Makan Kitchen — Restaurant in George Town

Makan Kitchen at DoubleTree by Hilton Penang offers a well-rounded dining experience, with distinct atmospheres for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant strikes a fine balance between efficiency and warmth, combining high service standards with approachable pricing, particularly for a hotel setting.

Breakfast is the most vibrant part of the day, with the dining room quickly filling up from early morning. Although the noise level rises with the crowd, the space remains organized and the staff handles the flow with composure and attention to detail. The buffet is varied and thoughtfully curated, appealing to both international and local palates. Guests can find the usual Western staples such as fresh bread, cereals, and cold cuts alongside a satisfying spread of Asian dishes. A standout feature is the Indian corner, where fresh roti is made on the spot and paired with flavourful curries. The made-to-order egg station operates smoothly, producing everything from omelets to sunny-side-up eggs. Despite the pace of service in the morning, the team keeps the stations clean and the trays full, maintaining a standard that rivals many more formal breakfast settings.

Lunch and dinner take on a more laid-back tone. The crowd thins, the tempo slows, and the restaurant becomes a peaceful place to unwind. One of the most pleasant discoveries is the lunch offering, which includes a main course, soft drink, and fresh fruit plate at a very reasonable 35 ringgit. This set represents excellent value, especially considering the presentation and portion sizes. The service remains attentive, but there is more space to linger and enjoy the setting, which opens up to a view of the garden and pool through large glass windows. The natural light and greenery create a calm and welcoming dining environment that works well for families, couples, or solo travellers.

Dinner brings a broader selection of à la carte dishes, several of which are captured in the photos. The fried chicken is served with a generous pile of fries, crisp on the outside and tender inside, accompanied by a bright orange dipping sauce. The fish and chips come with a light batter, retaining their crunch without being greasy, complemented by tartar sauce and lemon. The burger is built with care, stacked with vegetables and topped with a fried egg, resting on a toasted bun and served with chunky fries and ketchup. The quesadilla plate is filled with crisp vegetables and served with guacamole and golden wedges. Two types of pasta feature as well—one in a rich tomato sauce garnished with fresh herbs, and another with a pesto blend that includes mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and olives. A Middle Eastern-style platter includes folded naan bread served with three dips: one curry, one lentil-based, and a yogurt raita. The club sandwich is another reliable option, layered with meat, egg, lettuce, and tomato between crisp toast points and plated with fries and salad.

The drink menu includes refreshing mocktails, such as a strawberry soda presented with real fruit and crushed ice, ideal for cooling off after a warm day. These small touches reinforce the sense of hospitality that runs throughout the restaurant. Staff are consistently welcoming, efficient without being rushed, and quick to respond to requests—whether it’s an extra plate for sharing, a substitution, or dietary questions.

Makan Kitchen doesn’t aim to dazzle with avant-garde cuisine or dramatic interiors. Instead, it builds its appeal through consistency, comfort, and thoughtful execution. The dining room is tastefully modern, with clean lines, wood finishes, and a seamless transition to the greenery outside. The food is accessible yet prepared with care, the service is genuine and accommodating, and the overall experience is one of ease and satisfaction. This is a place that manages to be both practical and pleasant, and it deserves credit for delivering dependable quality across all three...

Simply not worth it.

We went there for lunch for the first time and goodness.. what an unforgettable, unpleasant experience.

First of all, the waitress impatiently asked for our order while we were still looking at the menu.

Later, we ordered the "Chef recommended Nasi Lemak" and Chicken Rice, and found out that both rice were undercooked.

Finally they replaced with slightly better ones without saying anything at all. Not even a word. No apology. Zip. None.

Not to mention crows and other smaller birds flying in and out the restaurant and hopping freely on dining tables. Yes. Living crows.

This almost ruined our mood for the rest of the day.

Deliver yourself from this...

We stayed at Doubletree Penang in July 2022 for 3 nights and had our breakfast every morning at Makan Kitchen. I love the variety of the daily spread. From Salad, Malaysian cuisine, pastries and beverages, satiating different preferences of patrons. A great thank you to all the friendly and attentive Makan Kitchen and hotel staff. And Usa who went out of her way to give us a cake and Tambun cookies, which made our stay at Doubletree Penang a memorable one. Would love to return soon one day,...