Welcome to today’s blog post, where we explore the mouthwatering offerings of Esplanade Western and Local Hainan Food stalls.
Western and Local Hainan Delights at Penang’s Esplanade Food Court, have delighted diners with their flavorful creations for years.
Here you will find old Kopitiam style Western classics and authentic Hainanese dishes that will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.
This old-school stall has delighted diners since the early ’90s.
When our office was in the CBD, my colleagues and I frequented this no-frills eatery for a satisfying meal.
Their Hainanese Chicken Chop and Fish & Chips quickly became our go-to orders until the office relocated in 1999.
Despite the spotlight often falling on the famous Hameed Pata Mee Sotong, Esplanade Western and Local Hainan Food stands out with its unique fusion of Hainanese flavors and Western classics.
This fusion offers the best of both worlds, creating what can be described as Western and Local Hainan Delights.
Managed by a talented family, this stall delivers a truly nostalgic dining experience, firmly establishing itself as a haven for Esplanade Hainanese Fusion Dishes lovers.
8 Best Dishes at Esplanade Western and Local Hainan Food
Here’s a curated list of the must-try dishes that perfectly capture the unique fusion of Western and Hainanese flavors at this beloved food stall.
Contents
Hainanese Chicken Chop
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and smothered in a rich, tangy tomato-based sauce, it is a perfect marriage of Hainanese tradition and Western technique.
Fish n Chips
Golden, crispy batter encasing fresh fish fillets. It was served with tartar sauce for that satisfying crunch and tangy bite.
L: Chicken Chop and Fish n Chips
Prawn Cutlets
Juicy prawns wrapped in a crispy coating. Dip them in tartar sauce with a squeeze of lime for an irresistible zesty flavor.
Crispy golden brown Prawn Cutlets with sweet, succulent shrimps!
Lam Pnui Gravy Rice
A savory, silky gravy over rice with slices of pork or chicken, prawns, and greens, topped with a perfectly cooked egg, is a comforting Hainanese classic.
Hokkien Char Noodles
Thick, savory noodles are stir-fried to perfection, delivering the signature wok hey aroma. They are served with sambal belacan for that spicy kick.
Hailam Mee
Hainanese-style stir-fried noodles, enriched with a savory sauce and packed with fresh ingredients for a hearty meal.
L: Hokkien Char Mee, Hailam Mee and Lam Pnui Gravy Rice
Fried Rice
Simple yet delicious, this fried rice is filled with the smoky flavors of a well-executed stir-fry, offering a comforting and satisfying meal.
Fried Bihun
Light, flavorful rice vermicelli stir-fried with fresh vegetables and meat. Perfect for a quick, tasty meal.
Conclusion
My favorites are the Prawn Cutlets and Lam Pnui Gravy Rice—a feast for under RM33!
Esplanade Food Court’s Western and Local Hainan Food stalls offer a nostalgic culinary journey through Penang Western and Hainan Cuisine. If you’re in Penang, visit Padang Kota Lama (Esplanade) and indulge in these delightful fusion dishes.
Esplanade Western and Local Hainan Food
Address: 1 Light St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Hours: 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Closed Sundays)
Blog Disclosure: This is a NOT sponsored blog post. All opinions are mine. The writer and dining companion paid for their meal.
[Updated 8 November 2024]
On 3rd Oct 2025, they have seen the last of me. Apparently, there is a limit to the amount of sambal that you can take. My wife and I ordered 1 fried rice and 1 mixed rice (mind you, that both of our fried rice and mixed rice portion was insanely huge. Enough to feed 2 adults), and the default sambal quantity was too little (half the tea-spoon size). So, I went to the stall to take the 2nd serving of the sambal, since both the taste from our dishes will be elevated when eaten with lots of sambal.
When I was taking the 2nd serving of the sambal, since the old uncle (presumably the father) was busy cooking, and there was nobody manning the sambal station, I gestured to the old uncle that I will serve the sambal myself on the small little plastic container that you’d normally see at a hawker stall.
As there was still a lot of rice left, I went back to the stall for 3rd serving of the sambal, I discovered that the sambal bowl had disappeared from my view. Then, when I asked for the sambal whereabouts, the old uncle came over and whispered to me that 2 servings of sambal is enough already. No need to take any more. I was taken aback and dumbfounded. Both father and son hawker had to stoop so low to hide their so-called precious sambal from their customer. Just wow!
If you want to limit the sambal usage, you can always put it on the menu, so that patrons are aware of the additional cost on the sambal. If you do not place the sambal in the menu, then there should be no limits as to how much sambal patron can take.
Thanks for your honest feedback — it helps readers get a fuller picture.
Thanks for your honest review! It’s always helpful to share experiences so other diners know what to expect.