Hainantown @Yeng Keng Nyonya Restaurant on Chulia Street offers a comfortable and beautiful lunch or dining setting.
If it’s authentic Hainanese dishes you’re looking for, this is one place that offers that. Along with Nyonya Peranakan cuisine that Penang is famous for.
What do we like about this place? Find out in this post below.
Table Of Contents:
About Hainantown @ Yeng Keng Nyonya Restaurant
Set in a heritage building, Hainantown @ Yeng Keng Nyonya Restaurant is not particularly spacious. Because they don’t have many tables, it’s advisable to make bookings ahead of time.
Hainanese spring rolls, otak-otak and Nyonya curry stingray are some of their signature dishes. Others like macaroni pie have to be pre-ordered.
Hainanese coffee features on the drinks menu. And they have some refreshing options like nutmeg or passionfruit juice as well.
Sago pudding and black glutinous rice dessert with coconut cream are must-tries too if you have still have room in your tummy.
Ease Of Parking At Hainantown @ Yeng Keng Nyonya Restaurant
There’s limited parking directly in front of Hainantown @ Yeng Keng Nyonya Restaurant. But walking distance and to the side of the shophouse row, there is a paid car park.
If you happen to be staying at the Yeng Keng Hotel (燕京), you can just walk to the restaurant as it is in the luscious courtyard in front of the heritage hotel.
Ambiance At Hainantown @ Yeng Keng Nyonya Restaurant
This is the kind of place to bring customers or relatives from out of town. The interior is dressy but tasteful with rich jewel-tones and vintage décor.
They have a lovely bar/ counter with sunlight pouring down from the skylight above and many plants hanging from the ceiling.
There are a few different seating configurations. Including large round tables for bigger groups (~10 pax).
Some tables have views are of the courtyard garden outside.
Service At Hainantown @ Yeng Keng Nyonya Restaurant
The way the waitstaff is dressed, you would think that there is 5-star service here. But that is not the case.
They are polite but not super attentive. We did make an extra order for another drink after placing our main order for our group. And this drink never appeared throughout the meal.
We decided to let it go since there was water. At least we were not charged for it.
From our main order:
Drinks came first, followed by dishes, and shortly after the rice. It took under 20 minutes for everything to come.
Food At Hainantown @ Yeng Keng Nyonya Restaurant
Dishes are decent, overall. We particularly liked the savory yam with duck dish. Curry Tumis Fish is tasty as well. And the fish is very fresh.
There is also the Tau Yu Chicken which is flavorful. The braised chicken is well marinated with a strong taste of soy sauce.
Nasi ulam was an interesting order. Lobak was alright and actually tasted similar to lobak made with pork. The otak-otak tasted authentic although the texture was mushier than we prefer.
For those that are not dining in a group (i.e., sharing dishes), the Hainanese chicken chop or fried rice are delicious ala carte options.
Pricing At Hainantown @ Yeng Keng Nyonya Restaurant
If you plan on ordering assam prawns, steel yourself for the prices.
Dining in a group can come up to a few hundred Ringgit easily. Especially if you order more than 6 dishes.
In line with the dining ambiance and portions given, the prices seem fair. Although the service could use some improvement.
Conclusion
Considering that they prepare theirfood without the use of pork, Hainantown @ Yeng Keng Nyonya Restaurant manage to make Nyonya dishes palatable.
But it is their ambiance that is their best quality. So, if you’re looking to impress and entertain guests in Penang, Hainantown @ Yeng Keng Nyonya Restaurant meets that requirement.
Guests staying at Yeng Keng Hotel should also have at least one meal at Hainantown @ Yeng Keng Nyonya Restaurant. Check out the Yeng Keng Hotel, a 4 star hotel with very good ratings.
See other restaurants in Penang that are worth checking out.
