7 Nyonya Food Gems in Penang That’ll Give You a Taste of True Peranakan Heritage!
Even after several visits to Penang, the city always continues to wow me with its ever-growing selection of foodie spots. From cool cafes to humble hawker stalls and anything in between, it has it all but one that we particularly love to try whenever we’re here is Nyonya food!
Just a quick history lesson: Nyonya cuisine originated from the Peranakan people, who were a group of immigrants from China who settled in Penang and Melaka. So, if you’re going to try this cuisine, there’s no better place than one of the cities it originated from!
There are TONS of Nyonya food spots in Penang and quite frankly, not all of them are worth checking out. So join me as I fanboy about my favourite restaurants that offer this vast and rich cuisine!
Winn’s Cafe
— Media credit: foodieonabittenapple
Address: 38, Jalan Cantonment, Pulau Tikus
Contact details: +60 19-451 1631
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $$
Winn’s Cafe is a Nyonya gem that’s perfect for those who are on a quest to find the best dishes that this Peranakan cuisine has to offer. Their menu boasts an exceptional selection of Nyonya favourites including their renowned salted fish bone curry.
Among their offerings, however, is the most recommended dish: otak otak. It’s essentially fish cakes that have been mixed with various spices, wrapped in parcel leaves before being grilled or steamed—a true must-try!
Another highlight of their menu is their assam pedas, which is a fish stew dish that features an amazing blend of both sweet and sour flavours. Plus, the tender white meat does a perfect job of absorbing all the flavours of the sauce!
Pro tip:
If you’re planning on commuting, the best thing to do is to ride the bus and drop off at the Apartment Villa Indah Bus Stop. This will take you directly in front of Winn’s Cafe!
Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay
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Address: Lebuh Chulia, Jalan Masjid
Contact details: +60 12-415 2677
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: $$
Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay is one of the oldest Nyonya spots in Penang, so it’s a no-brainer to include it on its list given its experience and rich history. This age shows in the best way, as the interior features this old-world charm that no other restaurant can encapsulate.
As for their experience, it’s perfectly showcased with their dishes, as everything is nailed down to a tee. For instance, they offer a plethora of assam pedas and nyonya laksa, both of which use the freshest ingredients and are prepared masterfully by their chefs.
One of their biggest draws, however, is their kuih, which are also known as their traditional Malay cakes. These cute and colourful cakes are delicate and flavourful, and they’re the best cherry on top for your Nyonya dining experience here.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking for something that hits close to home, we highly recommend checking out their nasi lemak! Furthermore, we recommend getting the Nyonya-style chicken curry alongside it for an amazing combination of flavours.
Bibik’s Kitchen Nyonya
— Media credit: bibik.kitchen
Address: 73, Jalan Sri Bahari
Contact details: +60 12-669 7488
Operating hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Cost: $$
From the moment you see its old shophouse interior, Bibik’s Kitchen will immediately entice you to enter its doors, and you won’t regret it! It features a welcoming atmosphere, courtesy of their world-class staff members and the fragrance of whatever they’re cooking up in the kitchen.
It also helps that they feature some of the most amazing variations of Nyonya staples, one of which is assam pedas. This dish is such a standout because of its amazing balance of spicy, sour, and sweet flavours!
Another highlight of theirs is the irresistible Nyonya laksa, which is a creamy and flavourful noodle soup that’s perfect to slurp on a rainy day. Actually, scratch that because this dish is perfect for the soul rain or shine!
Pro tip:
Give your meal a sweet ending by ordering one of their delicious kuih! These traditional cakes are just as delicious as they’re beautiful.
Kebaya Dining Room
— Media credit: kebaya_dining_room
Address: 14A, Stewart Ln
Contact details: +60 4-264 2333
Operating hours: Daily from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Cost: $$$
If you want to enjoy a fine dining experience that centres around Nyonya cuisine, then Kebaya Dining Room should be right up your alley! Right as you enter its doors, you’ll immediately feel the aura of the place with its grandiose curtains, patterned tiles and premium wood finishes.
The restaurant offers far more than just ambience though, as it also features some innovative Nyonya dishes that have some sprinkles of Vietnamese, Thai and French influences. This gives beloved dishes such as otak otak a new flavour that sticks close to home at the same time.
They also feature tantalising dishes that will set you right such as sticky plum duck legs and our personal favourite, kerabu green mango. Meanwhile, if you think you could use a bit of seafood in your life, we recommend getting their prawn geng curry.
Pro tip:
A great way you can end your meal is by ordering their matcha creme brulee! Meanwhile, if you’re looking for something more traditional, we recommend getting the chocolate mousse.
Jawi House Cafe Gallery
— Media credit: jawihouse
Address: 85, Lbh Armenian
Contact details: +60 4-261 3680
Operating hours: Wednesday to Monday: 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $$
Jawi House Cafe Gallery is another restaurant that does a fantastic job of blending cuisines from different countries that reflect the heritage of the Peranakan people. These cuisines include Indian, Malay and Arab, allowing guests to enjoy a magnificent combination of flavours.
This range of cuisine is also why you’ll find an impressive mix of dishes, from biryanis to roti surai and many more. Something that we love to try here over and over again is their beef rendang, as it’s tender and flavoured just right!
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that they’ve been around for six whole generations so if there’s anyone eligible to provide spectacular Nyonya food, it’s them!
Pro tip:
While you’re here, be sure to stop by the nearby Armenian Street, which features one of the most iconic street artworks in Penang. It’s here where you’ll find rows of colourful umbrellas suspended in the sky—perfect for taking Instaworthy photos!
Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery
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Address: 1, Bishop St
Contact details: +60 17-434 4398
Operating hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $$
Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery is one of the most charming Nyonya restaurants in the city, and it doesn’t take much but a quick glimpse of its exterior to realise this. It features a cool 60s-inspired facade and will treat you to an amazing nostalgic and delicious dining experience.
This iconic restaurant is helmed by the titular Auntie Gaik herself and her legendary resume makes her one of the best people to trust when it comes to Peranakan flavours. If you’re looking for the best offerings, her signature dishes include assam pedas and pie tee!
Pro tip:
If you want to give your dishes a bit more kick, we recommend getting their homemade fiery sambal!
Ivy’s Nyonya Cuisine
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Address: 100,102, 104, Jalan Kedah
Contact details: +60 13-433 7878
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Cost: $$
Ivy’s Nyonya Cuisine is one of those restaurants where you’ll feel like you’re dining at a relative’s house as opposed to a restaurant. It’s not hard to feel this way too, as the place itself looks like a cosy and welcoming home, which is something we highly appreciate.
Ambience aside, this restaurant is a solid option for those seeking authentic Nyonya cuisine because the couple who runs this place implements traditional methods. Every dish from their assam pedas to their Nyonya laksa and anything in between is prepared meticulously.
Pro tip:
Stop by the nearby Chowrasta Market to be immersed in Penang’s rich history! From street foods to local crafts and more, the products you’ll find here will give you a glimpse of the city’s culture!