Special thanks to Ixora Hotel for extending this food review invitation.
The Straits Cafe & Lounge is Ixora Hotel‘s all-day dining restaurant. Located next to the hotel lobby, this eatery is where in-house guests have breakfast every morning. Meanwhile, the à la carte menu serves a variety of local delights and international dishes.
The air-conditioned dining section can accommodate more than 100 diners. In addition, the restaurant has an outdoor section for customers who prefer al fresco dining. Thanks to the indoor playground, parents of small children can enjoy their meals in peace.
The adjoining lounge area provides a relaxing ambience for patrons who need to wind down after a long day at work. Every Friday and Saturday evening, a 2-piece band entertains the crowd with live music.
Nasi Goreng Istimewa (RM28.00) is one of the most popular dishes from the à la carte menu. The generous serving of fried rice is topped with prawns and fried egg. The rice’s aroma is mouthwatering indeed.
The dish includes a piece of chicken rendang. Chicken rendang is slow-cooked with coconut milk and spices, culminating in savoriness beyond measure. Also served on the side are pickled vegetables and fish crackers.
As for pasta, Spaghetti Seafood Marinara Sauce (RM28.00) is highly recommended. Al dente pasta is served with fresh prawns, squid and green-lipped mussels, making this dish the perfect choice for seafood lovers. The meal comes with a slice of toasted garlic bread too.
If you prefer light snacks, Chicken Satay (RM18.00 for 6 pieces, RM35.00 for 12 pieces) is a local crowd favorite. Chicken is marinated with spices like turmeric, and then grilled on bamboo skewers to a smoky finish. Satay is typically enjoyed with spicy peanut sauce, nasi impit (pressed rice), cucumbers and shallots.
As for drinks, The Straits Cafe & Lounge serves a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Nescafe Frappe Chips (RM14.00) is perhaps the ideal choice to satisfy one’s sweet tooth. The coffee-flavored smoothie is topped with whipped cream, chocolate sauce and an Oreo cookie.
The Straits Cafe & Lounge operates from 6:00am to 11:00pm. After 11:00pm, in-house guests can still order food from the 24-hour in-room dining menu. The Straits Cafe & Lounge does not serve pork.
Name: The Straits Cafe & Lounge
Address: 3096, Jalan Baru, Bandar Perai Jaya, 13600 Perai, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-382-8888
Business hours: 6:00am-11:00pm
Website: https://www.ixorahotel.com/the-straits-cafe
Coordinates: 5.37805 N, 100.39825 E
Directions: From Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan (North-South Expressway), take the Prai exit and head west. After Megamal Pinang on the left, turn left and follow the road to Ixora Hotel’s basement parking. The Straits Cafe & Lounge is located next to the lobby.
