Nyonya Lah by Javu on Love Lane in Penang is led by a 27-year-old chef who skillfully prepares dishes based on his grandmother’s cherished recipes.
While several Nyonya restaurants in Penang have chosen to exclude pork, Nyonya Lah has taken a remarkable turn by continuing to cook authentic dishes, such as Tow Ewe Bak with jiggly sam chan (pork bacon).
The result has been a resounding success, earning both Penangites’ and visitors’ approval.
If you’re eager to savor Chef Etienne’s heirloom recipes, go to Nyonya Lah for a delightful experience with classic Nyonya dishes.
I recently dined there with Ah Boy and Karyn, thoroughly enjoying our culinary journey through the menu.
Nyonya-Lah by Javu has an interesting contemporary eclectic interior with black metal deck walls and old Penang photos.
Since its opening in December 2023, the restaurant has become increasingly popular.
This is due to its unique tiffin-style serving concept, which is attractively priced at RM19 per person.
For solo diners, there’s a budget-friendly individual plate option available.
The tiffin-style servings serve 2 to 3 people.
Blue Pea Flower Coconut Rice, Chicken Curry Kapitan, Jiu Hu Char, and Acar Awak.
Served in a Tiffin Set with three dishes and rice, they cater to various appetites and budgets.
Nyonya Lah Signature Dishes
We tried quite a number of dishes, starting with appetizers and their exquisite signature dishes, which represent traditional Nyonya tastes and Nyonya Kueh.
We tried Nyonya Lah Tiffin Set for One and many other signature dishes. We devoured one another, and another was on the way when this photo was taken!
Pie Tee
Kueh Pie Tee is a thin, crispy pastry tart shell kuih often filled with spicy, shredded Chinese turnips, a sweet mixture of thinly sliced vegetables.
Chicken Curry Kapitan
This Nyonya classic dish offers a mild, fragrant curry with creamy coconut gravy infused with lemongrass, turmeric, lime leaves, coconut milk, and shrimp paste.
It’s a comforting and flavorful indulgence.
Tau Yew Bak (Braised Pork in Soy Sauce)
Hands down, it is the most remarkable dish, featuring rich caramelized flavors.
This well-loved and highly flavorful Hokkien Tau Yew Bak is a comfort food that typically includes hard-boiled eggs, but this version uniquely incorporates boiled potatoes.
As we savored the dish, we couldn’t help but express how delightful it would be to soak up all those delicious porky flavors with noodles.
We enjoyed it immensely with generous servings of rice, and their sambal belacan complemented the braised pork perfectly.
It is genuinely a lovely dining experience.
I never thought I would praise Tau Ewe Bak, but this dish wins hands down!
Cincalok Steamed Eggs
This nostalgic dish from Ah Ma’s secret recipes evokes childhood memories.
As children, we loved the fluffy steamed egg dish frequently appearing when Ah Ma ran out of meal ideas.
The younger children particularly enjoyed the ease of consuming the steamed eggs.
However, our only feedback was that the flavor of Cincalok (fermented shrimp) seemed mild.
Upon sharing this observation with Chef Etienne, we learned that a customer had complained about the Cincalok being too salty the previous day.
It’s important to note that Cincalok can exhibit a range of tastes, falling into either the salty or sweet category depending on the salt concentration in the recipe.
In my household, the customary approach involves stewing it with shallots, garlic, and chili.
Additionally, Cincalok can be savored without cooking, making it a suitable accompaniment directly paired with rice.
Another excellent method of preparing Cincalok involves combining it with sliced pork belly, lemongrass, chilies, and tamarind.
This results in a delightful fusion of Southeast Asian ingredients, creating a symphony of spicy, tangy, and umami flavors that perfectly complement rice.
Jiu Hu Char
A signature Nyonya dish featuring a stir-fry of yam bean, radish, and carrot with pork belly offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
We would have loved to enjoy this dish with plenty of lettuce and sambal belacan.
Nyonya Lah Beverages
Their exquisite beverages include the signature milkshake, indulgent options like the Kaya Kuih Milkshake the enticing Kueh Talam Milkshake, and a variant adorned with crispy banana chips.
These offerings are sure to captivate with their unique flavors and textures.
Each offering is equally decadent, crowned with delectable whipped cream.
Nyonya Lah Ambiance
Nyonya Lah’s cozy and welcoming ambiance creates a comfortable dining setting.
With ample seating, including large tables ideal for big groups, it’s perfect for gatherings.
The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere, with the amiable Chef Etienne personally serving guests.
Overall, the dining experience at Nyonya Lah by Javu is commendable and marked by friendly and attentive service.
The team works diligently to ensure a pleasant dining experience, making patrons feel at home.
The affordable Tiffin Set, featuring three base dishes and one rice dish, is a great introduction to Nyonya cuisine for those new to it.
Alternatively, if you’re like me, you might prefer to order a main, a serving of rice, and a refreshing drink.
Turmeric Lemongrass Chicken
Due to limited stomach space, I returned to Nyonya-Lah alone to try another dish we didn’t order last time.
I enjoyed a generous portion of the tangy turmeric-Lemongrass chicken made with succulent chicken drumsticks and fresh young serai.
The dish was highly flavorful and slightly sweet, showcasing the richness of turmeric and the aromatic essence of lemongrass.
Another restaurant I enjoy is An Viet, particularly their Grilled Lemongrass Chicken (Gà Nướng Xả Ớt).
I loved the Lemongrass Chicken. On the right is the Tiffin Set for one with Kari Kapitan!
In summary, the dining experience at Nyonya Lah by Javu is surprisingly enjoyable, characterized by flavors deeply rooted in authenticity.
It is an ideal venue for casual gatherings among friends and family.
The affordable Tiffin Set, featuring three base dishes and one serving of rice, presents an enticing option for those seeking a diverse yet pocket-friendly dining experience.
Nyonya Lah by Javu
Address: 49, Love Lane, 10200 George Town, Penang
Operating hours: 11:30 am – 10 pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Google: https://g.co/kgs/nGZvuNe
Note: Car Parking along Love Lane is hard to come by, but if you are like me, determination is what it takes to be on a mission to eat. Getting a Grab is a better idea.
Blog Disclosure: This is a NOT sponsored blog post. All opinions are mine. The writer and friends paid for their meal.
