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.
Step in Lao Cheng Du 老成都, a fairly new restaurant at Burmah Road and you will be instantly transported to the 1950'... with old-school building and various knick-knacks from the past. We were amazed by the effort put in for the interior decor. On the food offering, the restaurant serves Dim Sum dishes with a small spread of Chinese dishes in the mornings; the usual Chinese small plates will commence at Noon. There are aplenty choices here- from appetizers to mains like Dumplings, Bao or even Noodle dishes. Price points are fair and reasonable, worth checking out if you are up for something new.
A new addition to the China Chinese food scene in Penang- Wan Jia Dumpling House 万家饺子馆 at Elit Avenue (Bayan Lepas) is probably the only place in Penang that serves Wu Han Re Gan Mian, a dish that originated from Wu Han, China. But the place is in fact, specializes in serving home-made Dumplings but the menu also features some other China Chinese-delights too. The restaurant is manned by a couple from mainland China and the menu is written in Mandarin, so do bring along a Mandarin-literate partner when visiting this place.
Mao Master 川魂帽牌货冒菜 at The One Mahsuri is probably the only place that specializes in Mao Cai (冒菜), a popular delicacy originated from Cheng Du. The cooking method is simple- cook all ingredients in a hotpot-like broth and serve various spices and Ma-La ingredients. You get to taste this at Mao Master, there are set meals and ala-carte options as well. On top of that, expect to find an array of China Chinese delights (mostly Sze Chuan-related) like Dumplings, Skewers etc. The restaurant adopts self-service so you are expected to pick up your own eating utensils as well as picking your own orders etc.
More choices for those who prefer China Chinese delights, Soon Beijing Restaurant 顺北京餐厅 is the latest addition to i-Santorini at Tanjung Tokong (a few shops away from Baskin Robbins). The brand was previously known as Soon Ma La Hot Pot but has since rebranded to Soon Beijing Restaurant. The menu features quite a big variety of China Chinese delights- rice dishes, noodles, dumplings and stir-fries. The price points are of affordable range but the serving portion can be quite small for some. We have had some of the signature noodle dishes and we can't say we like them all...
For a casual, quick and inexpensive China Chinese meal, make your way to Da Le Restaurant 大乐餐厅, conveniently located on the main street of Jalan Tanjung Bungah (opposite to Dalat International School). The new Chinese eatery offers a relatively big Chinese menu, featuring some Chinese delights from different regions- Sze Chuan, Zhe Jiang etc. There are also a handful of Chinese dishes familiar to most Malaysians (like Hainanese Chicken). The place is air-conditioned, and a meal here would not put a hole on the wallet. Worth checking out if you are in the vicinity.
An extended branch of Chiow Lin Hotpot (at Abu Siti Lane), it's hard to notice Shu Xiang Ge 蜀湘阁; the restaurant can be found at The Palazzia, a commercial space right next to Jalan Bukit Gambir (down the hill if coming from Jalan Yeap Chor Ee/ before USM). This particular restaurant focuses on Sze Chuan-style stir fry dishes instead of hotpot. The menu is fairly small and it has quite a handful of affordable options (to attract the China Chinese students from USM). But the classics are still available, like the Kou Shui Ji, Shui Zhu Yu or Hui Guo Rou etc. The place is less-accommodating for big groups and some of the items on the menu tend to be not available so if you have plans coming in a big group, do make early reservations.
For an inexpensive, value-for-money and filling North Eastern Chinese Dong Bei cuisine, try Dong Bei Jiao Zi 东北饺子 at Noordin Street. The Dong Bei cuisine specialist occupies a corner lot of Jalan C.Y. Choy and Noordin Street, offering a rather authentic Chinese fare. Expect a sweat-inducing experience as the place is not air-conditioned and the food menu consists of plenty of spicy options. The menu is fairly big with Dumpling, Noodle and Rice options... but are all reasonably priced. Not a shabby place to satisfy your cravings for Chinese Dong Bei food.
Whether chilly raining days or year end reunion meals, it is always pleasurable to enjoy a hot pot meal. Satisfy your tummy at one of the latest hot pot restaurants in town- Feng Wang Fu Hot Pot 凤王府火锅 at Gurney Paragon Mall. This new addition offers Sze Chuan-styled Mala Hot Pot along with other soul-comforting broths. The bold Chinese decor instantly brings you back to ancient China- from the seating arrangement to knick-knacks adorning the walls. The menu is quite extensive with various meat and seafood (missing Chicken though), service is most attentive at Feng Wang Fu but do expect the price points to be above average- expect to pay an average of Rm 80 per pax for a meal here.
Found in an unassuming spot within walking distance from the Tua Pek Kong Temple at Tanjung Tokong, Midnight Cat Noodle 夜猫下面 is one of the latest spots in Penang to get yourself a bowl of fiery hot, sweat-inducing Sze Chuan-influenced noodles. It is housed in an intimating old-school setting, walk in the place feels like taking a tour into someone's residence; the place is as homey as it gets. On the food offering, Midnight Cat Noodle offers noodle menu (not a big menu)... featuring an array of Chinese-influenced noodles, available in various dressing and toppings. Prices are generally affordable and the quality is of satisfactory but the place is not too accommodating for bigger groups of diners.
