As a couple who loves to explore new cuisines, we can tell you that the Nyonya food in Penang is a feast for the senses. Nyonya is a unique blend of Chinese-Malaysian cuisine that emerged from the intermarriage between Chinese settlers and the Malay population in Malaysia and Singapore. Also known as Peranakan food, it is a flavourful fusion of Chinese and Malay ingredients, cooking techniques, and spices.
Peranakan cuisine originated in Malacca during the British colonisation of the Malay Peninsula. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the first Strait-Chinese settlers dispersed their food culture in Penang. Although both cities are famous for their Peranakan cuisine, the dishes in Penang are spicier and have a more robust flavour profile due to the influence of Indian and Thai spices.
Discover the top Nyonya restaurants in Penang to get your fill of this delectable cuisine. So, let's dive in.
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Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery
We know that this Michelin-starred eatery is one of the best Nyonya restaurants in Penang that will take you down memory lane. As soon as you enter the establishment, you'll be transported back to the swinging 60s. Visitors are immersed in vintage interiors, memorabilia, and also killer soundtracks.
However, the real magic happens in the kitchen. Chef Gaik Lean guards her secret recipes with the same ferocity as a mama bear protecting her cubs. The chefs make all the food with love and care, with many dishes prepared from scratch.
Hence, one dish that you absolutely must try is the heavenly Pie Tee. This pie has a crispy, bite-sized shell filled with a savoury mixture of veggies and meat that'll have your taste buds singing. And if you're feeling brave, dive into the Gulai Tumis, a curry paste that uses over eight ingredients (including fresh saffron). Then, await a flavour explosion in your mouth!
So, if you want to sample the best halal Nyonya food in Penang, Georgetown don't miss out on Auntie Gaik Lean's. The restaurant opens daily (except Monday & Tuesday) from 12 pm to 2.30 pm and from 6 pm to 9.30 pm. This place is always packed with locals and tourists. So, we recommend that you go here early to avoid crowds.
Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery
1, Bishop St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Jawi House
Are you looking to dine in a charming heritage house that offers the best halal Nyonya food in Penang? Then, you have to come to this fantastic restaurant on Armenian Street - which the Karim family established. This family has brought us authentic and flavourful food for six generations! Furthermore, the family has Punjabi-jawi and Peranakan ancestry. Therefore, you'll get to try a unique fusion of Jawi-Peranakan cuisine with a touch of Western flair. It was certainly different from the other Nyonya food we've tried.
One must-try dish is the Herbal Lemuni Rice. The chefs cook basmati rice with coconut milk infused with the gentle aroma of lemuni leaves. However, the soul of the dish is the thick and creamy chicken curry that perfectly accompanies the flavorful Nasi Lemuni. Interestingly, locals traditionally use lemuni leaves to ease headaches and improve blood flow. Ultimately, the dish is just as good as Nasi Lemak but is just a healthier version!
The restaurant opens daily from 11 am to 9.30 pm (closed on Tuesdays). Therefore, going around noon for lunch is better before the crowd builds up.
Jawi House
85, Lbh Armenian, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Richard Rivalee
If you want to experience Nyonya fine dining in Penang and savour the delicate flavours of this cuisine - Richard Rivalee is your place. This restaurant is the brainchild of designer Richard Rivalee. Ultimately, he wanted to showcase the beauty and flavours of Nyonya in a traditional-style setting.
You must try their signature dish, babi pongteh, which is nothing short of divine. The chef perfectly cooks the hearty pork stew with a melange of spices and flavours that will leave you craving more. Afterwards, why not munch on their delightful bubur cha cha? This is a perfectly sweet and vibrant coconut dessert to round off your dining escapade! It's also one of our favourite desserts.
Come to this best Nyonya food restaurant in Penang for a unique take on Peranakan cuisine. Richard Rivalee opens from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and 6 pm to 9:30 pm (Closed on Tuesdays). So, we recommend you make a reservation at 7 pm for a romantic date night out.
Richard Rivalee
62 & 64, Lorong Macalister, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Ivy Nyonya Cuisine
Are you looking for authentic and affordable Nyonya food in Penang, Georgetown? Look no further than Ivy Nyonya Cuisine. Despite being one of the newer Peranakan restaurants on the island, they have quickly become a favourite among locals and tourists.
Furthermore, the restaurant is in a beautiful heritage building on Chow Thye Road. So, when you come here, you will be met with a cosy and welcoming ambience.
One of their standout dishes that you must order is their Otak-Otak. You will relish the spicy fish cakes wrapped in banana leaves which are brimming with flavour. Similarly, another dish that you should try is the Curry Kapitan Chicken. This Peranakan-style chicken curry is tangy and spicy, with a subtle sweetness from ingredients like tamarind and palm sugar.
This Nyonya restaurant in Penang opens from 12 pm to 3 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm. However, we recommend you visit during lunchtime, as they offer a special lunch set menu that provides excellent value for money.
Ivy Nyonya Cuisine
58, Jalan Chow Thye, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Nyonya Breeze Desire
Nyonya Breeze Desire is a gem of a restaurant nestled in the luxurious Straits Quay. They serve authentic famous Nyonya food in Penang that will tantalise your taste buds. With the main branch closed, we are lucky that the restaurant's Straits Quay branch continues to dish out delicious and mouth-watering Peranakan delicacies.
Their Roti Babi is amazing. The dish is a deep-fried bread pocket filled with ground pork, shrimp, and spices like garlic, onion, and soy sauce. You will breeze through this plate and wonder where it all went! Afterwards, if you still have some space left in your tummy, complete your experience with some of their delicious Pengat. It is a sweet coconutty broth infused with pandan.
The restaurant operates daily, from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and from 5:30 pm to 9 pm. Fortunately, you can drop by the restaurant any time after basking under the sun at one of many Penang beaches.
Nyonya Breeze Desire
3A-1-7, Straits Quay, Jalan Seri Tg Pinang, 10470 Tanjung Tokong, Pulau Pinang
Winn's Cafe
When experiencing the best Nyonya food in Pulau Tikus, you can't miss out on trying the dishes at Winn's Cafe. This is one of the newly established cafes in Penang. They are causing quite a stir and are fast becoming the best Nyonya food restaurant in Penang.
Their menu features a la carte and set meals, with the latter offering a tantalising appetiser platter alongside your main course. Speaking of main courses, you absolutely must have the Chicken Curry Kapitan, made from a fragrant blend of turmeric, galangal, and lemongrass! However, we think that their Nasi Ulam truly steals the show with its aromatic blend of herbs and vegetables, toasted grated coconut, and fermented shrimp paste.
The restaurant opens from 11 am to 3 pm and 6 pm to 10 pm. But, we recommend you go during non-peak hours, like mid-afternoon, if you prefer a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere.
Winn’s Café
38, Jalan Cantonment, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Flower Mulan Nyonya Cafe
Flower Mulan Nyonya Cafe is another hidden gem for Nyonya food in Pulau Tikus. You will find this restaurant nestled inside a flower shop that has been blooming for over 30 years. As soon as you step in, you'll see a riot of colours and fragrances from the vases of posies, dangling flowers, and big red lanterns adorning every corner. Furthermore, the atmosphere is cosy and romantic, perfect for a date or a girls' day out.
The food is equally delightful, with classic Nyonya dishes such as asam prawns and acar acar that taste like home-cooked meals. However, their must-try dish is the sambal fish curry. The sauce perfectly balances spicy, sweet, sour, and savoury flavours. Moreover, the fish is tender and flaky, absorbing all the deliciousness of the sauce and leaving you wanting more.
This is the place to go if you're looking for authentic Nyonya food in Penang, Georgetown. Flower Mulan opens from 11.30 am to 10.30 pm, except on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Flower Mulan Nyonya Cafe
266 & 268, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Mum's Nyonya Cuisine
Mum's Nyonya Cuisine is a small restaurant with a big reputation. It's widely considered to be the best Nyonya restaurant in Penang. Hence, it's no wonder why famous Malaysian names like Jimmy Choo, Ang Lee, and Nicol David love it.
We had to try their Jiu Hu Char (Stir fry jicama with dried squids) - a famous Nyonya food in Penang. We were not disappointed. The finely julienned vegetables, crispy squids, and textured mushrooms made for a delightful bite. Additionally, their fried aubergine was also a hit, with a firm texture and garlicky topping.
The restaurant operates from 11 am to 2 pm and 6 pm to 8.30 pm (Closed on Mondays). So, we think it is best to avoid the peak lunch and dinner crowd by going earlier.
Mum's Nyonya Cuisine
31-D, Lorong Abu Siti, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Kebaya Dining Room
Kebaya Dining Room, located in the luxurious Seven Terraces Hotel, offers sophisticated Nyonya fine dining in Penang. Furthermore, you will find that the restaurant's interior is elegantly decorated with Peranakan antiques and artwork - adding to its traditional yet modern aesthetic.
The concise menu features a selection of Peranakan cooking that will tempt all your foodie cravings! For example, you will be satisfied with their tamarind glazed grass-fed beef and prawn geng curry, which are absolute delights. Then, complete your meal with their indulgent pandan creme brulee.
Kebaya Dining Room is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the finer things in life and enjoy the best Nyonya fine dining in Penang. This fine dining establishment opens from 6 pm –10 pm. In addition, be sure to make a reservation before you go to avoid disappointment.
Kebaya Dining Room
14A, Stewart Ln, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Bibik's Kitchen Nyonya Cuisine
Bibik's Kitchen Nyonya Cuisine is another restaurant that locals highly recommend for the best halal Nyonya food in Penang. They offer a broad selection of Peranakan fusion dishes that will satisfy all your cravings.
Bibik's kitchen specialises in Bakwan Kepeting, a comforting and hearty Peranakan soup known for its savoury flavours and unique texture. The chefs make this soup by simmering chicken bones, herbs, and spices such as garlic, ginger, and star anise. Afterwards, the chefs add some tender crab and fish meatballs.
The restaurant operates from 11:30 am to 3 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm and is closed on Mondays. So, to enjoy a bowl of their signature steamy soup, it's best to visit during dinner when the weather is slightly cooler to enjoy this hearty Nyonya food in Penang, Georgetown.
Bibik's Kitchen Nyonya Cuisine
73, Jalan Sri Bahari, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Baba Delicacy
You're in luck if you are craving Nyonya food in Bayan Lepas. This Nyonya restaurant in Penang is a hidden gem that's worth seeking out for an authentic taste of Peranakan cuisine. Furthermore, the restaurant's interior exudes warmth and homely charm, as does the staff.
As for the food, it's nothing short of spectacular - a true testament to the owner's passion for cooking. From the savoury, spicy goodness of Nyonya steamed fish to their chicken rendang's fragrant, melt-in-your-mouth goodness, every dish is perfect! They use the freshest of ingredients and authentic recipes. Additionally, be sure that you try their famous Belacan Fried Rice. This spicy, pungent delight is not for the faint of heart.
The restaurant opens daily from 8 am to 2 am (closed on Sundays). Ultimately, this place is a must-visit for anyone seeking Nyonya food in Bayan Lepas for a late-night supper after enjoying the Penang nightlife.
Baba Delicacy
18-A, Lintang Sungai Tiram 5, Sunway Prima, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Top Nyonya Food in Penang To Try
- Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery
- Jawi House
- Richard Rivalee
- Ivy Nyonya Cuisine
- Nyonya Breeze Desire
- Winn’s Café
- Flower Mulan Nyonya Cafe
- Mum's Nyonya Cuisine
- Kebaya Dining Room
- Bibik's Kitchen Nyonya Cuisine
- Baba Delicacy
Our Personal Favourites
Nyonya food in Penang is such a joy for the palate. However, if we had to choose two of our favourites, they would be Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery and Jawi House.
We love Auntie Gaik Lean’s for their homemade approach to Peranakan cuisine, serving traditional recipes that are packed with delightful flavours that are not pretentious. But, on the other hand, we love Jawi House for their unique Jawi-Peranakan cuisine that is hard to come by. The restaurants’ cosy atmosphere perfectly complements their dishes' complex and nuanced flavours.
Our top 11 picks are just a small sample of the fantastic and famous Nyonya food in Penang. However, we hope they inspire you to explore and discover the many hidden gems this beautiful island offers.
If you want to find out more about what to do in Penang, follow us on Instagram @tabitogether. Happy eating & exploring!
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