Before its current metamorphosis as the Peninsula House Penang, the stately 87-year-old India House on Beach Street stood quietly for the longest time.
Now, all of Penang wants to dine at the newly opened Peninsula House, a modern Aussie contemporary casual dining venue that has breathed new life into this iconic building.
In all my years working on Beach Street, India House has not welcomed as many visitors as it does now.
Touted for its emphasis on sharing plates, Peninsula House features two evening dining sessions, seeing a constant influx of patrons stepping in and out.
The restaurant has successfully preserved much of the building’s original charm.
The grand staircase leading to the restaurant on the upper level is steep, making it challenging for older or frail individuals.
Unfortunately, there is no alternative access to the upper floors, which could limit some visitors’ ability to enjoy the space.
There may be an elevator, but we didn’t see one.
We arrived in the early evening, just as the restaurant opened at 6 p.m.
We were ready to experience this exciting new addition to George Town’s dining scene.
Sue and I were eager to try this new spot in Penang.
Interior Design of Peninsula House
The minimalist interior features an exposed roof truss and metal HVAC system, creating a modern industrial feel.
We were impressed by the consistent cooling—no cold or hot spots in the restaurant.
Despite arriving without a reservation, we were fortunate to secure a table.
Sue thought it was a Monday night, so it wouldn’t be fully booked.
Boy, were we wrong!
However, three months after its opening, we noticed that the initial buzz had stayed the same.
We ended up at the only available table behind a column near the bar.
While this meant we missed the kitchen action, we enjoyed the privacy for chatting.
It would be nice if the open kitchen were positioned like an orchestra pit.
That would allow diners to watch the chefs in action.
But then, that might be too stressful for everyone!
The decor includes a raised platform, and the main dining room overlooks the kitchen.
To the right is the bar.
We watched as mixologists skillfully poured liquids into bottles and performed other captivating tasks.
Just after the entrance, a grey gravel corridor on the left leads to the washrooms.
So, if you plan to wear your Manolo Blahniks or Jimmy Choos, be cautious!
Next to this is the secured entrance of Common Farming, which supplies fresh greens to Peninsula House.
This indoor organic farm ensures that fresh greens are delivered straight to your plate.
We even spotted tiny seedlings growing in the secured sterile environment.
The restaurant has gained popularity among young couples due to its welcoming atmosphere and reputation as a romantic venue.
To our left, a young couple sat at a table.
The gentleman surprised his lady friend with a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates.
So sweet!
The wait staff provided excellent, attentive service.
We appreciated their periodic check-ins, which were attentive without being intrusive.
Modern Australian Dining in Penang
We were excited to discover the menu curated by the talented Head Chef, Ahmad Suffian Salim.
With his extensive experience, Chef Ahmad runs a well-organized kitchen, ensuring each dish is prepared with care.
The thoughtfully curated smaller menu allows the skilled chefs to focus on perfection.
This results in an exceptional dining experience.
However, the menu would be easier to read with larger fonts and darker ink.
The small font text is hard to see in the dim lighting.
We noticed the table next to us using LED flashlights to read it, highlighting this issue.
Peninsula House offers a romantic dining experience with dim lighting, candlelit tables, and a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
Sue suggested we relax and let the chefs prepare an Omakase selection for a balanced experience.
Reading the menu was just too much for us.
Our dinner featured three starters that we believed would be light and refreshing enough to share before the main course:
- House-made focaccia with mushroom mousse and coffee salt
- Ricotta and zucchini involtini with balsamic-flavored pearls
- Prawn and crab croquettes with dashi emulsion
We had a leisurely dinner, eating and catching up.
Focaccia with mushroom mousse, ricotta zucchini involtini, and prawn crab croquettes with dashi emulsion.
Although we wished we could eat more, we had to cancel our main course of pasta.
The three items were a tad oily, especially the focaccia with olive oil, ricotta, and deep-fried croquettes.
It would have been better if we had ordered something lemony and zesty with our appetizers.
The evening showcased modern Australian dining, marking Peninsula House as a key new restaurant in Penang
Image: Sample of dishes from Peninsula House menu
Peninsula House Penang Review
The menu reflects the essence of modern Australian cuisine, focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Each dish promotes a shared dining experience.
We only sampled a few limited starters that highlight the chef’s creativity, so we are unable to comment further on the food.
[Update 14 December 2024]
Peninsula House Penang Menu
Peninsula House offers a modern Australian dining experience with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and creative sharing plates.
The thoughtfully curated menu provides a balanced mix of flavors and textures, perfect for a relaxed yet sophisticated meal.
Due to the dim lighting and the menu’s small grey print on a grey background, it was difficult to capture a clear photo of the menu.
Starters
- House-made focaccia with mushroom mousse and coffee salt
- Ricotta and zucchini involtini with balsamic-flavored pearls
- Prawn and crab croquettes with dashi emulsion
Appetizers
- Spanish octopus, almond tartar, crispy potato, cranberries, mojo sauce, soft herbs
- Salmon crudo, burnt orange, tamarind-ponzu, crispy shallot, avruga caviar
- House green salad, cherry tomatoes, apple, candied walnuts, poppy seeds, chamomile buttermilk dressing
- Grilled zucchini, house-made ricotta, agrodolce, crispy shallots, hazelnut, chili oil
Mains
- Lamb navarin, mashed potato, corn & jalapeno gremolata
- Crayfish and prawn etouffee tagilatelle, cherry tomatoes, pangrattato
- Baked rigatoni, spicy tomato vodka sauce, pistachios, house-made ricotta
- Baked whole sole fish, velouté, house salsa, makrut oil
Desserts
- Chocolate tart, mixed berries compote
- Butterscotch madeleine (3 pieces), macadamia ice cream, espresso shot
- Tropical Eton mess: seasonal fruits, cream, passion fruit curd, meringue, buckwheat crumbles
The menu invites diners to share a variety of dishes that showcase the flavors of modern Australian cuisine.
Tip: It would be helpful to bring your own LED flashlight to read the menu.
Peninsula House Penang
1st Floor, India House,
25 Beach Street,
10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Tel: +6016-439 1335
Opening Hours: 6 p.m. to midnight daily, except Wednesday (closed).
Blog Disclosure: This is a NOT sponsored blog post. All opinions are mine. The writer and friends paid for their meal.
