Swenz Cafe

Special thanks to Swenz Cafe for extending this food review invitation.

Update: This business has ceased its operations.

The New Swenz Cafe has 2 outlets currently: Seberang Jaya and Raja Uda. The latter is located within a stone's throw away from Raja Uda's Econsave supermarket. This air-conditioned restaurant has a spacious dining area, making it a conducive place for dining with children.

Swenz Cafe's menu consists of local favorites such as fried rice and noodles. Western food and light snacks are also available. The food here is entirely pork-free. As a significant number of customers do not take beef either, beef is also notably absent from all dishes.

The bowl of Mushroom Soup (RM5.90) is prepared from scratch - from fresh portobello mushrooms. As evidence, the soup still contains visible chunks of mushroom that provides additional mouthfeel. I personally prefer the soup to be made thicker, but taste-wise I think the soup is quite balanced. Some black pepper is added for improved aroma and flavor.

Scallop Shark Fin Soup With Mushroom (RM8.90) is another peculiar item on the menu. This soup is based on a popular delicacy which is typically served in upscale Chinese restaurants. Of course, sharks fins and scallops have been reduced in amount in order to fit the price point. Indeed, most of the soup's flavor comes from other ingredients: shiitake mushrooms, crab sticks, egg and glass noodle. Should customers prefer some sourness, rice vinegar is also provided.

According to the staff, Sambal Prawn Rice (RM9.90) is one of the more popular rice dish here. Shrimps are stir-fried with onions in sweet-and-spicy gravy. The gravy may be too intense to be taken directly, but with rice, its lovely flavor can be properly appreciated. This dish comes with a heap of rice and a fried egg.

Tom Yam Fried Noodle (RM7.90) is another crowd favorite. Egg noodle is cooked with chicken chunks, shrimps, sausages and cabbage, then topped with a fried egg. The tom yum seasoning works harmoniously with noodle and other ingredients.

As for Western food, I recommend the Chicken Chop With Mongolian Sauce (RM14.90). The sauce produces distinctive tanginess on the tongue - different from the usual black pepper or mushroom sauces. Deboned chicken thigh is deep-fried until it becomes crispy. As with all Western dishes, fries and coleslaw are served on the side.

For something light, Chicken Ham + Egg + Cheese Polo Bun is a sensible choice. Polo bun (菠萝包) is a popular breakfast item in Hong Kong. Checkered patterns on the sugary crust resemble the surface of pineapples, which gave rise to the bun's Cantonese name. The bun is cut into halves and is used as a sandwich for chicken ham, cheddar cheese and omelette.

Meanwhile, the healthy drinks section of the menu contains nearly a dozen types of mixed fruit drinks. Each drink is named after a popular soccer team. For instance, Manchester United (RM5.50) is made from fresh apples, carrots and oranges. For aesthetic appeal, each type of fruit juice forms a separate layer in the transparent mug. The drink also comes in large size (RM9.50) that is sufficient for 2 or 3 persons.

The food at Swenz Cafe is reasonably affordable as the pricing is tailored for the mainstream crowd in Butterworth. Moving forward, the restaurant plans to include more dishes into its already-extensive food menu. Espresso will be also be included in due time.

Name: The New Swenz Cafe
Address: 22A, Lorong Teras Jaya 9, Kawasan Perniagaan Teras Jaya, 13400 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-320-0763
Business hours: 10:00am-10:00pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/The-New-Swenz-Cafe-1423354671296970
Coordinates: 5.43362 N, 100.38952 E
Directions: From Jalan Ong Yi How, turn into Kawasan Perniagaan Teras Jaya. Swenz Cafe is located on Lorong Teras Jaya 9, within a short distance from Pasar Besar Econsave. Street parking is available in front of the restaurant.