Canton-i: Authentic Cantonese Cuisine and Hong Kong Yumcha

Did you know that visitors to Penang are queuing up at Canton-i for its delicious Hong Kong-style roasted meats and Cantonese dishes?

You might think nothing is exciting to eat in the basement of Gurney Plaza, but this restaurant is a sure winner as it is packed at all hours.

Its inviting setup and flavorful menu have become a go-to spot for those craving authentic Cantonese cuisine.

Canton-i is one of the few non-halal restaurants in the mall serving pork dishes.

While it can’t compete for the 100% authentic flavors of Hong Kong in HK, the small restaurant consistently draws a crowd with its excellent quality and flavorful dishes.

If you love Fried Rice and Fried Pork Chops, you may notice a similarity between Canton-I and its sister restaurant, Dragon-I (New Wing).

Dragon-I showcases a diverse mix of regional Chinese cuisines from Shanghai, Szechuan, Beijing, and Lanzhou.

What Sets Canton-i Apart?

Unlike its sister restaurant, Canton-i focuses on the finesse of Hong Kong-style Cantonese dishes. The menu features an array of classics such as Dim Sum, silky congee, roasted meats, wonton noodles, and more.
It’s a cozy place that focuses on delivering the finesse of Hong Kong-style flavors.

From Dim Sum to roast meats, it offers an authentic slice of Cantonese cuisine in Penang.

While it might not perfectly replicate the flavors you’d get in Hong Kong, it consistently draws a crowd for its excellent quality and well-executed dishes.

What Sets Canton-i Apart?

Canton-i’s menu is a treasure trove of Hong Kong classics.

It features an array of classics, such as Dim Sum, silky Cantonese style porridge, roasted meats, wonton noodles, and more.

Each dish is prepared with attention to detail. The variety ensures there’s something for everyone.

I would order the set lunches when dining alone.

It’s always a great meal when going with family and friends.

Canton-i has a widely recognized specialty in Hong Kong cuisine.

Star Dishes Worth Trying

Some of the must-try dishes include roasted duck, char siew (barbecued pork), roast pork belly, and Cantonese-style porridge (congee).

Dim Sum lovers will enjoy options like their menu.

Noodle enthusiasts can’t go wrong with Canton-i Signature HK Wanton Mee and  Wat Tan Hor Fun (Cantonese Fried Flat Rice Noodles with Egg Gravy).

Hong Kong Dim Sum

Dim Sum is essential to Cantonese dining, and Canton-i’s Dim Sum menu does not disappoint.

The top picks are the Har Gow (Dim Sum Shrimp Dumplings) and Pork Siu Mai, which showcase the kitchen’s skill.

While the Pork Siu Mai wasn’t as large— not quite the golf-ball size like those at Fu Er Dai Dim Sum restaurant—these have a wonderful mouthfeel.

Here’s to more delicious Yumcha!

Hong Kong Style Cheong Fun (Steamed Rice Rolls)

Hong Kong Style Chee Cheong Fun is one of my favorite dim sum dishes.

The filling options range from barbecued pork and fresh shrimp to a plain Cheong Fun roll.

My personal favorite is the Crispy Cheong Fun, which features a velvety rice roll with crispy fried Chinese crullers inside.

I love the mouthfeel of the delightful contrast of textures.

Hong Kong-style Congee (Porridge)

Congee is a comfort food for many, and Canton-i’s version is incredibly smooth and creamy.

It’s so silky that it almost feels like you’re eating beancurd.

While it doesn’t feature my favorites, like Shrimp Roe and Shrimp Ball Congee in Hong Kong but, the menu options are still delicious.

I tried the Century Egg & Shredded Meat Congee, which was hearty and flavorful.

Although Canton-i’s congee menu is less extensive than some other places, the quality more than makes up for it.

The toppings include chicken, shredded pork, pork intestines, fish, scallops, and prawns.

Cantonese Roast Pork Belly (Siu Yuk)

I remember my uncle telling me it was the crispest and crunchiest Cantonese Roast Pork Belly, and I had to try it.

That was the last meal we shared.

He was so sweet, piling cubes of Roast Pork Belly onto my wantan noodles.

Food memories like this hold a special place in my heart.

Cantonese Honey Glazed BBQ Pork (Char Siu)

Char Siu is the star of Cantonese barbecue. Originating from Guangdong, this beloved dish can be enjoyed in many ways.

A friend who lives overseas once told me she makes Char Siu whenever she finds beautiful pork loin.

She can transform it into Char Siu Rice, Char Siu Wantan Mee, or Cha Siu Bao.

What makes Canton-i’s Char Siu so unique?

It’s the tender, juicy meat marinated with just the right balance of sweet and savory flavors, all topped with a glossy, sticky honey glaze!

Every bite has a delicious caramelized finish, especially when eaten hot from the oven, making it impossible to resist returning for more.

Cantonese Fried Rice With Prawns

With all the hype around Uncle Roger’s Fried Rice, I feel that Chinese restaurant fried rice tastes better anytime, without the long hours of waiting.

Cantonese fried rice uses long-grain rice like Jasmine rice, which gives it a firmer and drier texture.

It was really good and not clumpy at all.

The rice was seasoned perfectly—not too salty—and they were generous with the ingredients used to fry the rice.

Cantonese Sweet and Sour Pork

Imagine biting into perfectly crispy pork, each piece coated in a glossy, tangy sweet and sour sauce that bursts with flavor.

This Cantonese classic starts with tender pork, carefully marinated for maximum taste, then fried to golden perfection.

Tossed with the vibrant sauce and colorful vegetables, it’s no wonder this dish has become a timeless favorite!

Hong Kong-style Milk Tea

Every Hong Kong meal is complete with a cup of milk tea.

The version here is smooth, aromatic, and reminiscent of the street-side milk tea stalls in Hong Kong.

It’s the perfect way to end a meal or accompany Dim Sum.

Room for Improvement

While the food consistently impresses, only some dishes need to catch up.

Some dishes, like the soup in the wonton noodles, can taste too salty for my taste.

However, taste is always subjective.

Other than that, the rest of the dishes taste beautifully.

Ambiance and Service

The restaurant’s ambiance is straightforward, featuring red accents and traditional white porcelain tableware.

It’s a bustling spot, reminiscent of dining in Hong Kong.

It has a lively atmosphere that has its own charm—though it can get quite noisy.

Service is generally friendly but may slow down during peak hours.

The staff works hard to manage the high demand, so a little patience goes a long way.

It’s a great place to soak in the energy if you’re not in a rush.

But if you only have half an hour to eat, you should return during off-peak hours.

Why We Support Canton-i

Beyond the delicious food, what truly sets Canton-i apart is its commitment to being an equal opportunity employer.

It’s always nice to support a business that values inclusivity.

Final Words

Most of the food here exceeds expectations.

I highly recommend the ultra-smooth Hong Kong-style porridge and Canton-i’s Char Siu.

The dim sum offerings are generally good, and overall, Canton-i is a solid choice that’s unlikely to disappoint.

Though the prices are higher, the authenticity and rich flavors make it well worth the cost.

The restaurant is a must-visit for anyone who loves authentic Cantonese cuisine in Penang without flying off to visit Hong Kong.

Pro Tips for Your Visit

1. To avoid the crowds, arrive early and skip the peak meal times.
2. Don’t skip the roasted pork belly—it’s worth every calorie.
3. Remember to order their Hong Kong-style milk tea for the full experience.

Canton-i offers a taste of Hong Kong right in the heart of Gurney Plaza.

It’s a dining experience that combines comfort, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia.

Canton-i Restaurant @ Gurney Plaza
Address: Gurney Plaza, Lot 170-B1-03&04, 170, Gurney Dr, 10250 George Town, Penang
Hours: Daily 11 am–10 pm

 

 

Blog Disclosure: This is a NOT sponsored blog post. All opinions are mine. The writer and friends paid for their meal. The writer has been to Canton-i since 2006