Jawi House Cafe Gallery image

Jawi House Cafe Gallery

Restaurant Cafe Art gallery Malaysian restaurant Heritage building

One of the Most Reviewed Art galleries in George Town


Address

85, Lbh Armenian, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Website

www.jawihouse.com

Contact

+60 4-261 3680

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (1.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 11 am to 9:30 pm
  • Sunday: 11 am to 9:30 pm
  • Monday: 11 am to 9:30 pm
  • Tuesday: (Nuzul Al-Quran), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Wednesday: (Nuzul Al-Quran), 11 am to 9:30 pm, Hours might differ
  • Thursday: 11 am to 9:30 pm
  • Friday: 11 am to 9:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (23) restaurant (20) Jawi (19) nice (16) delicious (16) service (13) ordered (12) chicken (11) Penang (11) experience (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Katrina F. 1 year ago on Google
    Parking not easy. Only available lots are the MBPP street parking. But not a problem if you’re willing to walk. Restaurant ambience - good, comfortable and music is good not loud and suits the place. Service is excellent. Food is good and portion are quite big too - equivalent to price for it. It’s halal.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel W. 4 months ago on Google • 398 reviews
    Perfectly located at Armenian Square with rows of beautiful houses, temples, restaurants and cafes. Striking historical photos adorn the wall, and a nice Christmas touch. Service was prompt maybe because we came early for dinner at 6pm. Food was pretty, aromatic and tasty. The 3 types of rice were a delight of herbs, lentils and tomato. The appetizer Cucur udang was okay but the 3 proteins of chicken curry, beef rendang and prawns, plus a medley of vegetables were very delicious. Fairly priced for a wonderful setting. Will recommend. Ooh the sambal (in teaspoon) was a winner! A clever twist to the usual traditional flavor😋😋
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 chiangmaicharlies 3 weeks ago on Google • 586 reviews New
    We only went into 'Jawi House Cafe Gallery' for a coffee. We had a local brew which was not particularly nice, but trying local stuff is always worth a try. Service was slow and not particularly friendly. It was a mildly entertaining place to look around. Not a busy place. Pricier than other similar places.

  • 5/5 Owaychai S. 2 months ago on Google • 542 reviews New
    Jawi house was established by the Katim family. they are sixth generations in George town. They are well known by the Malays cuisine. There are spice and herbs brought home by their Persian, Arab and Punjabi which is simply unforgettable.

  • 5/5 Hendra C. 4 months ago on Google • 210 reviews
    Just minutes before dinner, we discovered this Michelin-rated restaurant and decided to try it. We had to wait outside until there was space available inside. The place is very comfortable and clean, with a Malay ambiance. The restaurant is established in a beautiful old Malay house. The service was excellent and friendly. We ordered three items: Kerabu Mangga, Lamb Briyani, and for dessert, Serabai. We really enjoyed the Kerabu Mangga and Lamb Briyani, although the Serabai wasn't quite to our taste. Overall, the dining experience was very enjoyable and the food was great.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Seng Yee T. 1 year ago on Google
    I booked on phone and ordered Asam Laksa Lemak, Nasi Briyani Ayam, Kerabu Mangga, Air Pandan. I love Laksa Lemak and Nasi Briyani and Air Pandan. The restaurant is very clean. I went to upstairs for washroom. There is praying area surau for muslim, and rest area. Service is good and polite. Highly recommend to come and try. This is first time I know Jawi Peranakan.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nazirhra 1 year ago on Google
    Love the location of the restaurant. Very nostalgic. Felt like I was in Malacca streets. Food was OK. Lamb briyani was good also the roti surai. The milk coffee had the just right taste. Not too sweet or bitter. Overall it was good lunch.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sharifah J. 2 years ago on Google
    Dining at the Jawi House isn’t just for the satiation of one’s appetite, it’s a splendiferous immersion into the culinary heritage of the Jawi Peranakan. The combination of the nasi lemuni with fish sambal, beef rendang and chicken curry made for a sumptuous and memorable repast! Two thumbs up to Chef Nurilkarim Razha and his team at the Jawi House and thank you Chef for sharing the history and tradition surrounding the uniquely northern dish of nasi lemuni.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Vincent T. 2 years ago on Google
    Came here with friends for lunch. We picked the patio area for dining and it's distant from other tables which is good. The jawi peranakan cuisine is good. I ordered fish curry and tomato rice and my friends had chicken briyani and creamy rose chicken. It used to be a challenge to get a parking space at the Armenian street which was busy tourist spot. However, today was fine for us probably due to border restrictions.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 G E. 1 month ago on Google • 184 reviews New
    If you like lamb, just order Mutton! The portion is real big, I felt so full after dinner. No more room for snacks or dessert (which is a good thing) 😁

  • 5/5 Zara L. 1 month ago on Google • 63 reviews New
    This is my second visit to Jawi house cafe. This time I ordered tomato rice, mutton masala, fried chicken, egg sambal, mixed vegetables and lemongrass tea. Food was delicious especially the fried chicken and egg sambal. Mutton was soft and melted in my mouth. The only issue that I had was broccoli in the vege which turned yellowish and also the lemongrass tea which wasn’t really fresh. Otherwise I really enjoyed the food. The ambience was great and calming. Staffs should more attentive to customers as we waited quite long to pay our bill. Parking would be the most challenging part here but you can park somewhere else and walk around the Armenian street before reach here.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nel N. 1 month ago on Google • 161 reviews New
    This is rather pricey place. A bowl of rice is exceptionally high due to its exquisiteness. Food taste was alright but not very great. We do not quite like that the entire restaurant is so dark which could encourage breeding of mosquitoes.

  • 5/5 Ern X. 6 months ago on Google
    My family and I came here for dinner (reservations were made in advance, like how everyone should do as there is limited seating) and we could not be more satisfied. The food was spectacularly flavourful, service was great, ambience was calming and decor was a nice addition to learn about the history. We had the chicken biryani(meat literally falls off the bone and it was so tender), the Levant Platter which consists of Baba ganoush, Hummus, raw salad with feta cheese(I think) and it comes with warm fluffy pita bread which goes together really well, & for drinks, we had nutmeg with lime juice and loved every single thing! Truly no regrets at all and it is a must visit place in Penang.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Vince 1 year ago on Google
    Jawi peranakan cuisine, the unique blend of Malay food with middle eastern influence. Good environment, the restaurant is housed in a heritage building in the city centre. You can visit the first floor to feel the interior. Food taste is on the mild side for me. Most of the food is not too spicy.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ahmed O. 10 months ago on Google
    I’m writing this few hours later and my lips still burning :) . I was so lucky to come across this amazing restaurant and had a very delicious local dinner . You will be stunned by the authentic design as soon as you enter. The waitress was really nice and help me decide what to order. I enjoyed the seasonal salad , rice with fish (very spicy) and a nice cup of local tea .it might not be the cheapest but it was worth it and I highly recommend this place and hopefully will be back again one day ;).
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 William O. 1 year ago on Google
    They served one of the best Briyani in Penang Island. A hidden gem near Armenian street. Search the place through google map and still miss the place twice. Had to walk through the street along Armenian road to find the Cafe. The quality of food is good and staff is helpful and friendly. Place is decorated with nostalgic photos. Many foreigners and tourist frequent the place. Highly recommended place to drop by for lunch or dinner if you are visiting Penang Island.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nova 5. 1 year ago on Google
    Lip-smacking traditional Malay cuisine with sensational food optics. But menu is restricted in choice. Heritage house cafe with constrained dining space, which would be more comfy if it is cooler in the afternoon.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Seaw Hooi T. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent restaurant, delicious food and great atmosphere.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kelvin Y. 1 year ago on Google
    Authentic Jawi Peranakan Cuisine. Environment: cozy and peranakan vibe. Ample space for dining. Full of antique furniture. Can go upstairs to have a look. Food: personal favourite are nasi lemuni with curry chicken, fritters and red velvet. Price: reasonable given the quality of food is there.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Navyasree R. 1 month ago on Google • 14 reviews New
    At 4 pm on a weekday, we entered an almost empty restaurant, anticipating a quiet dining experience. However, the waiter, engrossed in his phone, barely acknowledged us. After inquiring about the restaurant's status, we were told it was open but received little else. We chose a table, selected dishes from the menu, and patiently awaited service. Despite our efforts to capture the waiter's attention, he hurriedly answered a phone call, leaving us unnoticed. Regardless of its potential Michelin star status in 2023, poor service tainted our first impression of Malaysia after three weeks of delightful experiences in Indonesia and Thailand.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 SA 1 year ago on Google
    Superb food, love the cucur Udang, roti surai and jawi Hummus! Excellent service as well! Had 4 starters, 2 mains and 2 drinks.. only RM134. Super value!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 RacheaL C. 2 years ago on Google
    Very good lunch, good service. Started from appetisers to main. Was so full we couldn't eat their desserts. Parking is off-street so earlier is better and carpooling is recommended.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cristiano R. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is cozy and it is really nice to have lunch or dinner there. It is located on a very nice spot of Georgetown and this has some value. I had lunch there today and the food was really delicious and well presented. I enjoyed all the dishes I tried but a special mention is for the nutmeg drink - I love it! So refreshing without being too sweet. Service was perfect: polite, fast enough and unobtrusive. I will definitely come back! Highly recommended.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mg T. 2 years ago on Google
    At last I found the best place to eat in Penang.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 innshille R. 2 years ago on Google
    The food is average… not bad, not exceptionally good. Without much expectation, it would be nice. Maybe briyani like dish would be good, but hummus and other side dish we ordered were so disappointing. Toast bread with hummus, which is not finely grated..
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 MK L. 11 months ago on Google
    Got to make an appointment if you intend to dine in because they have very limited space for peak hours. Food is commendable, and serving is quite fast. The nasi briyani has a generous portion, which is a variety of meat that you could select from meat to seafood. We tried the chicken, which is nice & beef rendang separately that not bad too! I like their teh tarik.

  • 5/5 Rachel H. 3 years ago on Google
    Love the ambient of this place! Food was good, Jawi laksa was the best we had and the Lemuni rice was extremely fragrant! The photo of the laksa in their menu does not do the dish justice. 😜

  • 5/5 Fuka 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice restaurant on a beautiful street near one of the famous areas in Georgetown. We were travelers and didn’t know what to eat here so ordered a big plate of biriyani that a friendly staff recommended us. And that was a right choice! Lots of people told me that Penang has better food than KL and that was true, everything I had in Penang was very very good. I wanted to come back here while I was staying but I was too busy trying other stuff. I’ll definitely come back next time I visit.

  • 5/5 Gracious A. 2 years ago on Google
    I tried it's Beef Masala cost RM18. The taste is quite good. Recommended.

  • 4/5 Shereen C. 2 years ago on Google
    The shop is really hidden and which is located at Armenian street. The street is really quiet when it’s coming to night time so abit inconvenient for me but the service there are excellent 👍🏻 However, serabai the dessert is not really suitable for me but the rest of the orders like levanant platter, nasi kacang, creamy rose chicken, and roti surai are really nice to try 😋

  • 5/5 Rosa C. 4 months ago on Google
    Very cozy place with nice service. Food was delicious - and, as promised, it was real comfort food. We paid around 16 euros for 2 (each of us had a well served main course and a juice, and we shared a dessert). The menu has truly non spicy options. Highly recommend.

  • 3/5 Simon H. 7 months ago on Google
    Somewhat disappointed with food in this venue. The positives: staff were lovely and the old style dark wood reconstructed interiors are very well done. The let down was the food. I chose a jawi classic of nasi lemuni which was much less colourful than the menu pictures and the spices had a musty rather than a bright, lively taste I've had in others in Melacca. The beef rendang was just...ok, nicely dry but moist but lacking flavour. This might have just been a bad day but not the best Jawi Peranakan food I've had.

  • 4/5 pse 4 months ago on Google
    Fabulous small restaurant (with air conditioning!) in the heart of the historical area that delivers flavourful, delicious and freshly made Malaysian food. The Beef Rendang and Herbal Lemuni rice was exceptional. Nothing but deliciousness in each, fragrant, spicy, flavourful mouthful. I high recommend.

  • 5/5 AK A. 6 months ago on Google
    After just landing in Georgetown, we were looking for something to eat and were immediately drawn to this beautiful restaurant. The host was very friendly and welcoming, and we were quickly seated at a table. The food was absolutely amazing. We ordered a variety of dishes, and everything was cooked to perfection. The flavors were complex and delicious, and the presentation was beautiful. We were also impressed with the service. Our server was attentive and knowledgeable, and he made sure that we had everything we needed. Overall, we had an incredible dining experience at this restaurant. It was worth every penny to walk to this beautiful place and enjoy such delicious food and excellent service. If you're looking for a truly special dining experience in Georgetown, I highly recommend this restaurant. You won't be disappointed!

  • 5/5 Liz F. 3 years ago on Google
    We were truly indulged with the whole dining discovery which is not over empowering with spiciness, hot or strong flavour. Instead, it was a party of well balance flavours from the wisely apply of spices and herbs that left us a simply unforgettable feasting experience. I strongly believe that Jawi House has successfully execute the practice and preaches of Balance Flavours in every dishes that they served.

  • 5/5 Claudia Angelique “Achara” N. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent cooking and service! Chef Nuril was very helpful and courteous upon greeting me and my friend during our first visit to his cafe. Food was beyond expectations! My friend ordered a drink that came too sweet, he did not ask for a change but the waiter overheard him saying it was too sweet and immediately sprang into action to replace his drink. 10/10 would recommend and come back again! Quiet environment, peaceful and relaxing. Tables are spread comfortably apart making it safe to dine in.

  • 5/5 Siang Hock Q. 3 years ago on Google
    A very good restaurant for halal food. Nice ambient and delicious food. 😋😋😋

  • 4/5 meiwern l. 9 months ago on Google
    A beautiful heritage house turned into a cafe, had the chicken briyani, Raita and a small portion of the laksa. Waiter was very helpful and recommended a smaller portion of the laksa, which we were grateful for. Food is a lovely fusion of indian flavors with a hint of peranakan herbs. Was pleasantly surprised by the raita, made a wonderful addition to the briyani. The restaurant should consider serving the raita with the briyani.

  • 4/5 Mark M. 9 months ago on Google
    Visited late ish on a Sunday night. Chose just one course each but north were delicious, Laksa Lemak and Beef Rendang Nice atmosphere like an old house. Recommended

  • 5/5 Alberto R. 2 years ago on Google
    A hidden gem in the heart of Georgetown's city center, this malay peranakan restaurant is just delicious. The ambiance is very nice as well, and the staff is very helpful in explaining the menu, in case you don't know a specific dish. We tried the Jawi Laksa and the Lemuni Rice with beef rendang, both excellent, as well as the Serabai for dessert, which was so good we ordered it twice. Will be back to explore the menu even more.

  • 5/5 Harith J. 1 year ago on Google
    Price can be a bit over the budget but since it is located the heritage zone, and helmed by an experience chef who happened to also inherited the family recipes, this restaurant is great to spend a bit on home-cooked style Jawi Peranakan cuisines.

  • 4/5 Irene C. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice place rice old Penang heritage feel, friendly staff food are special n delicious

  • 5/5 Iise C. 2 years ago on Google
    📍Jawi House Cafe Gallery Serving perhaps the best Lamb Biryani in town, this Halal Restaurant definitely goes in the must-visit list for Penang's food. Helmed by Chef & Owner Nuril, he takes real pride in his Jawi Peranakan Heritage. The pre-war building in which Jawi House located is beautifully decorated with pictures of family and Jawi Peranakan ladies who were the frontier of their unique heritage. In some ways similar to the Baba Nyonya, the Jawi Peranakan have strong Malay heritage with strait settler origins (Pakistan, India, Acheh, Etc). Let's dive in to the cuisine. We had the Levant Platter; with its hummus, babaganoush and the Pita Bread, it was delicious. Rich and perfectly seasoned, Michelle who normally does not relish raw salads finished the greens entirely. The Lamb Biryani was incredible. The meat was extremely tender, with spices that completed the whole experience. Accompanied with the Dhaal, it was most palatable. I would come here again for the authentic Jawi Peranakan experience. It has a class of its own, and it truly is art. This is the power of embracing heritage.

  • 4/5 Hanim A. 2 years ago on Google
    Finally visited this place after hearing it for some time now.. Been to Penang few times but never had the chance to visit this place.. If you are looking for something different, yes, go ahead and try.. Food portion was good. Taste not bad either... If you have tried daging masak hitam b4, they oso served it here but they called it beef masala.. Read their history, quite interesting..

  • 4/5 Ariff S. 1 year ago on Google
    Rated one of the best halal restaurants, this place doesn’t disappointment. Food is good and the decor is truly authentic. Not your typical looking restaurant. We sat at a “family looking” table right next to the kitchen. As suggested by the reviews, we had the briyani (lamb and prawn). It was good! The portion is suitable for two people. Besides that, we also ordered the vegetable fritters. The fritters itself was good but the sauce was a miss for me. I’d much prefer the standard sweet chilli sauce for fritters. Great dining experience nonetheless.

  • 4/5 just-a G. 1 year ago on Google
    Food is great here. Toilet is clean, overall a great respite from walking around Georgetown. However, -1 the service is slow. Sometimes the waiter is absent, something to improved perhaps for the establishment to be awarded highly. It’s still a nice place for both locals and tourists. Will come back to eat again.

  • 5/5 Izaini S. 1 year ago on Google
    Decorated as a rustic jawi peranakan house. Food was very delicious. Beriani, lemuni, & tomato rice were cooked to perfection with spices like old days. Mango salad was prepared like malay kerabu and tasted refreshing. Unlike Thai version one that was very sweet, sour & salty. Fish sambal & lamb masala were delightful. Will definitely come again on the next trip to Penang.

  • 5/5 Sam 1 year ago on Google
    This place brings a nostalgic cozy vibe. Food was soo delicious, would highly recommend their lamb biriyani. After all these years still haven’t forgotten the taste of that biriyani. Price on higher side but big portion size. If in Penang will definitely visit this place again.

  • 5/5 Dian Fitria Abdul h. 2 years ago on Google
    A beautiful old building refurbished into restaurant with cozy ambience, not crowded at all, friendly waiter and has clean toilet (yes this is a plus point). I ordered laksa lemak, it was amazing! My husband who doesn't eat any form of laksa, actually loved it and lick the bowl clean. This shop is just walking distance around the penang street art area.

  • 5/5 Jafarul W. 1 year ago on Google
    Portion does match the price. Excellent service & wonderful food! If possible do book in advance for best experience.

  • 4/5 Rox D X. 2 years ago on Google
    A very nice classic cafe with true original local taste spotted here at Penang Art Street. The menu, the ambience, background music, cleanliness, very nice. Came here with my full stomach, still I ordered the cappucinos and try the sago. Price is ok. Really relaxing and soothing environment. Toilet is on 1st floor. And the built was very incredible. 😍 Recommended.


Call +60 4-261 3680 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid parking lot
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
    • ✓️ Difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Small plates
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeaway

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