Launched in 2018, Hotel Jen’s “Get.Set.Eat” initiative strives to promote the unique flavors of local food vendors. To this end, Hotel Jen Penang has erected a pop-up stall at the Lobby Lounge. During this iteration, the hotel is collaborating with Ban Heang (万香), a renowned pastry brand with several retail outlets throughout Penang.

From 18 March 2019 to 29 March 2019, the pop-up stall offers Ban Heang’s signature Tambun biscuits (淡汶饼) for sale. There are 4 flavors to choose from: Original, Red Bean, Pandan and Durian. Each box is priced at RM10.00, with the exception of the Durian version which sells at RM15.00. The stall is formally open from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. In practice, customers can purchase the products at any time within these 12 days.

Tambun biscuits are similar to “tau sar piah” (豆沙饼) but are smaller in size. The round, flaky pastries are filled with a sweet center. Main ingredients are flour, sugar and mung bean paste. As the name implies, Tambun biscuits are believed to originate in Bukit Tambun. Ban Heang’s Tambun biscuits are vacuum packed and come in presentable packaging, making them ideal as gifts or souvenirs. By the way, Ban Heang’s products have obtained halal certification.

In parallel with the pop-up stall, Hotel Jen Penang takes this opportunity to promote signature dishes from its à la carte menu. For instance, NEXTGen Char Spaghetti (RM35.00) is inspired by Penang’s iconic char koay teow (炒粿条). But instead of flat rice noodles, spaghetti is used instead. The pasta is stir-fried with shrimps, bean sprouts, soy sauce, chili and bok choy (小白菜). I am certain that the spaghetti needs to be blanched before entering the wok.

As for signature beverages, one of the bestsellers is Beer Milkshake (RM31.00). To prepare this drink, chocolate ice cream is blended with fresh milk and porter beer. The emulsion is then garnished with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle and a chocolate cookie. Since early 2018, all Shangri-La properties have ceased using plastic straws in order to reduce plastic waste. Instead, paper straws are provided upon request.

As for dessert, Cheese & Berries (RM22.00) is presented in a dainty glass jar. The rich, creamy mousse is topped with cheesecake crumbs, fresh blueberries and blueberry sauce. This dessert is the perfect treat if you have an affinity for cheese. Of course, you may need to cleanse your palate afterwards with a cup of coffee.

Golden Circle members enjoy RM5.00 savings on the NEXTGen Char Spaghetti and Beer Milkshake. Non-members can also enjoy the special price by signing up on the spot. This promotion is offered until 29 March 2019 only. In lieu of cash, customers may also make payment using Golden Circle points.

Name: Lobby Lounge
Address: Hotel Jen, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-262-2622
Business hours: 10:00am-12:00am
Website: https://www.hoteljen.com/penang/georgetown/taste/bars/lobby-lounge
Coordinates: 5.41362 N, 100.33025 E
Directions: Hotel Jen is located at Magazine Road (Jalan Magazine), next to 1st Avenue Mall and just opposite of The Wembley. Lobby Lounge is located at the Ground Floor. The hotel provides parking in its basement levels.

Special offer: Mention “PenangFoodForThought25%” when ordering to get 25% discount off the regular price.

The Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节) is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month on the Chinese lunar calendar. This year, the festival falls on 24 September 2018. In conjunction with this auspicious occasion, Hotel Jen Penang is rolling out 8 types of mooncakes to delight its customers.

5 of these mooncakes adhere to classic recipes that most people know and love:
– Low Sugar White Lotus Single Yolk (低糖单黄白莲蓉)
– Pearl Of Harmony Single Yolk (黑芝麻豆馅单黄)
– Pandan Lotus Single Yolk (单黄香叶莲蓉)
– Pure Lotus Single Yolk (单黄纯莲蓉)
– Mixed Nuts (五仁)
They are accompanied by another 3 modern flavors of Hotel Jen’s creation:
– Cheesy Chocolate Oreo
– Green Tea Cranberry
– Tiramisu

Hotel Jen’s mooncakes are priced at RM38.00 each. However if you order 4 pieces of any flavor (RM145.00), the mooncakes are encased in a stylish Jen Mooncake Gift Box. The maroon box has floral designs on the front and traditional Nyonya motifs on the sides. A dainty Chinese tassel is fastened to its magnetic lid.

Inside the Jen Mooncake Gift Box is a vertical arrangement of 4 compartments that each contains a mooncake. The box’s elegant design makes it very attractive to ladies because it can serve as a fancy storage box for jewelry. If you are looking for an ideal gift for this Mid-Autumn Festival, I cannot think of a better suggestion.

The Jen Mooncake Gift Box also comes with Hotel Jen’s specially designed tote bag. This unique mooncake packaging is only available at Hotel Jen Penang; other Shangri-La properties use different designs in their mooncake offers.

To enjoy these delicacies, simply visit the mooncake counter at Hotel Jen’s Lobby Lounge between 10:00am and 7:00pm daily. The counter is usually well stocked with all mooncake flavors. But just to be safe, I recommend that you place an order by phone (04-262-2622) or email (fb.hjp@hoteljen.com) before dropping by. This mooncake promotion is available from now until 24 September 2018. Note that Hotel Jen’s mooncakes comply with halal requirements.

I am proud to announce that Hotel Jen is offering a whopping 25% discount to my readers (minimum purchase of 1 box). This means that the limited edition Jen Mooncake Gift Box is only RM108.75 after discount! To indicate that you are my reader, simply write “PenangFoodForThought25%” on the order form below or mention “PenangFoodForThought25%” to the staff member at the counter.

If this special deal is not good enough for you, Hotel Jen is having a mooncake contest too! Here are the steps to participate:
1. Like Hotel Jen’s Facebook page or Instagram account. Or both, why not?
2. Purchase the Jen Mooncake Gift Box (RM108.75 after discount).
3. Take a creative photo or video with the mooncakes. Share it on your Facebook or Instagram account. Or both, why not?
4. Tag 2 friends in the post.
5. Include the hashtags #HotelJenPenang and #HJPMooncake2018 to notify Hotel Jen.

The most creative entry wins a 2D1N room stay at Hotel Jen. There are also 2 consolation prizes; each prize is a buffet dinner voucher for 2 persons at Café Jen. Multiple entries are permitted, so let your creative juices flow! More information on the contest is available here.

Finally if you wish to know the latest happenings and promotions at Hotel Jen Penang, please check out its website at www.hoteljen.com/penang. In case you are not a member yet, be sure to join Shangri-La’s Golden Circle program for free!

Name: Lobby Lounge
Address: Hotel Jen, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-262-2622
Business hours: 10:00am-7:00pm
Website: https://www.hoteljen.com/penang
Coordinates: 5.41362 N, 100.33025 E
Directions: Hotel Jen is located at Magazine Road (Jalan Magazine), next to 1st Avenue Mall and just opposite of The Wembley. Lobby Lounge is located at the Ground Floor. The hotel provides parking in its basement levels.

Pacari is a premium brand of chocolates from Ecuador. Founded in 2002, this family business uses Arriba Nacional cocoa beans, which only grow in the Andes. To maintain its chocolates’ quality, Pacari oversees the entire production process from tree to bar. Cocoa beans are directly sourced from small scale farmers to prevent exploitation by middlemen.

The word “pacari” means “nature” in local Quechua language. True to its philosophy of naturalness, Pacari only uses natural ingredients and its chocolates do not contain any artificial additives. Cocoa trees are also grown through organic and sustainable farming practices.

Pacari’s flagship product is the Raw Organic Chocolate 70% Cacao (RM30.00). This single-origin dark chocolate is processed from beans grown in the Ecuadorian rainforest. Meanwhile, Esmeraldas Organic Chocolate 60% Cacao (RM27.00) hails from Esmeraldas, Ecuador’s cocoa heartland.

Andean Rose Organic Chocolate 60% Cacao (RM27.00) is infused with geranium roses to present fragrant aroma. Meanwhile, Cuzco Salt & Nibs Organic Chocolate 70% Cacao (RM30.00) is intermittently punctuated by pink salt and crushed cocoa beans. Passion Fruit Organic Chocolate 60% Cacao (RM25.00) takes advantage of tangy fruitiness of the passion fruit.

Pacari has been awarded the World Best Chocolate for every year since 2012. Its chocolates do not contain any milk, soy or gluten. In fact, Pacari’s products are 100% vegan. Most flavors are available as 50-gram bars.

Pacari Malaysia’s online shopping portal accepts payment by credit card or bank transfer. Delivery fee is waived for orders above RM100.00. Further enquiries can be directed to the Malaysian retailer at hello@pacarichocolate.com.my.

Name: Pacari
Address: 7-5, Jalan 8/146, Bandar Tasik Selatan, 57000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 03-6177-4465
Business hours: N/A
Website: https://www.pacarichocolate.com.my
Coordinates: N/A
Directions: N/A

Plus 2 Restaurant (加二餐厅) is located near the Sungai Dua entrance of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The restaurant serves Chinese stir-fried (煮炒) dishes including its signature Deep Fried Chicken In Marmite Sauce (玛蜜酥鸡). A start-up food business, Hui Shang Ying (卉尚颖), temporarily operates from here. The brand’s name is homophonic with “会上瘾”, which means “irresistible”.

Hui Shang Ying debuts with its sole product for now: Premium Rice Dumpling (高品质粽子). The rice dumpling is made from glutinous rice (糯米) with various fillings. As per tradition, the dumpling is wrapped in bamboo leaves (箬叶) in a tetrahedral shape. The wrapping process requires precise handwork – too loose and the dumpling breaks apart; too tight and it sticks to the leaves. After wrapping, the dumpling is further cooked in boiling water for several hours.

The Premium Rice Dumpling uses glutinous rice that has been pre-fried with ground pepper and peanut powder. Pork belly (五花肉) is marinated overnight, and then roasted before being added to the rice dumpling. Other ingredients are a salted duck egg (咸鸭蛋), chestnuts (栗子), black-eyed peas (眉豆), fried shrimps, fried garlic and fried onions. Overall, the taste of dumpling is delectable especially with the presence of soft pork belly.

Hui Shang Ying’s Premium Rice Dumpling is priced at RM7.80 each. Currently, customers can get hold of the dumpling from Plus 2 Restaurant. Alternatively, interested parties can also place orders by email or through Hui Shang Ying’s Facebook page. Hui Shang Ying currently delivers throughout the entire Penang Island.

If you visit Plus 2 Restaurant before 2:30pm, do check out its Wan Tan Mee (云吞面, RM4.20 for medium size). The egg noodle is blanched in hot water until it becomes cooked, and then tossed with sweet soy sauce for flavoring. The noodle’s springiness is the main appeal of this dish.

The plate of Wan Tan Mee is served with barbecued pork (叉烧) and bok choy (小白菜). Also included is a bowl of clear soup with Chinese dumplings (饺子) and wan tan (云吞).

Name: Hui Shang Ying (卉尚颖)
Address: 4K, Desa University, Jalan Sungai Dua, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 011-2808-9616
Business hours: 11:00am-2:30pm, 6:00pm-9:30pm, closed on Tuesdays
Website: https://www.facebook.com/huishangying
Coordinates: 5.35253 N, 100.29924 E
Directions: Plus 2 Restaurant (加二餐厅) is located near the Sungai Dua entrance of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), between McDonald’s and Pizza Hut. Hui Shang Ying’s Premium Rice Dumpling is available here for dine-in or take-out.

Update: This business has ceased its operations.

Blue Chimes (蓝风铃) is a home-based bakery with an interesting range of breads and pastries. While there are plans to set up a permanent store, Blue Chimes currently provides delivery throughout Penang Island.

Almond Chocolate Mochi (RM3.00) is one of my favorites from its range of wares. Shaped like a muffin, the pastry is made from almond flour.

What’s more interesting is that the muffin is filled with molten chocolate chips and mochi (餅). Mochi is a type of Japanese rice cake made from glutinous rice flour. The gluey mochi provides unique texture that I have not encountered before in other pastries.

Four Leaf Clover (RM4.00) is a doughnut with wavy custard pattern, making it resemble the good luck charm. The bread is made from green tea instead of matcha, so that its taste does not become too bitter. The Four Leaf Clover also contains red bean paste inside. Somehow green tea and red beans always work well in pairs.

Chocolate Cheese Loaf (RM12.00) has marble-like appearance because cocoa powder and cream cheese are added non-uniformly to the dough. Chocolate chips are embedded within the loaf too. The loaf is unsliced so that it remains fresh and moist.

What look like mini croissants are actually Butter Rolls With Chicken Floss (RM6.50). Each pack contains 6 pieces of these delectable rolls.

The butter rolls have flaky texture which is midway between that of croissants and cookies. At the center of each piece is mildly-sweet chicken floss.

Walnut Raisin Sourdough Bun (RM3.00) is naturally leavened using a special strain of Lactobacillus bacteria and yeast. The degree of sourness is somewhat lacking compared to Yin’s Sourdough, but I am glad that its doughy texture provides satisfying mouthfeel. This vegan bread is punctuated with occasional raisins and walnut chips.

Layer Cake (RM24.00) is made from flour, butter, eggs and condensed milk, and is flavored using vanilla extract. Each 400-gram block of Layer Cake contains over a dozen layers stacked on one another. The preparation process is cumbersome because the cake must be constructed one layer at a time.

Last but not least, I also enjoy the Parmesan Cheese Bun (RM3.00). The crusty surface is topped with parmesan cheese powder, making the bun very aromatic indeed.

Beneath the crust is soft bread and a cavity filled with Philadelphia cream cheese. The buttery nature of the bun strikes a chord with my palate.

At the moment, Blue Chimes relies on word of mouth to expand its customer base. Enquiries to Blue Chimes can be relayed by email or by phone (016-447-5285).

Name: Blue Chimes (蓝风铃)
Address: N/A
Contact: 016-447-5285
Business hours: N/A
Website: https://www.facebook.com/bluechimes.3
Coordinates: N/A
Directions: N/A

Homemade Delicacy (您美可思家味) is a home-based bakery in Penang. This family business used to operate Snow Hill Cake House in Jalan Gottlieb and Jalan Telaga Air, but since 2014 has switched to online presence. Homemade Delicacy is popular for its layer cakes, of which there are more than a dozen types. Other specialties include Carrot Walnut Raisin Cake, Orange Sugee Cake and Marble Butter Cake.

Plain Layer Cake (RM28.00 for 500 grams, RM55.00 for 1 kilogram) is the original version. Made from 15 buttery layers stacked on top one another, the cake pleases the mouth in a marvelous way.

Prune Layer Cake (RM33.00 for 500 grams, RM65.00 for 1 kilogram) is similar to the original one, but has pieces of prunes embedded within its layers. The occasional berry-sweetness in the mouth is truly a wonderful delight.

Mocha Layer Cake (RM33.00 for 500 grams, RM65.00 for 1 kilogram) is blessed with pleasant cocoa sweetness, making it ideal for chocolate lovers. But for the ultimate enjoyment, Triple Layer Cake (RM33.00 for 500 grams, RM65.00 for 1 kilogram) combines the original and chocolate layers with pieces of chocolate chips in between.

Homemade Delicacy’s wares can be ordered by phone (016-421-4855), WhatsApp (Pey Fern Lim), email or Facebook. To ensure freshness, Homemade Delicacy requires 5 to 7 days notice in advance. The cakes have limited shelf life because preservatives are not used.

Collection points within Penang are at e-Gate, Sungai Ara, Auto-City, Sunway Carnival Mall and Jalan Ong Yi How. Homemade Delicacy also offers nationwide delivery, but courier charges will be borne by the customer.

Name: Homemade Delicacy (您美可思家味)
Address: N/A
Contact: 016-421-4855
Business hours: N/A
Website: https://www.facebook.com/DelicacyHomemade
Coordinates: N/A
Directions: N/A

In conjunction with Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节) this year (15 September 2016), Ixora Hotel is rolling out a seasonal offer of Frosty Skin Mini Mooncakes (冰皮小月饼).

Each box of mooncakes contains 6 pieces. There are 3 types of flavors:
– Coffee With Chocolate Cookies
– Green Tea In Red Bean & Sunflower Seed
– Frosty Mango In Fresh Mango Cake
Customers may order a single flavor or any combination.

The mooncakes are made from natural ingredients. Despite their vibrant colors, no artificial coloring is used. As the mooncakes do not contain artificial preservatives also, they need to be kept chilled if not consumed immediately. The shelf life is 3 days – which is good news if you are concerned about artificial preservatives.

Presented in a nice box and matching paper bag, the mooncakes are presentable gifts during this auspicious festival. These mini mooncakes are available from 15 August 2016 to 15 September 20016, so do hurry if you do not wish to miss them! Each box is priced at RM48.00 net.

To maintain freshness, the mooncakes are made fresh every morning. Therefore, 1-day advance ordering is recommended. Customers may order by phone (04-382-8888), through email (info@ixorahotel.com) or by filling up the order form at The Straits Cafe & Lounge.

Name: The Straits Cafe & Lounge
Address: 3096, Jalan Baru, Bandar Perai Jaya, 13600 Perai, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-382-8888
Business hours: 6:00am-12:00am
Website: http://www.ixorahotel.com/dining
Coordinates: 5.37805 N, 100.39825 E
Directions: From Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan (North-South Expressway), take the Prai exit and head west. After Megamal Pinang on the left, turn left and follow the road to Ixora Hotel’s basement parking. The Straits Cafe & Lounge is located next to the lobby. Ixora Hotel provides free parking for guests who subscribe to the hotel’s Facebook page. Remember to bring along the parking ticket to get it validated at the front desk.

Subi is a new line of frozen products manufactured by Golden Fresh, a seafood processing specialist based in Butterworth. Subi’s products are distributed by Pacific West Foods, the same company which also carries premium seafood product such as Fish Fillets, Salmon Goujon and Salmon Burger.

Seafood used by Subi is sourced from the Atlantic Ocean and Australia. Fish and other catch are frozen immediately to retain their nutritional contents. In addition, Subi supports sustainable fishing practices to ensure seafood availability in generations to come.

At its processing plant in Butterworth, seafood is cut and battered, then vacuum-sealed in packs of 400 grams each. The recipes are tailored to suit the local palate. All Subi products are halal-certified and HACCP-compliant.

Today’s preview covers three squid-based products: Squid Chips (RM13.79), Spicy Squid Bites (RM12.59) and Crunchy Spiced Squid (RM14.85). In most cases, food can be prepared by deep-frying, air-frying or by toasting in a convection oven. Ready to eat within 10 minutes after coming out of the freezer, these products are very convenient for people with limited time or kitchen utensils to prepare food.

Subi’s products are available at major supermarkets such as Giant, Sunshine, Aeon Big and The Store Pacific. Other similar products are Tempura Fish Bites, Tempura White Fillet and Crunchy Spiced Prawn.

Name: Subi
Address: N/A
Contact: 1-800-888-389
Business hours: N/A
Website: http://www.subi.com.my
Coordinates: N/A
Directions: N/A

Bika is a local manufacturer of food products ranging from prawn crackers to cream wafers. The company started as a modest producer of tapioca chips over 3 decades ago, but has been expanding in leaps and bounds ever since.

One of Bika’s latest products is the Milk Biscuit. Within each sealed pack are 60 grams of wholesome cookies. Each cookie is fortified with vitamins and minerals such as calcium and iron. This product is halal-certified and is suitable for lacto-vegetarians. Sold in boxes of 12 packs, Bika’s Milk Biscuit is available at the confectionery aisle of most supermarkets.

Unboxing the pack, these crispy cookies carry mild honey-like sweetness within each bite. The cookies are not too dense either, making them ideal as light snacks. Their agreeable taste easily strike a chord with children. It is tempting to finish the entire pack in one go!

Name: Bika
Address: N/A
Contact: N/A
Business hours: N/A
Website: http://www.bika.com.my
Coordinates: N/A
Directions: N/A

Update: This business has ceased its operations.

Despite being located at the bustling Penang Road (Jalan Penang), Gartien (小田佳园) is often overlooked by many passers-by due to its modest facade.

This location is Gartien’s only retail outlet in Penang. The kitchen is located at the back of the store, but I have yet to see it in operation as my visits thus far unfortunately fall on weekends.

During this year’s Chinese New Year, the Classic Pineapple Cake (经典黄梨酥, RM45.00) comes in a special box, making it highly presentable as gifts. Purchase of each box also includes a tote bag with a similar festive theme.

The box contains 8 pieces of pineapple cakes, each piece is individually sealed to maintain freshness. However, no artificial preservatives are used. Refrigeration is advised, but the cakes are best consumed at room temperature.

Gartien sources pineapples from a local farm in Juru. The pastry for pineapple cakes is made from halal-certified butter from New Zealand. Eggs and milk powder are used, but no meat is involved. This makes the pineapple cakes ideal for ovo-lacto vegetarians.

For customers’ convenience, Gartien sponsors 30 minutes of parking expense at Hotel Central (中央大酒店). This outdoor parking lot is located at Lorong Bertam, which is just a short walking distance away.

Alternatively, customers can also place orders for nationwide delivery.

Name: Gartien (小田佳园)
Address: 380, Jalan Penang, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-229-0068
Business hours: 9:00am-6:00pm, closed on Mondays
Website: http://gartien.com
Coordinates: 5.41645 N, 100.32936 E
Directions: From Jalan Dato Keramat, Macalister Road (Jalan Macalister) or Magazine Road (Jalan Magazine), turn to this one-way section of Penang Road. Gartien is located approximately 200 meters ahead on the left. As for parking, turn left into Lorong Bertam just before the traffic lights. There is an open-air parking compound on the right. Remember to bring your parking ticket to Gartien for validation.