Western-Style Lunch at a Heritage Site in Penang

A friend once asked me if Penang only offers local food and whether there are any decent Western restaurants. Of course, there are! I can name a few off the top of my head, and Peninsula House is one of them.

The journey to the restaurant might feel a bit eerie and rundown, but once you arrive, it’s like stepping into another world. The space is quite large, with impressively high ceilings. There’s a spacious dining area as well as a cozy corner for coffee lovers. Previously, they only served dinner, but they’ve recently started offering lunch as well. Personally, I think lunch is a better choice because the sunlight streaming in creates a relaxing and serene atmosphere.

I don’t drink alcohol, but a refreshing cold drink is a must. I started with a signature drink based on apple juice, which was wonderfully cooling.

For the appetizer, I had tuna served sashimi-style. The edges were coated with black and white sesame seeds for added texture. Topped with crispy purple sweet potato chips, it not only enhanced the presentation but also added a delightful crunch.

Next came the duck cannelloni. The chewy Italian pasta rolls were stuffed with duck meat, offering a nice texture. However, the duck had a slightly gamey taste. I didn’t mind it, but it might not be to everyone’s liking.

Another dish was the catch of the day, which was wild grouper. Unlike the crispy-skinned fish you might find in Western cuisine, this thick piece of fish was tender and moist, leaving me with no complaints.

For dessert, I chose the Butterscotch Madeleine. Four madeleine cakes were served with a scoop of ice cream, accompanied by a shot of espresso to pour over. The presentation added a touch of ceremony. I recommend eating the madeleines first, as soaking them too much in coffee can make them overly wet and bitter. The ice cream paired perfectly with the coffee, as expected.

Penang actually has quite a few comfortable restaurants like this, and I think they’re especially great for lunch.

Restaurant Information:
Peninsula House
India House (historical building, 1st Floor, India House, 25, Beach St, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang)

Post by Fabrice 嚐味 | Sep 17, 2025