Tom Day 4 of our travels in Penang began with yet another sumptuous breakfast at DoubleTree Resort Hilton Penang…
We found that the breakfast selection was slightly different this morning. There was char kway teow, blue pea rice that went with the nasi lemak, murtabak and sambal udang (prawn). Overall, breakfast was better today and as it was a Tuesday, there were alot less people. Enjoyed the coffee and service at Makan Kitchen this morning. After breakfast, we headed to re-validate our room key cards as we were given a slightly later check-out time at 2pm.
Book with Agoda Here: Popular Hotels in Penang
Lunch at New World Park Food Court Penang
After we checked out from DoubleTree Resort Hilton Penang, we headed to our next destination at New World Park Food City…
In 2013, we had actually visited New World Park Food Court. However, during that visit, the entire place was deserted. It could probably be due to the time of visit because this time we headed over during the lunch time crowd and we could see many office workers tucking into their favourite local Penang hawker food. This time, one of our targeted stall was the Bangkok Lane Mee Goreng…
There was a short queue when we arrived at the stall but our orders were quickly taken. There were options of having the chicken or the sotong version. Each plate was 10RM – not too expensive for Singaporeans but could be a tad on the high side for the locals we presume.
From the photo above, it seems that there isn’t any chicken at all. We would have thought that the chicken would be fried together with the mee goreng. Hence, it would be visible. However, at Bangkok Lane Mee Goreng, the chicken had been deep fried separately and placed beneath the mee goreng. So when you tuck into it, you’ll find the generous portion of chicken hidden beneath. The mee goreng itself was shiok. It was moist, tangy and sweet. Really appetising. Almost enticing you to reach back for the next mouthful as soon as you’re done with one. In this way, the plate of mee goreng was quickly “decimated” and we were left with the bones of the chicken. Speaking of the fried chicken, the taste was sedap. Appetising with the dash of lime provided. Fresh oil was probably used so you don’t taste any stale or residual oil from the previous batches. However, the chicken was a tad too boney for us. As it was in the style of “crushed chicken”, you’d have to contend with broken chicken bones while eating the mee goreng. If picking out the chicken bone is not your thing, the sotong version may be a better option.
After wiping the plate of Bangkok Lane Mee Goreng clean, as diligent food and travel enthusiasts, we checked out the rest of New World Park Food Court to see what else we could order. We saw that curry mee and wanton noodles that we had during our visit in 2013 were also available. The chee cheong fun also looked enticing. However, we decided to go with the Penang Hokkien Mee because of an old black-and-white photo hanging on its wall. To survive for the past decades, the food should be not too bad…
For those who are unawares, “Hokkien Mee” takes on a different meaning depending on where you are. In Kuala Lumpur, “KL Hokkien Mee” is a dark soy sauce based noodles fried with ingredients such as pork belly, prawns and cabbage. In Singapore, however, “Fried Hokkien Mee” is usually fried with a combination of yellow noodles and thick bee hoon using a rich prawn and pork stock. Prawn, sotong and pork belly are fried together with the noodles towards the end. Chili and lime are served on the side, sometimes topped with deep fried pork lard.
However, in Penang, “Penang Hokkien Mee” refers to the soup version where yellow noodles are served in a broth simmered with prawns and pork. It could be served with pork slices, fish cake along with a dash of chili for an extra kick. The version that we had here had a rich umami taste from the prawn broth. Chili came in a paste that packed a light punch. This is in contrast to red chili powder that is usually served in Singapore. This time, we also ordered the pork ribs version (10RM) which gave us a little more meat. The pork ribs were tender but the prawns were a little small. Kate said that there was the “original taste of the pork” （猪肉原有的味道）which meant that it was probably not too much seasoning and preparation done before hand. To me, it was authentic 😋
Compared to the 2013 prices of 4RM then. The common prices during this trip was 6RM. Inflation has definitely set in.
Check out the full review of New World Park Food City here.
After lunch, we headed to Penang Plaza, a 3 minutes walk away from New World Park Food City. There, we did some shopping at Giant to get some soju and snacks (44RM). We also realised that we forgot to bring along gel. So we topped up some gel along with some conditioner (13RM). Great to have a supermarket nearby to stock up our snacks for the trip.
Book with Agoda Here: Popular Hotels in Penang
Checking-In at the Prestige Hotel Penang
From Penang Plaza, we took a grab ride over to the Prestige Hotel Penang and were pleasantly surprised by the doorman who approached the car and opened the door for us. This is despite the fact that we arrived in a really compact car. Talk about good first impressions.
Our check-in experience was a breeze. We confirmed that we were staying for 4 nights. With the Citi Prestige Card, we were able to snag the 4th night free. We were paying 400++RM per night which worked out to be $135SGD per night. Since we were only paying for three nights, it meant that we were paying about $105SGD per night for the 4 nights at Prestige Hotel Penang – a 5 stars hotel. It was definitely a steal and here’s why…
Once we entered our Deluxe Room at Prestige Hotel Penang, it felt as though we had been transported into a different era. The room and the entire hotel had a posh feel to it. With the rose gold and pastel green theme that decorated our room, it really felt like the upscale lifestyle of the 1920s. The room was clean and the toilet, surprise surprise, was concealed among the wall paper of luscious greenery on the side of the walls. With the open-concept design for the wardrobe, the entire room felt surprisingly spacious.
The other thing we enjoyed about the room was the amenities. Starting with the drinks from the fridge, they were not only complimentary but also refillable each day. There are 5 beverages including:
– The Tapping Tapir: Grapefruit and Chamomile
– Farm Fresh Milk
– Lemon Tea
– Grass Jelly
– Coca Cola
Also, you’ll see a glass jar of sweets on the table next to the window. Inside, you’ll be able to find sweets from yester years such as the plum sweets wrapped in its iconic gold wrapper, haw flakes and the original orange hacks.
In the bathroom you’ll find the luxurious botanical bathroom amenities. They smell so good. Room service was prompt as well. We asked for the ice bucket and it arrived in less than 10 minutes. Lastly, there was on-demand movies that were complimentary. This allowed us to have a “movie night” each evening with shows such as:
– Frozen 2
– Lightyear
– Everything, Everywhere
– Murder Party
– King Richard
– Soul
– King Richard and more!
As for the facilities, you’ll be able to find the in-house restaurant – The Glasshouse, at the first level next to the lobby. That’s where we would be having our breakfast for the next 4 days. A really well-appointed venue. Each visit there was an experience in and of itself…
There’s also a gym at the top floor, the same level as the rooftop swimming pool.
We found the gym to be a tad bit small though towels and water are provided within. Next, it was time to chill at the roof-top swimming pool of Prestige Hotel Penang…
The roof-top swimming pool was as good as advertised. It offered a view of the waters around Penang island as well as Butterworth on the Malaysia Peninsula side as well. There are several deck chairs that you can lounge in with ample pool towels provided. Recently, they’ve also started a bar service though the drinks were a tad bit expensive at $8 SGD per glass of wine or beer. Nonetheless, the swimming pool at Prestige Hotel Penang was probably our favourite hang out place just to do some aqua exercise, laze by the pool (beach whale style) or just have a game of scrabble by the pool.
Click here for the full review of Prestige Hotel Penang.
Soon, it was time for dinner and this time, we checked out Jason’s Nonya Restaurant…
Book with Agoda Here: Popular Hotels in Penang
Dinner at Jason’s Nonya Restaurant Penang
Jason’s Nonya House was introduced by some of our friends who had just returned from a trip to Penang. Based on the menu, we were able to find many authentic Nonya dishes such as Ayam Buah Keluak, Kapitan Chicken, Nonya Ayam and Loh Bak. This time, we tried out
– Ayam Buah Keluak (45RM)
– Pork Stomach Soup (35RM)
– Sambal Hebi Eggplant (20.9)
– Homemade Barley Cold (3RM)
No regrets on the choice of our dinner this event at Jason’s Nonya House. The Ayam Buah Keluak was spicy but rich with fragrance from the sambal. Chicken was ultra tender as well. As for the buak keluak, it was well cooked and there was a smaller spoon provided to pick out the nutty fruit that went well with the rice. Mixed in with the sambal? Yum! The brinjal had some burnt fragrance (wok hei) to it and you could smell the hebi (dried shrimps) as you bring a spoonful close to you. The eggplant was very tender but had a fragrance to it. Seems as though it had been steamed first then deep fried before being put together. A must-order at Jason’s Nonya House. Lastly, the pig stomach soup was just what we had expected. Peppery, flavourful and rich. Plus, the stomach was so tender as well. Perfect meal for a rainy day out. The total bill came up to 111RM which was quite decent for the standard of Nonya food that we had.
Check out the complete review of Jason’s Nonya House here.
If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!
Movie night ensued after dinner. Stay tuned as we check out more of what Penang has to offer on day 5 of our travels in Penang!
Book with Agoda Here: Popular Hotels in Penang
Related Posts
Penang Travel Itinerary
Penang Travels Day 2: Penang Christian Centre, DoubleTree Hilton Resort Penang, Miami Cafe
Penang Travels Day 5: Enjoying Penang Local Delights and Views Afternoon Tea at Penang Hill
Penang Travels Day 6: Chow Rasta Market, The Top Penang and Tem Xim Charcoal Mookata
Things to Do, Restaurants and Attractions in Penang
Afternoon High Teas in Penang: Which one is worth a visit?
2 Acres Cafe Penang Review: Where Gourmet Coffee meets Premium Durian
Tem Xim Charcoal Mookata Review: Probably the best soup base in Penang!
The Top Penang Review: The Most Affordable Entry via Dining at Top View Restaurant
Penang Hill Review: Views over Penang from David Brown’s Hilltop Garden Restaurant and Sky Terrace
What to eat around Chow Rasta Market in Penang?
Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay Review: Old School “Kueh Kueh” Charms
Wai Kei Cafe Penang Review: Overhyped Roasted Meat and Char Siew
Jason’s Nonya House Review: A Homely Peranakan Meal in Penang
Prestige Hotel Penang Review: 5 Stars Service, Amenities and Roof Top Infinity Pool Awaits!
New World Park Food Court Review: Where locals head to for Penang Hawker Food
TeddyVille Museum @ Batu Ferringhi Review: Realistic Recreations in the Teddy Bear World!
DoubleTree Resort Hilton Penang Review: Who can resist cookies and teddies?
Holy Guacamole Penang Review: Excellent Mexican Restaurant with Live Music at Love Lane
Armenian Street Heritage Hotel Review: Centrally Located with a Roof Top View in Penang
