[Penang] Penang is renowned for its Peranakan (also known as Nyonya) cuisine due to its unique cultural history.
Many Peranakan recipes have been passed down through generations, involving intricate preparation and slow cooking techniques.
Ivy’s Nyonya Cuisine in George Town is a notable establishment that was recommended by same friends, and also included in the MICHELIN Guide Malaysia distinguished with a Bib Gourmand.
This restaurant, run by a married couple for over 15 years, offers a personal and intimate dining experience.
Ivy who helms the kitchen, and her husband manages the front of the house, provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The restaurant is known for its set menu, which offers well-sized portions and a variety of dishes and refreshing desserts.
At Ivy’s, diners can indulge in an à la carte menu or get a more diverse grasp of Peranakan cuisine by choosing one of the sharable set menus which was what I was recommended.
A typical set menu (RM79.00 for pax) includes six items such as Nyonya Assan Fish, Hoo Peow Thang (Fish Maw Soup), Kapitan Chicken (chicken curry), and a dessert such as the creamy black glutinous rice with coconut milk.
The value-for-money fare goes for RM118 for 3 pax, and RM156 for 4 pax.
One of the deepest that left the deepest impression was the Nyonya Assam Fish.
Choose either seabass or cod (or even stingray with a top-up), the fish was cooked in a tantalising Assam (tamarind) sauce, which was both spicy and sour, providing a burst of fresh flavours.
I also had the Joo Hoo Char which reminded me of popiah fillings but presented in a different form.
It is mix of vegetables then served with lettuce leaves, allowing diners to wrap the mixture to create a refreshing and crunchy bite.
The signature dish of Kapitan Chicken was spicier than expected, in a rich and creamy curry with a distinctive blend of spices.
A sweet end to the Nyonya meal, the Black Glutinous Rice with Coconut Milk was just subtly sweet (thankfully), with richness of the coconut milk.
I found the entire dining experience very family-style, as though as you are dining in somebody’s house.
The restaurant’s reasonable prices, coupled with its hospitality and comfortable atmosphere, makes it a choice if you are looking for homely Peranakan dishes.
Ivy’s Nyonya Cuisine
58, Jalan Chow Thye, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 12pm – 3pm (Wed – Sun), 6pm – 9pm (Tues), Closed Mon
Google Maps – Ivy’s Nyonya Cuisine
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