente spaghetti is coated in a rich, savory Bolognese paste made from chicken mince, sautéed with fragrant garlic and shallots, and sweetened with bursts of cherry tomato. The dish is crowned with a crispy, golden fried tilapia fillet, adding a flaky, seafood contrast to the hearty sauce. Finished with a dollop of Xsama tartar sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, it’s a fusion of familiar comforts in every bite.

Fish & Chicken Bolognese - RM26

Aglio Olio XSama is a bold fusion of Italian tradition with a contemporary twist. This dish features perfectly tossed spaghetti in fragrant Italian Aglio e Olio paste, sautéed with golden garlic and shallots. Plump tiger prawns and smoky slices of duck elevate the richness, while enoki and shiitake mushrooms bring earthy undertones. Topped with toasted almond slices for a delicate crunch, every bite is layered with flavor, umami, and just the right hint of heat.

Aglio Olio XSama - RM24

Nanyang Chicken Chop is where local flair meets Western comfort. The signature chicken chop is pan-seared to golden perfection, juicy on the inside with a crisp, flavorful crust. It’s served alongside French fries, a refreshing mix of lettuce and cherry tomatoes, and a wedge of lemon for that extra zest. What sets this dish apart is the bold, aromatic Nanyang sauce, a house specialty that brings a uniquely Southeast Asian punch, perfectly balanced by a side of classic chili sauce.

Nanyang Chicken Chop - RM 25

Topping up the meal with a refreshing side salad! A crisp bowl of curly green lettuce and juicy cherry tomatoes, served with a zesty house-made vinaigrette. Light, vibrant, and the perfect palate cleanser to balance out the richer mains. Simple yet satisfying!

Topping Up Salad

Sama Sama Cuisine offers a heartfelt journey through flavors that bridge tradition and creativity. With its vibrant blend of local Malaysian favorites and inventive fusion dishes, the restaurant captures the warmth of home-style cooking while adding a refreshing modern twist. From soul-soothing hotpots to playful pasta creations and crisp, satisfying salads, each dish reflects a thoughtful balance of taste, texture, and heritage. Whether you're here for comfort, discovery, or simply good food, Sama Sama Cuisine invites you to sit back, savour, and feel right at home, true to its name, “sama-sama”, meaning you’re most welcome.

Sama Sama Cuisine Y Space
Location: 2, Jalan Yahya Awal, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia