Khoon Pastry House - An Authentic Hainanese Restaurant @ Jalan Argyll, Penang

It is difficult to locate authentic Hainanese cuisine in Penang nowadays. Few years ago, one popular Hainanese satay stall that serves potato starch in Chulia Street has retired and made Hainanese cuisine even scarce in Penang. However, Khoon Pastry House, one of the very few Hainanese restaurants in Penang still standing strong today at Jalan Argyll. It looks like just another cafe in the town but the diners here suggested otherwise. Most came in family, and some senior couples made the majority of the guests, unlike the trendy cafes that hosted mostly youngsters instead. The restaurant is small so expect to wait for a table during peak hours. Needless to say, they are famed for their Hainanese chicken chop and Shepherd's Pie, although the price may be slightly on a high side.

Dubbed as the oriental version of Western food in Penang, the Hainanese Chicken Chop (RM 17.90) here is highly sought but other variants such as Oriental (tomato sauces) and creamy mushrooms are available. The chicken cutlet is flavourful thanks to the generous quantity of thick brown gravy consists of Western influenced Worcestershire sauce and Chinese light soy sauce doused on it. Usage of Worcestershire sauce also provided a distinct tang sensation to the dish and elevate the entire taste. 

Chicken Shepherd's Pie (RM 19.90) is another delicious item here. The classic dish is presented in a beautiful way with wavy appearance, then the mashed potatoes are silky smooth and complemented well with other ingredients. The taste is nice and lightly with a touch of creaminess. Although the shepherd's pie looks like a dessert or a side dish but a piece of it should fulfill your calories load of the day.

Another signature here is their Spring Roll (RM 8.00). Yes, it is premium at RM 8 per piece and RM 15 for 2 pieces but the filling is rich with a variety of ingredients, enclosed with a crispy fried skin. The Yin Yong here is nice too.

Overall the dining experience in Khoon Pastry House is marvelous. We have not tried great Hainanese cuisine for such a long time and gad that we came here for a great treat to our appetite. Nevertheless, be patient if you come in peak hours and your turn to get a table should come soon.

Khoon Pastry House

29, Jalan Argyll, 10050, Georgetown, Penang

Operation hours: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 9pm (closed every Monday)