ChinaHouse Penang

It feels so good to be back in Malaysia :)

It feels even better when I can enjoy good food in soothing ambience.

Last week, my friends and I visited the well-known ChinaHouse located in Georgetown Penang after one of our friend (from Penang) recommended us to try out the cakes served at one of the cafes there.

#1

Photo courtesy of http://www.venusbuzz.com/

"ChinaHouse is a traditional compound of 3 heritage buildings, linked by an open air courtyard. Now converted into 14 existing spaces with shops, cafes, restaurants, galleries and theatre."

Contrary to its name, this place has nothing to do with China nor serve any Chinese food except maybe the building was once owned by Chinese or built on the Chinese territory. #funfact1

Besides, do you know that ChinaHouse is the longest cafe in Penang measuring at 400ft (approximately 120m)!? #funfact2

Last but not the least, have you ever come across any cafe that has two entrances? Well, ChinaHouse can be access from either Beach Street or Victoria Street! #funfact3 

Photo courtesy of ChinaHouse.com.my

A very narrow hallway welcomed us upon entering the shop.

#2

Photo courtesy of almostalwayshungry.wordpress.com

Among the few cafes and restaurants inside ChinaHouse, we visited the Beach St. Bakery located just after the entrance from Beach Street. We were seated beside a very large mirror. Can you see the reflection of the mirror from the photo below? The never ending reflection feels like inception to me haha. Oh ya, this place is pet friendly too! However you may need to reconsider if your pet's height is above your knee because this place is reaaally crowded during their peak hour, which is like all-the-time. 

#3

From where I sit

It's time to hunt for cakes after securing our seats. I was spoilt with so many choices! I think there were around 30 different types of homemade cakes and pies! 

#4

All in different shapes and sizes...ops, and colours too! 

#5

 #6

Freshly baked

#7

My favourite

#8

#9

The green musketeers

#10

Something chocolaty, something fruity, something nutty and something caffeinated.  

In my opinion, the cakes were delicious but a little overpriced and overrated. The cakes were not as spongy or fluffy as I thought it would be. If you are a taste-over-texture kind of person then I think this place might be suitable for you.
The main reason people love visiting here (I think) is because of the variety of cakes offered, whereas other cake shops do not usually showcase more than 10 types of cakes at once. Plus, the 60's style furnitures placed at every corner on this premises definitely makes the eating the cake feel more nostalgic and close-to-home.    

#11

The courtyard

Nonetheless, I am happy to visit this very unique heritage building in Penang. 

Can't wait to explore the next interesting place soon! :)

Hope you enjoy the post! 

x

Name: China House (唐人厝)

Address: 153, Lebuh Pantai, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Contact: 04-263-7299

Business hours: 9:00am-12:00am (Sun-Thurs)

                               9:00am-1:00am (Fri-Sat)

Website: http://www.chinahouse.com.my/