Tsukiji Sushi Bar: A Front-Row Seat to the Art of Sushi Making

My daughter Jean and I had a good luncheon at Tsukiji Sushi Bar, located at City Junction, Penang. The open-kitchen concept allowed us to watch the chefs at work, showcasing their precision and artistry. This reflects the "shokunin" spirit – a Japanese philosophy of lifelong dedication to mastering one’s craft, where even the simplest dishes are continuously refined. As a creative soul, I have always been drawn to Japanese restaurants, where each dish is presented on exquisite utsuwa (ceramic ware), enhancing its colours and textures. At Tsukiji Sushi Bar, freshness and flavour are celebrated alongside beauty and tradition.

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.

Lifting hope in Penang at Wat Buppharam Buddhist Temple

Wat Buppharam may not appear on every traveller’s must-see list in Penang, but those who step into its tranquil embrace are often rewarded with sacred and unexpected discoveries. Can a silent statue whisper the truth of your wishes? Within its shrine hall rests a humble, one-foot-tall figure known as the “Lifting Buddha”, a sacred icon believed to be able to reveal just that!

Lunch at Sago, Penang Marriott Hotel

I have always believed that a restaurant should be judged not by its chandeliers, linen or logo, but by the soul of its food and the heart of its people. Penang is a place where great food is found at street corners, not necessarily behind glass doors and marble floors.

A pre-birthday luncheon at Auntie Gaik Lean Old School Eatery

“The only reward of virtue is virtue; the only way to have a friend is to be one.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson, Friendship, Essays: First Series (1841)

So often, people say they want good friends, yet forget the underlying truth that friendship begins inwardly. It requires generosity of spirit, self-awareness, and the ability to show up without expectation. When insecurity, entitlement, or self-interest takes centre stage, genuine friendships struggle to take root. Emerson’s words remind us that friendship is not something to be acquired, but something to be practised.

New tempting offerings at Siam Social

Since its launch in January 2025, Siam Social has achieved a 4.9-star rating from 349 Google reviews (as of 13 January 2026), an impressive showing for a restaurant still young, yet already familiar in the way old favourites are.

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.

Chef Petr’s new chapter at Alfresco Dining by Sky 7 Hutong

I have always been captivated by Chef Petr Fehér’s culinary artistry – his creations are delicate yet brimming with flavour, and each dish is plated with a refined elegance that reflects his passion and skill. His masterful touch transforms quality ingredients into sumptuous delights that enchant the senses and linger in memory.

RM68+ never tasted so good: set lunch at Third Culture Dining

There is a spellbinding magic when tradition meets innovation, when culinary techniques rooted in European precision are combined with passion and local ingredients to create something truly sedap-licious. At Third Culture Dining, the three-course Lite Set Lunch, priced at RM68+ per person, is a standout offering, especially considering the cost of such thoughtfully selected produce. As a Penangite, we are always on the lookout for great value, and I was simply charmed by this unbelievable offer.

Taipei 10: Reinterpreting the Flavours of Taiwan

Taiwanese street food has become a magnet for travellers everywhere, a delicious crossroad of comfort, colours and controlled chaos. Born in the glow of night markets and shaped by generations of hawkers, it now stands among the world’s most beloved street cuisines.

Set up your own 2- or 3-course lunch at Blacklinen

Situated on the ninth floor of The Millen Penang, Blacklinen, a contemporary grillroom, now offers a thoughtfully composed lunch set, inviting diners to experience its Michelin-recognised kitchen at a more approachable price point. Diners may choose between a 2-course set at RM78++ (starter or dessert with a main) or a 3-course set at RM98++ (starter, main, and dessert). The one-page lunch menu is concise, with options of four starters, three mains, and two desserts. A handful of additional items are also available à la carte for those who wish to explore further.

Celebration 100 Years of Penang Adventist Hospital

Written by Adrian Cheah and Josephine Choo
Cover design and book layout by Adrian Cheah

Designing a 204-Page Book Celebrating a Century of Healing and Care

Taking the Challenge

When the Penang Adventist Hospital 100th Anniversary book project came to me, I was tasked with designing the publication, while Josephine Choo was responsible for researching, collating information, and writing the stories that would take readers on an epic journey through a century of healing and care.