Hotel Seri Malaysia Kepala Batas

They serve three noodle dishes: the signature green tom yum, noodle soup and fried noodles. The fresh green tom yum hits the right balance of sour and spicy. The fried fish topping has a crispy outer layer and a succulent centre; the large prawns have a moreish umami flavour.

This shop specialises in Nyonya kueh – an array of cakes, dumplings, puddings and pastries that can be sweet or savoury, and steamed, deep-fried or baked. All their treats are made just as they were back in 1933, when the owner's father opened a kueh factory. In addition to kueh lapis, kueh talam, ang koo and Nyonya chang, they also serve a few Nyonya dishes. Enjoy your meal beneath a glass roof and Penang-style umbrellas in the converted patio.

Potted plants are set nicely against a background of exposed brick walls and industrial accents here. On top of the short à la carte menu, the Nyonya combo set built around pandan nasi lemak with your choice of toppings is especially popular. The rice is plated on a banana leaf and topped with mildly hot homemade sambal. Another speciality is Siam bihun – turmeric rice vermicelli with shredded omelette and sauces. Round out the meal with tub tim krob.

Chinese couplets on the wall and red tablecloths lend the clean, simple space a festive vibe. Open since 1965, this no-frills joint has won the hearts of foodies, with well-made traditional Cantonese fare and fusion creations with a local twist. The deep-fried house-made tofu with dried local anchovies is a must – it's simply seasoned with soy sauce, but the umami is irresistible. Ask about the double-boiled soup of the day, which never disappoints.

“Bibik” is an honorific used to address older Peranakan women, and the room is aptly decorated with classic Nyonya motifs. Naturally, the menu showcases the owner’s heirloom Peranakan recipes that are slightly less spicy than their counterparts elsewhere. Dishes come in three sizes – try their jiu hu char (stir-fried yam bean with shredded cuttlefish), and loh bak (deep-fried five-spice pork rolls).

This friendly family-run shop, now in the second generation, specialises in koay teow th'ng, served in soup or dry. The broth is made from chicken and pork bones. The springy tendon balls have a nice ginger flavour. A tasty option is the braised chicken with bean sprouts.

This charming family-run shop serves Penang asam laksa, Nyonya laksa and fried spring rolls. The light and refreshing red soup of the signature asam laksa strikes the right balance of sour and spicy and is nicely topped off with mint and pineapple. The spring rolls, stuffed with vegetable filling, taste equally good.