Penang Buddhist Association – a heart of devotion

It was a bright, sun-dappled morning when I stepped into the grounds of Penang Buddhist Association (PBA) and there it stood – the magnificent Bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa). I marvelled at its presence, imagining the journey of the sapling that once was – now grown into a towering testament of faith and endurance. This is no ordinary tree. A sacred gift from Sri Lanka, it is believed to be a direct descendant of the very fig tree under which Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. Its lineage, through the revered Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura – planted in 288 BCE – connects Penang to a living legacy of over two millennia.

Discovering the versatility of the mangosteen, the "queen of fruits"

Penang is widely acclaimed as a food paradise, renowned not only for its delectable street food and authentic Nyonya cuisine but also for its eclectic mix of foreign flavours. During fruit seasons, Penang is celebrated for its famous Balik Pulau durians as well as a variety of exotic tropical fruits including rambutans, mangosteens, cempedak (jackfruit) and langsat.

The Risen Christ Catholic Church – a reminder of the Easter promise of hope and life anew

In the quiet hours of reflection, I sometimes find myself scrolling through old photos – their edges faded, smiles softened by time and among them, snapshots of life at the Risen Christ Catholic Church. If there is a Roman Catholic church in Penang that embodies the triumph of faith and the promise of new life, it is the Risen Christ Catholic Church (RCCC) in Ayer Itam. Founded in 1968, the very year I was born, this church was a steadfast presence in my life until my teenage years. Back then, my home was just a stone’s throw away, a mere 500 metres from its doors.

Wanori – Penang’s first handroll bar offers a fresh take on Temaki

From the moment we stepped into Wanori – the Handroll Bar, my daughter Jean and I were drawn in by the open-theatre kitchen concept – a front-row invitation to witness culinary artistry in motion. Seated at the bar, we watched as Chef Sitthiporn Kesngern (Chef Mo) and his team prepared our orders, transforming simple ingredients into exquisite bites. Wanori specialised in handrolls but sashimi and signature donburi were also on the menu among others. With its vibrant energy and focus on premium ingredients, it offered a fresh take on casual bar dining and we were simply excited.

Church of the Holy Name of Jesus – a historical church in a sleepy hollow

Introduction

Old churches are fascinating buildings. Aside from their obvious roles as houses for worship and community gathering, old churches are also well known for their sublime architecture and illustrious histories. The Western continent has some of the finest and world-renowned churches, the mind immediately recalling structures like the early Gothic-styled Notre Dame in Paris (1163), St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican (349AD) and St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City (19th century). Equally fascinating ones also include the Santa Maria Maggiore (430AD) and Santa Prassede (780AD) in Rome and the Saxon Brixworth and Escombe churches in England (around 670AD).

The Baking Garage offers a great loaf for the table

It is such a joy listening to the sound of a butter knife spreading butter onto a warm crispy toast. Tasting the salted butter melting on the bread is something so basic yet remarkably rewarding. Its crispy, comforting bite is heavenly. But hold on – not just any toast: it has to be a thick artisan sourdough slice from The Baking Garage (TBG).

Northern Thai offerings and more at Siam Social in Noordin Street

Thanks to Nazlina Hussin, I had the opportunity to attend an intimate food tasting session at Siam Social, a stylish new restaurant and bar on Noordin Street. We were welcomed by Calvin Lim, a former banker who has transitioned into the restaurant scene with a creative flair for interior design and a thoughtful appreciation for good food. The menu offers an interesting mix of Western fare infused with Northern Thai influences, including items ranging from pastas and pizzas to more regionally inspired dishes. To make selection easier, the menu also includes set items for both individuals and groups.

Sanctum sanctorums of the Thai and Burmese communities

In 1845, a large endowment of land in the Pulau Tikus area was made to the Theravada Buddhists, principally Thai and Burmese, whose importance is recorded in local street names to this day. Today, the extensive lands surrounding the Thai Wat Chaiyamangalaram are home to a small and thriving kampong of about thirty families (approximately 120 persons) of Thai Chinese and Hindu Indians. (The Changing Perceptions of Waqf, as Social, Cultural and Symbolic Capital in Penang, Judith Nagata)

A beautifully sublime birthday celebration at Au Jardin

If love could be gift-wrapped, I would have done so in a heartbeat – for no one deserves it more than Mum, who turned 91 this year. As a close second, I picked up my brush and painted a portrait of her – my lifelong muse, the woman whose gentle faith in me never wavered. She saw the spark of creativity in my childhood sketches, in the dresses I once designed just for her to tailor and in the kitchen, where she taught me to cook from a young age, nurturing my early interest with patience and pride.

Kek Lok Si Temple, the monastery on Crane Hill

In Chinese iconography, the Crane holds special significance. It is an auspicious symbol denoting longevity, and wisdom that comes with age. The Crane is said to manifest a peculiar interest in human affairs and is also often associated with good luck, high-mindedness, purity and freedom.

Church of the Assumption, among Penang's historical landmarks

George Town, the vibrant heart of Penang, has perhaps one of the most diverse religious communities in Malaysia. Here, almost every religion has its own distinct religious architectural abode to serve believers.

Viet Garden offers an extensive Vietnamese menu

Penang is lucky to have a string of good Vietnamese restaurants offering scrumptious signature dishes. Vietnamese cooking draws on the influences of Chinese, Thai, Indian and French cuisines to create irresistible combinations of delicate flavours, fresh ingredients and fabulous textures. Viet Garden, located at Kimberley Street, is one such destination in Penang to enjoy authentic Vietnamese delights.