Kedai Kopi Pak Hock Famous Chicken Rice

 Finally, we made it to New Pak Hock for Penang’s famous chicken rice! On our last trip, we saw the long queue and knew we had to try it. Luckily, this time, there was no queue at all!

New Pak Hock 新柏福

The interior was simple and minimalist.

Interior

The service was friendly and welcoming. We ordered a mix of poached and roasted chicken with innards. The dish was beautifully plated with cucumber slices, drizzled with fragrant seasoning, and complemented by beansprouts and spring onions.

Chicken & Innards

The presentation was fairly standard, with chili and soup served on the side. The chicken rice was delicious. The rice was fragrant, fluffy, and perfectly cooked, while the chicken was tender and juicy. The flavors were enhanced by the rich soy sauce and seasoning.

Chicken Rice with Soup & Chilli

At the start of our meal, the lady offered us their preserved vegetables, and we agreed to try them. I had never had this combination before! The dish, made with pork and preserved vegetables, had a comforting, homely feel.

Preserved Vegetables

Instead of being salty, it leaned towards a sweet and sour profile, making it incredibly appetizing. A closer look at the ingredients revealed a surprise with pineapple included! Wow!

Pineapple

I'm delighted that our simple meal turned out to be both satisfying and delicious, made even better by the warm service. The glowing reviews are truly well-deserved! For anyone visiting Penang, I highly recommend trying their chicken rice.

Kedai Kopi Pak Hock Famous Chicken Rice
Location: 167, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

The FOUNDERS Hutton

Our Penang ride led us here for a short tea break, and I was surprised, this café felt similar to the founder's café in Mount Austin, with a familiar vibe. I then realized that the Penang outlet is actually their HQ, making the resemblance to the Mount Austin café even more understandable!

The Founders

Among the cakes, I chose their best—the Pandan Gula Melaka Cake. With fragrant pandan layers and the rich sweetness of gula melaka, it felt like enjoying ondeh ondeh in cake form. The cake was yummy and the best selection for a tea break.

Pandan Gula Melaka Cake - RM 15.90

The Ice Matcha Latte with whipped cream was pleasantly creamy without being too sweet, while the hot cappuccino made for a perfect pairing with our cakes.

Iced Matcha Latte - RM 17.50 & Cappucino - RM13.50

Even though it's on the upper level near the toilet area, the vibe is exactly like the place I visited before.

Upper Level

I wouldn't mind returning to this headquarters if I'm in Georgetown again.

The FOUNDERS Hutton
Location: 17, Jalan Hutton, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Website

Chulia Street Hawker Food in Penang

Penang's vibrant street food scene is a must-experience, especially when staying near a bustling night market. Watching stall peddlers set up their carts, preparing for the evening crowd, adds to the charm of enjoying local delicacies fresh off the grill or wok.

Char Koay Teow Stall

Our street food dinner kicked off on a high note with a plate of satisfying Char Koay Teow, a beloved local delicacy known for its smoky wok hei and flavorful stir-fry. As we approached the stall, the enticing aroma of sizzling noodles and fragrant garlic filled the air, making our anticipation grow even stronger.

One thing that stood out was the option to choose between duck or chicken egg—a choice that isn't commonly available in Singapore. Without hesitation, I went for the duck egg, as it adds a richer, creamier texture to the dish, elevating its overall depth of flavor.

The ingredients looked simple yet well-executed, consisting of fresh bean sprouts, egg, juicy cockles, and prawns, all stir-fried to perfection over high heat. The combination of the soft yet slightly chewy flat rice noodles, the crunch of the bean sprouts, and the umami flavors from the seafood made every bite incredibly enjoyable.

The dish was served on a piece of banana leaf atop a paper plate, adding a touch of authenticity to the experience. Each mouthful carried that distinct wok hei, a hallmark of a well-cooked Char Koay Teow, making it a truly satisfying start to our street food feast.

Char Koay Teow - RM 9

The moment we settled at the aluminum sheet table, hawkers swiftly approached us, offering drinks and rojak. Without hesitation, we ordered both, ready to dive into the local flavors.

Stall

Penang's rojak is a must-try, with its distinct prawn paste flavor that sets it apart from Singapore’s version. True to its name, it’s a mix of cut fruits generously tossed in the savory paste and finished with a sprinkle of crunchy peanut bits.

Rojak - RM 12

Fatty Boom Boom

Location: 13, Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

We were on the lookout for oysters and finally spotted a stall at the corner, right in front of the Lebuh Carnarvon road sign. The chef from Granny's Oyster Omelette was busy cooking and preparing dishes for his orders, creating a buzz of activity around him.

Stall of Granny's Oyster Omelette

When it came to the oysters, we knew right away that this was something we wouldn’t be able to find in Singapore, not in such a generous portion. The dish was packed with plump, juicy oysters, far more than what we’re used to seeing back home. Each bite was bursting with the fresh, briny sweetness of the sea, complementing the dish perfectly. It was a delightful indulgence, making us appreciate the difference in portion sizes and generosity in street food across the border.

Oyster Omelette - RM 20

The egg was fried to perfection, with a crispy, golden-brown exterior that contrasted beautifully against the soft, fluffy interior. Every bite delivered an addictive crunch, followed by the richness of the egg and the briny sweetness of the oysters. The combination was simply irresistible.

Adding to the experience, the coriander garnish brought a refreshing balance to the dish, enhancing its overall aroma. With each chopstick pick, we got a delightful mix of textures: crispy, fluffy, and juicy all in one. This was oyster omelette done right, and we savored every last bite!

Oysters

Despite our stomachs nearing their limit, we couldn’t resist visiting the highly raved stall, even though it was located at the far end of the street we started from. The long queue had us hesitating at first, but in the end, we decided to order a small plate to try it for ourselves.

Stall of Wanton Mee

Although the queue seemed intimidating at first, we weren’t discouraged, as it moved surprisingly fast.

Uncle preparing 

My eyes practically "blinked" with delight after the first mouthful! It was so good that we were glad we made the decision to try it, though we couldn’t help but regret not ordering a bigger portion! Ha ha ha!

The dish absolutely lives up to the hype! The noodles were cooked to perfection, springing with that perfect bite that makes every twirl of the chopsticks so satisfying. The seasoning sauce? That's the star of the show, it's the magic that ties everything together, infusing every bite with a fragrant richness from the pork lard. 

Wanton Mee - RM 6.50

Thin slices of Char Siew melt in your mouth, while the dumplings, perfectly shaped like little pillows of joy, just add that extra level of delight. And those veggies tucked by the side? They balanced out all the rich flavors. A truly mouthwatering experience!

Wanton

Mother And Son Wonton Mee Stall
Location: 2, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Tim Choi Sum 甜在心

 After dinner, we decided to take a stroll, but the heat along the street was quite intense. Craving something refreshing, I suggested heading somewhere for a cooling dessert, so here we are!

Tim Choi Sum

The dessert place had a unique theme centered around cameras, creating a nostalgic and visually intriguing atmosphere. The walls were adorned with various camera posters, showcasing vintage and modern models, while actual cameras were also part of the décor. 

Camera Poster

The setup gave the place a distinctive character, making it not just a spot for desserts but also a mini haven for photography enthusiasts. It added an extra layer of charm to the dining experience, making it more memorable beyond just the food.

Decor

The Penang-famous chendul came in a metal bowl, generously topped with plump red kidney beans and vibrant green coconut jelly strips. However, the taste fell short of expectations, making it quite a disappointing experience.

Penang Famous Chendul - RM 9.90

The mango sago was beautifully presented, with a scoop of mango sorbet taking center stage, surrounded by luscious mango cubes and chewy sago pearls, all drenched in creamy coconut milk. While it looked promising, the taste didn’t quite hit the mark.

Mango Sago - RM 9.90

It lacked the depth of flavor and richness I was expecting. The balance between sweetness and creaminess was slightly off, leaving me reminiscing about the more indulgent and flavorful Hong Kong-style mango desserts I had had before. Those versions often had a silkier consistency, bolder mango flavors, and a more satisfying overall experience.

A scoop of it

Overall, I found their desserts to be decent, with good presentation and a unique ambiance. However, they lacked the depth of flavors I was hoping for. While the ingredients were fresh, the taste didn’t quite hit the mark, leaving me craving the richer, more well-balanced flavors I’ve enjoyed elsewhere, especially the Hong Kong-style desserts I miss.

Tim Choi Sum 甜在心 
Location: 14, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Botanict

It's been a while since I had a vegetarian meal, but at my vegetarian friend's request, we visited Botanict, which offers an interesting array of vegetarian Nyonya dishes.

Botanict

The spicy Otah's presentation was impressive. As a non-vegetarian, I found the taste and texture surprisingly close to the usual version. Made with tau gua, it was a well-executed reinvention.

Spicy Otah - $13.30

As a petai lover, I immediately went for the Sambal Vegetable & Petai dish. It wasn’t overly spicy and had a mix of tempeh, French beans, tomatoes, and more.

Sambal Vegetable & Petai - $12

The Truffle Oyster Omelette was intriguing. Instead of oysters, they used mushrooms, and the portion was generous. The truffle aroma lingered as it was served. 

Truffle Oyster Omelette - $14.30

With egg included, I’m still amazed at how soy can work wonders in vegetarian dishes.

Mocked Oyster

The menu was quite extensive, but we only managed three dishes this time. I wouldn’t mind returning for more. The owner also mentioned they offer BBQ Chuang Chuang in the evenings!

Botanict
Location:  Blk 352 Clementi Ave 2, #01-123, Singapore 120352
Website

Woody Cafe

While strolling along one of George Town’s bustling tourist streets, we decided to escape the scorching heat and take a break in a charming woody café. Its pandan-green facade was simple yet inviting, offering a cool respite from the sun.

Woody

The interior featured a minimalist design, with a large ordering counter greeting us as we stepped through the main door. 

Interior

The café kept its menu simple, offering a selection of toasts, desserts, and beverages.

Nice Lighting

Both drinks we ordered looked aesthetically pleasing, served in clear glasses, showcasing their distinct layers. The Strawberry Matcha Latte featured a vibrant green matcha base topped with a fluffy pink strawberry layer, while the Pandan Coconut Latte had a smooth, creamy appearance with hints of caramelized sweetness. Perfect for a refreshing break from the heat!

Strawberry Matcha & Pandan Coconut Latte - RM 18 & RM 17

Woody Cafe
Location: 5, Lbh Armenian, George Town, 11020 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Eco-Harmony Retail & Cafe

A visit to Eco-Harmony, Singapore's organic plant-based restaurant nestled under HDB blocks, offers more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of nature’s richness and a step towards a sustainable lifestyle. Founded in 2007, this café is a social enterprise, supporting Kampung Senang’s charity and education initiatives. Committed to quality, they craft every dish using high-quality organic ingredients at affordable prices, ensuring that healthy eating remains accessible to all.

Eco-Harmony Retail & Cafe

We started off with their tempeh, and although I’m not usually a fan, this one took me by surprise. It was crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly addictive. I found myself reaching for more without even realizing it!

Tempeh 香煎天贝 - $8

Initially, I mistook the chicken chop for luncheon meat pieces based on its presentation. It was served alongside lettuce and a mixed fruit salad dressed in a creamy sauce, adding a refreshing contrast to the dish.

Black Pepper Plant-Based Chicken Chop 黑椒吉扒 - $9.90

The Yam Abacus looked promising, but my pet peeve was how they all clumped together into a sticky mass. Instead of distinct, chewy abacus beads, they stuck to one another, making it hard to pick up an individual piece. The texture leaned more towards a lump of starch rather than the bouncy, firm bite I was expecting.

Yam Abacus 算盘子 - $9

Every set meal comes with organic salad and daily soup, making it a wholesome choice. Since the Olive Fried Organic Noodle Set was a new addition to the menu, we had to give it a try. The noodles were generously tossed in olive oil, mixed with tau gua (beancurd) and cabbage, giving it a light yet fragrant touch. However, as a non-vegetarian, I found the flavors a bit too simple and lacking the depth I usually enjoy in a noodle dish.

Olive Fried Organic Noodle Set (Dry) 香拌有机橄榄面 - $9.90

The Sesame Sauce with Organic Noodle Set had a comforting, home-cooked feel, featuring fresh greens, carrots, and mushrooms. The rich sesame sauce was generously drizzled over the noodles, adding a nutty aroma and creaminess. While the ingredients were simple, the sauce brought everything together, making it a hearty and wholesome dish.

Sesame Sauce with Organic Noodle Set (Dry) 有机芝麻酱拌面 -  $9.90

The Toona Organic Fried Rice Set is a wholesome, plant-based dish packed with earthy flavors and vibrant ingredients. Infused with toona leaves, the rice carries a distinctive, aromatic taste, perfectly complemented by a mix of multigrain rice, crunchy vegetables, and light seasoning. Each bite delivers a nutrient-rich and satisfying experience, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a healthy yet flavorful meal. 

Toona Organic Brown Rice Set 香椿拌有机糙米饭 - $9.90

The Dumplings with Organic Noodle Soup Set felt like a comforting, homemade meal, perhaps something I would whip up with instant noodles, fresh vegetables, and mushrooms at home. The simplicity of the dish, paired with the light yet flavorful broth, made it a hearty and familiar choice. 

Dumplings with Organic Noodle Soup Set 有机水饺汤面 - $9.90

The Organic Vegetable Popiah Set stood out with its thick wrap and generously packed fillings. Unlike typical vegetarian popiah, this version featured tau gua cubes, vegetables, and more, giving it a unique texture. 

Organic Vegetable Popiah Set 有机时蔬薄饼套餐 - $9.90

While the taste leaned towards the bland side, dipping it in their chilli or white sauce instantly elevated the flavors, adding an extra kick to each bite.

Cross Section of Organic Vegetable Popiah

The soup intrigued me with its combination of beetroot, walnut, and cashew nut, a mix I don’t often come across. At first sip, it had a slightly raw taste, but after a few mouthfuls, I got used to it. The flavors gradually grew on me, leaving a light and clean aftertaste, making it quite a refreshing experience.

Soup 

Last but not least, we decided to end our meal with their healthy desserts. Made with all-natural ingredients and minimal sweetness, they stayed true to the cafe’s wholesome approach. As we finished our meal, we could feel the lightness and cleanliness in our bodies—no heaviness, just a refreshing sense of well-being. I was even told that having a full meal here wouldn’t leave you with a food coma!

Almond Paste 杏仁糊, Black Rice Porridge 黑米粥, Multigrain Paste 谷物糊 - $5 Each 

If you’re looking for a clean and nourishing meal, this place is definitely worth a try.

Eco-Harmony Cafe
Location: 106 Aljunied Cres, #01-205, Singapore 380106
Website