When Chia Ye and Yee Ming decided to return home to Penang after a decade of working in Singapore’s bustling food scene, they weren’t just coming back for a change of pace. They were bringing with them a vision that would set the Penang F&B scene abuzz.
With the help of their former boss and mentor, Bjorn Shen—a renowned MasterChef judge and culinary mastermind—they both co-founded NEP!, a cosy, fun-filled space offering natural wines and local fusion small plates.
They launched their dream project in November last year, setting up shop in the heart of Lebuh Campbell Street, Penang.
A dream comes true
After 10 years working front-of-house in Singapore and 15 years of cooking in kitchens across different cuisines, Chia Ye and Yee Ming knew they had something special to bring to Penang.
“Opening my own place was always on my wishlist,” Chia Ye recalled. And it wasn’t long before she found herself sharing this dream with her partner, Yee Ming.
The idea took off when they discussed it with Bjorn. Having worked under his guidance at Artichoke in Singapore, Bjorn’s immediate support became the final push they needed.
“Let me help you with this!” Bjorn said, and everything clicked into place. With that, NEP! was born—a restaurant that blends natural wines with local flavours, breaking the traditional mould of wine bars.
For Chia Ye, returning to Penang also had a personal connection. The restaurant’s location at Lebuh Campbell Street holds fond memories from her childhood.
“As a kid, I used to help my father deliver jackfruit around Penang,” she shared with Vulcan Post. “One of the stalls we always visited was right around the corner from where NEP! is now.” So when she stumbled upon the unit, it felt like destiny.
Why NEP! is different
Penang’s food scene is no stranger to fusion concepts, but NEP! plans to stand out with its natural wines and local small plates.
“We’re not just offering good food and wine,” Chia Ye explained, “We’re creating a fun, approachable space.”
Inspired by European trends, NEP! is a place where wine isn’t treated as an exclusive, intimidating luxury. Instead, it’s an experience for everyone—whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a casual drinker.
The idea of offering natural wines came from their love of drinking and experiencing wines. Though Chia Ye hasn’t had the chance to visit vineyards just yet, it’s something she’s eager to explore.
“I believe wine is all about creating memorable moments,” she said. One such moment came during a conversation with a Spanish winemaker who shared, “Wine is like a lubricant for enhancing the atmosphere. Even if you’re drinking a cheap bottle, with good company, the experience will always be remembered fondly.”
That philosophy is central to NEP!’s approach. It’s not about fancy wine pairings or complex rules.
At NEP!, guests are encouraged to explore wines based on their preferences. “I don’t have a fixed wine list,” Chia Ye said. “I shuffle the wines and ask my customers what they like—whether they prefer sweet or dry wines—and recommend based on that.”
Casual yet sophisticated
While many wine bars can feel exclusive, NEP! is designed to be relaxed and fun. “It’s more like a beer bar but for wine,” Chia Ye described.
They intentionally stray from the formal wine culture, making their space approachable for everyone, from curious newcomers to seasoned wine lovers.
That approachability is reflected in their small but thoughtful menu crafted by Chef Yee Ming, who brings his 15 years of culinary expertise into play. From French-Japanese fusion to modern Middle Eastern, Yee Ming’s diverse background shapes NEP!’s offerings, combining international techniques with local Penang flavours.
And while natural wines don’t require strict pairing rules, Yee Ming’s dishes complement them perfectly.
“We aim to introduce a natural wine culture to Penang,” Chia Ye explained. “Our guests should feel comfortable exploring different wines and dishes without worrying about following traditional rules.”
With this combo, NEP! attracts a crowd of food and wine lovers, whether locals or tourists looking for a unique experience. With only 14 seats, the restaurant keeps things intimate and allows for a personal touch.
“We encourage reservations because we want to ensure that no one makes the trip here only to find out we’re fully booked,” Chia Ye said. But they still leave room for spontaneous walk-ins.
The close-knit space also helps them manage their food waste effectively while maintaining freshness in everything they serve. “Our goal is to make everyone who walks in feel like they belong here,” Chia Ye adds.
Collaborations and looking forward
NEP! is already making waves through collaborations with other like-minded restaurants and wine bars. In August, they teamed up with Corevino in KL for a wine pairing session, and they’re excited about future partnerships.
They’re even planning to collaborate with Bjorn Shen next month to celebrate their first anniversary.
While they haven’t scheduled formal wine education sessions, they’re always happy to share their knowledge with guests during visits.
“We see ourselves more as people sharing an experience rather than teachers,” Chia Ye explained. And it’s this casual, friendly approach that resonates with their customers.
Making wine accessible to everyone
As they continue to grow steadily, NEP! remains bootstrapped, with support from Bjorn.
“Our short-term goal is to continue providing great food, wine, and vibes to our customers,” said Chia Ye. “In the long term, we’d love to explore opening NEP! in other countries while staying true to our local fusion and natural wine philosophy.”
For Chia Ye and Yee Ming, this is just the beginning. They’ve created something special—a place where Penangites and visitors alike can unwind, enjoy delicious dishes, and discover natural wines, all in a fun, relaxed setting.
With their eyes set on the future, NEP! is poised to continue shaking up Penang’s F&B scene—one glass of wine at a time.
- You can learn more about NEP! here.
- Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.
Featured Image Credit: NEP!