Lim Western & Hainan Food in Penang serves classic Hainanese and Western dishes locals love.
The family-run Lim Western & Hainan Food at stalls 20 and 21, Astaka Kota Selera, serving Hainanese and Western dishes in Penang.
The stall has been around for decades.
I first discovered it in the early 1980s.
Back then, I worked on China Street Ghaut.
My colleagues and I would walk over for the Esplanade chicken chop.
Most similar stalls have long disappeared.
Mr. Lim’s family-run stall? Still going strong.
This tiny stall sits at Astaka Kota Selera, formerly Esplanade Park Food Court.
It’s small, but the flavours are huge.
I’ve been coming here since Mr. Lim’s son was a small boy.
And let me tell you, the stall hasn’t seen the last of me.
A look at the menu at Lim Western & Hainan Food, highlighting Hainanese and Western dishes.
Lim Western & Hainan Food Tradition
Their Hainanese chicken chop is legendary.
Crispy and tender Hainanese chicken chop with tangy tomato sauce, a Penang favourite at Lim Western & Hainan Food.
Crispy outside, tender inside, with tangy tomato sauce.
It comes with fries or rice — I honestly can’t decide.
By lunchtime, the kitchen is a whirlwind of activity.
Mr. Lim and his wife move like clockwork.
They prepare fried rice, mixed rice, Hailam noodles, and Western favourites.
Everything comes straight from the wok, hot and fragrant.
Even with so many competitors, this stall stands out.
It combines Hainanese tradition and Western comfort perfectly.
And the best part? You can taste the love in every bite.
A Family Legacy
This isn’t just a stall.
It’s a story passed down through decades.
Mr. Lim, his wife, and their son run the place now.
Every dish carries care, skill, and nostalgia.
Eating here feels like a warm hug on a plate.
It’s simple, honest food that keeps you coming back.
Loved by Locals
The stall is Muslim-friendly, which makes it welcoming.
The Hainan fried noodles are smoky, rich, and satisfying.
Smoky and flavorful Hainan fried bihun noodles, a local Penang favourite at Lim Western & Hainan Food.
The Hainan chicken chop is one of the best in Penang.
Don’t skip the prawn fritters or fish and chips.
Golden, crispy prawn fritters with homemade tartar sauce, one of the stall’s most loved dishes.
Golden, crispy, perfect with homemade tartar sauce.
This isn’t fancy food. It doesn’t need to be.
It’s Penang soul on a plate, and that’s enough.
Why You Should Visit
If you love authentic Penang Western food, this stall deserves a spot.
It sits by the sea at the Esplanade.
Neighbouring Fort Cornwallis, it’s perfect for locals and tourists alike.
The padang and sea breeze make the meal even better.
It’s a small trip back in time.
Comforting, nostalgic, and utterly satisfying.
Watching Mr. Lim and his family work the kitchen is part of the charm.
Fun Fact
The chicken chop is actually a Malaysian invention.
Hainanese chefs created it during the British colonial era.
East meets West. Penang style. Done right.
Lim Western & Hainan Food
Stall: 20 & 21
Astaka Kota Selera
1, Light Street, 10200 George Town, Penang
Business Hours
Monday – Saturday: 11.30 AM – 5.00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Disclosure: The editor has been a regular at Lim Western & Hainan Food since 1983. This post reflects personal experience and honest opinions.
