Lagenda House & Cafe — Restaurant in George Town

Traditional Malay cooking at Lagenda Café in the heart of George Town

True to its name, Lagenda Café offers a host of legendary Malay cuisines as well as some Oriental and Western-fusion dishes. I usually go straight for the main course and skip the appetisers as the main dishes are hearty and I like to keep some room for the yummy desserts. The local favourites are surely top on my recommended list. Here are three fulfilling chicken dishes I would relish – ayam percik madu tiga, belalang chicken rendang and ayam penyet Nusantara. Three brilliant ways of cooking chicken, each with its own distinct flavours. Ayam percik madu tiga is my daughter's favourite dish at this café. The smoky flavour of the aromatic grilled chicken marinated with savoury peanut sauce has won her heart over. This dish is served with turmeric rice, jelatah (pickled vegetables), kerabu tauge (bean sprouts salad) and crackers. The belalangs chicken rendang is also very good. The thick fragrant curry owing to the generous use of coconut milk hugely complements the tender chicken and ulam (fresh greens such as winged beans) that accompanied this dish. On the congkak board of goodies you have something green, something spicy, something sour and something crispy – all enjoyed with a serving of warm blue rice. If you enjoy crispy fried chicken, go for the ayam penyet Nusantara. Chicken marinated with herbs and spices is deep-fried and served with blue-coloured rice, clear soup spiced with jintan (anise) and fried shallots, crackers and a lovely congkak board of ulam.

The prawn lemak with pineapple is a rice set complete with a congkak-board of condiments (such as winged beans, pickled cucumber, kerabu omelette and sambal). Rice dyed blue with butterfly-pea flowers is wrapped in banana leaf to keep it moist and warm. Beautifully presented, the star of this dish, prawns are cooked in a typical Malay masak lemak fashion of coconut milk and turmeric. The creamy curry is sweetened with ripened pineapples, adding more depth to the flavours.

As for desserts, panna cotta seri muka is a must-try item. The pandan-flavored custard is served with a drizzle of strawberry sauce. Please remind the waiter to serve the sauce on the side or to drizzle less if you prefer the level of sweetness to be reduced. Meanwhile on the side of this dessert are two scoops of blood-red glutinous rice. The sago do re mi (named after P. Ramlee's popular classic, Laksamana Do Re Mi) – three scoops of coloured sago pearls smothered with rich coconut cream and topped with fragrant palm sugar syrup – is a delicious treat. The banana bakar – grilled bananas topped with freshly grated coconut, brown sugar and a scoop of vanilla ice cream – is my favourite dessert. The combination of flavours and texture are so simple yet brilliant. Relish this to complete a satisfying meal here.

Lagenda Café pays homage to Malaysia’s iconic musician P. Ramlee. You would notice some of the menu items are named after his famous works. The warm, cosy interior with an eclectic mix of furniture and paintings makes this a simply affordable café and a wonderful place to enjoy a meal or even drinks. The friendly staff have always made my visit pleasant and memorable. If you are touring George Town and would like to take a break and escape the tropical heat, Lagenda Café is an ideal choice. The café offers an extensive beverage list complete with fresh juices to mocktails and refreshing local delights. As you sip your drinks, take joy in P. Ramlee's melodious tunes that would effortlessly soothe your...

Tucked away on Carnarvon Street in the bustling heart of Georgetown, Penang, Lagenda House & Cafe offers a cozy and nostalgic escape. Upon entering, you’re instantly transported to a simpler time with classic table décor and the soothing melodies of P. Ramlee playing softly in the background. It’s the perfect blend of old-school charm and comfort, making it a wonderful spot to unwind.

The service at Lagenda is friendly and efficient, and orders are served promptly, adding to the overall enjoyable experience. On our visit, we indulged in a couple of their Western Fusion dishes, starting with the Chicken Chop. The crispy, batter-fried chicken was topped with a sweet and tangy black pepper sauce, paired with a refreshing salad and perfectly seasoned Cajun fries. It was a satisfying dish that balanced textures and flavors wonderfully.

We also tried the Creamy Massaman Chicken Curry Spaghetti, a unique fusion dish that truly amazed us. The blend of creamy sauce and rich curry created an explosion of flavors that my family absolutely loved. It was a refreshing take on traditional spaghetti, and definitely worth a try for anyone looking for something a little different.

For dessert, we indulged in two delightful treats. The Pisang Bakar, a grilled banana dish served with brown sugar, grated coconut, and a scoop of ice cream, was a perfect mix of fruity sweetness and creamy goodness. It was a unique and refreshing dessert, offering the best of both worlds.

We also had the Panna Cotta Seri Muka, a creamy, textured pudding served with a homemade strawberry sauce. The sweetness of the pudding paired perfectly with the tangy sauce, and the two small portions of glutinous rice added a unique touch, complementing the dessert in a way that felt both traditional and modern.

For a drink, we tried the Nutty Naughty Latte Ice Blended, a peanut-based iced beverage with chunks of peanuts and a latte flavor. While the drink was delicious, the peanut chunks were a bit overwhelming for my taste, overpowering the beverage. However, it’s definitely worth trying for peanut lovers.

Overall, Lagenda House & Cafe is a charming spot that offers a cozy atmosphere, great service, and unique fusion dishes. It’s the perfect place for anyone seeking a nostalgic vibe paired with delicious food and drinks. I look forward to returning to explore more of their hot meals and perhaps try another...

Lagenda House & Café, nestled in the heart of Georgetown, is a gem that effortlessly combines heritage charm with the bold, tantalizing flavors of Indo-Malay cuisine. Walking into the café, you’re greeted by its beautifully curated decor, blending traditional elements with a modern twist that perfectly captures the essence of Georgetown’s rich cultural tapestry.

The menu is a tribute to the vibrant spices and techniques of Indo-Malay cooking, with dishes crafted to delight the palate. A standout is their signature Nasi Kerabu, a dish as visually striking as it is delicious, featuring aromatic blue rice, grilled chicken, fresh herbs, and a fiery sambal. Their rendang, slow-cooked to perfection, boasts layers of flavors, with tender meat and a robust, spiced coconut gravy that lingers pleasantly on the tongue.

For lighter options, their Laksa Johor is an absolute must-try, offering a harmonious blend of rich, creamy broth and fragrant spices, paired with noodles that absorb the flavors beautifully. Complement your meal with a refreshing pandan-infused drink or a frothy teh tarik for an authentic touch.

Service is attentive and warm, enhancing the overall experience. The ambiance, combined with the soulful music in the background, creates an inviting setting for both casual meals and special occasions.

Lagenda House & Café is more than just a dining spot; it’s an experience that celebrates the diverse culinary heritage of the region. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this is a destination not...