NEP! Was the Perfect Second Dinner

Post by Chiefeater VK

One dinner simply wasn’t enough. After our meal earlier in the evening, Jen and I decided we wanted somewhere we could enjoy a proper glass of wine with a few good sharing plates. That search led us to NEP! in George Town.

It turned out to be one of the highlights of our Penang trip.

We started with two glasses of wine. Jen chose an orange wine (Momento Mori Amphora Grillo) while I went with a white Chardonnay (BK Carte Blanche). Both were excellent and paired beautifully with the food that followed.

The Pork Jowl was my favourite dish of the evening. The meat had been cooked until wonderfully tender while retaining just enough bite, and the beautifully blistered skin added a layer of texture that made every mouthful satisfying. It was simple cooking that relied on excellent ingredients and careful execution rather than unnecessary embellishment.

The Mini Pork Burger may have been small, but it packed plenty of flavour. The juicy pork patty sat inside a soft bun with just enough acidity and creaminess from the toppings to keep every bite balanced.

We finished with the Vanilla Soufflé. Light, airy and freshly baked, it provided a fitting end to the meal without feeling overly heavy.

What elevated the entire experience, however, wasn’t just the food. It was the people.

Cia Ye, one of the co-proprietors, looked after every guest with genuine warmth, making everyone feel welcome without ever appearing intrusive. Meanwhile, Yee Ming worked quietly behind the counter, moving effortlessly between the grill, stove and oven. Watching the open kitchen in action only added to the experience.

NEP! isn’t a large restaurant. But the hospitality inside it feels anything but small.

Pricing

BK Carte Blanche (Glass) — RM68.00
Momento Mori Amphora Grillo (Glass) — RM68.00
Mini Pork Burger — RM26.00
Pork Jowl — RM58.00
Vanilla Soufflé — RM32.00

Subtotal — RM252.00
Service Charge (10%) — RM25.20

Total Paid — RM277.20

Average per pax — RM138.60

MVX Summary

MVX Score: 9.3/10

M – Meal Value
Every dish was thoughtfully prepared and paired well with an interesting wine list. While not inexpensive, the quality justified the pricing.
Score: 9.1/10

V – Venue
An intimate chef’s counter creates a dining experience where guests can watch every dish being prepared while interacting naturally with the team.
Score: 9.2/10

X – X-Factor
The biggest differentiator isn’t just the food but the people behind it. Cia Ye’s attentive hospitality and Yee Ming’s calm confidence in the kitchen make the restaurant feel genuinely personal.
Score: 9.6/10

Business Hour

Wednesday to Monday
05:00 pm to 12:00 am

Closed on Tuesday