Madam Kwan’s has finally opened its 18th outlet and the very first in Penang, right at Queensbay Mall! The story of Madam Kwan, or Kwan Swee Lian, is inspiring. Back in 1977, she started her culinary journey without a passion for cooking. But through determination and practice, she mastered her craft, and her legacy now thrives with dishes loved by many.
One dish that stands out is the iconic Nasi Lemak, a Malaysian must-have known for its rich blend of flavors. The key to enjoying Nasi Lemak is having a bit of everything in each bite, creating a delightful burst of flavors that range from creamy and spicy to nutty and fragrant.
We visited on the first day of their opening and couldn’t resist sampling some of their signature dishes:
Curry Laksa: This dish was creamy and flavorful, with a hint of spice that warmed the palate. The beancurd puffs soaked up the broth beautifully, while the fuzhou (fried tofu skin) added a satisfying crunch.
Nasi Lemak Curry Chicken: This is a must-try! The curry chicken was tender and infused with rich, aromatic spices, while the sambal ikan bilis (anchovy chili paste) had the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. The addition of shrimp floss and acar (pickled vegetables) made every bite even more delicious.
Char Kway Teow: A Penang favorite that did not disappoint! The noodles were smoky and perfectly seasoned, with plump prawns adding a juicy sweetness. The slightly charred edges gave that signature “wok hei” flavor that Penangnites love.
Nasi Bojari: A unique dish featuring tri-colored rice served alongside assam prawns, tender beef rendang, stir-fried vegetables, and a crispy deep-fried chicken drumstick. Each component brought a new taste to the table, with the beef rendang being rich and melt-in-your-mouth good.
Chicken Chop with Mushroom Sauce: This classic dish brought back a wave of nostalgia. The chicken was tender and crispy, while the mushroom sauce was savory and comforting—just like how it used to be.
To top it off, we tried the Musang King Cendol for dessert. It was creamy, sweet, and packed with real Musang King durian pulp—absolutely heavenly!
Drinks and Dessert: We cooled down with the Local White Coffee (Iced) and Teh Tarik (Hot)—both rich and aromatic. The Assam Refresher was tangy and rejuvenating, while the Syrup Bandung was sweet and nostalgic.
Overall, the food was packed with authentic flavors, and the ambiance of the restaurant was welcoming and cozy. Whether you’re a Penangnite or just visiting, Madam Kwan’s is a great spot to enjoy the best of Malaysian cuisine.
Address: GF-11 &12, Queensbay Mall, 100 Persiaran Pindah, 11900, Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang.
Operating hours: 10:30am – 10:30pm
Social media: Instagram | Facebook
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