Irama Dining in Penang came highly recommended by a friend of Jien’s; he was apparently willing to “bet on his balls” that food is good. Since ball betting was thrown into the mix, we had to check out Irama Dining for ourselves to see if his claim was true.
A Malaysian Dining Experience
Irama Dining | Interior
Making a reservation is a must as the place although spacious, is often packed with patrons. We dined on a Friday and by 7pm, there were no seats left – even the patio was fully occupied. One can choose to dine alfresco and enjoy the view of the esplanade or inside where air-conditioning is present.
Dishes are a revival of recipes, handed down through generations.
A feast for 3 adults and 2 toddlers
We ordered some of Irama Dining’s signature dishes; Sambal Bilis Terung Pipit (RM6), Kerabu Kacang Botol Sotong (RM16), Ayam Kerutup (RM28), Lamb Shank Kurma (RM45), Grilled Ikan Siakap (RM60) and for our little ones, Ayam Pandan (RM15). To go with the dishes, we asked for Nasi Beringin (RM5) and Nasi Bunga Telang (RM5).
Sambal Bilis Terung Pipit
Despite being a full house, our food didn’t take long to arrive. Service was friendly which is a plus point for Irama Dining. The Sambal Bilis Terung Pipit is a sambal of red chillies, shallots and ikan bilis with baby aubergine. It’s spicy, sweet and incredibly addictive, especially with nasi beringin.
Kerabu Kacang Botol Sotong
I enjoyed the Kerabu Kacang Botol Sotong, a salad of squid marinated with a mix of turmeric and spice, chopped four angled beans, bunga kantan and kerisik in kerabu sauce. This was mildly spicy and refreshing from the squeeze of lime juice. Lovely combination of flavours and textures, this one.
Ayam Pandan
Ayam Kerutup
If there was one dish to fault, it would be the Ayam Pandan, which lacked flavour. Granted the chicken pieces were tender, the seasoning didn’t hit the spot for us. It paled in comparison to the Ayam Kerutup which packed spice and richness. I like how the toasted kerisik adds volume to the gravy. Delicious with rice.
Grilled Ikan Siakap
Seabass wrapped in banana leaf and served with sambal
The Grilled Ikan Siakap (RM60) came highly recommended by the staff at Irama Dining, and rightly so. It was delicious – fish was fresh and firm. It’s wrapped in banana leaf and grilled so you get the aroma from the leaves and a smoky scent from the grilling process. This comes with a sambal dip of tomatoes, onions, belacan and chillies.
Beautifully cooked
Lamb Shank Kurma
Also noteworthy is the Lamb Shank Kurma (RM60), a generous portion of lamb shank in creamy kurma gravy. The lamb was fall-off-the-bone tender and well-absorbed the gravy which had a lovely balance of spice, savoury, sweet and lemak notes. It’s said to be the best kurma in Georgetown – I can’t vouch for that but it’s definitely one of the best lamb kurma I’ve eaten so far.
Nasi Bunga Telang (RM5) – blue pea flower rice
Nasi Beringin (RM5) – made using pandan and lemongrass
We were really stuffed from all the dishes but still made space for the Serawa Pisang (RM15), a sweet banana porridge with pearl sago and coconut milk. Again, portion was generous so this can be shared between 2-3 adults.
Serawa Pisang
Overall, we enjoyed our experience at Irama Dining; perhaps we were lucky or maybe we ordered the right dishes. Food was hearty, delicious and fairly priced. We paid RM220 for all the above. Given the ambiance and food quality, I’d definitely return for more.
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Ambiance: 7/10
Price: 8/10
Food: 8/10 (halal)
Verdict: Try the lamb shank kurma, ayam kerutup and grilled fish. Booking is vital to avoid disappointment.
Look out for the Chinese Chamber of Commerce
Irama Dining, Penang
Irama Dining
2nd Floor,
No.2, Penang Street,
George Town,
10200 Penang.
Tel: 012-622 9251
Business hours: 12noon till 10pm
(closed Tuesday)