Khun Thai, Authentic Thai Restaurant @Permatang Tengah

At first glance, the facade might look very ordinary but once you step inside you couldn't stop to imagine that you are somewhere in Bangkok or Chiangmai having your dinner. Of course it is a bit exaggerated but this is the kind of feeling I had every time I visit Khun Thai restaurant at Permatang Tengah.

To me the food and variety is only average but the reason I keep coming back is because of the price and the atmosphere. On average, the prices are 20-30% lower compared to Thai restaurants on the island. Of course, the petrol and toll for the trip may set you back a bit but imagine if you could enjoy dining in Thailand without making the trip there. Only thing is they don't accept Thai Baht.

My favourite dishes are the tanghoon prawn, thai-style fish and prawn fritters. I've seen people ordering the seafood platter which is even more economical but I have to give that a skip. Too bad many of the famous thai dishes has been pulled out of the menu especially the famous dessert Tub Tim Grob. Maybe this is part of its efforts to maintain its excellent TAT.

Give it a try, you won't regret it.

The facade looks ordinary like some swift let farm with the two open windows?

Main dining hall close to the entrance

Another dining hall close to the kitchen and reception area

Source of light for the bamboo hut dining area

Bamboo huts powered by powerful fans to reduce the heat

Miaeng Kum, taste-bud tantalizing Thai appetizer

Miaeng kum wrapped and ready to go

Thai-style fish

Frog or chooi kay, fried in Kung Po and Thai-style

The tanghoon prawn being prepared by the waiter

Tanghoon prawn ready for consumption

Seafood otak-otak stuffed in empty coconut shell

Prawn fritters with lemon sauce, just discovered this and my favourite

1. Miaeng Kum - rm10
2. Thai style steam fish (Siakap) - rm43
3. Deep-fried Prawn fritters - rm16
4. Tanghoon shrimp - rm18
5. Seafood Otak-Otak - rm20
6. Chooi Kay (300gm) - Thai style - rm18
7. Chooi Kay (300gm) - Kung Po style - rm18

7 dishes for 3 hungry person @rm50/pax. You be the judge...

Website: http://khunthai.com
Photos courtesy of Boon's Gallery

UEFA Champions League Trophy is Coming to Town

This 5 & 6 Mar, the most coveted trophy in European football will set foot in Gurney Plaza Penang. Set among the lush landscape of Gurney Park, it is the perfect spot for a picture perfect moment with the trophy for footy fans.

A UCL football legend was also said to be making his appearance at the site to greet fans. If not mistaken, it is the legendary Chelsea striker Gianfranco Zola. Besides the trophy itself, a series of activities had been lined up for fans, including a chance to win tickets to watch the UCL finals 2011 in Wembley.

So grab your jerseys and head to Gurney Plaza next weekend.

Gurney Plaza
New Wing Atrium, Ground Floor
5 - 6 March 2011
11.30am - 8.30pm

Yahoo! Selects Penang Amongst the 10 Top Islands to Explore Before You Die

View Yahoo! Top 10 Islands to Explore Before You Die in a larger map

Another proud moment for Penang as we are ranked at #8 amongst the Top 10 Islands to Explore Before You Die published by Yahoo!

Yahoo! travel writer Gary McKechnie is particularly impressed by the fusion of food, local architecture, beach resorts, preserved mangroves, fishing villages, mosque, church and temple especially Kek Lok Si.

Below are the top 10 list of islands.

1. Bali, Indonesia
2. Vieques, Puerto Rico
3. Easter Island, Chile
4. Ischia in the bay of Naples, Italy
5. Chiloe, Chile
6. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
7. Key West, Conch Republic
8. Penang, Malaysia
9. Galapagos, Ecuador
10. Palm Islands, Dubai

Source: http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-37926474

Gong Xi Fa Cai & Happy Chinese New Year but where to dine???

Start the Year of the Rabbit with a BANG! Good food will translate to good fortune and prosperity. Why not Lo Hei and start your new year at these venues. Here's a compilation of sumptuous Chinese New Year buffet offered by selected hotels in Penang. Enjoy & Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Spice Market Cafe
Reunion Dinner Buffet
2 February 2011 | 6:30pm to 10:30pm
RM178++ (adult) | RM89++ (child)

Joyluck Brunch Buffet
3 to 6 February 2011
12:00 noon to 3:00pm
RM120++ (adult) | RM60++ (child)

'Fatt Choy' Dinner Buffet
3 to 6 February 2011 | 6:30pm to 10:30pm
RM178++ (adult) | RM89++ (child)

Pinang Restaurant & Bar
Prosperity Sunset BBQ
Dinner Buffet
2 to 6 February 2011 | 6:30pm to 10:30pm
RM138++ (adult) | RM69++ (child)

Chinese New Year Western Reunion Set Dinner
Tuesday to Thursday, 1 to 3 February 2011
7:00pm to 10:00pm
RM138++ per person
Price includes a glass of red or white wine per person

Chinese Reunion Buffet Dinner
Get together with family and friends on the eve of the lunar new year over a delectable spread replete with the season’s delicacies.
Wednesday, 2 February 2011
7:00pm to 10:00pm
RM108++ adult, RM68++ teenager, RM42++ child
Free flow of wine, beer, fruit punch and soft drinks

Chinese ‘Lo Hei’ Buffet Dinner
Celebrate over a sumptuous fare that includes Braised fish maw soup, Prosperity herbal duck, Almond flake chicken, Stir-fried prawn “Bi Fang Tong” style, Braised sea treasures with broccoli, Stir-fried fragrant yam rice and Yee Sang salad.
Thursday to Saturday, 3 to 5 February 2011
7:00pm to 10:00pm
RM108++ adult, RM68++ teenager, RM42++ child
Free flow of wine, beer, fruit punch and soft drinks

Chinese Prosperity Buffet Lunch
We are serving a lavish spread of Chinese fare that signifies prosperity and good fortune. Come feast in abundance and start the new lunar year on the right note.
Sunday, 6 February, 2011
12:00noon to 2:30pm
RM68++ adult, RM48++ teenager, RM28++ child

Deliciosa! Spanish Themed Buffet @Hard Rock Hotel

Hola Amigos, this January is the month of español. Not only is winning the world cup boosting their popularity but Spanish food seems to be so ubiquitous nowadays. 

So it is not a surprise when Hard Rock Penang throws a Spanish themed buffet at their famous Starz Diner restaurant. Additional perks on Saturdays with fresh succulent seafood swimming on the menu. 

Hmm, I still can't decide. Spanish or Japanese? Yea, Lionel Messi might have just walked away with FIFA's Ballon d'or and yes he plays for the Barcelona. And yes my fav player is Fernando Torres. So the choice is easy.

Green Curry Thai Laksa

There are two basic types of laksa, curry laksa and asam laksa. Curry laksa is a coconut-based curry soup while Asam laksa is sour fish based soup. 

This is a version Thai version of curry laksa based on green curry. It is quite popular now in Penang and can be quite widely found. I've tasted the Thai laksa located at Swee Hong kopitiam at Pulau Tikus and also Tesco Glugor foodcourt. 

Spicy, Hot, Sweet is what I used to describe this laksa dish. If you're not used to the authentic Thai cuisine, then get prepared as you will most likely end up with Rihanna's lips. Recommended to have 3 cups of ice water ready as back-up. Seriously it is damn hot.

2011 New Year Countdown Party

Wishing you a Happy 2011...

Select your countdown party place of choice from Esplanade, Queensbay Mall, Gurney Plaza, Straits Quay, Autocity-Juru, Pesta Pulau Pinang and many more!