Nestled in Kampong Malabar, George Town, 28 Malabar might not immediately hint at its Hong Kong roots, but step inside, and you’ll be warmly greeted by King Sir, the man behind this delightful eatery!
Specializing in 港式瓦煲奶茶 (Hong Kong-style claypot milk tea), King Sir has brought his cherished recipe all the way from Hong Kong to Malaysia, and boy, are we glad he did!
We were absolutely smitten with their milk tea – it’s rich, smooth, and incredibly flavorful. Here’s what we tried:
Claypot Milk Tea (Hot): Imagine a warm hug in a cup. The hot claypot milk tea is rich and creamy, with deep, robust tea flavors that perfectly balance the milk’s smoothness. Each sip is comforting and soul-soothing.
Rose Claypot Milk Tea (Iced): This iced version adds a delightful floral note to the traditional milk tea. The rose essence is subtle yet fragrant, blending harmoniously with the creamy milk tea for a refreshing and aromatic experience.
Butter Claypot Milk Tea (Iced): This one blew our minds! The addition of butter lends an extraordinary richness and smoothness to the drink, making it velvety and indulgent. The buttery undertones elevate the tea’s natural flavors, creating a unique and luxurious treat.
Iced Lemon Tea: A perfect palate cleanser. The iced lemon tea is refreshing and zesty, with a tangy lemon flavor that is both invigorating and satisfying. It’s the ideal drink to cool down with on a hot day.
These drinks are some of the most authentic and flavorful we’ve ever tried, not just in Penang, but in all of Malaysia!
But the delights didn’t stop at the beverages. 28 Malabar also serves up some fantastic Hong Kong dishes:
HK Beef Slice Hor Fun: Bursting with “wok hei,” this dish has a smoky, charred aroma that signifies expertly stir-fried ingredients. The beef slices are tender and juicy, marinated to perfection with a savory soy-based sauce. The hor fun noodles are silky and smooth, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
HK Yang Zhou Fried Rice: We loved it so much that it disappeared in minutes! The fried rice is fluffy and fragrant, with each grain perfectly separated. It’s loaded with bits of char siu, shrimp, and vegetables, providing a delightful mix of textures and tastes. The seasoning is spot on, making every bite a burst of umami goodness.
HK Style Fried Tofu with Spicy Bean Sauce: Crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, the tofu is a textural delight. The spicy bean sauce adds a kick of heat and a depth of savory flavors that complement the mild tofu perfectly.
In addition to these Hong Kong specialties, they also offer some delicious Malaysian dishes:
Porridge Set: Pure comfort food, perfect for any time of day. The porridge is smooth and creamy, with a subtle, comforting flavor. It’s topped with various condiments that add texture and taste, making each spoonful a satisfying experience.
Local Style Spaghetti: Featuring rempah fried chicken, this fusion dish is a delightful surprise. The spaghetti is al dente, and the rempah (a blend of local spices) fried chicken is crispy, juicy, and packed with bold, aromatic flavors. It’s a creative and delicious twist on a classic dish.
The ambiance at 28 Malabar is cozy and welcoming, making it a perfect spot for a meal with friends or family. We can’t wait to go back and indulge in more of their delicious offerings! Whether you’re a fan of authentic Hong Kong cuisine or looking to try something new, 28 Malabar is definitely worth a visit.
Address: 28, Kampong Malabar, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 11:30am – 6:30pm (Monday – Thursday) | 11:30am – 3:30pm; 6pm – 8pm (Weekends)
Social media: Instagram | Facebook
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