Spice Market

Special thanks to Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa for extending this food review invitation.

Spice Market Café is the all-day dining restaurant in Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa. The eatery's name reflects the fact that Penang stands at the crossroads of the maritime spice trade. Upon entering the restaurant, visitors are welcomed by a spice boutique where various spices are sold by weight.

The main dining section of the restaurant is air-conditioned. On each table is a stone mortar filled with aromatic spices like star anise, nutmeg and cinnamon. Meanwhile, customers who prefer to enjoy fresh air can be seated at the patio. Smoking is prohibited though.

The à la carte menu at Spice Market Café covers a wide range of local favorites and international fare. As soon as we are seated, we are served crackers and mango chutney.

Our meal begins with Rasa Fish And Chip (RM48.00), a "Rooted in Nature" dish. French fries are served on the side. Accompanying condiments are tartar sauce, ketchup and malt vinegar.

Char Koay Teow (RM42.00) is perhaps the most iconic dish in Penang. In this dish, flat rice noodle is stir-fried with prawns, squids, eggs, bean sprouts, garlic chives, soy sauce and chili paste. Char Koay Teow is best enjoyed while steaming hot.

As for drinks, Café Latte (RM18.00) can be served hot or iced. Each glass contains 2 shots of espresso. The sweetness of steamed milk complements the coffee's bold flavor.

Besides à la carte dishes, Spice Market Café serves International Buffet Dinner every Sunday to Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, the restaurant offers See Food Seafood Buffet Dinner. Spice Market Café is also where in-house guests have breakfast in the morning.

Name: Spice Market Café
Address: Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-888-8888
Business hours: 6:30am-10:30pm
Website: http://www.shangri-la.com/penang/rasasayangresort/dining/restaurants/spice-market-cafe
Coordinates: 5.47972 N, 100.25466 E
Directions: From Tanjung Bungah, travel west towards Batu Ferringhi. Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa is approximately 4.2 kilometers from Tanjung Bungah's floating mosque, located on the right. Spice Market Café is at Lobby level of the Garden wing.