Starbucks vs Coffee Bean

Starbucks vs Coffee Bean

I'm not a big fan of coffee or I should say I'm not particular in coffee brand. I do drink coffee but not addicted. Not like some friend addicted to caffeine that must drink coffee every morning or else they can't concentrate, hand shaking, eyes watering, sneeze like drug addict. OK, I sound exaggeration. However, it is true :-p have you ever follow comic like Dilbert? There is a scenario in the office that everyone drop dead and boss appear and ask, what happen?

someone in the comic said: "the coffee machine breakdown"(-_-)

In this post, I want to rate the latte in Starbucks vs Coffee Bean. I ordered Vanilla latte in Coffee Bean in one occasion and I found it too sweet and the taste of vanilla is so artificial. Not really enjoy the drink and I recall in the past, whenever I drink at Coffee Bean, I not feeling well afterward. It like some sort of dizziness, do you have the same experience before? Maybe it just me who encounter it. I didn't find anything fancy in coffee bean at all.

Ironically, I won RM60 coffee bean voucher in one of the game.....fml (-_-)"

In the other competition of Coffee Bean, Starbucks offered much better latte. I like the green tea latte in Starbucks. The taste maybe weird for some people but I just like it :-D

Besides good latte at Starbucks, I noticed many good looking people buy coffee at Starbucks also. In one afternoon, not only good looking guys but many hot chicks will drink at here (Queensbay Mall branch) too. Drink coffee at Starbucks not only relaxing but can be very enjoying also (eyes washing.... :-p)

You rate at Poll beside, which one you like most?
Coffee Bean or Starbucks

Penang Food: Chicken Rice at Fettes Park

The one and only Fatty Loh Chicken Rice at Fettes Park, Tanjong Tokong Penang.
Date: 24th September 2012
Time: 1pm Lunch

Monday lunch, I travelled nearly half Penang Island planning to eat Western Food at James Foo restaurant but it closed on Monday. yakes...~! How now brown cows? Never mind, another good chicken rice next door.

Fatty Loh Chicken Rice and James Foo Western Food, these two restaurants used to co-exist in the same location before. That time, you can order chicken rice if you can't wait for the James Foo western food to serve. Last time, the service of western food was really bad and yet many people still dine there. 

One of my experience is waiting 1 hour ++ to get the western food serve....wtf! That is the last one time I visit there until the new shop for James Foo opened side by side with Fatty Loh Chicken Rice, then the service only improved. Anyway, I talking about Fatty Loh Chicken Rice in this post.

I believe there is conflict in the fatty loh chicken rice business, the signboard of the fatty loh written as "one and only fatty loh chicken rice in Penang". But, you can see other chicken rice stall in Penang also claimed as Fatty Loh Chicken rice. Which one is the original? I think the one located at Fettes park look more real and original because there are 2 big statues of fatty chef and standing chicken outside the shop.

If someone tried to copy the fame of fatty loh, they won't spend so much money creating the statues. Another factor is fatty loh still selling RM1 Koay Teow (noodles) soup in Penang. You can't find any noodles soup at RM1 (USD0.30) nowadays.

Although they selling the Koay Teow soup at RM1 but the chicken rice is not cheap. I "kena" slaughter by them in this trip. I ordered steam chicken for two person portion, 2 normal rice, lok bak x 2, acha (vegetable) small portion, 2 koay teow soup and 2 drinks. it cost me nearly RM30, to be exact at RM28.50....fml. breakdown the cost, I also don't know how it come to that. On that particular dine in, fatty loh give sour vegetable soup for free. I feel like VIP treat until I make payment, then I find out they plan to slaughter me by give some "free soup" upfront....damn...!

I looked around, we're the only customer who dine there from the start order until I finish the chicken rice. Not even a single working class dine in or take away on Monday lunch. What could be the possible reason? I guess I know what is the reason and this probably the last time I dine at Fatty Loh Fettes Park. 

Beach Street Beef Koay Teow Th'ng

In search for the famous Gu Bak (Beef) Koay Teow Th'ng (Soup), I end up eating at Weld Quay Kopitiam (Coffee Shop). I thought that is the one and I was all wrong all this while until I found the original Gu Bak Koay Teow Th'ng accidentally. It located in one of the coffee shop at junction of Beach Street and Chulia Street, opposite fire station. 

Yes, it is taste so good. I like the dry koay teow th'ng where you can mix with chilli, hot and spicy. The beef meatball is home made, I can't explain how tender and juicy is the meatball, you just gotta try it. 

The price is not cheap though. Dry koay teow cost RM8.00 while soup one RM7.00 if not mistaken. I not encourage eat meat especially beef and hope the price also control a bit on people consume beef as their food.

Gurney Paragon Goku Raku Ramen

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Last week received a forwarded email from my colleague about 50% off @ Goku Raku Ramen offer. So, decided to taste the food before the coupon expired. This Goku Raku Ramen is subsidiary of Sushi King / Texchem. How I know this? my colleague who forward the coupon used to work at Texchem lah.

History of Goku Raku Ramen: In 1872, (wah, more than 100 years) noodles were introduced to Japan from mainland China. Ramen has since become prominent as one of the staple foods and favoured meals among the Japanese.

Over the century, the Ramen was developed into various styles. Different regions of Japan created their own specialties based on distinct soup types. In northern areas such as Sapporo, the Miso soup is a popular choice fro ramen, whereas in southern districts like Hakata and Tokyo, The Tonkotsu (pork-based) broth and soy-flavoured ramen dishes are preferred by the locals.

The Ramen Haven

At Goku Raku Ramen, we are introduced to the "Horikiri Style" ramen, discovered by noted Ramen connoisseur, Mr. Terushisa Shimizu. The unique style meshes well with the palatable pork, chicken and fish mixed broth, as well as the Shio (salt) and Shoyu (Japanese soy sauce) soup base made especially by the chef.

Today, we can fully appreciate the genuine taste of authentic Japanese Ramen now that Goku Raku Ramen has been established in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

Yuzu Honey at RM6.90 and Honey Lemon Tea at RM4.90

There are 6 steps guide to take the Ramen:
1) Indulge your sight and smell receptors with the appetizing aroma of the rich broth (I did that)

2) Scoop, sip and savour generous amounts of soup to start off. The soup is the most significant element of any Ramen dish, so enjoy. (I did that as well)

3) Mix the noodles and soup well. Take note not to mix the seaweed together as it will dissolve! (I also did that then only aware I haven't snap photo....Sh*t)

There you go, the Goku Raku Ramen at RM23.90 on step 3

...managed to snap photo of Ultimate Ramen @RM21.90 before complete step 3

4) Next, slurp away! the noodles are best consumed with the soup while it is hot, approximately within 7 to 8 minutes after it is served. (I didn't take the time)

5) For that extra tasty kick, eat it with the accompaniments and added toppings (I added chilli powders, not spicy at all. then I also added black pepper, can't really feel the tasty kick from the accompaniments, I think Malaysian tasty bud is more than Japanese can understand)

6) By now, the soup will have reached its full-bodied flavour. Finish up by gulping it, down to the last drop.

Frankly, I like curry mee I eat in the morning than these ramen as lunch. The Ultimate Ramen broth taste salty while the Goku Raku Ramen broth just like normal Japanese ramen. Not really worth the price if without promotion.

Ultimate Ramen come with 1 slice of seaweed, 1 egg, 3 slices of thin meat, Ramen and some vegetables cost RM21.90 while Goku Raku Ramen come with 1 slice of seaweed, half egg, 1 slice of thin meat, Ramen and some vegetables at RM23.90......wtf!!! I don't get it, how they priced the ramen?

Anyway, go to check out yourself at Gurney Paragon

Sungai Nibong Dhoby Ghaut Koay Teow Th'ng

When I posted Koay Teow Th'ng at Bukit Tengah, some reader comment that Seven Village Koay Teow Th'ng so so only. Suggest me try the Koay Teow Th'ng at "Seven Street" market or the Dhoby Ghaut Duck Meat Koay Teow Th'ng at Sungai Nibong. I know this place, but most of the time, I just order the curry mee because the Koay Teow Th'ng not so attractive

Dry Koay Teow Th'ng at RM4.00. Freaking small portion at this cost.

Wet Koay Teow Th'ng at RM4.00 as well. Big mouth eater can finish the whole bowl less than 10 scoop. Freaking expensive! A small bowl cost so much. If it is tasty, then at least it worth. But, it is not. Nothing special about this Koay Teow Th'ng, it is overrated. If I were you, I won't order the Koay Teow Th'ng at this shop.

Secret Recipe's Tom Yam Kung

When ask about Secret Recipe, first thing come across your mind will be their cheese cake. Most people ate their cheese cake before and it is also how Secret Recipe tag themselves as seller who offer best cheese cake in town. Have you ever try Secret Recipe Tom Yam Kung?

If you haven't, you should go and try it out. The noodle is not Bakmi, Ramen, Yakisoba, udon. It is Kesme, one type noodle that is flat. The soup itself is good, not like the tomyam noodle in the market that cook using powder. The soup really the Secret Recipe of itself.

One bowl cost around RM15, don't miss it. Tom YAM YAM yam yum yum yum~!!!

Friday Breakfast, Curry Chicken and Roti Jala

Company provide breakfast for staffs every Friday. Whenever there is a farewell, there will be extra food (they top-up the budget) to eat. Last year, 2 scientists leaving my company and we got extra Roti Jala & Curry Chicken 

On top of others food like yam cake, tropical fruits, dessert,

Indian apong, ban chen kueh, karipap and "ham chim peng" - family members of you char kueh.

I like the Roti Jala with Curry Chicken very much. It is cooked by our appointed Malay caterer on Friday Breakfast. I do not have his contact, if you would like to cater food for your event, comment here, I will find out for you.

2 scientist left, guess who?

Sungai Nibong Dhoby Ghaut Curry Mee

Another Good Curry Mee found in Penang. It can be found at Sungai Nibong Kecil, Opposite Balai Polis (Police Station) Sungai Nibong. Operating hour from 6pm until midnight. Small Bowl at RM3.00, Medium at RM4.00 and Big Bowl at RM5.00. Additional dishes charge separately. Dishes available are Chicken Wing, Sotong, Big Prawn, Quail Egg, Seasoned Fish Roll. Once you add everything it will be like what I have in Nibong Tebal curry mee. 

At some point, they also called it white curry mee because the soup is white colour. After you stir the chilly paste into the soup, then only it become curry mee. I like to eat curry mee with "Chai Tao", the taste is so match and good.

Check him out at Sungai Nibong Dhoby Ghaut Curry Mee. The way him manage his business is more organized than the stall behind. So, if you are starving, he'll deliver the food fast although he busy cooking the curry mee.

Auntie Ann's Pretzel Perfect with Sour Cream & Onion

This Auntie Ann's Pretzel just baked. Fresh from the oven! Spread with sour cream and onion powder, it is so perfect to eat. From wiki, A Pretzel (known as Brezel in German) is a type of baked food made from dough in soft and hard varieties and savory or sweet flavors in a unique knot-like shapre, originating in Europe.


For some reason, many Chinese find this type of food not worth to eat. First, it is not cheap. Second, cannot get full. Why wanna waste the money for something that cannot get you full? It is better spend the same amount of money to order other food like Chicken rice or mee goreng. You know, high in carb, then only you got energy.


With this type of mentality, frankly speaking I never try Auntie Ann's Pretzel before. Till, someone recommend this to me. First bite, I already melt and fall in love with the Auntie Ann's Pretzel especially with Sour Cream and Onion powder.


If you have mentality like me, don't be shame. Just go and try this out today. :-)

Teluk Tempoyak Ikan Bakar & Nasi Lemak

Coming up next is the Famous Adnan Bin Hassan Ikan Bakar at Kampung Telok Tempoyak near Batu Maung. There are 2 ikan bakar stall at Kampung Telok Tempoyak, the original one is found at the housing area of Telok Tempoyak. It is near to the extension bridge at sea. This Adnan Bin Hassan ikan bakar and nasi lemak famous for a few decade since I'm small. 


During those day, there is no easy road access to Batu Maung but people from town also travel to Batu Maung for this Ikan Bakar at Kampong Telok Tempoyak. Kampung Telok Tempoyak is a fisherman village, so you can have the fresh and best seafood here.

Ikan Bawal Talang at RM25. The spicy sour sauce is amazing, it go well with the Ikan Bakar although ikan bakar already bakar with it own gravy. Besides the fresh ikan bakar at Kampong Teluk Tempoyak. You must eat the Nasi Lemak

The Nasi lemak is sooooo good. No joke, the smell is sooo nice. I can eat it plain with sambal ikan bilis. Basically, you can't find any good nasi lemak even in the Malaysian invented Nasi Lemak. The Nasi Lemak cost RM1.50 with the Sambal Ikan Bilis. RM1.00 for the plain nasi lemak only.

Order also the big mug drink at this warung because the Ikan Bakar's sauce can be very spicy. This big mug Laici cost RM6.00. Small cup at RM2.00 and Jug at RM7.00. Actually, this place good for gathering, got nice view, sea breeze, cheap drink but no wifi access lah.




Type of fishes available for bakar: Siakap Putih, Jenahak, Kerapu, Merah, Bawal Talang, Udang and Ketam Nipah

Price List:
Siakap Putik (1KG) - RM35
Jenahak (1KG) - RM35
Kerapu (1KG) - RM50
Merah (Kecil seekor) - RM17
Merah Besar (1KG) - RM35
Bawal Talang (1 ekor) - RM25
Udang Biasa (1KG) - RM60
Udang Pilih (1KG) - RM70
Ketam Nipah N (1KG) - RM45
Ketam Nipah J (1KG) - RM35


It is expensive? I not sure but better than some seafood stall put up as market price. This is very tricky as we have no idea what is market price. They can 'slaughter' you with any price they want to sell you. I would prefer the price put up in the signboard even it is expensive.


Come early to explore Kampung Telok Tempoyak fisherman village. It is a good place for photography on the extension bridge.

Or even catch your own fish for Ikan Bakar later

The shop name:
Adnan Bin Hassan Ikan Bakar & Nasi Lemak
Kampong Telok Tempoyak, Penang.
Business Hour:
Tuesday to Sunday
From 6.00pm to 11.30pm
Closed on Monday.


For reservation, please call:
019-4132572, 019-4725272, 016-4511734

Christmas Lunch at Azuma Japanese Restaurant

Merry Christmas! Wish all the readers of foodscan.blogspot.com, the best of joy, the best of cheer and eat more during festive season....hehe! Do check back for more best of food coming up at foodscan.blogspot.com :-) Today post will take you to Azuma Japanese Restaurant at Queensbay Mall. 


This was our departmental lunch to celebrate belated birthday and Christmas day together. Many Global staffs already off for Holiday, so we have to celebrate before everyone go home to reunion with family. With option of Siam Express or Azuma, we opted for Japanese food. 

First came the salmon platter @ RM34.00. The plate rich in good omega-3 and DHA supply. the portion is small, may not enough for big eater.

Ko Ebi Karaage @ RM8.00

Soft Shell Crab Jyu set at RM17.80. In promotion now, worth to order.

Tempura Set at RM25.00

Salmon Teriyaki Set at RM28

Azuma Sushi Pizza @ RM30. Half unagi, half salmon topping, real good.

Kitchen special order Salmon Skin Karrage at RM8.00.

Chicken Teriyaki Set at RM20

Yakiniku Set at RM28


With Azuma's member card entitled us 10% discount. After lunch, Boss treat us Baskin Robin ice-cream each 1 scoop. Meal complete with satisfaction, Ho ho ho...!

It is not like I want to censor the face of the members, it is the shaking hand of trainee when taking the group photo-lah.

Church Street Kopi Tarik and Roti Taiwan

Youngster, don't just go to Oldtown White coffee to have your breakfast. Experience and explore the best kopi tarik and toast during your grandparent era at this Kafetaria dan Hotel Eng Loh. The tables and chairs in this Kafetaria remain the same during old day. Walk into Eng Loh Kafetaria is like walking back in time.


Order the-must-eat-breakfast, Kopi Tarik and Roti Taiwan (Peanut Butter Toast)

The combination of both Kopi tarik and Roti Taiwan is fabulous. After the main objective achieved in this Eng Loh Kopitiam, then you can explore some others food available here like Char Koay Teow, Wantan Mee, Char Mee Hoon, Indian rice and so on.

Satisfaction! A good breakfast will make you happy for the rest of the day. Then you can explore Pinang Peranakan Mansion just across the street. Eng Loh Kopitiam located at junction of Church Street and Lebuh Penang

Don't mistaken this building with Pinang Peranakan Mansion although they both paint in the similar green colour

Padang Brown Famous Popiah Basah

Last week, I took half day leave and sent car for maintenance. The air-conditional of Perodua service center is so chill make me hungry even I just had lunch. I was looking for duck drumstick mee suah (noodles) at Jalan Sungai Pinang but it was closed. I tour around that area look for Anson Road Char Koay Teow also not open. I end up having Popiah Basah (wet) at Johor Road

one popiah basah at RM1. Not sure, how popularity of this popiah basah. There is 1 uncle share table with me came for the popiah basah only. I order mee goreng as 1 popiah basah is not enough for me

So so only but edible at RM3. Consider quite expensive for mee goreng that got nothing much inside. Surprisingly, Padang Brown hawker centre have multi-racial seller. There are Malay selling Popiah Basah, prawn fritters, Indian selling mee goreng and Chinese selling Yam Rice, Hokkien Mee and others.


Feeling hungry at odd hour, at Padang Brown, you will find variety of foods to eat and experience the real 1Malaysia hawker centre.

Balik Pulau Laksa & Hokkien Mee

Many tourist come to Balik Pulau for Durian and Laksa. I don't eat durian although my grandpa own a good quality durian farm. Don't ask me about durian, I visit Balik Pulau for food especially Laksa. You can easily find 3 or more Laksa shop in Balik Pulau town. However, many usually don't eat Laksa at Kampung Jalan Baru because it not easy to find and distant from Balik Pulau Town


This house not only sell Laksa

but also selling Hokkien Mee

Those who crave for spicy Laksa and Hokkien Mee, you can kill 2 birds with 1 stone by visit to this house. Yes, it is a house, neither shop nor stall.

It may be a little bit hard to find but it is worth for your food hunt trip at this corner of Penang Island because the scenery along the road is beautiful and the food is in good taste

Teluk Bahang Fruit Farm Fruit Juice & ABC

In December, Penang has many to offer. It got Pesta Dragon Boat Race, Pesta Chingay, Lion and dragon dance Parade, Christmas parties and others. To find out more, check out Penang Calendar of event. I normally take part in Pesta Dragon Boat Race, because of injury, my role become food deliveryman for the team during the Pesta Dragon Boat Race.


I seldom come to this corner of Penang Island except dragon boat race at Teluk Bahang dam. Since, I delivered the chicken rice to the team. Might as well also visit to Teluk Bahang Fruit Farm to enjoy fruit juice and Ice Kacang (local refer it as ABC)

As this place promoted as tourist spot, the ice kacang also became commercialized. The Ice kacang here without kacang inside, just fruits and many sugar. Besides sweet, it still sweet. The fruit juice also normal, cannot compared to fruit juice shop near botanical garden


Anyway, if you come for the Pesta Dragon Boat Race next year (I most probably will return to compete) you can drop by Penang fruit farm for farm tour after exciting Pesta Dragon Boat Race :-)

Penang Kari Mee (Curry Noodle) at Goodall Cafe

There are too many foods offer in Goodall cafe at Jalan Gottlieb, Penang. Besides local Penang food, you can find Indian food, Japanese food, Italian food at Goodall cafe. Despite many choices of food available, I only order curry mee most of the time.

Because the curry mee "hochiak". Some people claimed the soup a bit sweety, but I just like it. If I'm right, this curry mee exist for a few decades since grandfather time. The only original Penang curry mee since 19xx years. RM3.00 a bowl, you find many ingredients that suppose to be there in curry mee.


You ask me if I'll boring always eat curry mee at Goodall cafe. I can assured you, I still order curry mee when dine at Goodall unless the shop is not open.


Because of slow loading of embedded  map from Google on my pages, here is the map link