Special thanks to Paprika for extending this food review invitation.
Update: This business has ceased its operations.
10 May 2014 marks the official opening of Paprika, the latest upbeat eatery and hangout spot in the bustling Raja Uda district of Butterworth. Actually, Paprika has started operations since January this year, but the early months were primarily used to fine-tune the food menu and to train the staff.
The dining section of Paprika bears the free-and-easy concept, in line with the idea of making it double as a leisure hangout spot as well as being a serious food establishment. A drinks counter at the back provides alcoholic beverages, therefore it is not surprising that Paprika’s business hours extend to late night.
In addition, Paprika boasts a stage for live music performances every Wednesday and Friday evening, between 9:00pm and midnight. Usually local music artists are brought in, but Paprika is considering other forms of performances to add more variety.
In conjunction with Paprika’s official launching today, Malaysian songbird Rynn Lim (林宇中) is making an appearance here at 9:00pm later. Undoubtedly, a large crowd is expected tonight. A raffle box is prepared to pick a lucky fan of Rynn later tonight.
Today’s event is officiated by YB. Lim Hock Seng, State Assemblyman for Bagan Jermal and Penang State Exco. Joining Lim at the ribbon-cutting ceremony are Paprika’s company directors.
A lion dance performance is also held for good luck during this auspicious event.
Three lively lions bless the restaurant with their playful moves.
A buffet line is prepared for fellow guests today.
Most dishes are also served on the regular menu, therefore they represent how the actual food look and taste like.
First up is the Bolognese Pasta (RM10.90). The bolognese sauce is loaded with minced meat goodness.
The pasta served to accompany this rich sauce is spaghetti.
Grated cheese is also provided should guests prefer richer flavor for this pasta dish.
Among my favorite today is the Grilled Chicken With Mushroom Sauce (RM16.90). Here, thick slices of chicken chops are grilled to golden-brown perfection. This gives the chicken an irresistible succulent flavor which demands second helping.
The accompanying gravy is mushroom sauce, which I feel is slightly saltier than how it needs to be. Nevertheless, the mushroom essence from the gravy is certainly compatible with chicken.
As for the Sweet And Sour Fish Fillet Rice (RM13.90), individual fish fingers are coated with thick batter before being deep-fried. The fish itself has a mild sweet sensation, making it tasty and easy with each bite. I am also glad that the fish is not too oily; some restaurants ruin the dish this way.
To avoid the fish from being too soggy, sweet and sour sauce is served separately. Ingredients in the sauce are bell peppers, pineapples, tomatoes and onions. I like the tangy tomato puree used for the sauce.
The Kampung Fried Rice (RM8.90) is prepared using sambal belacan (spicy shrimp paste), giving this dish moderately spicy taste. Generous chunks of chicken and crabstick are included with the fried rice.
Next, the Mixed Vegetable is usually not included in Paprika’s regular menu, but serves as the green dish for the buffet line today. Vegetables used here are broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, baby corn and button mushrooms.
As for soup, the In-House Mushroom Soup (RM6.50) is served. Besides being rich with mushroom flavor, the soup is also loaded with significant chunks of mushroom bits. Crouton and leaf celery are also provided. Overall, the soup is appetizing and fulfilling to the stomach.
Finally, the Caesar Salad (RM8.90) comprises of leaf lettuce, cherry tomatoes, onions and yellow bell peppers. Accompanying the large bowl of vegetables are Caesar salad dressing and boiled eggs.
Paprika’s menu is developed by the restaurant’s manager based on his extensive restauranteering experience in the F&B industry.
The food menu comprises of predominantly Western dishes such as steaks, poultry and fish. Paprika does not serve pork but is not halal-certified mainly because alcohol is served.
In addition, local delights such as noodles and nasi lemak are also available.
Other menu items include snacks, desserts and various types of beverages.
The waiting staff at Paprika is very attentive to the needs of all guests today. Sometimes, a friendly smile is all it takes to give that extra boost ahead of competing restaurants.
Name: Paprika
Address: 210, Jalan Raja Uda, 12300 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-353-5042
Business hours: 12:00pm-2:00am (Sunday to Thursday), 12:00pm-2:30am (Friday to Saturday)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/paprikacuisine
Coordinates: 5.42217 N, 100.38189 E
Directions: From Jalan Permatang Pauh, turn right into Jalan Raja Uda. Drive northbound for approximately 1 kilometer. Paprika is the corner shop on the right, directly opposite of Petronas gas station on the left. There are plenty of car park spaces around the restaurant.
