DUAN @ George Town — Restaurant in George Town

Update 2: Has been a family favourite ever since they opened their doors. But this time the Nasi Lemak Beef Rendang was not just a smaller portion size, but both plates had atleast one piece each (of just three) that were inedible because of the fat and/or cartilage. The rendang itself tasted superb. The chicken version my wife had was better. Honestly, if this is a cost cutting exercise, please don't. You can do better..... because you have previously. One star deducted 😏😪

Update 1: We were here first when they had just got started. We had loved it then. We loved the food now. We tried the Nasi Lemak Beef Rendang and Chicken Rendang versions. Drool worthy awesome👌😘. The chicken satay are a dream. Of the drinks, the Ribena with Lemon and Milo Dinosaur were excellent companions for the spice in the food✔😛. However, the Fresh Longan drink was sickly sweet and probably will need a rethink😕. Our only quibble was the service. Seemed a bit sloppy this time. I get it, Duan is packed to the rafters these days and the team is on its toes. But the two chicken rendang dishes took way too long to reach our table even as the drinks, beef rendang and satay came without any delays. Not done 🤨. Will keep the five stars because the food is so yummylicious. But the communication channels between the kitchen and wait staff need some rewiring. What's the point in getting such lovely food tepid from not reaching our table 🤔.

Older review: Pretty new still and the place is spick and span. The welcome and service were warm and attentive. The real stars however were the beef and chicken rendang with Basmati rice, chicken rendang with biryani rice and the chicken satay. The taste buds were properly tickled, evoking warm sensations all the way before leaving a happy, fulfilling feeling in the tummy. The portion sizes are generous and the meats are melt-in-your-mouth perfect with helpings of rice that are not just plate fillers. The satays were among the juciest we have had in Penang. We tried the mango ice blend smoothie and the hot and iced versions of the signature lemon tea. Just wonderful.

The restaurant has comfortable seating and decent space between tables. It has a minimalist feel to it with black and white being the predominant theme. We pray that Du-an does well and the quality of food and service remain at the same distinguished level. We have found one of our favourite Malaysian fusion cuisine spots and would...

📍【High Return Rate Restaurant | DUAN】✨ Stunning Ambiance + Delicious Authentic Cuisine!

📍DUAN Restaurant in Penang offers a unique dining experience, specializing in authentic Malay cuisine with a modern decor style. Every corner is incredibly photo-worthy! Whether you’re a foodie or a photography enthusiast, DUAN satisfies your cravings for both delicious dishes and a great atmosphere. Some restaurants you visit only once, but DUAN is one I’d return to—every dish is comfort food you can enjoy over and over.

🔹 Ambiance The restaurant has a distinctive design, blending modern simplicity with traditional Malay elements, making it both stylish and cozy. There are many Instagrammable details, like wooden decor, warm lighting, and greenery, making it perfect for casual photoshoots!

🔹 Must-Try Dishes 1️⃣ Nasi Lemak - A classic Malaysian dish with rich aroma, served with crispy fried chicken, spicy sambal, and fragrant rice. It melts in your mouth and leaves a lasting impression! 2️⃣ Tom Yam Maggie with Seafood - No need to go to Thailand to satisfy your cravings! This tangy, spicy Tom Yam soup is packed with flavor and is incredibly satisfying! 3️⃣ Signature Fresh Coconut Ice Blended - A Penang must-try dessert! Refreshing and cooling, with coconut ice cream and chewy jelly, it’s the perfect treat to lift your spirits!

🔹 Service Experience The staff are warm and friendly, offering recommendations and engaging in pleasant interactions. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it perfect for family gatherings, casual meet-ups with friends, or even date nights!

💬 Tips: DUAN is popular during peak hours, so it’s best to book a table in advance, especially in the evenings and on weekends!

📸 Photo Tip: The seats by the window have amazing natural light, perfect for capturing that ambiance! For a bit more privacy, try the back seats where you’ll find a large mural—an iconic spot for Penang photos!

⚠️ Price: Around RM30-50 per person, great value for an enjoyable dining experience in such a stylish setting!

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Even though I am writing this review to get a 5% discount on my total bill, but I will still write this with all honesty.

First off, it is usually hard to find parking around this area due to many other restaurants and cafes.

My wife ordered their signature Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng and that was good! No further comment on that but recommendable. 5 star for that dish.

I had their Rendang Beef Rice with Biryani and I would give a 4 star for this dish. The first mouth was amazing because of how flavourful and tender the beef was. But as I continued to finish the dish I realised it may be a little flavour overloaded and it was quite spicy too. It was good overall but maybe the next time I’d have it with normal Basmati rice option. Oh, not forgetting to mention that I waited around 30 minutes for my food when it wasn’t peak hour.. something for you to take note about and I wish the restaurant would have informed me about it. (Perhaps forgotten to take picture because was too hungry…)

Next up, their drinks. Love their Signature Duan Coffee and a definite 5 star for me. Wasn’t too sweet but really “kaw” (strong) coffee taste. If you’re already feeling heaty, maybe don’t take this drink as you might end up having sore throat!

My wife had their Signature “Fresh” Grape Ice Blended. Alright, I will need to comment on this beverage. It will be just a 2 star drink because it mentioned fresh when it wasn’t fresh grape at all! They put real grapes on top of the drinks but it was frozen grapes. Besides, we would assume with the name given for this drink that they would use fresh grapes to blend with ice?? But nope, most probably was just grape syrup blended with ice and finish it off with frozen grapes on top. Meh.

Lastly, overall experience I would give a 4 star. Hopefully the restaurant actually read and take our comments seriously and not just a way for them to have more reviews on their Google...