My craving for Nasi Ulam led me to Winn’s Cafe.
I remember speaking to the owner, when she asked how I found the hidden restaurant in the heart of Pulau Tikus suburbs.
Winn’s Cafe: Did you find Winn’s from social media?
Dory: Not really. I searched for Nasi Ulam, read the Google reviews. Then checked if any bloggers had written about the dish I wanted to eat.
Winn’s Cafe: That’s nice to know.
It is easy to understand why Winn’s Cafe is now celebrated as a Peranakan treasure in the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2025 with a coveted Bib Gourmand recognition.
This tucked-away culinary haven in Penang delivers a homey dining experience with authentic Nyonya flavors that live up to its newfound fame.
Finding the café was an adventure in itself.
Its location on the main road remains obscured, hidden in a converted private house, and the entrance can be tricky for first-timers.
I missed the turning and ended up at the Halaman Cantonment looking at Cascadia apartments.
My last visit here was in 1993, and revisiting it after all these years felt like reconnecting with an old friend—only this time with an artistic twist.
Winn’s Cafe Ambiance
The dining area is simple with subtle modern touches.
There is a the small art gallery on the first floor with more dining space.
When I arrived at 11.45 am, it was empty.
By noon, the café was packed with locals and regulars.
The cozy ambiance made it feel more like a friend’s home than a restaurant.
The friendly and attentive service team added to the charm, making every guest feel welcome.
Since I went alone, I could only try one dish.
I chose the Premium Nasi Ulam Set which included Inchi Kabin, Chicken Lobak, Salted Egg, and a generous serving of Nyonya Sambal.
After savoring the delicious Nasi Ulam, I treated myself to Sago Gula Melaka for dessert.
I left stuffed to the gills and absolutely delighted!
Here’s a little about Nyonya Nasi Ulam if you’re reading from overseas and a new visitor to this blog.
Nyonya Nasi Ulam
Nyonya Nasi Ulam is a vibrant, aromatic dish from the Peranakan community.
It truly reflects Nyonya’s precision and the intricate techniques passed down through generations.
The Nasi Ulam of my childhood was a dish reserved for special occasions.
Even though it had simple ingredients that you could find in your garden, each herb had to be meticulously sliced by hand.
It is what it is – a dish that was a pure labor of love.
Traditional food reflects the artistry of its makers and the essence of celebration in a Nyonya home.
There are Malay and Nyonya versions of Nasi Ulam, each offering its unique twist.
Often referred to as a “kampung salad,” this is one of the healthiest traditional dishes in Malaysia.
The liberal inclusion of fragrant herbs gives it a mouth-watering, aromatic flavor!
The Essence of Nyonya Nasi Ulam
In the Nyonya tradition, when Nasi Ulam is a dish served during festive occasions and family gatherings – it takes on an even more elaborate and refined form.
Known for their intricate cooking techniques, the Peranakan community turns this dish into a masterpiece of texture, aroma, and taste.
True to Nyonya’s style, precision is critical.
Every herb is sliced into delicate slivers for even flavor distribution.
The rice met be cooled to room temperature to prevent the herbs from wilting.
Each Nyonya family has its preferred mix of finely shredded herbs—not too much to overpower the dish, nor too little to be bland.
Essential herbs include daun kaduk (wild betel leaves), lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, turmeric leaves, and mint, each adding a distinctive taste and fragrance.
To enhance the savory profile, toasted coconut (kerisik) adds a nutty richness, while fried dried shrimp and fried salted fish infuse the dish with umami flavor.
Tangy calamansi lime and in some household, tamarind juice are included, adding a vibrant lift to the medley of herbs.
A generous salt sprinkle and a dash of white sugar to balance the flavors.
A Nyonya Masterpiece
What truly sets Nyonya Nasi Ulam apart is the addition of finely chopped bunga kantan (torch ginger flower).
Occasionally a hint of turmeric, adding colour and lending the dish a subtle floral and earthy undertone.
The meticulous blend of these elements creates a symphony of tastes and textures—aromatic, zesty, and slightly spicy.
Nasi Ulam is often served with Nyonya staples like kari ayam kapitan (Kapitan chicken curry), fried fish, and spicy Nyonya sambal belacan, making it a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
Nyonya Nasi Ulam transforms a simple rice dish into a celebration of Peranakan’s culinary heritage, delivering a refreshing, aromatic punch in every bite.
Premium Nasi Ulam Set (RM27.90)
Winn’s Cafe signature Nasi Ulam Set showcases its expertise in Nyonya cuisine.
This cold rice dish is aromatic and perfectly balanced, made with a finely sliced medley of herbs, lime, and chili sambal.
While I wished for a slightly more potent herbaceous punch, its freshness and execution were unmatched.
Later, I found out from the owner that they grow their own herbs, making it easy to serve Nasi Ulam in single portions daily.
For the premium set, I got 2 pieces of Inchi Kabin, some Chicken Lor Bak, and half a boiled salted egg.
The rice was seasoned to perfection and when eaten with the Nyonya Sambal Belacan, I was doing my Pooh Bear happy dance!
I’ve tried many versions of Nasi Ulam across Penang.
And I can confidently say Winn’s Café takes the crown for its authentic and flavorful rendition.
Premium Nasi Ulam Set
Nyonya Sambal Belacan packs a delicious punch!
Sago Gula Melaka (RM5.50)
I had the Sago Gula Melaka to wrap up the meal.
The sago pearls were infused with Blue Pea Flowers, creating a visually stunning dessert that tasted as good as it looked.
However, the lemongrass drink lacked the punch of freshness I’ve experienced when freshly pounded lemongrass is used in each drink.
Final Impressions
With its Bib Gourmand status in the MICHELIN Guide, Winn’s Café has firmly established itself as a must-visit destination for Nyonya cuisine in Penang.
Congratulations Winn’s Cafe!
A favorite spot with regulars, the restaurant has a relaxed, family-friendly ambiance and good service.
The prices may lean toward the higher side however for me, the exceptional quality of food and service justifies the cost.
Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner, as this hidden gem is now in the spotlight.
Recommended: Nasi Ulam
Winn’s Cafe
Address: 38, Jalan Cantonment, Pulau Tikus, 10350 Penang.
Business Hours: Monday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Sunday: Closed)
Editor’s Note: The lunch visit was on 30 October 2024
Blog Disclosure: This is a NOT sponsored blog post. The post reflects the editor’s opinion, and no payment or sponsorship was received for this article.
