A Taste of Penang, Served with an OZO Smile
In Penang, food is part of everyday conversation.
Ask a local where to go and you are just as likely to receive a restaurant recommendation as directions. Mention that it is your first visit and someone will almost certainly tell you what you should eat before you leave.
For Mohammad Kausar, that enthusiasm feels entirely natural.
As Team Leader at EAT, OZO George Town Penang‘s all day dining restaurant, he spends much of his day introducing guests to the flavours, stories and traditions that have made Penang one of Southeast Asia’s most celebrated food destinations.
“Food is one of the first things guests ask about,” he says. “Many visitors arrive with a list of dishes they want to try.”
Sharing those recommendations has become one of his favourite parts of the job.
That enthusiasm has not gone unnoticed. Recognised as OZO George Town Penang’s 2025 Employee of the Year, Kausar has become known among colleagues and guests alike for his warm personality and genuine passion for helping visitors experience the best of Penang.
“When someone tells me it is their first time in Penang, I get excited for them,” he says with a laugh. “There is so much food to discover.”
Located in the heart of George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage city, OZO George Town Penang places travellers within easy reach of one of Southeast Asia’s most celebrated food destinations. The island’s culinary identity has been shaped by Malay, Chinese, Indian and Peranakan influences, creating flavours that are ‘uniquely Penang’.
“That is what makes our food special,” says Kausar. “Different cultures have contributed different flavours and cooking styles.”
Ask him where visitors should begin and the answer comes immediately.
“Nasi kandar,” he says.
Then comes another recommendation.
“Char kway teow.”
Then another.
“Nyonya Kari Laksa.”
And another.
“Chendol.”
He laughs.
“There are too many to choose just one.”
Among them, char kway teow remains his personal favourite.
“Even when two places use similar ingredients, the taste can be completely different,” he explains. “That is what makes food in Penang so interesting.”
Guests can start exploring those flavours without leaving the hotel.
At EAT, local dishes sit alongside international favourites, giving travellers an introduction to Malaysian cuisine while catering to a wide range of tastes.
“Nasi lemak is something everyone should try,” says Kausar. “You can see people from all backgrounds enjoying it.”
While food is often the starting point of a conversation, hospitality remains at the centre of his work.
After joining OZO George Town Penang just over two years ago, Kausar quickly progressed from team member to team leader.
“In the beginning, my biggest challenge was always people,” he says with a smile. “Guests have different needs. Team members have different personalities. You need to understand everyone.”
That understanding often reveals itself through small moments.
One day, an elderly European couple ordered fish head curry, only to mention that they could not eat steamed fish.
“We worked with the kitchen and changed the preparation,” he recalls. “They were very happy.”
Another memorable guest experienced a severe allergic reaction while dining at the hotel. Kausar and his colleagues acted quickly, helping arrange medical assistance and ensuring the guest received immediate support.
“When something happens, you need to stay calm and act quickly,” he says. “The most important thing is taking care of people.”
He particularly enjoys looking after families and elderly guests.
And sometimes, hospitality can be surprisingly simple.
“Sometimes all it takes is a lollipop,” he says with a grin, talking about making young guests happy.
Having worked for several hotel brands throughout his career, Kausar believes OZO has a personality all its own.
“In some hotels, everything feels very formal,” he says. “But at OZO, we can be ourselves. We still provide professional service, but we can talk naturally with guests and create a good atmosphere. Good vibes.”
That spirit reflects Penang itself: welcoming, vibrant and full of stories.
By the end of the conversation, it becomes clear that Kausar enjoys recommending Penang’s food almost as much as serving it.
Like many Penangites, he believes food is one of the best ways to understand a place.
And from the breakfast tables at EAT to the hawker stalls and family run eateries scattered across George Town, there is always another flavour waiting to be discovered.
If you ask Kausar where to begin, he already has plenty of suggestions.
Book your stay: OZO
Story: Sue Rattanamahattana • Photography: Shakeer Ahmad, OZO George Town Penang
ABOUT HEARTMADE
Created to celebrate the 60th anniversary of ONYX Hospitality Group, Heartmade is a series of heartfelt stories inspired by the people who make every stay memorable, from dedicated team members to cherished guests across Amari, OZO, Shama, Oriental Residence, as well as our spa and dining brands.
Through personal memories, meaningful connections, and moments of genuine care, the series celebrates the warmth and spirit of hospitality that have brought people together for six decades. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from the Heartmade series.
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