About SmartDory
Hello, travel bugs. Welcome to SmartDory. I’m SmartDory. Some call me Dory; sometimes I’m Aunty Ah Hu or Fish Akka. To the little ones, I’m Grandma Shark. True Story. …
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Penang Food Review – SmartDory Favorite Spots
Ah, a Penang Food Review blog ! People often ask, “Why do you always promote Restaurant A, B, and C?” It’s an odd question if you think about it. …
Smartdory Penang Travel Blog
Welcome to SmartDory, a Penang Food & Travel Blog where you’ll uncover the island’s rich tapestry of flavors, history, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re an avid traveler or visiting …
SmartDory Penang Food Blog: Eating Out in PG
Welcome to SmartDory Penang Food Blog, your ultimate guide to eating out in Penang. Whether you’re wandering through the lively streets of George Town or exploring the island’s hidden …
SmartDory Media
SmartDory Media is curated by Dory, the CEO (Chief Eating Officer), driven by her deep love for culinary delights and storytelling skills. With diverse travel, food, and photography backgrounds, …
SmartDory Product Review
SmartDory’s Product Review Page provides consumer opinions on products, services, and businesses in Malaysia and Singapore. What is SmartDory Product Review? Product reviews are the opinions or SmartDory Editorial …
SmartDory Nominated For Top 100 Solo Female Travel Blog
In May 2018, I received a congratulatory note from Feedspot’s founder, Anuj Agarwal. Another shout out to my little blog, Smart Dory. Feedspot selected Smart Dory as one of …
SmartDory Penang Travel and Food Blog
Your Guide to Penang’s Food and Travel Scene SmartDory Penang Food and Travel Blog invites you to embark on a delectable journey of discovery! Join Dory and her friends …
Angsana Teluk Bahang – Retreat to Tranquility
Angsana Teluk Bahang scores big points for its unique blend of luxury, serenity with a unique blend of comfort, style, and service. My first thought of a staycation in …
The Bertam Penang: Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio Makes a Grand Mainland Debut
Exciting news for Seberang Perai! Marriott International has announced the signing of The Bertam, Penang, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. This partnership with Maritime Waterfront Suites Sdn. Bhd. marks a …
Bei Tou You Yu Review: Authentic Taiwanese Food in Penang
If you’re craving authentic Taiwanese flavors in Penang, Bei Tou You Yu (北投魷魚) is one of those reliable spots that quietly builds a loyal following. It doesn’t rely on …
Hin Market at Hin Bus Depot – George Town Sunday Market
Held within the historic Hin Bus Depot, Hin Market is one of the more lively Sunday Market spots in George Town. This weekend market brings together local makers, food …
3 Iconic Penang Restaurants Closing in April 2026 (Updated)
Penang’s food scene is defined by its evolution, but April 2026 feels particularly heavy. As a long-time observer of the local F&B landscape, witnessing the sunset of three legendary …
Kedai Kopi Sin Hwa’s 3rd Generation Char Koay Teow
If you’re looking for old-school char koay teow in Penang, Kedai Kopi Sin Hwa is one of those places that never left the conversation. In a part of Pulau …
Air Itam Laksa: A Local’s Guide to the 3 Real Legends
Most visitors are in for a surprise when they discover there are three Air Itam Laksa stalls at the foot of Kek Lok Si. This is where it starts …
Ghim Ghim (Pulau Tikus): Social Media Hype, Modest Reality
Ghim Ghim Cafe in Pulau Tikus has been making the rounds on social media, especially for its matcha drinks. From the viral reels, you might expect a spacious, lifestyle-driven …
The Garden Cottage Cafe, Pulau Tikus
The Pulau Tikus F&B scene is currently seeing a significant shift. With a wave of new openings, the area has become a magnet for tourists, but it’s creating a …
Ho Ping Char Koay Teow Returns
Ho Ping Char Koay Teow is one of those old-school plates I’ve been eating since the days I used to hang out with Kelly. If you’ve been following SmartDory’s …
Kowloon Restaurant Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong Breakfast
We stumbled upon Kowloon Restaurant on our second day in Hong Kong. Tucked away on Lock Road, it’s a five-minute brisk walk from The Kowloon Hotel. Honestly, if you’re …
Let’s Meat Review: Finding the Best American Breakfast in Penang
Let’s Meat at Lembah Permai is said to serve one of the heftiest American breakfasts in Penang. We decided to check out this local favourite in the quiet suburbs …
EC Canteen Noordin Street: The Glassy Char Siew Verdict
One photo of the “Glassy Char Siew” at EC Canteen Noordin on social media was all it took to have us salivating. In a sea of filtered, “aesthetic” lies, …
Ramadan Buffet Penang 2026 in Penang Under RM150
Ramadan Buffet Penang 2026 – Whenever the fasting month rolls around, my WhatsApp groups start buzzing with the same question, “Dory, where should we buka puasa this year?” We …
Bazaaria Ramadan Buffet Penang 2026 at Tamarra by Irama Dining
Bazaaria Ramadan Buffet Penang at Tamarra by Irama Dining is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Malay flavours by the sea. If you’re wondering where is the best Ramadan …
Karen Kitchen in Penang – Healthy Home-Style Meals
Karen Kitchen in Batu Lanchang serves healthy home-style meals in Penang. Located along Lebuhraya Batu Lanchang, behind CIMB Bank and KFC, we finally stopped by one afternoon after Susan …
Best Ramadan Buffet in Penang 2026 at Olive Tree Hotel
If you’re looking for a Ramadan buffet in Bayan Lepas, Olive Tree Hotel Penang is a solid pick for 2026. It’s one of the more popular hotel Ramadan buffets …
Where to Find Penang Hokkien Mee?
Tucked away in New World Park Food City is a stall that quietly serves Penang Hokkien Mee in George Town. At first glance it looks like any other hawker …
Penang Heritage Food Guide: 10 Iconic Dishes and Their Stories
When people tell me I grew up eating Penang heritage food, I smile. For me, hawker food isn’t just what we eat. It’s who we are. Penang Heritage Food …
Dinner Along the Five Footway in Island Glades
The Five Footway Chronicles “At night, everything looks different,” I said to Susan. Our conversations were bold, punctured with girlish laughter and knowing nods. Sometimes Susan did this wild …
Soo Hong Lane, George Town, Penang
I almost always missed Soo Hong Lane, the hidden street that straddles Lebuh Ah Quee and Lebuh Armenian. For years I would toot along happily between Lim Kongsi and …
Durian Myths: Busting Facts, Fun Trivia, and Local Tips in Malaysia
Durian myths? Yup. Let’s take a look at the notorious reputation of Malaysia’s spikiest, smelliest fruit. Thinking of trying it for the first time? Top 5 Durian Myths Let’s …
Chinese New Year Dinner 2026 at Olive Tree Hotel Penang
Olive Tree Hotel, a 4-star hotel in Bayan Lepas, punches well above its weight when it comes to Penang Lunar New Year dining. Small in size but big on …
Ah Sai Koay Teow Th’ng Since 1980
Ah Sai Koay Teow Th’ng started selling at Sin Hoe Peng Coffee Shop in 1980. I first tasted it in 1983. At that time, I was working around Beach …
How to Write Google Reviews That Help Local Businesses
When we write Google reviews, we have the power to influence how people discover local businesses and how these businesses grow. For food and beverage establishments, reviews can shape …
Beef Lamian Noodles in Penang – China Muslim Mee Tarik Tangan
If you’re hunting for the best Beef Lamian Noodles in Penang, look no further than China Muslim Mee Tarik Tangan兰州拉面 at Prangin Mall. This place quietly became my go-to whenever …
Best Places to Visit in Penang in 2026
Ranked by CNN Travel and The New York Times, Penang shines as one of the best places to visit in 2026, thanks to its vibrant food scene, heritage streets, …
Eating in Malaysia 2026: Street Food, Cafes & Must-Try Dishes
The first thing you notice in Malaysia isn’t the skyline. It’s the food. The crackle of noodles on a blazing wok. The smell of coconut rice in the …
Lee Jia Koay Teow Soup: A Must-Try for Koay Teow Thng Lovers
Lee Jia Koay Koay Teow Soup was calling our names this morning, even with breakfast still in our bellies. Pulau Tikus was ready for a little foodie mischief, and …
Xin Yee Restaurant: Best Family-Style Chinese Food in Penang
We ended up at Xin Yee Restaurant after church, following Sharon and Queenie’s recommendation—they’ve been here several times and kept raving about it. When friends return again and again, …
Ichiban Ramen Japanese Kitchen @ Sunshine Central Farlim
My first bowl at Ichiban Ramen was a few years ago at their 1st Avenue outlet, and honestly, it did not go well. My first bowl at Ichiban Ramen …
Helf Coffee @ Jalan Kedah, Nostalgic Retro Cafe in Penang
Walking into Helf Coffee on Jalan Kedah felt like stepping back into my childhood, wrapped in kopitiam culture where time moved slower. The clink of coffee cups, the occasional …