Opened in mid 2025, Lee’s Signature Fish 小李酸菜鱼 has built a strong following in Penang, and it’s easy to see why the outlet is often extremely busy, especially during peak meal hours. The clear crowd favourite is their Signature Suan Cai Fish, served in a tangy, appetizing broth that keeps tables turning quickly thanks to their super-fast service. That said, while the flavours hit familiar comfort notes, the prices feel on the higher side considering the relatively small portion sizes.
A new addition to Island 88, HK 1987 is tucked away on the mezzanine floor of the building. The restaurant offers a wide variety of Hong Kong delights, with a particular focus on HK-style claypot rice and an extensive range of stir-fried dishes. Portions are generous and prices are reasonable, making it a versatile spot that caters well to diners of all ages. With its large menu and hearty servings, HK 1987 is worth checking out for those craving comforting Hong Kong flavors in Penang.
The renowned Hong Kong restaurant San Xi Lou has made its Malaysian debut at Gurney Paragon Mall, introducing a refined mix of Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine. Established in Hong Kong since 2007, the restaurant is famed for its bold flavours and elegant presentation. The Penang outlet on Level 6 offers a good selection of both Cantonese and Sichuan delights as well as a selection of dim sum — making it a noteworthy new spot for elevated Chinese dining in Penang.
Ban Bu Dian has made its way to Gurney Paragon, bringing a taste of Sichuan cuisine to Penang. While prices here lean toward the higher side, the quality makes up for it. The dishes are well-executed with bold, multi-dimensional flavors that go beyond just being spicy— there’s depth and balance in the seasoning that makes the food stand out. For those who enjoy Sichuan cuisine with character and refinement, Ban Bu Dian is definitely a spot to check out.
Originating from Singapore and known for its award-winning Hunan fare, Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine has landed in Penang with its first outlet on the 6th floor of Gurney Plaza. The menu isn’t large but focuses on bold, classic flavors—think Suan Cai Fish, Dual Pepper Spicy Chicken with Antler Mushroom, and Stir-Fried Pork. Prices lean a little higher, but business is brisk, with a queue expected on weekends. Bonus: free snacks and soft serve are offered while you wait.
Yang Yang Cuisine has recently expanded its presence to Sunshine Central Mall Penang, bringing along its familiar array of Nyonya, Hainan, and Oriental delights. This latest branch continues the brand’s culinary tradition, offering a wide selection of comforting classics in a casual, family-friendly setting. Whether you're in the mood for fragrant Nasi Hainan, rich Peranakan curries, or simple stir-fries, the menu covers a good variety to cater to different palates.
Little Sour 7 酸小七酸菜鱼 has recently made its debut in Penang with a new outlet at the freshly launched Sunshine Central Mall in Ayer Itam. Hailing from China, the brand is known for its signature sour and spicy hotpot- an unusual and punchy flavor combination that’s still relatively uncommon locally. The space is casual and modern, suitable for small or large groups. Being located in a mall makes it a convenient stop for a meal after shopping or errands.
A new addition to Island 88, Alfresco Dining is the latest culinary venture by renowned Chef Petr Feher, a Czech-born chef whose impressive portfolio includes stints at E&O Hotel Penang, The Datai Langkawi, Siam Kempinski Bangkok, and Four Seasons Hotels around the globe.
Bringing his years of international experience to the table, Chef Petr curates a menu that fuses Western and Asian flavors—featuring some of his all-time favorite creations. The concept here is modern yet casual, with a focus on serving quality food at accessible prices. One part of the space embraces an outdoorsy, laid-back ambiance, perfect for those looking to unwind with good food and a drink or two.
Many Thanks to Alfresco Dining for hosting us.
A new addition to Sunshine Central Penang is Manzen Ishiya, a branch by Manzen but focusing on Ishiyaki concept (stone-grilled). The restaurant is located on the 2nd floor of Sunshine Central (near to the hotel wing). The Japanese restaurant offers a big menu, apart from the Ishiyaki-focused dishes, there are plenty of familiar Japanese delights. Dishes are reasonably priced with generous serving portions. Definitely a good choice in Sunshine Central Penang.
Originated from China, Nong Geng Ji Hunan Cuisine 农耕记湖南菜 set foot in Malaysia few months back, opening its first Malaysia outlet at The Exchange TRX Mall (lower ground floor). The Chinese restaurant joint has been doing very well since its opening- with relentless queue and big crowd waiting eagerly to get their seats. As suggested by the name, the restaurant focuses on Hunan Cuisine so expect the menu to consist of some really spicy, salty Xiang cuisine. The prices are unfortunately on the higher side, expect to spend at least RM50 per pax here. Fortunately the food quality seems to be good (at least to us and plenty of good reviews online) and the flavor-combos are unique; do check it out if you happen to shop at TRX Mall.
A new alternative for our Muslim friends to try authentic China Chinese food with the opening of China Muslim Mee Tarik Tangan 中国穆斯林兰州拉面 at Prangin Mall Penang. The restaurant is manned by a Chinese-Muslim couple from China, specializes in churning out hand-pulled Lan Zhou Lamian Noodles. The menu features an array of noodle options, as well as some Chinese stir-fry dishes and delicacies like Dumplings. Those with a big appetite would be glad to know that diners can request for extra portion of noodles for free (there is an option to upgrade the portion in the order system). Reasonable prices and decent quality of food, worth checking out if you are a fan of Beef Lamian.
If you are not in the mood of some heavily seasoned hawker fare and looking for some lighter option, check out The Heirloom Co at Gurney Paragon Mall. The salad and grain bowl bar churns out healthy, nutritious yet tasty meals. Options vary from healthy Salad to Toast and Grain Bowls; prices shall depend on the toppings and customization is possible. Definitely a good option for those who are time-pressed but looking for a balanced and wholesome meal. Find The Heirloom Co on the ground floor of Gurney Paragon Mall, right in front of Lacoste/ H&M entrance near St. Jo.
Gurney Paragon Mall welcomes a new tenant- Yun Xiang Steampot Fish 云香蒸汽石锅鱼, a restaurant that serves Yun Nan-style one-of-a-kind pressure-steamed fresh fish. Unlike any usual steamboat or hotpot, Yun Xiang uses special-made granite stone pot from Yun Nan with an extra function to allow steam gushing through the broth while boiling them at the same time, extracting all the flavors and essence in the tasty broth. Yun Nan cuisine often features fresh local ingredients, this particular cooking method is perfect to highlight the natural flavors and sweetness of the ingredients. Apart from the signature clear fish broth, Yun Xiang also offers other options like Peppercorn Fish Broth, Ma La Spicy Broth, Sour Pickled Mustard Green Fish Broth, Tonic Herbal Soup and Sweet and Sour Tomato Broth. Yun Xiang Steampot Fish can be found at Level 5 of Gurney Paragon Mall, you will find the restaurant via the exit from MODE Aesthetic on the same floor.
Many Thanks to Yun Xiang Steampot Fish for hosting us.
Thai food lovers would be very excited to learn that Para Thai, a Thai chain restaurant has finally opened up a branch up north in Penang. The latest branch can be found at the lower ground floor of Gurney Plaza Penang. The strategic location provides easy access to delicious Halal Thai food. The menu is somewhat extensive- from saliva-inducing starters to tummy-satisfying mains or even Thai sweet treats. The quality seems to be pretty consistent (its a chain restaurant anyway) but the price points are above average (example: the bill for the two of us came to be slightly more than RM160). Nevertheless, we do see that Para Thai is an option with easy access and for quality Halal Thai food.
Known as the best Ramen joint in Fukuoka, Japan; Kanada-Ya is a big Ramen brand that bagged many international awards. It is also voted as the No. 1 Ramen by Telegraph London and Top 20 Best Ramen in Singapore. With 18 outlets worldwide (including Japan, London, Hong Kong, Spain, Singapore and Taiwan), the ramen joint is officially open in Malaysia... with its first outlet at Central Gurney of G Hotel Penang. The brand specializes in Tonkotsu Ramen, to fully accentuate the flavors, the pork bone broth is first boiled for 18 hours then added with a secret sauce lending it a slight creaminess. For Truffle lovers, try their signature Truffle Ramen (limited to only 20 bowls a day) where you will get slurp some al-dente wheat noodles with Porcini Truffle paste and White Truffle Oil.
Opening Special: Enjoy 50% Discount on the Second bowl of Ramen. No minimum spend required, only available from 30 May to 4 June 2023.
Many thanks to Kanada-Ya for hosting us.
Adding more flavors to the latest lifestyle mall in Penang- Gurney Walk as the mall welcomes a new F&B tenant: Havana Kitchen which specializes in dishing out South Indian delights. Expect to see heavy-spices on the menu with regional delights from Kerala, Tamilnadu, Chettinad, Andhra and Karnataka etc. When it comes to South Indian cuisine, one should expect heavy spicy kick and bold chili heat; Havana Kitchen seeks to bring authentic South Indian flavors to Penang. There are many uncommon South Indian delights (to Penang) on the menu which fans of Indian food would not want to miss. It is noteworthy that Havana Kitchen has a no preservative, no food coloring policy. Find Havana Kitchen on the 1st floor of Gurney Walk, right above The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
This post is brought to you by Gurney Walk
Foodies residing near Batu Kawan area or shoppers at Design Village Outlet Mall can look forward to the food event happening this weekend (from 28 Apr 2023 to 1 May 2023)- Makan at Sundown. The 4-day food festival sees a gathering of some of Penang's best food street food, restaurants, cafes and other emerging food joints. The Makan at Sundown event features over 100 food stalls, with highlights including Penang's proud creation- Char Koay Teow, Nasi Kerabu and a myriad of international delights from Lebanon, Turkey, Italy etc. Not only that, visitors can also expect to find some stalls selling plants, crafts, fresh flowers or even partake in an art class! The event runs from 28 Apr 2023 to 1 May 2023, from 5PM to 10PM at Design Village Outlet Mall Outdoor Car Park.
A popular hotpot brand started in Singapore, Beauty In The Pot 美滋锅 needs no further introduction as the brand is famed to all Malaysians and Singaporeans for its nourishing and wholesome broth, its signature Beauty Collagen Broth is the most sought-after hotpot broth amongst all. Hotpot fans would be glad to know that Beauty In The Pot is finally extending its business operations up north to Gurney Plaza Penang! The new outlet is the 4th outlet and the largest outlet in Malaysia and it is the first outside of Genting Highlands and Klang Valley.
Spanning over 10,000 square feet, the 292-seater outlet boasts of exquisite interior design that is different from the rest of its outlets. The pink princess theme is inspired by the beautiful cherry blossoms that come every early spring. The restaurant's walls and ceiling features pink wave design, with round shape mirror decor from the entrance to the private rooms. There are 3 VIP private rooms available to large group of diners and able to accommodate 12 to 24 diners. Beauty In The Pot Gurney Plaza is set to welcome diners on 18 April 2023!
Opening Promotion and Highlights:
Many Thanks to Beauty In The Pot for hosting us
One Dish One Taste Hot Pot 一碟一味重庆火锅 is the latest addition to the Penang hotpot scene, the brand specializes in Chong Qing-style Hot Pot, particularly the Ma-La Spicy broth but the brand has created a unique proposition by rolling out a Nine-Square dessert box as well as decorating the whole restaurant with purple Wisteria. Instead of focusing on the Hot Pot, many visitors are more excited to try on the Nine-Square desserts. As long as the guest agrees to pay an extra RM6 fee, he/she is entitled to unlimited servings of desserts (on top of the sauces and dips). As for the Hot Pot, the selection for broth types and Hot Pot raw ingredients is quite standard. A meal here does not come cheap, the bill for the 2 of us came to slightly more than RM240.
Not to be confused with the Wild Pink Fish in New World Park, the outlet at Gurney Walk Penang offers a very different menu. The outlet at Gurney Walk Penang dishes out quality and affordable Japanese dishes, their Sushi is known for its value for money and undeniably popular amongst the white-collar workers. Dine-in guests would be glad to know that Wild Pink Fish offers a casual environment with "Sushi Bar-like" seating. The menu is a little limited but for diners who wish for a special menu, it can be arranged accordingly. With a special request, an "Izakaya-style" dinner menu featuring A5 Wagyu, Toro Sashimi etc can be customized depending on the budget (min of 3 pax is required). For the special dinner menu, diners can bring their own alcohol beverages with no extra corkage fee. Wild Pink Fish at Gurney Walk can be found on Ground Floor, right next to CUEVA; visitors can park their car at the multi-storey car park or the underground car park, with entrance from Ascott Gurney Hotel.
This post is brought to you by Gurney Walk Penang.
