Bar and coffee counter
China House in Penang stretches between Beach and Victoria Street – a clever play of heritage chic, with seasoned concrete floors, plastered walls and exposed beams. It is a popular spot in town, serving all-day breakfasts, assorted cakes and pastries, coffee and alcoholic beverages. Basically everything under one roof.
The restaurant occupies a long pre-world war house
The place is crowded at night, especially when there’s a band. We wanted to sit by the bar for a session but it was such a full house that even standing was difficult. The café was less boisterous so we sat there instead.
Cakes on display
Tiramisu
Service needs improvement. While the staff were efficient, I feel they could have been friendlier. China House offers a large variety of cakes; baked in-house and the tiramisu (RM15) comes highly recommended. That said, I found this average as there was too much cream versus cake.
Black & White (RM15)
The Black & White (RM15) looked good on display but it was a big disappointment. The chocolate layers were dry and hard while the icing was way too sweet for comfort. I wouldn’t recommend you order this.
Iced americano
Rum & raisin milkshake
rif’s iced Americano was decent but not good enough to warrant a visit. My rum & raisin milkshake was not bad – bittersweet from the alcohol and adequately thick. All in, our experience at China House was hardly memorable. While not everything we tried were disappointing, I expected better for such a popular establishment.
- Like my Facebook page here.
Ambiance: 6.5/10
Price: 6/10
Food: 5/10 (pork free)
Verdict: Mediocre cakes and service. But it is a nice hangout place if you like the heritage feel.
China House
183-B, Lebuh Victoria,
George Town, Penang.
Tel: 04-263 7299
Website
2 comments
Can’t agree more with you on the service. I have been there a few times (mainly due to others wanting to go there, otherwise I’d happily stopped at one visit) and the service shall I say, consistent. Consistently BAD, that is!
Their cakes and drinks are over-rated and deco is “so-so” compared to many other heritage F&B establishments popping up like mushrooms around the island.
My advice is to go there ONCE for the experience just so that you’ve “been there, done that”. This is just my personal view of China House.
Thanks for the comment Kev. I’m also curious as to why this place is popular…