Teratak Spa, Bayan Baru

Teratak Spa

31 Jalan Tun Dr. Awang

Taman Bayan Baru

11950 Bayan Baru

Penang

(+604) 638 3821

(+6019) 404 3131

If you have a couple of hours to spend in Penang and in need of some pampering, call and book a slot with Teratak Spa, Bayan Baru. The spa is only about 15-minute drive from Penang International Airport. You'd be able to find the direction to Teratak Spa in Waze or Google Map.

I've been there twice. The first time was good and the second time was even more relaxing.

As I entered the traditional Malay gate, I walked on 'floating' stone over a pond filled with fish and tortoises. 

A staff welcomed me and asked me to sound the gong. Then, I was given a foot wash (siram kaki) like the Malays in olden days used to do before entering a house.

Siram kaki

During my first visit, the staff gave me a tour and showed me all the treatment rooms in the spa. They have 3 gorgeous treatment rooms but unfortunately, no couple room. Also, if you want a male masseur, you'll have to tell them in advance. 

They served me their special welcome drink while I chose a treatment and they processed the payment. I think the drink was tamarind.

Shower

The first time, I tried a treatment which was on promo.

Citrawarna Signature 

(RM199)

* Ginger Drink

* Foot Ritual

* Body Polish

* Kaffir Lime Scalp Treatment

* Tun Teja Massage (full body)

Ginger drink

Then, I tried the Puteri Santubong 3-hour treatment during my second visit.

Puteri Santubong

(n.p. RM460)

* Bertangas

* Bertungku

* Traditional Holistic Massage

*Kaffir Lime Scalp Massage

* Body Scrub

* Herbal Bath

Bertangas - sit on that smoke & do the Kegel! 

Herbal bath with rose petals, pandan leaves and (I think) camphor wood

Provided at the end of the sessions

Spa packages from n.p. RM350 for 2 hours. Other packages and ala carte treatments available here.

Note: Their published price may be a little pricey but ask if they have any promo on. Members get special discount and other perks.

Easy Peasy Skillet Queso

Skillet Queso

* 2 cloves of garlic, minced*

* 200g minced meat (beef)
* 2-3 tbsp chili paste
* 1 tsp paprika
* 1 tsp cayenne pepper
* 1/2 tsp cumin powder
* 1 cup cooking cream or milk
* 8-10 slices of American cheddar cheese

Steps

1. Fry garlic, minced meat & chili paste. Season with paprika, cayenne & cumin

2. Add cooking cream. Let boil

3. Add in cheese, stir. Serve

I wanted to make the chips as well but I found Mission Tortilla Chips in Tesco so I took the easy way out. You can make your own by slicing and frying tortilla wraps.

Enjoy!

Ice Estate, Georgetown

Ice Estate

107 Lebuh Victoria

Georgetown

Penang

Operating Hours

Sunday - Thursday : 1100 - 2300

Friday - Saturday : 1100 - 0000

This liquid nitrogen ice cream specialist is a good place to start if you're unfamiliar with the scene. Just get yourself to Lebuh Victoria and find the Reunion Heritage House signage. It's kinda confusing la but it is definitely not the only cafe/eatery housed in a different name hotel.

 The staff were friendly and able to answer questions and even though the selection was limited, they were good. Also you won't feel overwhelmed when choosing. 

Pretty decor but most of the seats were upstairs so you have to climb up a bit. Kinda mafan if you have little kids with you. 

Upstairs seating area

Taste - okay

Price - RM12 to RM13 per cup (plus the theatrical dry ice show), I thought the pricing was generous

Ambiance - Pretty decor, not the most comfortable high stool chairs.

Overall 3 <3<3<3 of 5

Good place to escape from Penang heat.

Mosano Coffee, Damansara Perdana

Mosano Coffee

G-1 Perdana The Place

Jalan PJU 8/5G

Damansara Perdana

Selangor Darul Ehsan

Menu was all over the place and so since it was my first time here, it took me some time to order. I settled with cream based oreo blended.

I can't remember the price and the receipt was taken back by another staff who prepared our orders. Total was about RM70+ for 4 pax. Only drinks and 2 slices of cakes.

They have plenty of seatings but I imagine that it will be cramped if all those seats are filled. Not the most comfortable place for hangout la.

Caramel Macchiato (RM13)

Long black (RM9)

Taste - good

Price - average

Ambiance - container cafe

Overall 3 <3<3<3 of 5

Mum's Place, Damansara Perdana

Mum's Place

Jalan PJU 8/5A

Damansara Perdana

47820 Petaling Jaya

Selangor Darul Ehsan

(+603) 7727 8443 

(+603) 7727 8449

Operating Hours

1100 - 1500, 1800 - 2230 daily

Last order before

1430 (lunch)

2130 (dinner)

I can't believe I haven't shared this with you!

Mum's Place is one of my favourite restaurant in Damansara. This place used to be so packed, you better have reservation or risk having to wait for a table. 

When I returned recently for lunch with my bffs from primary school, I was surprised to find the place so much less busy than I remembered. Good thing food was still delicious!

They serve halal Malaysian food and so you can find Malay, Nyonya, Portuguese, Chinese and Indian dishes. Typical dishes that Malaysian mums cook at home. Check out their menu here.

Note: Food is halal (Malay owner) but there's beer in the drinks menu to cater to the non-Muslims

Cendol (RM6.30)

Foo Yoong Tan - Chinese style omelette (RM15.80)

Kacang botol/ Four-angled Bean with Belacan (RM15.00)

Chicken Mayo (RM18.30)

Asam Pedas Parit Jawa Snapper (RM8.80 /100g)

Lemak Kuning Pedas Prawn (Regular - RM31.80)

Taste - OMG sedap. Can't beat mom's cooking but good enough

Price - Some might think pricey but the food is sedap so it becomes WORTH IT! Suitable to entertain business guests or family & friends.

Ambiance - Aircond, furniture gallery-like restaurant.

Overall 4 <3<3<3<3 of 5

Restoran Rebung Chef Ismail, Kuala Lumpur

Rebung Restaurant

by Chef Ismail

5-2, Level 5

1 Jalan Tanglin

Taman Botani Perdana

50480 Kuala Lumpur

Restaurant (+603) 2283 2119/ 2276 3535 

Office (+603) 2282 4776/ 2276 2525

Operating Hours

0700 - 2200 daily

The Rebung Restaurant I'm familiar with was in Bangsar. It is a favourite spot for many people seeking Malay cuisines especially during the fasting month of Ramadhan. 

It turns out that the one in Perdana Botany Garden (fondly known as Lake Garden to Malaysians) is as popular as the one in Bangsar. I went on Saturday night and it was packed. The tables were too close to one another and people just had to bump into other people's chairs/tables, making it uncomfortable to enjoy the meal. 

Taste - Good

Price - Fair. Buffet lunch RM40++ & buffet dinner RM50++ per pax

Ambiance - I'm not sure but it could be Malay home theme

Chef Ismail himself was sitting near the entrance when we arrived. This is unsurprising because he's memang hands-on and friendly liddat. We were ushered by one of the staff to a table reserved in the Red Room. The restaurant has a few rooms and many nooks and crannies so it can be a bit too overwhelming at peak hour. 

The booking was made for 7 pax and we found the table set for 5 pax. Maybe the guests at the next table had helped themselves to the utensils and chairs.

The nice staff took our ala carte orders because only 2 of us chose the buffet. Food was prepared and arrived in acceptable time. The local drink sirap (syrup) was offered free-flow for all (buffet/ala carte) but we ordered our own preferred beverages anyway.

Kampung Fried Rice (RM17.50)

Pattaya Fried Rice (RM17.50)

Mushroom Fried Rice (RM17.50)

Hailam Noodles (RM17.50)

Laksa from buffet

One of us ordered the signature Rebung Special Fried Rice but his photography skills sucks. Hence the shaky picture...

Rebung Special (RM17.50) - fried rice with fried eggs and spicy rendang

Come here with friends and family for casual lunch or dinner. Think typical Ramadhan buffet atmosphere. They promoted themselves as fine dining Malay cuisine but you'll be disappointed if you expect so.

If you're here for the buffet, be prepared for long queues at favourites like the grilled lamb chop stall. 

NOT the place for classy and quiet dining/celebration.

Overall 3 1/2 <3<3<3< of 5