Macalister Mansion Fine Dining Experience Review
Experience a super-luxurious lifestyle with world-class service of The Dining Room Experience Macalister Mansion, Penang.
They often refer to fine Dining in Macalister Mansion or MM to by Penangites as “Atas.”
“Atas” is a Malay word usually used to describe something of high social status.
The English equivalent is a sophisticated lifestyle.
The restored elegant white 1990s colonial mansion has 8 Rooms in the fabulously luxurious boutique hotel. Distinctly nostalgic.
They brand the mansion spaces as Dining Room, The Den, Living Room, The Cellar, and The Lawn.
My first experience in MM started with a casual lunch in the Living Room. The menu has local cuisine and international flavors.
One of the most enjoyable pleasures is having afternoon High Tea in the Instagramable Living Room.
This is one of the most beautiful mansions to dine in when you visit Penang.
The Dining Room’s magical tree with a white on white deco with chairs in a stately blue. Photo: Doris Lim
Contents
Magical Gastronomy of Chef Johnson Wong
Chef Johnson Wong’s remarkable journey starts with culinary studies at Le Cordon Bleu Sydney to working in Michelin starred restaurants.
Paris molded his refinements on French-style cuisine.
Chef Wong’s creative flair, a subtle mix of flavors, beautiful presentations make for a memorable fine-dining experience at the Dining Room.
He created his food as an artist, using local produce and ingredients. The surprises are remarkable.
Chef Johnson Wong “Fine dining is not just about “foie gras” or Kobe beef. It is a multisensory experience to taste the fresh produce and ingredients”. Photo: Paul Ang
The Dining Room
Macalister Mansion is the venue for classic fairy tale weddings.
The setting of the Dining Room is dreamy, romantic, and perfect for special celebratory dinners.
My childlike anticipation of eating delicious food makes the dining experience most pleasurable.
Another view of the elegantly appointed Dining Room. Photo: Doris Lim
Degustation Presentation
The Chef’s Tasting Menu presents the essence of Malaysian natural ingredients at its finest.
It captures the essence of fresh local produce, herbs, and flavoring using modern French cooking techniques.
The “eight” course menu has bonus treats of canapes; amuse bouche, palate cleanser, and Petit fours.
Snacks
Chef Wong’s selection of triple canapes makes a great first impression to a dinner party.
The first is an Orange Sorbet with basil and black olives.
The next is Fish Crackers and the deep-fried Mushroom Golden “Cakoi.”
Each canape presents a different texture bursting with fragrance and flavor.
An array of canapes; Orange, Olive, Basil | Fish Cracker | Mushroom Golden “Cakoi” Photo: Paul Ang
Amuse Bouche
The single, bite-sized hors d’œuvre of Chorizo, Mascarpone, Garlic Cream has a crispy mouthfeel and feeds my out-and-out addiction for fried food.
Amuse-Bouches are served gratis and according to the chef’s selection alone. Photo: Paul Ang
Mud Crab
A heightened sense of adventure and excitement precedes the presentation of the magnificent mud crab. The juicy, fleshy meat is unrivaled for sweetness and juiciness.
Chef Wong makes this lavish dish utterly decadent, with all the flavors carefully balanced in a sublime combination.
His dish is possibly my favorite in terms of presentation and taste.
A duo of stuffed crabs delicately perfumed with lemongrass and ginger flower is a feast for the eyes and palate. Photo: Paul Ang
62.5C Egg
Fermented Duck Egg cooked sous vide has a silky, runny yolk that breaks apart like sunshine in an adorable nest.
Fermented Duck Egg | Buckwheat | Mushroom, a luxurious mouthfeel. Photo: Doris Lim
Curry
This presentation in a bowl takes its cue from Penangite’s favorite local curry noodles.
The tender shredded chicken is moist. Perfectly paired to heighten the flavor of curry essence.
Chicken | Cauliflower | Croutons Photo: Paul Ang
Palate Cleanser
Nutmeg Granite |Fermented Orange Juice Photo: Paul Ang
Black Cod
Pardon my exclamation of “Oh my Cod” This dish is splendid.
Mushroom | Miso Photo: Paul Ang
Chicken
Moist, juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken served on a bed of yam mash.
The cracker is crispy, brittle, and so divinely addictive.
King Oyster Mushroom | Garlic Soy Broth | Yam Photo: Paul Ang
Penang White Coffee
My absolute favorite. Penang White Coffee brittle, the Amaretto aroma and flavor.
The thick, creamy, soft Mascarpone cheese makes this dessert sing!
Mascarpone | Amaretto | Cookies Photo: Paul Ang
The Review of The Dining Room
Dining in Macalister Mansion is by far one of the most memorable meals I’ve had this year.
The innovative presentation, choice of fresh local ingredients is applauded. Chef Johnson Wong and the Dining Room Team made the experience both delicious and delightful.
Overall, the culinary experience is exciting, with a detailed explanation of the dishes by the chef.
The staff is courteous, well trained, and the service is attentive.
If you’re looking to impress a date or celebrate on a special occasion, the Macalister Mansion is the perfect venue.
Macalister Mansion | 228 Jalan Macalister, Penang Penang, Malaysia
Business Hours: 7 pm till 11 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. CLOSED ON MONDAY
Click here for a reservation.
8 Course Chef’s Tasting Menu | RM308 | Additional 160 for Full Wine Pairing
4 Course MM’s Discovery Menu | RM228 | Additional 80 for Semi Wine Pairing
Guest may opt for an a la carte menu.
Eight Rooms
The Macalister Mansion has eight contemporary themed guest rooms. The Eight Rooms are luxuriously appointed and individually designed with commissioned art pieces that are influenced by Sir Norman Macalister’s life story.
If you want to stay at his luxurious home, click here to book your stay.
