Not many people know there’s an A&W Restaurant in Penang Hill.
I waited for the Funicular Train ride to the summit and walked around to check out the Lower Station Bukit Bandera.
If you haven’t been to Penang Hill for some time, maybe it’s time to go back because the station has become chic yet cozy, accommodating up to 1,000 tourists daily.
If you’re looking for fast food at Penang Hill, there’s a great little A&W at the Lower Station.
Who doesn’t like a good old Root Beer Float, signature Coney Dogs, and crispy fried chicken?
Heading to A&W at Penang Hill is like traveling back to the memory of my first Root beer Float.
For Penangites, the taste of A&W is always one of reliving a past as we remember the root beer float we had back then as a kid?
Penangites, till today, we bet you’d still remember the label on that root beer float.
That’s right. It’s A&W, the only root beer float you could recall.
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Contents
When did A&W start in Malaysia?
In 1963, A&W made Malaysian history when it became the first fast-food restaurant to open in the country, followed in 1965 by the first Drive-in restaurant in Petaling Jaya.
A&W is a brand all Malaysians grew to love, creating deeply rooted memories with friends and loved ones.
About A&W
In 1919, Frank Wright started A&W and later partnered with Roy Allen, who helped with the famous root beer business in the United States known for its “frosty mugs,”
Everyone loves the frozen mug filled with root beer, its beloved mascot, Rooty the Bear, burgers, hotdogs, and ice cream waffles.
A&W Storefront
Expect the restaurant to get crowded at meal times.
You might need to wait for more than 30 minutes on weekdays and an hour on the weekends.
A&W Restaurant Ambience
The A&W is a nice little outdoor seating area that is welcome from all other air-conditioned restaurants.
While the view is not of the rolling green hills of Penang Hill, it is a good, quiet spot – if you go at the right time (on weekdays)
You can date yourself or a +1 and share your A&W goodies.
Food at A&W Restaurant
The menu at A&W beat the other fast food outlets, hands down.
That’s my personal opinion.
I never got further than ordering my top favorites and never got past the same solid-tasting items that tickled my palate.
And like Rooty the Bear, A&W always brings a smile to my face, no matter my age.
What I order at A&W Restaurant every time!
My top orders at All-American A&W are Coney Dogs (Beef), fried Chicken, beef Coney Cheese Fries, and root Beer Floats.
That’s it.
A&W Root Beer Float
All I can think of is the iconic Root Beer Float.
The Root beer is everything I’ve remembered, from the ice-cold frosted mug to the carbonated non-alcoholic, caffeine-free main ingredient, sarsaparilla root, which has a minty taste.
I should have gone for the whole 9 yards and added the vanilla ice cream to make a root beer float to get that thick and foamy head.
Maybe it’s because I’ve stopped taking sugary carbonated drinks. That’s why I thought I could omit the ball of ice cream.
What was I thinking? Can you rate nostalgia?
Pro Tip: Root Beer Float with an order of an extra ball of ice cream.
A&W Coney Dogs
Since I have not made it to Coney Island, I figured the A&W Coney Dog is closest to the real deal.
It is a natural island in the U.S., fronting the Atlantic Ocean.
Coney Island is an amusement and residential area in the southern part of the Brooklyn, New York borough.
A Coney Island hot dog is in a steamed bun with savory meat sauce and other toppings.
Hotdogs are the ultimate old-school item, often offered as part of the classic American “diner” menu at Coney Island restaurants.
The steamed hotdog buns are so cottony and soft.
The sausage is a jumbo-sized Weiner topped with a luscious beef sauce with raw onions.
I don’t care about other ratings. At the moment, the A&W Coney Dogs get a 9/10.
I’ll review this again once I try the real Macoy.
Fair enough?
A&W Beef Coney Cheese Fries
Did you know that A&W serves their Curly Fries all year round?
You don’t have to wait for Chinese New Year to taste it.
But what I like is the Beef Coney Cheese Fries.
Good old French Fries come drenched in the same coney sauce and nacho cheese as the hot dogs.
There’s a choice of either Chicken/Beef.
I always go for the Beef.
A&W Golden Aroma Chicken
Compared to fast food restaurants specializing in fried chicken, the A&W chain does a terrific job.
The one thing you absolutely must order at A&W is their golden aroma-chicken.
The Golden Aroma and Spicy Aroma fried chicken from A&W is juicy on the insides with a crispy coating on the outsides.
The chicken portions tasted fresh, not frozen, and are large and evenly sized.
Golden Aroma Chicken has a delicious flavor thanks to its marinade with crispy skin surrounding the juicy, flavourful meat.
Their fried chicken was even better than most other fast-food fried chickens I’ve eaten.
It gives every bite a delicious contrast of textures.
A&W is best known for its nostalgic waffles and root beers, but it makes exceptionally great-tasting fried chicken.
Most of us haven’t tried it yet.
Honest Opinion: A&W Golden Aroma Chicken is one of the best but underrated fast food options.
Pro Tip: Get the Coney Dog and Golden Aroma Chicken combo for a tasty treat.
A&W Restaurant Penang Hill Review
While the A&W caters mainly to tourists visiting Penang Hill, the menu here is delicious, and the service is prompt.
The staff is friendly and does an excellent job churning out meals during peak hours and school holidays, when the crowds are at their peak.
Pros
- Nostalgic Items Available
- Prices are reasonable
- Generous portions
- Outdoor seating area
Cons
- Long queue (when busy)
- Small Dining Area
My first visit was on Tuesday at 11.00 AM, so it was quiet.
Updated: 8 July 2022
I tried and tested the same food order, and this time, I had curly fries and a Root Beer Float! The verdict: A&W Restaurant is worth a visit every time. Delicious!
A&W Restaurant (Penang Hill Lower Station)
Address: Lot 234, Lower Station, Penang Hill, 11500 Ayer Itam, Penang.
Hours: 10.00 AM to 10.00 PM Daily
Website: A&W Malaysia
Blog Disclosure: This is a NOT sponsored blog post. All opinions are mine. The writer and friends paid for their meal.
This A&W outlet is near my house, but I have never visited it before, I just order from Grab delivery once, and I believe is delivered from this nearest branch.
Speaking of A&W, I miss the waffle with Ice cream, my childhood favorite.
Yes, it is a popular branch. I go there for the Root beer float which doesn’t taste the same if use delivery. The must have is the big A&W iced cold mugs.