Xiang Fan Mian Guan in Greenlane was one restaurant I’d probably have missed driving on my own.
But last night, as we headed out for dinner, eagle-eyed Susan spotted it.
“That’s the bicycle shop side,” I quipped. “It’s new,” Susan added.
Tucked into a quiet corner of Greenlane, this casual restaurant surprises with more than its name suggests.
While it hints at China Chinese noodles and rice, the menu actually offers a wide range of choices.
Xiang Fan Mian Guan in Greenlane serves a mix of local and regional favourites.
It is a great option for anyone looking for affordable comfort food in Penang.
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Xiang Fan Mian Guan Menu
A Mix of Sichuan, Thai, and Malaysian Dishes
When we asked the staff about the cuisine, thinking it was purely a Chinese restaurant, they smiled and said,
“Sichuan, Thai, and Malaysian!”
That flexibility is what makes this place stand out among Greenlane restaurants.
One of the best things about dining at Xiang Fan Mian Guan Penang is that you don’t have to stick to one type of cuisine.
We decided to try a variety of dishes, one from each style—and surprisingly, every single one was a winner.
What We Ordered at Xiang Fan Mian Guan
After we placed our order, we realized we had instinctively chosen one dish each from Sichuan, Thai, and Malaysian cuisine!
Chinese Wantan Soup
Comforting Chinese Wantan Soup, my personal favourite order
My personal favourite order.
Anyone who knows me knows I have a serious soft spot for dumplings.
Light, comforting, and filled with juicy pork and this is exactly what I look for in a classic Penang wantan soup.
Garlicky Thai Steamed Fish
Fragrant and flavourful Thai Steamed Fish
Susan’s pick.
Fragrant and well-seasoned, though I personally still prefer the ParaThai version elsewhere.
Malaysian Salted Egg Fried Rice
Rich and chewy Salted Egg Fried Rice—one of our favourite dishes
The dark horse of the night.
Rich, satisfying, and slightly chewy thanks to a mix of pulut rice and white rice.
Oddly addictive and very memorable.
Mapo Tofu
Spicy and savory Mapo Tofu
The real star. Soft, spicy, and savoury, this dish paired beautifully with the fried rice.
Honestly, the Mapo Tofu with fried rice at Xiang Fan Mian Guan stole the show.
The balance of flavours makes it the combo I’ll definitely be ordering again.
Affordable Dining in Greenlane
Another pleasant surprise?
The total bill for two came to just RM84, including two desserts, warm water, and a glass of Thai Milk Tea.
Bing Fen With Brown Sugar & Longan
Refreshing Bing Fen with brown sugar and longan, a sweet finish to our meal
The drinks didn’t have much oomph, but the food more than made up for it.
For anyone searching for budget-friendly restaurants in Penang, this is excellent value.
Especially considering the portion sizes, cleanliness, and variety on the menu.
Clean, Comfortable Restaurant with Friendly Service
The restaurant itself is spotless, bright, and welcoming.
It’s easy to relax here.
We noticed office workers dropping by for a late dinner, which says a lot about its appeal for weekday meals.
Relaxing garden seating at Xiang Fan Mian Guan, perfect for casual meals in Greenlane
The young service team is friendly and attentive, keeping the place clean and running smoothly.
Parking in Greenlane was also surprisingly manageable, a bonus in this part of Penang.
What to Expect When Dining at Xiang Fan Mian Guan
While some dishes are Sichuan-inspired, the flavours are adapted for local tastes—less fiery, more approachable, and very palatable.
If you’re chasing hardcore Sichuan heat, this may not be the place.
But if you’re after wallet-friendly Penang comfort food, the restaurant delivers.
Their Char Kway Teow is also worth trying, often praised for its wok hei.
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Why Xiang Fan Mian Guan Is Worth Visiting
This restaurant is ideal for:
- Casual, budget-friendly dinners in Greenlane
- Friends or family who want a mix of cuisines
- Anyone craving Chinese and Malaysian comfort food in Penang
It’s one of those places where good food, cleanliness, and friendly service come together naturally.
The Mapo Tofu and fried rice combo alone is reason enough to return.
Quick Guide
Best for: Casual dinners, group meals, variety dining
Must-try dishes: Mapo Tofu, Wantan Soup, Thai Steamed Fish, Salted Egg Fried Rice, Char Kway Teow
Price: RM40–45 per person (RM84 for two including drinks)
Xiang Fan Mian Guan
Address: 547, Jalan Masjid Negeri, 11600 Jelutong, Penang
Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm, daily
Google Maps location
