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Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery, located at 1 Bishop St, Georgetown, Penang, is a celebrated restaurant known for its authentic Nyonya cuisine. This Michelin-starred establishment has garnered a reputation for its delicious dishes and vibrant atmosphere, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts exploring George Town. With a focus on traditional Peranakan flavors, Auntie Gaik Lean's offers a unique culinary experience that showcases the rich heritage of Malaysian cuisine.

At Auntie Gaik Lean's, diners can indulge in a variety of signature dishes that highlight the essence of Nyonya cooking. The menu features:

Assam Prawns - A tangy and flavorful dish that showcases the best of local spices.

Curry Chicken - Tender chicken cooked in a rich, aromatic curry sauce.

Rendang Beef - A slow-cooked beef dish that is both tender and bursting with flavor.

Desserts like Pulut Hitam - A sticky black rice dessert served with coconut milk.

Situated in the heart of Georgetown, Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery is conveniently located near several notable attractions. Visitors can explore the vibrant streets of George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its rich history and stunning architecture. Nearby, guests can also visit the famous Penang Street Art, the historic Khoo Kongsi clan house, and the bustling local markets.

Auntie Gaik Lean's offers a range of amenities to enhance your dining experience:

Reservations recommended for larger groups.

Family-friendly atmosphere with menu options for children.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR2MklDNXh3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJfZkTH4_DSjARqJ12xbnOYv4/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR2MklDNXh3RRAB

The food was undoubtedly tasty, and the price was unexpectedly affordable. I also like their bold decoration. However, the service was just passable. They came to take an order of another group before mine although we were the first to let them know that we were ready to order. The server almost crashed to me; luckily, my friend prevented me from standing up (my seat was facing the other way so I couldn’t see). The server noticed that I was ready to leave yet didn’t stop walking although he should have been well aware that the restaurant was packed and had limited space to walk. I’m not sure if this kind of service deserves their Michelin star.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNmMzdUU2dBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJfZkTH4_DSjARqJ12xbnOYv4/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNmMzdUU2dBRRAB

Finally got to try this renowned Nyonya cuisine restaurant in Penang, which has earned a Michelin star for two consecutive years. Here's my experience:

Reservation & Seating:
Reservations: Allowed for 4 pax and above with a deposit of RM200 nett per booking, which offsets the final bill. However, any unutilized amount isn’t refunded.
Walk-ins: For 3 pax or fewer, only walk-ins are accepted. Smaller groups are seated in a separate room with six tables accommodating 2-3 diners each, while larger groups are seated in the main dining area.
Queue: Arrived on a weekday at 11:30 am for lunch. The restaurant opens at 12 pm, but guests are allowed to enter and be seated by 11:45 am. Arriving around 11:30 am is a good idea to secure a spot without much waiting.

Food & Experience:
The staff was helpful in recommending signature dishes.

1. Pie Tee: Decent but not exceptional. The accompanying chili was mild rather than spicy, resulting in an overall average experience.

2. Terung Sambal (Brinjal with Sweet Chili Tangy Sauce): The dish was not spicy and had a balanced sweetness. While it tasted alright, the sweet chili flavor could have been stronger for a more pronounced taste.

3. Curry Tumis (Tamarind Hot & Sour Fish Curry): This is the Michelin-recommended dish featuring stingray fish. The flavor was good—mildly sour and not too spicy— it is asam fish actually, don’t get confused with the dish name. While enjoyable, it lacked the strong, distinct flavors I hope for.

4. Dessert - Pengat: A coconut milk dessert with sweet potato, yam, and banana. Unfortunately, the banana's sweetness overpowered the entire dish, masking the intended coconut flavor. The sweet potato and yam pieces were hard, dry, and lacked the creamy, moist texture that would have elevated the dessert.

Overall Thoughts:
The food was satisfactory but not to say very outstanding. While the flavors were balanced to cater to a broader audience, they lacked the intensity or "wow" factor for those who prefer bold, robust flavors.

Pricing is above average, reflecting the restaurant's Michelin recognition.
It's worth a try for the experience, but I wouldn’t consider it the best Nyonya cuisine I’ve had.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR2OXQtUHRnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJfZkTH4_DSjARqJ12xbnOYv4/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR2OXQtUHRnRRAB

Very nice Michelin level Nyonya Halal food in Penang! Super authentic. The Asam curry style fish is very strong in local spices flavour. The fish is very soft, and no bone. The marinated vegetables sour duck soup is very delicious as well. The sourness is just nice, good for starting up your meal haha. Must try their delicious dessert too! The pulut Hitam is introduced by the boss, he said it is national pride! So I try that. It is actually the sticky black rice with coconut milk. Really delicious!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNQcnJ5QjVBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJfZkTH4_DSjARqJ12xbnOYv4/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNQcnJ5QjVBRRAB

This place is a food lover's paradise! The petai prawn sambal was bursting with flavor, and the curry chicken was cooked to perfection, its gravy rich and aromatic. The plating was vibrant and inviting, a feast for both the eyes and the stomach. Definitely worth a visit for anyone craving authentic Peranakan dishes.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfNFlXNnh3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJfZkTH4_DSjARqJ12xbnOYv4/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfNFlXNnh3RRAB

Established in 2013, Auntie Gaik Lean has won a Michelin star every year since Michelin arrived in Malaysia.

The Nyonya restaurant serves authentic Peranakan cuisine and is pork free. The family run restaurant is headed by Beh Gaik Lean as the Head Chef and her filial eldest son Adrian Tan is the entrepreneur, with Dad helping out in cashiering duties. The highlight for us was the Assam Prawns, Curry Chicken and Rendang Beef.

The shop lot on Bishop St once belonged to heritage royal jewellers B.P. de Silva, which has been in operation since 1872, which explains for its look from outside.

Recommended 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

Michelin-Star Nyonya Cuisine at Auntie Gaik Lean's, Georgetown

Dine In

Takeout

Delivery

Restroom

Good for Groups

Good for Children

Serves Beer

Serves Wine

Serves Lunch

Serves Dinner

Serves Dessert

In the heart of George Town, Penang, Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery stands as a treasured culinary haven, beckoning food enthusiasts with its warm, nostalgic ambiance. This eatery pays homage to traditional flavors while preserving the spirit of bygone days, making it a must-visit for anyone eager to explore the local gastronomy. The menu features classic dishes like Nasi Kandar and Assam Laksa, prepared with time-honored recipes, reflecting the diverse influences that have shaped this enchanting locale.

Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery

Savor authentic Malaysian flavors at Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery in George Town, Penang. Don't miss this culinary gem—come hungry!

Michelin-Star Nyonya Cuisine at Auntie Gaik Lean's, Georgetown

Dining & Culinary Delights

Location & Nearby Attractions

Amenities & Activities