Restoran Happy Garden — Restaurant in George Town

This charming restaurant is run by an elderly couple. The wife handles orders, serves the food, cleans the tables after diners leave, and manages payments. She is exceptionally friendly and attentive. Her husband, the chef, cooks and prepares all the dishes. The restaurant specialises in unique Hainanese cuisine, which offers a distinctive taste that I had not experienced before, likely because I rarely eat Hainanese food.

We tried their Hainanese spring rolls, Hainanese fried noodles, chicken chop, sizzling pork, and stir-fried kai lan. The deep-fried spring rolls were packed with fillings such as pork and jícama, and are a must-order. The vinegary dipping sauce complemented the spring rolls perfectly, making for a refreshing starter. The sizzling pork was outstanding, imbued with wok hei, and the sauce was particularly unique. The Hainanese fried noodles were well-braised and flavourful. However, the stir-fried kai lan was a bit bland.

The prices are reasonable, especially considering the restaurant’s proximity to Batu Ferringhi, a popular tourist spot. Given that there is only one chef and one server, patience is essential, as there can be a wait if the restaurant is busy. Parking is limited, but there is roadside parking available within a short walking distance. It is advisable to make a reservation before visiting, as seating is limited; we observed a family being turned away for arriving without a booking.

Overall, it was a satisfying dinner, offering an opportunity to try authentic home-cooked Hainanese dishes. I will certainly visit again next time I’m in...

Maybe first of all, this is really a very small place: think they serve maximum 5 tables, and I think most regular customers reserve ahead. I only see the lady boss serving and understand the husband is cooking. So we were lucky to arrive before opening time and still got 1 table for 2. But during our meal several parties of 4 were turned away. The regulars are older people bringing their elders; definitely people who have enjoyed the food here for many years. There is also very limited parking space, and the regulars know how to park their cars. If not, you will be re-directed!

So before going: 1) reserve your table ahead - 2) if you are well on your feet, park you car opposite parking area and just cross the road.

Now the food. This is really good hainanese food. We had to try the Hainanse spring rolls and they are indeed very good. Not had spring rolls in Penang with so much filling. I sprinkled the vinegar sauce on the spring rolls avoiding the chillies. And the sauce enhances the taste of the rolls. We also tried fried rice (very good!), Foo Young Crabmeat egg (nice but you have to search for the crabmeat stick), Hainanese chicken chop (very good).

We were 2nd order, but had to wait half an hour for the food to arrive. It goes slow, but it is worth it. And we had one of the 2 tables outside so had a look at the lush garden. Relaxing...

Recommended by a friend of mine to try this place. My skepticism was overjoyed as they serve very nice Hainanese food. We have spring rolls, pork sandwich which is deep fry, braised noodles and fried rice. Not forgetting other Hainaese cuisines.

There is only one cook, a kitchen helper and one server who works as a team. The cook takes his time to cook delicious food by braising the noodles until fragrant and other dishes to perfect timing.

If you dont have a problem with local setting in relax environment, then this place is for you. Their prices are also fair giving this restaurant is located in a tourist place.

Since some of the dishes are unique Hainanese Penang dishes, you will need to pre order or called at least 1 day or time. Such as roti babi, choon pneh, braised yam duck, apple tart and others....