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Tree Monkey
@ Tropical
Spice Garden
Lone Crag Villa
Lot 595 Mukim 2
Jalan Teluk Bahang
11100 Penang

Tel: 604-881 3493/4
Fax: 604-881 3494

* * *

Business hours:
Daily from
12.00pm-10.00pm

Breaktime:
4.00-5.00pm

Last order:
9.00pm

* * *

The Star: 6 August 2010
A secret gem in Teluk Bahang
Story and photos by JEREMY TAN

NESTLED amidst lush tropical foliage overlooking the coastline, the Tree Monkey at Tropical Spice Garden offers guests a unique jungle dining experience unlike any other.

Only just opened, it is accessible for walk-in diners via a separate entrance, or at the end of the trail for visitors to the spice garden in Teluk Bahang, Penang. Either way, one is bound to be charmed by its back-to-nature dining concept.

Set high on a wooden platform, it affords panoramic views of the Andaman Sea, with the gentle rumble of breaking waves within earshot. Dusky Leaf Monkeys — which prompted the outlet’s name — roam freely among the branches mere metres away.

Food and vista: Bite into delicious finger food like the Thai Tapas (front)
or Tumeric Rice with Chicken Masaman Curry (back), while enjoying views
of the Andaman Sea from Tree Monkey's elevated al-fresco dining area
in Penang's Teluk Bahang.

Its decor draws inspiration from traditional Balinese aesthetics, with imported hardwood tables and chairs complemented by an attap-covered gazebo and lounge. Even its construction leans heavily towards traditional methods and craftsmanship, using almost no nails at all.

The Tree Monkey’s proprietors describe it as a hidden secret, just waiting to be discovered. Rustic and laid back, it’s the ideal spot to relax and unwind from the stresses of city life, whilst being one with nature.

Their pork-free menu is a mixture of Northeastern Thai, Asian and Western cuisines, complemented by a great selection of beverages to suit every palette.

The Nam Tok: A refreshing
northeastern Thai beef salad
that packs a spicy punch.

Being so close to the spice garden also has its benefits. Besides the gentle whiffs of aroma emanating with every gust of wind, it also allows the restaurant’s chefs access to the finest herbs and aromatics, and straight into the kitchen.

Those who walk around the spice garden will be pleasantly surprised to find the exact same aromatics in their dishes when they stop to grab a bite.

Even the drinks are spiced up. Two of their signature beverages, the Spiced Coffee and Spiced Tea, are infused with ginger, star anise, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom. It’s a distinctly different flavour twist on your favourite cuppa.

One of the crowd favourites is the Thai Tapas — an Asian incarnation of the quintessential Spanish snack food. Ideally enjoyed in the company of friends, diners can pick and choose their own combinations.

Excellent options include the Mussels Salsa, Prawn Sarong, Lemongrass Skewer or Thai Minced Chicken on Toast, among others.

Another Spanish classic accorded an oriental twist is the Asian Paella, served with squids, prawns, fish and mussels.

Otherwise, one can indulge in flavours a little closer to home with dishes like the Nam Tok (northeastern Thai beef salad), Mian Kham (spices roll), Tom Yam, Thai Green Curry, or the Tumeric Rice with Chicken Masaman Curry.

Come evening, a gorgeous sunset looms just over the horizon. The night time ambience is rather different, and a good Northeastern Thai Barbecue should have the taste buds salivating.

Spanish inspired: The Asian Paella with rice, squid, prawns, fish and mussels.

Wonderfully chargrilled cuts of poultry, beef and seafood are complemented with equally delightful homemade sauces.

The restaurant, which is equipped with WiFi and can cater for up to 75 pax, is also available for functions, weddings, parties and birthday celebrations. Menus can be customised for guests, with a buffet option for groups above 50.

The Tree Monkey at Tropical Spice Garden is located at Lone Crag Villa, Lot 595 Mukim 2, Jalan Teluk Bahang. They’re open daily from 9am till late at nigh.

For reservations, call 04-8813494 or log on to www.treemonkey.com.my.

Other Reviews

New Straits Times: 4 September 2010
Food: North-eastern Thai delights
Story by C.K. LAM

TREE MONKEY - Back to nature
Story by HELEN ONG

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