Peninsula House @ India House, Penang Beach Street

Situated in the iconic building India House Penang, Peninsula House has swiftly become a culinary gem in Penang since its opening in July 2024. This modern Australian restaurant offers a unique dining experience that harmoniously blends heritage architecture with contemporary cuisine.

Peninsula House is a semi fine dining restaurant that offers friendly menu to everybody, even if you are vegetarian or you do not take pork or seafood or if you are vegetarian. This place is pork free but they do offer alcohol on the menu as they also have a bar here.

If you are here at 6:00PM, you will be just in time for some sunset rays shining into the restaurant that makes the whole place feels as if you are in Paris (according to my friends). It is kinda romantic and beautiful in here. I actually visited the restaurant twice with different group of friends 

Prawn & Crab Croquettes, dashi emulsion - RM27.90

For our starters, one of the item that I tried was this croquette that was fried till golden, crispy bites filled with a luscious blend of sweet prawn and briny crab. The delicate seafood flavors are enhanced by the silky dashi emulsion, which adds a deep umami richness with subtle smokiness. Light yet indulgent, this elegantly plated starter is a perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and oceanic depth.

Grilled zucchini, house made ricotta, agrodolce, crispy shallot, hazelnut, chili oil (vegetarian friendly) - RM24.90

The Grilled Zucchini with House-Made Ricotta is a beautifully balanced vegetarian dish that combines smoky, tender zucchini with the creamy richness of fresh ricotta. The agrodolce (a sweet and tangy Italian sauce) adds depth, while crispy shallots provide a satisfying crunch. Toasted hazelnuts bring nuttiness, and a drizzle of chili oil lends a gentle heat, tying everything together in a flavorful, texturally dynamic dish.

House made focaccia, mushroom mousse, coffee salt (vegetarian friendly) - RM19.90

The House-Made Focaccia is warm, fluffy, and perfectly crusty, serving as the ideal base for the rich and velvety mushroom mousse. Earthy and deeply umami, the mousse is elevated by a sprinkle of coffee salt, which adds a subtle bitterness and enhances the overall depth of flavor. This simple yet refined vegetarian-friendly starter is a harmonious blend of texture and taste.

Peruvian Grilled Chicken, baby potatoes, pear, aji verde sauce - RM62.90(half) / RM85.90(whole)

The Peruvian Grilled Chicken is tender, smoky, and bursting with flavor, thanks to a well-balanced marinade that enhances its natural juiciness. Served alongside crispy baby potatoes and sweet slices of pear, the dish offers a delightful contrast of textures. The was unlike anything I've ever tasted before and I would say it is quite special and paired well with the grilled chicken. I love how juicy it was even the chicken breast was tender. Remember to share this dish and one person alone definitely cannot finish it. 

Cauliflower steak, cauliflower purée, charred pickled cucumber, cashew nuts, pepitas, ajvar (vegetarian friendly) - RM43.90

The Cauliflower Steak is a hearty, caramelised centerpiece with a tender yet slightly crisp texture. It sits atop a silky cauliflower purée, enhancing its natural sweetness, while charred pickled cucumber adds a tangy contrast. Crunchy cashew nuts and pepitas provide nutty depth, and a drizzle of ajvar, a smoky red pepper relish, ties everything together with a hint of spice and richness. A bold, flavorful vegetarian dish with great balance and texture.

Confit duck leg, cashew cream, fregola sarda, orange-lemongrass jus - RM65.90

The Confit Duck Leg boasts a beautifully crisp skin, but the meat itself lacked the expected tenderness and was slightly dry. While the cashew cream added a nice richness, it couldn’t fully compensate for the dryness. The fregola sarda provided a pleasant chew, and the orange-lemongrass jus offered a bright, citrusy contrast, but overall, the dish would have been more enjoyable with a more succulent duck leg.

Crayfish & prawn étouffée tagliatelle, cherry tomato, pangrattato - RM62.90

The Crayfish & Prawn Étouffée Tagliatelle is an indulgently rich and creamy dish, with a deeply flavorful seafood sauce coating the silky pasta. The crayfish has a distinct briny sweetness, but its naturally strong seafood taste may not appeal to those sensitive to fishier flavors. The étouffée sauce, combined with the pangrattato and cherry tomatoes, creates a bold and satisfying dish, but its richness might be a bit heavy for those who prefer lighter pasta options.

Tropical eton mess (seasonal fruits, cream, passion fruit curd, meringue, buckwheat crunch) - RM26.90

The Tropical Eton Mess is a refreshing and light dessert, making it a perfect way to end a rich meal. The combination of seasonal fruits, luscious cream, and tangy passion fruit curd creates a vibrant balance of sweetness and acidity. The crispy meringue adds a delicate crunch, while the buckwheat crumble brings a subtle nuttiness, tying everything together in a delightful, airy treat that doesn’t feel too heavy.

Peninsula House is a dream for photography lovers, with every corner designed to be effortlessly Instagram-worthy. From its beautifully restored heritage setting to the warm, moody lighting and stylish interiors, the space exudes charm and character. The open kitchen, elegant table settings, and artfully plated dishes make for perfect snapshots, while the mix of modern and vintage decor ensures that every angle is picture-perfect. Whether you're capturing the food or the ambiance, this restaurant is made for the ‘gram!

Peninsula House successfully marries the charm of Penang's rich history with the vibrancy of modern Australian cuisine. Whether you're a local or a visitor, it offers a dining experience that is both unique and memorable. Reservations are recommended, as the restaurant tends to fill up quickly, especially during peak hours and they only have four time slots available daily which are 12:00PM, 2:00PM, 6:00PM or 8:00PM. Booking can be made at https://peninsulahouse.geniuspos-booking.com.my/

Peninsula House @ India House, Penang Beach Street

Address: India House25, Beach Street,10300 George Town, Penang.

Business hours: 12:00PM - 4:00PM |  6:00PM -11:00PM (Closed on Wednesday)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peninsulahouse_