Sunday, August 30, 2015

Chai Diam Ma @ Lebuh Queen, Penang

Located at one of the hidden corner of Unesco Heritage Site, Chai Diam Ma is a hidden gem situated at Lebuh Queen (Queen Street) for many years without people realizing.

I've passed by this place quite often last time but never visit before. The word "Chai Diam Ma" means grocery store in Hokkien language which is rather Penang and classic. It is commonly seen in the 90s before all these Tesco, Aeon and other big hypermarkets exist in Penang.

Chai Diam Ma is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town. The exterior of the building can be easily identify as one also. From the wooden windows to the classic metal door, you can see a big sign written "Chai Diam Ma" - Cafe - Handmade -





There are some rules in Chai Diam Ma.
The main rule will be no photography allowed on all the artworks from the artists. It is very important to show respects to all their hard works. And it followed by no smoking, no outside food & drinks allowed.

The interior of Chai Diam Ma is rather unique and cozy. Sitting in here made me feel like home because of its layout and rather old school decoration.

There are also creations of artists selling at Chai Diam Ma. Making this place rather artistic as well.


They do serve hand drip coffee as well. Different coffee will be served depending on seasons.

I was rather impressed by the artworks from artists. Probably because I'm someone who is kinda in love with art.

Quiche Lorraine made a great kick start to our meal. Priced at RM 16.00 and I would consider it rather healthy that it served with fresh homemade salad. I quite like the quiche here as it is not over-salty like the kind of quiche that I usually had out there. The salad was rather refreshing and went well with the quiche, but we only get to know that the dressing is a "Secret Recipe"


Chicken Salad came in rather surprising as the portion is really big and very reasonable for only RM16.00. Citrus that added to the salad made a good stir to our taste bud and made this salad rather tasty and refreshing. Served just great for a sharing portion or you can also make it a meal.

What rather amazed me for the day was this Crepe that served with French Ham and Sunny Side Up that priced at RM19.00 each.

It could be consider a little bit pricey for the portion. But what I can tell you is that the crepe cooked with buckwheat flour was rather different and went well with the salty French Ham accompanied by the perfect sunny side up. Not forgetting the serving of fresh salad as well.


Lemon Basil (RM6.00), Almond Banana Sprinkled with Cinnamon (RM12.00) & Watermelon Banana (RM10.00) are 3 of their signature drinks. The Lemon Basil did blown me off with the extremely refreshing taste of fresh basil blended with lemon, they can really consider making this as a sorbet for a mouth watering experience.
Almond Banana was great with a hint of cinnamon. It was rather creamy and rich in taste with the present of banana, this drink would best to have it after a workout. Watermelon Banana was another surprise as we never thought of blending these 2 fruits together could be so nice.
All 3 drinks are the best!

A table full with food and drinks. Love the old school table they used in their cafe!

Pizzas are also one of the best seller at Chai Diam Ma. Picture shown below is Bacon/Potato/Onion/Cream pizza that priced at RM20.00 each. The pizza is really cheesy yet crispy but still keeping its moist at the best level. It is really good with that every bites has got whole lots of bacon and it is rather creamy with potato. Must try!

The other pizza we tried is Ratatouille Pizza which was equally good. The fresh basil and herbs used on the pizza made the pizza aromatic and great. The fresh herbs did gave a great touch and also better taste to the pizza. This was my first time having Ratatouille in a pizza form and it did impressed me with a good experience.


As for dessert, we tried this Choco Mousse (RM7.00) and it is very chocolaty that it would be perfect for chocolate lovers out there. The desserts in Chai Diam Ma would consider reasonably cheap compare to other cafes. The dark chocolate used is rather rich in taste and also the sour strawberry gave a good balance to the dessert.


Creme Caramel with Gula Melaka gave me a great reminder to my previous road trip in Ipoh. It was something similar to the infamous egg custard pudding in Ipoh and yet they are different. It is less sweet compared to the egg custard pudding and I'm pretty sure it is healthier too. Do give this dessert a try and it is only selling at RM8.00 per plate. 


What blown me off on the dessert menu was this Pandan & Orange Panna Cotta with Strawberry Coulis that priced at only RM8.00 per plate. It is very creamy and the fresh grated coconut on top of the panna cotta gave this dessert a great boost to the taste and the pandan and orange sauce was just perfect!


Chocolate Fondant with Vanilla Ice Cream did surprised us with a great taste of warm chocolate cake that went well with a nice scoop of vanilla ice cream. Not quite sure what sauce was it beside the chocolate fondant but it was delicious to go with the cake and ice cream. Furthermore it is only priced at RM8.00 per plate, so considering that it is really cheaper than what you will have to pay out there. 



That sums up the great meal we had at Chai Diam Ma. Not forget to mention that Chai Diam Ma is also a per friendly cafe. The boss herself, Queen loves cats very much that she would provide helps to the strays as well. Which is also one of the reason I don't mind to come here for meals!

Chai Diam Ma @ Lebuh Queen, Penang
Address: 15, Lebuh Queen, George Town, 10200, Penang, Malaysia.
Contact no: +6016 - 4314452
Business hours: 12:00pm - 9:00pm (Tuesday to Saturday), 12:00pm - 6:00pm (Sunday), Closed on Monday
GPS: 5.41848,100.33949
Map

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