Penang

“The food is generally thought of (even by many proud food nerds in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur) to be among the very best in the Straits — and I think you’ll see why. Penang is the kind of place that ruined me for an ordinary life.” — Anthony Bourdain

June Check Ins: 4 Hotels Worth Escpating To This Monsoon

Nicholas Ng

June settles over the Strait of Malacca as the southwest monsoon takes hold, a season defined less by rain than by heat, with squalls that blow through before dawn and clear skies that turn the afternoons fierce. Travel adjusts accordingly, with mornings spent out early, long midday hours passed indoors and dinner restored as the main event of the day. The four hotels this month, three in Singapore and one in Penang, are chosen for sheltered arrivals, shaded grounds and dining rooms strong enough to make staying in a decision rather than a compromise. Continue reading →

April Check Ins: From Penang’s Coastal Humidity to the Serene Hills of Ipoh

Nicholas Ng

April in Peninsular Malaysia rewards travellers who plan around the heat rather than against it. George Town walks well before 10am and after dusk, Ipoh asks for water and shade through the afternoon, and Kuala Lumpur’s 2pm to 4pm rain window structures dinner reservations and evening movement. The five hotels below address April’s climate not by insulating guests from it but by giving them a workable base within it, with positioning and programming that turn the middle of the day into the most interesting part of the stay.
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Relishing Every Bite: Penang At A Leisurely Pace

Esther Chai
Gen | Penang At A Leisurely Pace | Food For Thought

Penang, the pearl of the Orient, is a vibrant tapestry of culinary delights, and after six long years, I returned with a desire to savour its offerings at a leisurely pace. My focus was not on cramming every meal into a short visit, but rather, on appreciating the essence of Penang’s food culture. With stays at the Marriott Hotel Penang and The Prestige Hotel, I was perfectly situated to explore the best food the island has to offer. Continue reading →

Nick Picks: A Gastronomic Journey to Penang

Nicholas Ng
Nick Picks A Gastronomic Journey to Penang | Food For Thought

Penang has always been a favourite dining destination of mine, with its colourful cuisine, from street food to fine dining, the city has really elevated itself over the past few years. While many know Penang as a destination for cheap eats, there’s really so much more with its maturing dining scene. This is a selection of places I personally enjoyed, with spots to eat, drink and stay. Here are my picks. Continue reading →

Going Local: A Luxury Guide To Penang

Nicholas Ng
A Luxury Guide To Penang | Food For Thought

Penang is world renown to be a food haven, where you come to stay, and flavours come to play. With an amalgamation of cultures from Chinese and Indian to Malay and Peranakan, the flavours of Penang is one that is something you have to taste to understand what the fuss is about. But Penang has so much more to offer with is burgeoning fine dining scene and bar culture. We take a look at how the city has grown in recent years, and new haunts that the local frequent. Continue reading →

Restaurant Blanc at Macalister Mansion

Nicholas Ng
Onion Mille Feuille | Restaurant Blanc | Macalister Mansion | Food For Thought

Located within Macalister Mansion sits Restaurant Blanc, contemporary European with an Asian twist. Headed by Executive Chef Benny Yeoh, Blanc is one of the most beautiful you will come across in Penang. The contemporary European fine dining serves an eclectic cuisine with certain dishes that showcase what you can do with simple ingredients, for example, the onion. Continue reading →

Macalister Mansion: A Home Away From Home

Nicholas Ng
Facade Evening | Macalister Mansion 2020 | Food For Thought

Macalister Mansion in Penang is arguably the most beautiful colonial boutique hotel on the island of Penang, not only because of its pristine iconic white colonial façade, but its artistically tasteful modern and poetic interior, all beautifully matched to give you the best of both worlds old and new. Although a beautiful colonial hotel, it really feels like you’re a guest at someone’s home. Continue reading →

Muntri Grove Hotel 滿德禮園

Nicholas Ng
Entrance | Muntri Grove | Food For Thought

Nestled on the corner of Muntri Street sits the perfect respite for a romantic getaway, the lush and gorgeous Muntri Grove Hotel. This boutique hotel is located near to the UNESCO World Heritage site of George Town Penang, and offers a peaceful, pristine and away from the bustle, yet, everything interesting is within walking distance. The building is constructed with 10 refurbished living quarters into beautiful rooms perfect for that little dreamy time to pamper yourself. Continue reading →

Muntri Mews And Residences 嗎車房

Nicholas Ng
Exterior | Muntri Mews | Muntri Residence | Food For Thought

Muntri Street is a historical street that falls under the UNESCO World Heritage buffer zone on the island of Penang, and is home to a unique boutique hotel experience, the unassuming Muntri Mews Hotel and Residence. These old carriage sheds which are converted into hotel rooms offers quite a unique experience, where the old world meets the new. Muntri is the old Malay spelling for menteri, which was named after the Menteri of Larut, Ngah Ibrahim in the late 19th century. Continue reading →

Jawi Peranakan Mansion جاوي منسيون

Nicholas Ng
Facade | Jawi Peranakan Mansion | Food For Thought

Along Hutton Lane, just along the outskirt of the UNESCO heritage zone of George Town, Penang in the historical Malay Millionaire’s row sits the refurbished Mughal inspired Jawi Peranakan Mansion جاوي منسيون. The boutique hotel is decorated with motifs of Anglo-Indian grandeur laced with intricate Mughal geometry. This restored building now houses one of the Penang’s latest offerings for that exquisite heritage hotel experience. Continue reading →