The set lunch at Suffolk House is served from noon onwards, but Smartdory and friends were excited to find that other diners arrived much earlier!
Penang, renowned for its rich cultural tapestry and historical charm, is also home to beautifully restored colonial mansions.
With their timeless elegance, these grand structures have been thoughtfully repurposed into boutique hotels and fine dining restaurants!
It offers visitors a unique blend of history and luxury.
Penang’s Suffolk House is a stunning example of an Anglo-Indian garden house restaurant and Malaysia’s only surviving Georgian Mansion. – Suffolk House
Dining in the manor is an experience you’ll want to have at least once in your lifetime.
The Suffolk House
Suffolk House is a testament to Penang’s heritage, providing an exquisite backdrop for an unforgettable culinary journey.
This rare Georgian mansion, dating back to the 1800s, is a historical treasure.
It once served as the residence of Francis Light, the founder of the first British settlement in Penang.
It was also home to successive British governors.
The beautifully restored Anglo-Indian mansion is enhanced by greenery by the banks of the Air Itam (“Black Water”) River, which meanders beside a park.
This picturesque setting offers a stunning backdrop for various celebrations, including weddings and birthdays.
If you want to make any occasion even more special – Suffolk House is the venue.
On a recent visit, we enjoyed a set lunch at the restaurant nestled within this magnificent mansion.
The experience offered a seamless combination of refined ambiance, excellent service, and delectable cuisine.
Here’s a look at the culinary delights that made the afternoon particularly memorable.
We had a delightful ladies’ luncheon and enjoyed ourselves immensely.
Irene, Yvonne, and I enjoyed soaking up the colonial atmosphere.
Set Lunch at Suffolk House
We started our meal with soup; my friends chose the shiitake and abalone mushroom soup (an additional RM10)
It came garnished with local relish and Grana Padano and finished with toasted croutons.
The rich combination of earthy mushrooms and the savory notes of Grana Padano enhanced the creamy soup.
I chose the potato and leek soup, which was flavourful.
Rich and creamy, this potato leek soup is perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly day.
Oven Roasted Salmon
The girls unanimously chose the oven-roasted salmon and were delighted.
It was served with caramelized cauliflower, fennel, and capers in a turmeric nage with curry leaf.
The salmon featured moist, tender flesh and fully rendered fat, making it a delicious choice.
Chicken and Kulim Ballotine
The Chicken Ballotine was delicious.
It was filled with roasted butternut squash and diced stone fruit, seasoned with flavorful rendang spices.
The chicken’s remarkable tenderness made it an excellent and satisfying option.
For dessert, we enjoyed a festive and elegant panna cotta with fresh fruit.
It was beautifully presented in a cocktail glass, accompanied by freshly brewed coffee or tea.
The service at Suffolk House was impeccable.
The attentive and friendly staff were knowledgeable about the menu and eager to accommodate special requests.
The servers were prompt and courteous, ensuring that each course was delivered promptly and with a warm smile.
Their attention to detail enhanced the overall dining experience.
Guests feel welcomed and well-cared for throughout the meal.
Executive Chef Mathijs Nanne is a culinary genius behind the delectable set lunch.
I’ve always admired his inventive cooking style, which skillfully blends regional ingredients and flavors into his dishes.
Dinner and set lunch at Suffolk House are served exclusively by course.
The lunch includes soup or salad, a main course, dessert, and coffee or tea.
The set dinner options are more elaborate.
Set lunch begins at noon in the enchanting dining room on the first floor of the historic mansion, steeped in history and legacy.
You can enjoy a private meal for two or have a long table set up for a company dinner.
You can also have Afternoon Tea from 2 pm onwards.
Did they also film the UK hit TV series Indian Summers at the Suffolk House?
If you’re visiting Penang to explore the “Indian Summers” filming locations, start at Penang Hill.
Your first stop on the left will be the Vicar’s Cottage.
Further down the embankment, the Woodside Bungalow is depicted in the series as Ralph and his sister’s home.
These buildings are privately owned and generally not open to the public.
However you can visit the Craig Hotel, which is featured as the ‘Club’ in the show.
After sightseeing, consider enjoying Devonshire tea at David Brown’s Restaurant & Tea Terrace.
In George Town, other series locations include the Town Hall, the Museum, and Suffolk House.
Suffolk House
250, Jalan Ayer Itam, 10460 Penang (next to the Malaysian-German Society)
Tel: +604 – 228 3930
Blog Disclosure: This is a NOT sponsored blog post. All opinions are mine. The writer and friends paid for their meal.