A VISIT TO CHINA HOUSE- PENANG – MALAYSIA
Just before I left Penang to Langkawi Island, I discovered the most fantastic cafe: China House. Actually it’s more than a mere cafe: it’s a large, rambling complex of restored heritage buildings with a gourmet bakery, several restaurants and eating spaces, an art gallery, a reading room, and a live music venue. I actually went there on a completely different mission than eating: to talk to the owner about a home for my crippled kitten. I’d just learned that the owner also runs Lassie animal shelter on nearby Langkawi. I’d discovered Lassie while researching my upcoming trip.
At it turned out, I got a lot more from my casual drop-in than I’d ever expected.
Walking into China House is like being transported completely out of Malaysian street life and into a trendy New York City cafe. The journey through the complex begins with a long, narrow low-tech industrial-style cafe sporting an imposing wooden bar on one side and cafe tables along the opposite wall. At the far end sits a large display case of cakes and, beyond that, a massive table filled with even more.
When I spied that astounding array of rich cakes and pastries, I soon had other things on my mind besides my cat. There must have been at least 6 different dark moist chocolate cakes amidst the tortes, layer cakes, mousse cakes and other pastries. I’ve never seen anything like it in Asia (and I’ve been here a lonnnggg time!) I just stood there, flabbergasted and salivating as my eyes took in one gourmet cake after another.
I somehow managed to peel myself away from the cake table to follow a staff member back to the owner’s office, where I told her my kitten predicament. She readily agreed that I should take kitty along with me to Langkawi, since I was planning to go there soon anyhow, and deliver him to their animal shelter. Whew, what a relief.
I further explained that I’d been in contact with her business partner about potentially reviewing China House. She was all up for it and before I knew it, she offered me a cool drink. Catching me glued to the cake table a few minutes later, she also ordered up some rich chocolate cake. The refreshing mint and lime juice cooler was superb: a mojito without the alcohol! The ‘fleur de sel’ cake– dense chocolate with caramel and salt- was an entirely new taste sensation for me. I was already smitten with China House.
I went back a few days later to check out their dinners and investigate the rest of China House. Here’s what I discovered:
Restaurants: Five different dining areas with four different menus. That evening, my sumptuous meal was served at the cafe, Kopi C. A more formal dining room sits just next door, with an even more elaborate gourmet menu. The central China House complex presents a leafy outdoor courtyard with a reflection pool where they serve burgers. Finally, the bar, Canteen & Bar, serves a mix of Asian, Mexican, and fusion cuisine as tapas. Another dining room is available for private functions.
Wine Store: A entire room full of imported wines awaits diners at China House.
Art Gallery- China House- Penang
Art Spaces: The rambling second floor houses 2 gallery spaces with rotating exhibitions and a retail space selling art books, postcards, prints, and other items.
Live Music Venue: Thursday through Sunday live bands perform at Canteen & Bar. Various forms of jazz seem to predominate and the place is very popular already with local music aficionados.
center courtyard- China House- Penang
Retail shops: China House currently has 2 retail spaces. In front of the formal dining room BTB, a shop showcases creative handmade jewelry and clothes. Upstairs, as mentioned, books and art goods are on sale.
Artists’ lofts and performance space: currently in the works, these are more upcoming additions to China House.
But back to my sumptuous gourmet dinner. Here’s what I dined on that evening:
Beverage: lemon and mint frappe (another of those tasty non-alchoholic mojitos)
Salad: rocket greens, cherry tomatoes, water chestnut, toasted pistachios and coconut shavings with coconut dressing.
Main: Beef short rib, sweet potato mashed with roast garlic, salad of marinated eggplant & spinach & tomatoes
Dessert: tall 2-layer coconut lime cake
Espresso.
All the ingredients were fresh and of the highest quality. The beef was cooked to perfection, as was the potato mash and, of course, the astounding cake. Portions were so large that I had to pack up over half the main course and cake, which fed me the entire next day, save for my breakfast. I can’t think of one single complaint or disappointment. Total price: 99 RM / $33 US.
China House facade
SO: When you visit Penang and find yourself hunkering for delicious western cuisine, or dying for a cool drink, or need that caffeine fix, or got your sweet-tooth on, head straight for China House. You’ll be very glad you dropped by.
China House serves mainly modern western cuisine: all day breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. The large beverage selection includes espresso coffees, fresh fruit juices and coolers, and teas. I’ve already mentioned the astounding selection of perfect cakes and pastries, which are far superior to anything you’ll find at chain coffee shops like Starbucks or Coffee Bean. They’re even better than most 5-star hotel restaurants desserts.
China House: www.chinahouse.com.my
153 & 155 Beach Street and 183B Victoria Street / Georgetown / Penang / Malaysia
604-263-7299
*disclaimer- While China House hosted my visits, all opinions and commentary are my own candid views.
You might also find my other posts about Penang useful. There are travel tips, reviews and photo galleries there.
Hi! I'm Lash, an American nomadic world traveler who's been traveling solo since 1998. I’m passionate about traveling the world nomadically and then sharing it all with you. I hope to inspire you to travel the world, to entertain you with tales from the road, and to help you reach your travel dreams. Welcome! 
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