PEN Day 9 │ Cat's Birthday Treats: BaBa Phang • Secangkir Kopi Hitam

Cat’s Birthday — A Peranakan Celebration

After returning from Chowrasta Market, I began searching online for a suitable place to take Cat for her birthday luncheon. When I asked what she was in the mood for, she said she wouldn’t mind trying Peranakan cuisine in Penang, since we’ve visited so many such restaurants in Melaka.

I messaged Jen from SmokePapa BBQ for her recommendation, and she immediately suggested BaBa Phang — just a ten minute walk away. A perfect choice.

Instead of walking in, I called ahead. Thankfully I did — the 12pm slot was fully booked, but Nicole kindly reserved a 1pm table for us.

Lunch at BaBa Phang

We left The Green House at 12:30pm, walked northeast along Jalan Transfer for half a kilometre, then turned right onto Jalan Sri Bahari. Soon enough, we arrived at BaBa Phang.

We were a little early, so after a short wait we were seated. Being our first visit, we studied the menu carefully and eventually settled on:

• Asam Tumis Ikan Pari — RM38.00
• Tau Ewe Bak — RM32.00
• Kerabu Kacang Botol — RM20.00
• Blue Pea Rice (each) — RM2.00
• Pot of Chinese Tea — RM15.00

For dessert:

• Pengat — RM6.00
• Pulut Hitam — RM5.00
• Sago Gula Melaka — RM5.00

Together with service charge, Cat’s birthday lunch came to RM139.70 (≈ USD30/EUR28).

A beautiful, flavourful Peranakan birthday feast.

Cake Hunting Adventure

We finished at 2:00pm and went in search of a cake shop for the birthday girl.

• Passion Heart — full of humans
• 250C Boulangerie — full of fur (cats everywhere!)

Third time’s the charm: we found a cosy little cake café called Secangkir Kopi Hitam (“a cup of black coffee”).

The café had an interesting array of beverages and cakes. We settled on:

• My Butterscotch Maksu — RM12.00
• Cat’s Mojito — RM15.00
• Brendan’s Pesen Fruit Soda — RM8.00
• Nutella Burnt Butter Cheesecake (slice) — RM9.00
• Pistachio Burnt Cheesecake (slice) — RM9.00
• Pandan Gula Melaka Cake (slice) — RM9.00

With a service charge of RM6.20, Cat’s birthday treat came to RM68.20 (≈ USD15/EUR13).

Walking Home

We walked back to The Green House via:

• Lebuh Clarke (southwest)
• Jalan Hutton (northwest)
• Jalan Transfer (southwest)

A gentle, happy walk to end a lovely birthday afternoon.

What’s Next

We have lots of packing to do, so we’ll probably order in tonight.

Tomorrow, we’re leaving for Kuala Lumpur.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Green House at Popus - https://maps.app.goo.gl/zc3ieNVt2L1WxYTZ6

BaBa Phang - https://maps.app.goo.gl/AU7ygm6LK8Txhfmg7

Secangkir Kopi Hitam - https://maps.app.goo.gl/uKPya6eBNuw2RZqC8