While both Penang and Malacca are known to have Peranakan descendants, the culture can be totally different and that... includes the food too. It's quite uncommon for Peranakan restaurants to serve Malaccan-Peranakan food but this newly opened Peranakan Passion has decided to take a leap of faith. Flip the menu and you will notice quite a few Peranakan dishes that are not common to Penang (otherwise in Malacca)- Ayam Pongteh, Ayam Buah Keluah, Itik Tim etc; the second thing that might strike you would be the price points.... a little higher than usual. But the air-conditioned cafe has a decent setup- comfortable and homey, with some Peranakan elements adorning the walls. We have managed to try a few signature dishes on our visit; while we could not find any fault with the dishes, we did not think they were impressive... probably we have got accustomed to the local Penang Peranakan flavors.
Chun Piah (Rm 8/ piece)
Chili Garam Brinjal (Rm 16)
Ayam Pongteh (Rm 20/ small)
Devil's Curry Chicken (Rm 20/ small)
The seemingly friendly and chatty proprietor shared with us that all dishes in Peranakan Passion are MSG-free and sugar-free (Brown Sugar is replaced instead). They are cooked using the recipes passed down from previous generations.
The Chun Piah was somewhat like our Lor Bak (otherwise known as Ngo Heong)- Cincalok seasoned Chicken with various ingredients rolled using Beancurd sheet, served with home-made Sambal. The seasoning was spot on and the flavors were alright but it did not hit us. We thought it was just a standard-average dish. Chili Garam Brinjal was a let down, the flavors did not shine and we were quite shocked to find the measly (considering the hefty price tag)- it was mere steamed Brinjal served with Sambal.
Both Ayam Pongteh and Devil's Curry Chicken were decent; the former one reminds us of the Penang "Hong Bak" (Soy sauce Pork) but the addition of Potatoes caused the concoction to be thicker and starchier. The seasoning was alright though... with a delightful salty-sweet combination. The latter dish caught us in a whiff of Curry aroma when it was served. The flavors were bold but it was not as spicy as we would have hoped. Also, both dishes were micro-waved before serving to our table; would be better if they were cooked fresh on the spot.
Blue Pea Rice (Rm 5)
Ratings:
Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 6/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Ambiance: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Parking: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Pork-Free
Service Charge: Yes 10%
Government Tax: No
Additional Information:
Address: 70-1-19 & 70-2-19, D' Piazza Mall, Jalan Mahsuri, 11950, Bayan Baru, Penang.
Business Hours: 11 am to 2 pm, 5 pm to 9:30 pm on every Tuesday to Friday; 5 pm to 9:30 pm on Weekends. Closed on Mondays.
Contact Number: 6018- 462 5608
Portion is really small for that price charged >_<
ReplyDeleteNyonya!!! I super duper like! Didn't quite like the one we went to in Penang though, expensive too: https://suituapui.wordpress.com/2011/04/08/great-expectations/
ReplyDeleteSure would like to give this one a try!
I love those old style blue and white plates.
ReplyDeleteu didnt try the itik tim & assam pedas fish, i will give 9 out of 10. but unfortunately the restaurent is shut down already.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendation, yea itik tim is not my usual order
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