Penang, my small little hometown, that it will be super pack when comes to short or long holiday. An island filled with amazing food including mainland with different taste and types of food available. Not only street food are famous, now I am happy that better eatery are mushrooming out at the moment in this small island with a discovery of my favourite authentic Italian Food Via Pre located at Weld Quay. El Faro is one of the latest edition.

Now the latest outlet that pop out into Penang shore are this little Spanish dining located at Jalan Burma. If you drive pass this road daily, you would not notice this little place as I think the signage of Tong Pak Fu overshadow them. Nevertheless it was an introduction of my friend that insist want me to dine there of their superb taste and unique range of food that he came across with his friends a week ago. The outlet is in operation less than 7 weeks to date.

As we place our order, the owner is quite suprise to see us order so many food and came over to our table to introduce more. Manage to found out that she is from Penang locally. I was very curious why so many types of food and why Spanish, as Penang not many people enjoy it, in terms of taste. She said that there was a boom while she was working in Singapore 2-3 years ago as its popping out like crazy. Therefore she saw a huge potential in Penang and came back here to operate it here whereby also her hometown, also know that the chef is from Penang with international exposure.

A small restaurant with about 40 seatings, design in a way to provide comfort dining to customers .

There are 2 sections available with indoor and outdoor.

Open kitchen concept is one of the trend now to allow customer to see the cleanliness of kitchen and how chef work around.

When I was seated down, I am surprise to see their small little menu that its only 2 pages available. Easy flipping. kekek

For first time customer, I would say go for their set meal as they are pretty much covered their signature item

They have wine promo on the list and we decided to go for it as it was as cheap from RM75 per bottle with Chilean, South Africa and a few other wine selection which is pretty reasonable and good. This is the first bottle we kick start off with, Chilean wine, smooth, slightly dry and easy to drink for a start. Then the lady boss came by and introduce us Spanish wine. After drinking that, this is no longer in the league.

Worth to try out Spanish wine in this outlet.

Been quite a while since many of us get together for a nice dinner like that. 😀 Cheers!~!~!~

Haaha, something went wrong with my best childhood friend that day as its very rare to see him in action like that. I guess his gf posion him alot of K-Pop.

Here comes the Cold Tapas range. Looks simple and some of them find it weird in its look as they see it for the first time but well presented. Boquerones @ RM 18 is a cold Tapas that you must not miss. Top with a slice of spanish white anchovies on top of watermelon top with a mint leaves with olive oil shower at the bottom along with sea salt. Its love at first bite, that one piece you would not have enough. Burstling in flavor that watermelon juice burst out the sweetness follow by light saltiness of anchovies and hard sea salt taste kicks it. Great mix of flavour and we order another plate of this. – Highly recommended!

Ham platter  comes with 4 different types – Bellota Ham, Serrano Ham, Lomo Iberico & Salsichon

Comes with a plate of bread for you to go along.

El Faro Smoked Salmon @ RM 18

Ensalada Tomate its a saled in El Faro style. Unique in taste with rocket, fresh tomato and a bit of chili oat flakes top along.

Tender Pork Belly @ RM 18.90, cook to perfection with the fats that near melt on your  mouth, meat is soft and well marinated. Slightly salty and a bit after taste of lime and pair with red wine is one of a great combo to go along.

Bikini @ RM 18

Another dish that you must not miss, looks simple but the cheeze and ham is the star attraction of it. Soft inside out and the bread is toast both side to fragrant. It was gone within seconds, top on another order after that. – Highly Recommended!

Chipiron @ RM 17 – crispy baby octopus with tartar sauce & Lemon

Mushroom

Rocket Salmon – Rocket & basil crust, Frisda Salad, spinach, mash potato  & olive oil @ RM 28

first look of this, it doesnt look tempting but the small of it, is awesome. Gambas al Ajilo is fresh prawns sauteed with garlic, white wine and herbs. Juicy and big, with the sauce slightly sourish yet fragrant with herbs that sprinkle on top.

When comes to pig, there are a few sucker on the table including me. Crispy Pig Ear is well fried and season well. Perfect for bites. @ RM 14

What do you have in mind when comes to Pork Knuckle? its a huge ass fried meat with huge bone that would be German Style. When we were told this is El Faro Tender Pork Knuckle, we were dumb-fold for a while as those were always our thought and never knew it be flat and well cut out. I guess this is Spanish style. @ RM 32

pork cubes are really tender, juicy and fats are even. HOw to eat it is rather simple, take the wraps and put everything 2 piece, wrap then put in the whole piece into your mouth. – highly recommended~

Squid Ink Rice – with seafood, tomato, olive oil & herbs @ RM 32.  A dish that is well presented that its balance out on the top with 1 piece clam, squid and prawns. Simple combination in taste with tomato sourish and light seafood sweet end.

In Spanish restaurant how can we miss out their paella. El Faro Paella is something similiar to quid ink rice just that this version is being pan fried. Taste also slightly different as this is more fragrant with light pan wok hei, sprinkle with some chili powder to get the light spiciness and seafood were friend along to enhance the sweetness of the rice. Both dish have its unique taste as one is light in taste.

In the end of the meal, we are all very satisfied and what do you say when comes to pricing. I find it reasonably price as total meals comes out RM700 with 2 bottles of wine and there are 8 of us. I find the food is rather authentic and its very unique, even those outlet in KL are on different types of offering.

This is sure one  of a restaurant to go after if you are bored with street food, and any special occasions like Valentines Day coming up, this is surely one of a recommended restaurant by me. Great wine, great food, great service and nicely price.

-= Ka Ching =-

Food Rating 8.5/10, pretty good~ Recommended~-Stamped-

–Warning– This is based on my individual taste. Try it at your own risk-

Location:
El Faro
231 Jalan Burmah,
10050 Penang, Malaysia

Tel: 04-227 2310
email: [email protected]

Mon – Tue: 15:00 – 23:30
Thu: 15:00 – 23:30
Fri – Sat: 15:00 – 00:30
Sun: 15:00 – 23:30