Nyonya Breeze Desire — Restaurant in George Town

Overpriced and Lost Its Authentic Charm – No Longer the Same Nonya Breeze

As a long-time local customer, I feel compelled to share our disappointing experience.

This used to be one of the most authentic and welcoming Nonya (Peranakan) restaurants in Penang. My family has been visiting for over a decade. It was once known for its heartfelt service and home-cooked flavors under the warm leadership of Aunt Rosie and her long-serving team.

However, recent visits show that the restaurant has changed ownership, and sadly, the spirit and quality are no longer the same. Service is cold and unwelcoming—during a visit two weeks ago, our food was cleared before we could request the leftovers to be packed, and the manager rudely insisted we didn’t inform her.

On 10 May 2025, my wife and I visited again. As she was tired from work, she brought a takeaway coffee. Despite the restaurant being mostly empty, we were approached harshly and told outside drinks were not allowed, even though this was never an issue in the past. When I questioned if they were really willing to lose long-time customers over this, the manager firmly replied that she had no problem with us not coming back.

Prices remain high (we usually spend around RM130 per visit), but food quality has dropped. We noticed dishes are now reheated using a microwave, which completely strips away the soul of traditional Nonya cooking.

To Visitors : you may find better, more authentic Nonya cuisine elsewhere in Penang at more reasonable prices, and with much friendlier service. This is no longer the Nonya Breeze...

Been to nyonya breeze restaurant many a times but haven't written a review for them. It's located at a nice little mall called straits quay. After dinner you can stroll along the quay side by the idyllic water side, or go to one of the bars located at the first floor.

Service. Quick to usher us to a table. Very helpful and friendly staff, even with the bustling crowd. Couldn't ask for more.

Food. Ordered the jiu hu char (stir fried radish), inchi kabin (fried chicken nyonya style), Assam pedas (fish in sweet and sour curry) and nasi ulam (rice salad with fried coconut and vegetables). The portion size is big and honestly a bit too much for 4. The vegetables were sweet and had a hint of pork lard, which is always welcome. The fried chicken is quite standard and a dish you mostly can only find in Penang. The fish was fresh. I highly recommend this dish as not everyone can get it right. The nasi ulam is an indication of the restaurant's food standard. It's like ordering pad Thai at a Thai eatery. If that dish is good, you can be assured that every thing else is as well.

I'll always come to this place when in Penang. I'd recommend it to fellow...

Staff VERY welcoming despite almost full house (on a weeknight!). Sat us down then moved us to a bigger table once available. Even when handling many orders with a full house, they were prompt and attentive. Waited ~20 mins for our food since a large group was served ahead of us. But worth the wait!! The food is AMAZING! Some of the best Nyonya dishes we have had. The sauces are on point. Special mention to the sambal goreng prawn (rich, layered, generous), perut ikan (vegetable with pickled fish sauce that was perfectly balanced), and wonderfully soft yet flavourful otak otak. Pork rendang tastes nice but a bit hot for those who fear spice. Inche kabin (fried chicken) quite good. Eggs belanda were sold out: this appears to be a popular option. They offer only two desserts, but both were really really good! Seemingly traditional, but when you taste, you will see they add small touches to make it outstanding: some longan here, some banana there, to create depth. When a place is this busy even on a weeknight (May 2023), they must be doing something right... And - lastly - it is GREAT VALUE considering quality vs...