Hainan Chicken Chop in Penang is a local favorite!
Known as Hainanese Chicken Chop, this dish features a juicy, egg-battered chicken thigh topped with rich brown gravy and sautéed onions.
Served with fried potatoes, green peas, and a slice of tomato, it’s a comforting fusion of East and West.
Created by Hainanese chefs for British colonials, this local favorite combines Western flavors with Chinese cooking, making it a uniquely Malaysian classic loved across kopitiams.
Who Created Hainan Chicken Chop?
The beloved Hainanese Chicken Chop, like many kopitiam classics, has a unique story.
During the 19th century, waves of Chinese immigrants from southern China arrived in Southeast Asia, including the Hainanese cooks who adapted to meet British tastes.
In 1867, as Penang came under direct British rule, more British troops arrived, and these cooks faced the challenge of creating familiar, satisfying dishes for their new audience.
Local fare was too foreign for British palates—spicy dishes, chicken feet, and offal simply wouldn’t do.
Used to hearty Sunday roasts with meat, potatoes, vegetables, and gravy, the British longed for something comforting.
One dish that hit the mark was fried chicken with potatoes and gravy—what we now know as Hainanese Chicken Chop.
Over time, Hainanese kopitiams made this dish their own: a battered, deep-fried chicken cutlet served with rich brown gravy, fried potatoes, baked beans, and a salad.
As pork was often avoided and beef not as popular, chicken became the staple.
Soon, dishes like Roti Bakar and Chicken Pot Pie joined the menu.
These classics became treasured by Penangites, creating a delicious bridge between cultures.
Stick to Hainan Chicken Chop!
There are so many delicious ways to enjoy a chicken cutlet!
Whether it’s pounded flat, breaded, crusted, grilled, or lightly egg-battered, each method brings something special to the table.
I love drizzling a rich brown sauce or a tangy tomato sauce over my chicken chop.
The I’ll mopping it all up with a slice of plain Roti Bakar—so satisfying!
I’ve had countless Chicken Chop meals since I first tried local Western fare at the now-closed Eden Restaurant on Hutton Lane.
That was the day I fell in love with their Oriental Chicken Chop.
Sadly, over the years, the quality of the food just wasn’t the same.
While I can’t show you a photo of that memorable Chicken Chop, I do have a picture of a Chicken Maryland from 2012.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t what I expected.
A true Chicken Maryland should come with a crispy, deep-fried chicken breast, a slice of bacon, and sweet banana or pineapple fritters.
Instead, I found sausage and a pineapple ring on my plate!
What a letdown!
Varieties of Hainan Chicken Chop
When it comes to Chicken Chop, my go-to features a juicy deboned chicken thigh with the skin on for added flavor.
The frying method is what truly sets each dish apart.
Some spots serve it ultra-crispy.
While others offer a fluffy, eggy batter that’s simply irresistible.
The gravy adds another layer of variety, ranging from thick and creamy to light and clear, each with its own charm.
As for sides, you might find delicious fried potato wedges, though some places opt for frozen crinkle-cut French fries instead.
Both are tasty, but there’s something special about those wedges.
And how could I forget the onion rings?
Often mixed into the gravy, the amount can really vary.
It’s a delicate balance—too few feels lacking, while too many can be overwhelming.
Tomatoes also play a part, either simmered until soft in the sauce or served fresh and lightly cooked on the side.
But for me, the standout has to be the green peas.
I still chuckle at the memory of the Hainanese Kopitiam on Beach Street, where I lunched every other Friday—served just three lonely peas!
My favorite Hainan Chicken Chop in Penang
When it comes to Hainan Chicken Chop, I’ll be honest and state my personal preference.
I like an eggy batter, lots of gravy (until overflowing on the plate), onion rings, homemade potato wedges, and mushy green peas.
And most importantly, I need to eat that Chicken Chop with Amo Tau Ewe.
Dipping Sauce
The dipping sauce is similar to Inchi Kabin (Marinated Fried Chicken).
It has a savory and sour mixture made with Lea & Perrins (L&P) Worcestershire sauce; mix sugar, chili slices, mustard powder, and lime juice.
Some people like to eat their Hainan Chicken Chop with Ketchup, Chili Sauce, or Mustard.
If this element is missing, I feel sad eating.
Based on that qualifying note, and after tasting notable Hainan Chicken Chop from famous restaurants like Yut Sun Restaurant, Taiping.
I have yet to taste other iconic Hainanese Chicken Chops, including Yut Kee Restaurant, KL.
In 2021, the nearly 100-year-old Coliseum Cafe, next to the Coliseum Cinema, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur, closed down.
The all-time favorite that I can dream of eating is the version from 海安飯店 Hai Onn Restaurant, which takes top place.
For me, it’s got to be that onion gravy thickened with cornstarch slurry without adding tomato sauce or paste.
Again, the taste is subjective, and every palate is different.
We start with the creamy onion gravy sauce that is not tomato-based.
Contents
Hai Onn Restaurant
53-55, Jalan Burma, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Hours: 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed Mondays)
Hainan Chicken Chop: RM14
Located on Burmah Road, Hai Onn Restaurant has served Hainanese cuisine for over 60 years.
This beloved eatery offers a nostalgic atmosphere, reminiscent of childhood visits, where butter Roti Bakar and Kopi O were cherished treats.
Once featuring several hawker stalls, it was famous for Koay Teow Th’ng.
Today, it continues to delight patrons with its authentic Hainan Chicken Chop, a true taste of tradition in George Town.
Hainantown @ Yeng Keng
366, Chulia St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Hours: 8 AM – 10:30 AM, 12 PM – 9:30 PM (Daily)
Hainan Chicken Chop: RM23
Hainantown, located in the vibrant Yeng Keng boutique hotel, offers a delightful Hainan Chicken Chop experience.
The decor features intricate carvings and 1930s-inspired furnishings, creating a picturesque setting.
The dish features a deep-fried, extra-crispy boneless fillet with a light, flavorful gravy enriched by garlic confit and onion rings.
Served with crispy potato wedges, it’s a must-try for both taste and Instagram-worthy moments!
Khoon Pastry House
29, Jalan Argyll, George Town, 10050 George Town, Penang
Hours: 11 AM – 3 PM, 6 PM – 9 PM (Closed Sunday)
Hainan Chicken Chop: RM20
Established in 1975, Khoon Pastry House is a renowned bakery famous for its pastries and cakes.
In recent years, it has expanded to include Hainanese delicacies, offering a delightful blend of flavors.
The menu features top picks like Shepherd Pie, Hainanese Chicken Rice, and Spring Rolls, alongside the popular Hainanese Chicken Chop.
Cooked in traditional Hainanese style, the Chicken Chop sauce is slightly sweet and creamy, served with green peas and tomatoes for a satisfying meal.
Enjoy a unique dining experience at this beloved local spot!
Yaw’s Roast & Grill
1, Gerbang Midlands, Pulau Tikus, Penang
Hours: 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
Hainan Chicken Chop: RM19
Yaw’s Roast & Grill, formerly Top Restaurant, is a beloved local spot serving homestyle Western food.
Dining here feels like a cozy dinner at a friend’s home, with tables set in a lush garden surrounded by plants and charming decor.
Popular dishes include the tender Hainanese Chicken Chop with classic Hainan-style gravy, along with grilled meats and freshly baked pies that often sell out early.
Oriental Chicken Chop
There are several versions of the Oriental Sauce for Chicken Chop.
Unlike the simple onion Gravy, the Oriental Sauce is slightly sweet and sour.
It is made with tomato sauce, sweet chili sauce, A1 sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, salt, and sugar!
Some Oriental Chicken Chop has a fruity orangy taste or can be on the spicy side too.
Again it is a matter of taste and personal preference.
Oriental versions of the gravy are the tomatoey or sweet and sour types, which you either love or not!
Hainanese Delights Restaurant
42, Lebuh King, George Town, 10020 George Town, Penang
Hours: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
Hainan Chicken Chop: RM18.50
Hainanese Delights Restaurant, located in a charming heritage hotel, has been a staple for Hainanese cuisine in Penang for years.
Their Hainan Chicken Chop features a crispy battered cutlet smothered in a sweet, tangy tomato-based gravy, accompanied by sautéed potatoes.
Don’t miss other highlights like the Hainanese lamb stew and spring rolls, making this restaurant a must-visit for Hainanese food lovers.
Hawker Style Western Food Stalls
In Penang, you will find several such outlets without a name other than Western or Western Food.
Some of these stalls have upgraded themselves and, with branding, operate as cafes in shop lots or commercial buildings.
Fort Cornwallis Western
Jalan Padang Kota Lama, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Closed Sundays)
Oriental Chicken Chop: RM12
At Fort Cornwallis Western in Kota Selera Food Court, this unnamed stall offers a unique twist on Hainanese Chicken Chop.
Regulars love the thick, crispy batter, fried to perfection and topped with a sweet and sour sauce, providing a delightful balance of flavors.
The chicken isn’t soaked in gravy, ensuring a satisfying crunch.
Served with hot fries, salad, and baked beans, this dish is a delicious must-try for chicken chop enthusiasts!
Island Park Kopitiam
38, Tingkat Tembaga, Taman Guan Joo Seng, 11600 Penang.
Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
Oriental Chicken Chop: RM12
Island Park Kopitiam offers a tranquil alternative to Genting Cafe and Mandarin Cafe in Island Glades.
Known for its variety of Penang hawker food, it also serves a steady stream of Western dishes.
The Oriental Chicken Chop features a large, juicy cutlet marinated to perfection, accompanied by a slice of wholemeal toast, salad, and fries.
While the sauce may appear light, it packs a flavorful punch, providing more than enough to coat the chicken chop.
A delightful stop for a satisfying meal!
Will Western Delight
539, Jalan Masjid Negeri, Taman Gelugur, 11600 Jelutong, Penang
Hours: 5:45 PM – 9:45 PM (Closed Mondays)
Oriental Chicken Chop: RM14
Will Western Delight began as a stall at Kafe Hing Long next to Gembira Parade before relocating to a shophouse at Centrio Avenue and now settling opposite the Shell petrol station in Island Glades.
This casual eatery offers affordable Western dishes, including the Oriental Chicken Chop and grilled chicken, starting at just RM14.
For those seeking more, the Mixed Grille With Sauce Set B is available for RM32.50.
A great choice for satisfying your cravings!
Chef’s Delights
11, Jalan Pasar, Pulau Tikus, 10250 George Town, Penang
Hours: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
Oriental Chicken Chop: RM12
Located inside Sin Hup Aun café, Chef’s Delights is a well-loved spot for Western cuisine.
While the menu features a variety of Western dishes, the Oriental Chicken Chop is a highlight.
Although the wait can be long at times, many agree it’s worth it for the delicious flavors and satisfying portions.
A must-visit for chicken chop enthusiasts!
Mount Erskine Hainan Western Food
5, 1, Jalan Mount Erskine, Kampung Belachan, 10470 Penang
Hours: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Closed Thursdays)
Oriental Chicken Chop: RM14
Originally from Fettes Park, Mount Erskine Hainan Western Food offers generous portions of affordable Hainanese western cuisine.
This open-air eatery is well-known for its Bombay Chicken, Garlic Fish, and Chicken Fish and Chips.
If you’re looking for a straightforward dining experience without the frills, this is the place for a satisfying western dinner.
Bonus: Favourite Chicken Chop in Penang Outlet
All Right Western Food
All Right Western Food @ The Shark, 192, Jalan Burma, Kampung Syed, 10350 George Town, Penang
Oriental Chicken Chop: RM14
All Right Western Food offers generous portions of no-frills Western cuisine at reasonable prices.
A personal favorite since my 30s, this spot holds cherished memories for me and Liam as we continue to enjoy our beloved Chicken Chop here.
It’s the perfect place to relive good times over great food!
Final Words
Penang is a true paradise for food lovers, and Hainan Chicken Chop is just one of the many culinary gems waiting to be explored on this vibrant island.
Whether you crave the classic Hainan style or a creative twist, there’s a diverse selection of eateries and kopitiams showcasing this beloved dish.
We’ve highlighted some of our favorite spots, but we know there are countless hidden treasures out there.
If your go-to Chicken Chop haven isn’t on our list, we want to hear about it!
Join the Smartdory community and share your recommendations—after all, good food is meant to be celebrated together.
Let’s continue supporting our local businesses and savoring the rich tapestry of flavors that make Penang a special dining destination.
And remember, feel free to reach out to Smartdory if there’s a Chicken Chop spot that deserves a mention.
Thanks for joining us on this delicious journey!
Source: The Secret History of Chicken Chop, Malaysia’s Original ‘Western Food’
