Singer-songwriter Bihzhu sings songs based on her personal experiences. Photo: Robin Wong
Cover Singer-songwriter Bihzhu sings songs based on her personal experiences. Photo: Robin Wong

Find out where Bihzhu goes for fried chicken, kombu butter and nasi lemak

Singer-songwriter Bihzhu has always been about singing from the heart. Everything that happens to her, good and bad, are distilled into heartfelt melodies, which she expresses with her big, soulful voice.

The Penang-born lass has never been one to limit herself. For example, her debut album, Nightingale Tales, contains elements of jazz, soul, reggae, acapella and pop. Her latest single is Chendering, a contemporary take on a classic love song written by the late Malaysian composer Jimmy Boyle.

This love of variety extends from her music to her taste in takeouts. “I like anything that still tastes good even after taking the time to travel home into account,” quips Bihzhu. “And of course, anything that satisfies my cravings!”

See also: 5 Foodie Finds: Theatre Performer Joshua Anthony Gui's Favourite Takeouts

Here, she tells us about her favourite places to tapau

1. Table & Apron

My friend’s kids once gasped at me in horror when I said I didn’t like KFC. After trying Table & Apron’s fried chicken, the older kid said: “You’re right Auntie Bihzhu, it’s better than KFC!”

No prizes for guessing what my favourite dish from Table & Apron is. I also love their nasi ulam and their meal kits, which I can just reheat and assemble in the comfort of my home. When dine-in is allowed again, you have to visit. Best service staff in KL, and it doesn’t hurt that Universal Bakehouse is just next door!

See also: Table & Apron Turns 7: Tatler Talks To Founder Marcus Low

2. Ho Li Chow

When I was growing up in Penang, I used to go to Fettes Park for laksa lemak every alternate day and I never found anywhere else coming close to it. That is until I met Auntie Sue of Ho Li Chow.

Her laksa lemak is to-die-for, and so is her pai tee and otak-otak. If you’re lucky enough to spot perut ikan on the menu, you know what to do. Round up the meal with some bubur cha-cha.

See also: Tasting The Best of Penang's Food Culture Through Its Growing Fine Dining Scene
 

 

 

3. Entier French Dining

Entier is my go-to for special occasions. I love that their menu changes seasonally. But let me let you in on a secret: My favourite item from Entier is a fixture and that's its kombu butter. Everyone I’ve introduced it to, from my bandmates, and my ex-bf to my dad, still rave about it today.

You can order it home in a set of three jars. Get the kombu butter caramel popcorn while you’re at it. But don’t let this rave about the butter distract you from the fact that their take-home meal kits are equally divine.

See also: The Ultimate Guide To French Restaurants In The Klang Valley
 

4. My Charlie's Cafe

I’m so obsessed with MyCharlie’s Chicken Chop that I order it every week. Run by Sabahan Sonny and his family, they also do a mean curry puff, homemade gelato (including a D24 one for durian lovers), and the Sabah favourite, the UFO tart, but somehow it's the simple butter cake that I always gravitate to.

Read more: 5 Food-Fuelled Adventures To Experience In Malaysia

5. Staple Eats

I’m actually diabetic but sometimes I just need a hit of nasi lemak. Staple Eats is where I go for a healthy, keto version. Their prawns are always huge and fresh, and the sambal has a great kick!

Their keto duck egg char koay teow is pretty good too. And I usually take the opportunity to order a couple of their sugar-free desserts. My favourite is the coconut lime cake.

See also: Introducing Zesty Clickz, A Malaysian Food Delivery Service For Vegetarians

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