ParaThai @ Gurney Plaza — Restaurant in George Town

Like many others, it’s been 3 years since we have been able to return to Penang to visit family. We have spent most of the trip filling our stomachs full of our “Penang favourites food list” that we have been mentally updating in anticipation of the trip (hawker food goodness, kueh and nyonya delights). However a last minute decision to dine at Para Thai, Gurney Plaza following a recommendation from family, has been hands down the best meal of the trip.

For 4 adults, we ordered deep fried papaya salad (had a nice crunch but doesn’t need too much sauce), steamed whole sea bass with lime and chilli (very fresh and just enough spice to make you suck air between your teeth to cool it down), grilled squid (side sauce delish) and stir-fried kangkong with belacan (not too heavy handed with belacan). This was more than ample and the Thai iced lemon grass juice was a refreshing accompaniment.

As a dessert fanatic, I wasn’t letting anyone leave without sampling a serving each of the mango sticky rice and red ruby nangka (jackfruit) coconut dessert. Both desserts satisfied my dessert “second stomach”. Don’t think I could’ve eaten an individual serving myself following the main meal.

The serving staff were attentive and considerate of the ongoing covid-safe practices - i.e. thoroughly wiping down tables between patrons.

Downside 1 - having to queue up for a table. That’s to be expected for peak dinner time on a Sunday night however a better waiting list system could be considered. I did notice another review stating they were able to leave their contact details but we weren’t given that option. Having said that, it was worth the wait.

Just something to consider, please be considerate of other customers if there is a queue. Not suggesting you eat so fast you cause yourself indigestion but once you’ve finished your meal, please move on.

Downside 2 - Gurney Plaza parking. Driving in Malaysia is the epitome of defensive driving. This applies in carparks where you have to take a calming breath then patiently zig zag, single file through the one way carpark lane, around the various “self created parking spots” and reverse park into an empty space that St Thomas, Patron Saint of Parking, has kindly gifted you (thank goodness for car sensors and rear view cameras)! As the restaurant is located in the basement, the basement carpark is a shorter walk. However for a busy weekend, suggest you head to the multi-level carpark for increased available...

TL;DR, less than mediocre 'Thai' cuisine with exorbitant prices, small portions and yet a long wait.

A small yet decent menu, with the few stand out Thai dishes, making it simple and easy to decide.

Portions were rather small, could hardly fill the stomachs of 2 people as it was recommended for 3 to 4 persons. Had to make additional orders.

Service was rather slow, even with that limited space, somehow the servers were always tied up with something. Basically they are a bunch of foreigners, lacking communication in the local language, creating a language barrier, can't even speak simple Thai language besides the 'Sawasdee Kha' phrase.

Waiting for a table that could fit an average crowd of 6 adults might take up to 45 minutes. Not advisable for huge crowds. While waiting for a table might take long, food serving was rather inconsistent with some dishes churning out faster than the others. Somehow even plain rice was also rather delayed in serving when dishes are all out. As you're enjoying your meal, as soon as one plate seems empty, they will come and collect that very plate and signal you it's time to finish up and leave. Can't even enjoy or savour what you've ordered as everything is 'rushed'.

Food wise was just rather dull. Lacking the authenticity of Thai flavours that would bring out the kicks and sweats. Steamed fish tasted bitter as the lime slices turned rancid after exposure to long durations of high heat. What an aftertaste. You could definitely get better and larger portions elsewhere. With the need to wait nor being eyed on...

para thai gurney plaza around 2.30-3.30pm 3/2/2023

Please do something with your unhonest waiters !

During enter the lady give me a small table which i dont mind at all because that time too crowded inside the shop,

after i finishing ordered food i found that the table a bit small for us, i tell the lady waiters that time i want to change to pointed table unfortunately the lady waiters said already have others customers which already wait outside, iam agree with that.

But in a while the lady waiters let that mentioned customer come inside but given them others table which not the one i pointed before. I very dissatisfied with the lady waiters why would you lied to me? I still in the shop that time, my food didt arrived yet. At the moment, got some table already empty, why you didt move us to others table? I dont mind if not one i pointed just a little bit big which i easily access my food and drink.

I need to sacrifies myself sit at the table which difficult to me to move, you just like that said stupid thing but do nothing other than lie to your customer. the captain just come and adjust thing which make thing fit, but he didt thinks that we need to move when eating? It is logic fit everything on table so that make u see u do something when i rise a complaint to another guy waiters?

End up diy myself take others chair put my drinks

Please give me feedback regarding your waiters ! ...