Special thanks to Kith & Kin for extending this food review invitation.
Update: This business has ceased its operations.
Kith & Kin is one of the latest eateries to open at Vantage Desiran Tanjung. Open for around a month, the restaurant occupies two shop units near the southern end of the commercial block.
The theme of Kith & Kin is based on pipes (water pipes, not those that are used for smoking). This is in line with the proprietors’ family business in trading of construction material. Ceiling lighting and silverware racks are crafted through creative use of pipes.
Kith & Kin means “friend and family”. Being parents themselves, the proprietors wish to present a family-friendly dining atmosphere for people from all walks of life.
At the back of the restaurant, there is a small playing corner to keep children entertained while waiting for food to be served.
Kith & Kin focuses on Western-style dining with elements of local cuisine. To provide wholesome dining experience for everyone, all ingredients are prepared in-house. There is also a special kids menu of nutritious dishes that youngsters find appealing.
For RM6.90 on top of the à la carte price, one can upgrade any main dish to a full meal. The meal includes soup, iced lemon tea and ice cream. Diners can also opt for freshly brewed coffee for an additional RM3.00.
The soup of the day is Homemade Cream Of Mushroom Soup. Prepared in the kitchen from actual mushrooms, one can feel the genuine mushroom goodness in every sip. Croutons, cream and a sprinkle of herbs are also added to this nice bowl of soup.
As for the main dish, Herb Lemon Butter Fish provides a choice of either barramundi (RM20.90) or salmon (RM21.90). The former has decently firm texture, but its flesh carries a mild sense of sweetness on its own. Flavored with herb lemon butter on the side, seasoning is intentionally subtle for diners who have milder palate.
The barramundi fillet is served over a bed of mashed potatoes, which like all other ingredients, is made fresh in the kitchen. To present a balanced diet, there are also sautéed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, corn and green peas. Finally, roasted almond flakes contribute to crunchy mouthfeel.
For a dish closer to home, Grilled Rempah Chicken (RM16.90) is among the popular ones here. This rice dish features a piece of chicken chip in paprika sauce, as well as garden salad with balsamic sauce. It is evident that every dish is designed with healthy eating in mind.
The chicken is elegantly flavored with pleasant sweet-spiciness from the paprika sauce. Bursting with appetizing flavors from a blend of local spices, the savory gravy leaves a satisfying imprint on the tongue.
Kith & Kin’s single-origin coffee beans are sourced from Chiang Rai, Thailand. Espresso is extracted from a mixture of medium and dark roast Arabica beans. The cup of Latte (RM9.90) packs a respectably strong dose of caffeine. Such pleasure is enjoyed alongside creamy sweetness of fresh milk.
Besides being pork-free, the menu includes several vegetarian choices such as Mushroom Burger and Vege Creamy Linguine. I also learnt that Sloppy Joe is a specialty at Kith & Kin, but this dish is unfortunately not available tonight. Perhaps I should try the Sloppy Joe next time.
Name: Kith & Kin
Address: A-G-9, Jalan Tanjung Tokong, 10470 Tanjung Tokong, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-898-1813
Business hours: 12:00pm-3:00pm, 6:00pm-10:00pm, closed on Mondays
Website: https://www.facebook.com/kithandkin.vantage
Coordinates: 5.45521 N, 100.30756 E
Directions: Vantage Desiran Tanjung as a commercial block on the right side of Jalan Tanjung Tokong from George Town’s direction, after Island Plaza but before Tesco. Kith & Kin is one of the restaurants near the southern end of the block. There are parking spaces in front of and behind the row of shops.
