Luffa, the restaurant, draws its name and inspiration from the humble green gourd, a staple in Asian kitchens.
Known by many names—Luffa, Chinese okra, silk squash—this versatile veggie adds vibrant flavor to every dish.
As a member of the pumpkin and squash family, Luffa aegyptiaca brings a unique twist to your culinary journey.
This shows that even ordinary ingredients can create an extraordinary dining experience.
Luffa’s versatility reflects the creative spirit of its founder, Mr. Arshad Kamarulzaman.
A culinary visionary known for his innovative approach to blending Eastern and Western flavors, he is the driving force behind the Irama Dining Group (IDG)
IDG is a name synonymous with culinary excellence in Penang and Kuala Lumpur.
His passion for creating unique and exciting dining experiences is evident in every dish at Luffa.
Starting with his flagship, Legenda Café, Irama Dining Group has built a stellar reputation in Penang and Kuala Lumpur.
There are now five standout establishments under the group’s portfolio.
Irama Dining Penang, Sutera Café, Tamarra, and Irama Dining KL.
The group’s latest venture, Luffa, exemplifies his dedication to crafting unique and exciting dining experiences.
With its vibrant atmosphere and emphasis on fresh, diverse flavors, Luffa showcases Mr. Arshad’s culinary innovation, further elevating the group’s status in the dining scene.
Join me to explore how this remarkable restaurant celebrates the beauty of simple ingredients!
Luffa by Irama Dining
Luffa finds its cozy home within the elegant Leith Hotel, perfectly positioned across from Penang’s iconic Blue Mansion.
Classy lobby of The Leith Hotel in white, emerald green, and black.
Luffa’s menu bursts with bold Eastern flavors and Western influences, offering something for everyone.
Enjoy fresh salads, appetizers, hearty pasta, rice dishes, chicken, and steak—perfect for light bites or filling meals.
Each dish is infused with fresh herbs and spices, making every plate aromatic and flavorful.
The artistic presentation and balance of ingredients invite diners on a delightful culinary journey.
Luffa ensures an unforgettable experience that lingers long after the last bite.
Dinner At Luffa
My dining companion, Shakira, and I had a great dinner catch-up.
As we flipped through the Luffa menu, we were thrilled to discover a diverse selection of Western and Asian dishes.
It felt like a whirlwind culinary tour, from Chinese-inspired creations to Korean ramen and Italian pizza.
Each dish features a unique fusion twist that captures the essence of Luffa, making every bite distinctly theirs!
Both Shakira and I had dined there before and sampled the food.
As a fan of fried foods, I was thrilled that Luffa kept some comfort foods from the initial menu.
They have also added many tempting choices to kick-start the meal.
Starting at an affordable RM8, the Vegetarian Lumpia provides crispy, light bites.
If you’re dining with children, a fresh stash of fries will keep them happily snacking.
Available in shoestring, wedges, or sweet potato varieties for RM10.
For teens, wings in cheesy, Korean, or soy garlic flavors (RM15) offer a flavorful treat without needing to visit a separate Korean shop.
Don’t miss the skewered Chicken Yakitori or Nachos Overload, both priced at RM12.
You can also enjoy the golden battered squid, available in spicy and original versions for RM15/
A perfect order for those craving a crispy delight.
Salads
We were torn between two tempting options: the classic Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad (RM18) and the Pear Fruity Salad (RM18).
Ultimately, we opted for the Pear Fruity Salad.
It had a refreshing mix of crisp pear and peppery rocket.
Best of all it was, topped with crunchy walnuts and drizzled with balsamic glaze.
This delightful combination of flavors easily won us over.
Soups
Luffa’s soups cater to a variety of tastes, each bowl offering a comforting blend of warmth and rich flavors.
Whether as a starter or a complement to your main course, these soups add a satisfying depth to your meal.
Savor the Mushroom Soup or Roasted Pumpkin Soup for RM12.
French Onion Soup for RM14, or Minestrone Soup for RM16.
Prices range from RM12 to RM16, offering delicious options for every palate.
We didn’t try the soups for this review.
We have tried Luffa’s mushroom or roasted pumpkin soup, which tastes excellent.
Pasta
Luffa offers a tempting selection of pasta dishes for vegetarians, seafood lovers, poultry fans, and meat enthusiasts.
Prices range from RM19.90 to RM29.90.
Vegetarians can choose from Mushroom Aglio Olio, Creamy Mushroom Pasta, or Tortellini Pasta.
Seafood lovers might enjoy the Vongole Pasta, Seafood Aglio Olio, or Seafood Salted Egg Pasta.
Poultry fans have options like Breaded Chicken Bolognese and Smoked Duck Aglio Olio.
For beef lovers, the Pulled Beef Ragu Pasta is a must-try.
We sampled the Pulled Beef Ragu Pasta and Vongole Pasta.
While Shakira enjoyed the lighter Clams Pasta, I couldn’t get enough of the hearty Beef Ragu.
Its slightly sweet, tomato-rich sauce reminded me of a luxurious take on Jollibee’s pasta with a distinct Filipino flavor.
Shakira was surprised, saying, “I didn’t know you liked a sweet touch in pasta sauces.”
Well, now you know!
Vongole Pasta, bursting with flavor, and hearty Pulled Beef Ragu Pasta, a comforting classic.
If pasta isn’t your thing, Luffa also offers a Asian noodles and ramen, priced between RM18 and RM22.
For a flavorful alternative, try the vegetarian lo mein noodles or the Spicy Korean Chicken Dry Ramen.
You can also indulge in Soba Beef Noodles or the signature Luffa Laksa for a unique twist.
For something more substantial and hearty, Luffa presents a selection of Western mains.
There are chicken, fish, steak, and lamb dishes, with prices ranging from RM22 to RM38.
Options include Classic Chicken Chop, various Grilled Chicken dishes with Barbeque or Teriyaki sauce, and Chicken Parmigiana with Mushroom.
We sampled the Grilled Peri Peri Chicken Breast, which impressed us with its exceptional tenderness and moistness.
We later discovered that the chicken breast was sous vide before being pan-fried.
Fish
- Salmon Habanero with Mango Tomato Salsa
- Grilled Seabass Teriyaki
- Seabass Spicy Miso
- Ratatouille with Pan-Fried Salmon
Steak & Lamb
- Rib Eye Steak
- Grilled Lamb Chop
- Lamb Barbeque
- Beef Ribs Barbeque
- Melted Cheese Beef Burger
- Luffa Chicken Burger
- Fish O’ Fillet Burger
These dishes offer a flavorful and satisfying option for those seeking a more filling meal.
Pizza
- Hawaiian Pizza (Sausage, Chicken, Beef Strip) RM20
- Ragu Seafood Pizza RM22
- Smoked Duck Hoisin Pizza RM22
- Tandoori Prawn Pizza RM22
- Alfredo Chicken Pozza RM20
- Classic Pizza (3 types of cheese) RM20
Pizzas are a popular choice for sharing.
The Luffa pizza has a paper-thin crust and is chock-full of delicious toppings.
We tried the Smoked Duck Hoisin Pizza, an unusual combination that surprisingly worked well.
Hoisin sauce delivers a sweet, savory, and smoky flavor with a hint of mild heat.
Its salty undertones enhance the smoked duck, making it an intense and flavorful addition.
Pear Fruity Salad and the savory Smoked Duck Hoisin Pizza for a perfect meal combination.
Rice
- Nasi Lemak Daging Rendang RM26
- Nasi Lemak Ayam Rendang RM26
- Nasi Lemak Ayam Berempah RM24
- Nasi Lemak Sotong Petai RM26
- Nasi Lemak Udang Tumis RM26
- Pineapple Seafood Fried Rice RM24
- Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice RM19.90
- EXO Seafood Fried Rice RM24
- EXO Chiekcn Fried Rice RM19.90
- Yang Chow Fried Rice (Vegetarian) RM18
Remember the saying, “Rice is Life”?
If you feel like you haven’t truly eaten unless you’ve had some rice, Luffa is the café for you.
There are 10 rice dishes you can order to satisfy your hunger and cravings.
There’s no need to travel to KL for the trending Uncle Roger’s Fried Rice.
On another occasion, Mei and I tried the vegetarian Yang Chow Fried Rice, which was flavorful, full of wok hei, and delicious!
Luffa’s nasi lemak is comforting and satisfying for those who crave a rice meal with familiar regional flavors.
We’ve enjoyed Nasi Lemak Ayam Berempah before, and it has always been a favorite of mine.
We decided to try Nasi Lemak Udang Tumis, another delicious combination tonight.
Shrimp never fail to impress, and they cook quickly, making this dish perfect for entertaining guests.
The udang tumis is cooked in a spicy, sweet sambal sauce.
It is made from aromatic chili paste, making it a true showstopper.
A traditional combination of anchovies, cucumber strips, a half-boiled egg.
I love the traditional sambal which enhances the aroma of the fragrant rice.
I always requests for more sambal.
For me ‘Sambal is also Life.’
Enjoy an authentic Malaysian experience with the Nasi Lemak Udang Tumis.
Nasi Lemak Udang Tumis alongside the spicy Grilled Peri Peri Chicken Breast.
Dessert
- Brownies RM16
- Nuttela Waffle RM18
- Fruity Biscoff Waffle RM18
- Onde Onde Waffle RM18
- Banana Split RM15
- Sago Buko Pandan RM10
- Classis Sago Gula Melaka RM6
Since we love local Malay and Nyonya kuehs, we decided to try the Onde Onde Waffle.
We were thrilled to savor the richness of gula melaka, coconut, and pandan in every bite.
It was a delightful blend of traditional and modern flavors, full of pandan and gula melaka.
The vanilla ice cream ball coated with toasted kerisik was a beautiful touch.
Onde Onde Waffle, a delightful fusion of crispy texture and sweet pandan goodness.
Luffa by Irama Dining Review
With a wide variety of options, each visit to Luffa promises a new culinary adventure.
It would take at least three months to eat through the menu.
The ambiance is as inviting as the menu.
With its striking blue walls, the Heliconias living screen enhances the resort-style ambiance of the al fresco garden dining area.
To escape the tropical heat, enjoy a refreshing meal in the cozy, air-conditioned dining area.
The space features comfortable cushioned chairs, perfect for a relaxing dining experience.
You have an ideal setting for both intimate meals and casual gatherings.
Attentive service caters to every need, ensuring a dining experience that feels both welcoming and warm.
Luffa embodies a philosophy that nourishes both the palate and the soul.
Come and indulge in a delightful culinary journey that will inspire you and leave you eager to return.
Dine in style at Luffa, where bold blue walls and a lush living screen of Heliconias create a stunning backdrop.
Luffa by Irama Dining
Address: 13 Leith Street,
George Town, 10200 Penang, Malaysia
Hours: Daily, 7 AM – 9 PM (Lunch starts at 12 PM; Dinner at 6 PM)
Phone: 012-765 5833
Google Maps: https://g.co/kgs/m9iFNrB
Blog Disclosure: This is a sponsored blog post, but all opinions are mine. Thank you Luffa by Irama Dining for the dinner invitation.
