Whenever it comes to recommendations, I often get asked byĀ my dearestĀ readers,Ā friends and family the golden question of them all –
“Jess, what’s the best place to have a fancy,Ā classyĀ dinner ah?”
To beĀ honest, the list I can come up with, would be anĀ endless one.Ā (Malaysia is awesome like that!)
But if you narrow it down to Asian cuisines in Penang, onlyĀ ONEĀ will always remain on the top of my list.
It’s none other than CHIN’S Stylish Chinese Cuisine
Without evenĀ taking into consideration the top-notch selection of food this restaurant has to offer, the locationĀ is in itself, an amazing feature of CHIN’S dining experience.Ā 
Why?Ā Take a look for yourself.
The entire restaurant is located right above the sea!
Wouldn’t you just love to pamper yourself or your loved ones withĀ a seafront dining?
I know I wouldĀ 
So where is this impressive-looking restaurant situated exactly, you ask?Ā 
Just next door to QE II – 360 Waterfront Venue, Penang.
Locals would’ve heard ofĀ QEII Penang, but if it doesn’t ring a bell, they are both located in Weld Quay.
CHIN’S Stylish Chinese Cuisine is nestled deep insideĀ Penang’s popular seafront tavern.
Before I begin, let me share a little bit of Ā trivia to those who thirst for its background story.
CHINāS first opened in London back in 1987 by a Malaysian entrepreneur, Mr. Dave Chin. This classy Asian eateryĀ took Englandās Food & Beverage scene by storm, winning two highly coveted and prestigious awardsĀ ā āBest Restaurant of The Yearā by Whatās On in London Magazine and āThe Best Chinese Restaurant in UKā by Stores Magazine, USA.
On this blazing trail of collective accolades, CHINāS Restaurant was recognized as āBest of the Bestā by Good life Magazine, UK.
More than two decades later, the yearĀ 2010 marks the arrival of CHINāS to
our lovely Pearl of the Orient –Ā Penang, Malaysia.
Aren’t we lucky?Ā 
Upon setting foot into CHIN’S, the first thing that greets its patronsĀ is a large and rather unique, psychedelic framedĀ modern artĀ mounted onto the indigo wall. This is something you don’t see very often –Ā especially in Chinese restaurants!
Then again,Ā CHIN’S never fails to surprise, does it?Ā
Themodern art depicting artistricĀ portraitureĀ of iconic figures placed behind traditionalĀ Chinese furniture
of solid wood and gold trimmings makeĀ a delightful and cosyĀ patio for guests to sit before or after meals
How many of these legends can you recognize?
Call me unworldly but I only recognize seven!Ā 
Ā What about you?
Walking past the patio, I entered the main dining venue of CHIN’S.
I was taken aback at how elaborately stunning the interior was!Ā Ā It was not only extremelyĀ classy, but it came with a modern twist as well. Apart from being well-litĀ with chandeliers, various forms of contemporary art hung from the walls and ceilings.
This restaurant’sĀ is almost always fully-booked – no surprise here!
(Make sure you place your reservations to avoid being disappointed!)Ā 
I fancied the longĀ sofa right smack in the middle of the dining area!Ā
It was very comfortable, came with giant cushionsĀ and boasted black velvet textile-motifs on itsĀ upholstery.
Thanks to CHIN’S,Ā I was fortunate enough to be reserved a table directly adjacent to the sea and night sky, despite it being in full capacity. They seemĀ to know my fondness towards picturesque views while dining.Ā 
Even the spotlightsĀ wereĀ specially adjusted for meĀ (to take nice photos)! How thoughtful.Ā
I was fascinated with the plate in front of me. They gave me a Che Guevara plate tonight.
If you didn’t know, the latter was a popular Marxist revolutionary icon.
I began to realize that every table hadĀ intricateĀ settings –Ā which included aĀ hand-painted ceramic plate each too.
Paying attention to the fine artwork by hand-paintedĀ artisans, I could decipher that each artworkĀ had an emotion within and a story to tell.Ā BelowĀ is a compilation ofĀ some of my favorites!
Geez! I cannot believe how much I am gushing over crockery.Ā 
But really, have you ever seen something quite like these in an Asian restaurant? No? Precisely.
Decor and interior aside, I know you are dying to know how good the foodĀ at CHIN’S are.Ā
They knew I didn’t exactly fancy anything too sweet and especially nothing too spicy, so they hand-picked a menuĀ that would suit my taste best.
I am usually not a picky eater, but who doesn’t like having their preferences catered to?Ā
A sneak peak at some of my favorites from the ten-course menu we are about to see!
They made me feel so welcome with theirĀ simple, thoughtful gestures and friendly demanour, and I could see how every customer in the restaurant was attentively paid attention to.Ā
This makes CHIN’S stand out even more, with their impeccable customer service.Ā
ON TO THE FOOD!Ā
Fairy Blossom teaĀ (comes with free refills!)
This delightful herbal tea was served piping hot, was smoky and had a light floral aftertaste to it.
You gotta admit – it looks pretty too! This is a perfect alternative to some of the more commercial types of teabags/teapots/tea leavesĀ that we see in repetitionĀ everywhere.
Four Seasons Appetizer
This platter was served withĀ four mini dishes.
From L-R:Ā Gele Mountain Chicken,Ā Citrus Winter Melon,Ā Prawn on ToastĀ andĀ Spinach with Pinenut & Mustard.
Gele Mountain Chicken
This came inĀ chicken chunks with peanuts.
The chicken was tender, flavourfulĀ and presentedĀ in an (edible) miniature crispy basket.
Citrus Winter Melon
As I wasn’t a fan of winter melons, I was rather hesistant.Ā But to my surprise, I loved itĀ
The winter melon came in tiny cubes and each mouthful was burst of citrus wonder.
This dish isĀ served coldĀ and it tastes just likeĀ sweet tangerines!
Prawn on Toast
This crispy toasted pastry is laden withĀ sesame seeds and shredded prawn meat.
It is also a tadĀ spicy from the prawn paste and XO Sauce.Ā I loved its smoked, burnt after-taste!
Spinach with Pinenut & Mustard.
I liked how the spinach leaves were presented so adorably.Ā 
It was neatlyĀ stacked up in a tinyĀ pile with the pinenuts!
This dish wasĀ slightlyĀ sourish andĀ spicy to open one’s appetite for the next meal; serving the purpose of an appetizer altogether.
Garlic Cucumber
Sure, go ahead. Judge. This dish doesn’t look appetizing at all, does it? My thoughts exactly.
But the moment I took a bite of one of the Japanese cucumber slices, I was so wrong. It was very crunchy and that slight tinge of spiciness married with theĀ aroma of the garlicĀ gave it the extra kick I didn’t expect!Ā
What it lacked in the aesthetically pleasing department, it surely made up with itsĀ power-packed flavour!Ā
Golden Needle Mushroom
This was one of my strong favorites. Deep-fried to crispy goodness, these little ones were irresistable to ever stop digging in for more.Ā I liked how it was tassled with thinly sliced onions and spring onions too.Ā
Comfort food, I must sayĀ The kind that you wish would comeĀ was bottomless (much like Nachos!) with your beer.
I was also treated to oneĀ my favourite types ofĀ wine, the white wine.Ā Sauvignon Blanc, to be exact.
It came just in time when I was in the middle of enjoying the meals.
This is the Whitehaven Marlborough – importedĀ from New Zealand
Althought great as an aperitif,Ā wine, to me, is always perfectĀ pairĀ withĀ exquisite line-ups of food
Szechuan Flame Codfish Soup
This dish made a grand entrance towards my table.
THIS. BOWL. IS. ON. FIRE!!Ā It wasĀ was accompanied with flaming charcoals encircling the bowl.
The soup was hot andĀ had aĀ spicy as well as aĀ slight sourish tang to it.Ā Inside, lay tiny bits ofĀ winter melon, chilli slices, pickled chilli and of course, codfish fillets.
I liked how this instantaneously warms up my tummy and cleared my nasals with its hearty, warm piquancy.
The next thing that was brought out by the waiter was not food,
but aĀ trapezoid saucer containing warm water to wash our hands with.
In motion!Ā
Gotta make sure my hands are clean for the next dish, as it required direct contact with my fingers.
The waiter placed four small saucers of what looked to me like
condiments and add-ons for a much bigger main dish coming my way.
I was right!Ā Ā The waiter brought a whole duck legĀ (which I could smell its aroma from afar!)
and a steaming basket of thin Chinese pancakes
Aromatic Crispy Duck
One look at the entire set-up made me wonder how I was supposed to eat it.Ā
Of course, if you were in the comfort of your own home with no one watching, you would just grab the entire duck leg by the bone and chew off the meat ala Bam Bam from The Flintstones, yes?
But CHIN’S thought two steps ahead for its customers.
The waiter was back and began shreddingĀ the entire duck leg in full frontal view!Ā
A LIVE demonstration of duck shredding!Ā
Seeing as it was my first time eating one of their signature dish, Mr. Sam Chin, owner of CHIN’S Stylish Chinese Cuisine, took over and personally showed me how to eat and appreciate this dish properly.
Of course, there is no right and wrong, but I would rather learn a thing or two from this restauranteur, especially the most ideal way of eating this!
ā
He showed and guided me aĀ step-by-step methodĀ onĀ which order of ingredients to place first.
Thanks, Sam!Ā
Now, I am going to impart this knowledge to you, so you will look like a pro and eat like a pro even when you dine at CHIN’S for the first time! Shhh… surprise them andĀ don’t say you learnt it from me!Ā
1. Take the crepeĀ skinĀ from the steaming basket and place it on your plate
2. Spread it with a genourous amount ofĀ duck sauce.
3. Stack a few cucumber slices neatly in the middle of the crepe skin
4. Place a few strands of spring onion slices next to it.
5. Add a few chopped green chilliesĀ (I skipped this step because I really cannot handle my chillies well!)Ā
6. Pick up the shredded duck and place them on top of everything. Put as much as your heart’s content!Ā 
Ta-daaa! You’re done. And there you have it…
The finished, opened productĀ (unwrapped)
The right way is to roll/fold the light thin crepe/tortilla-like skinĀ wrap around the ingredientsĀ and eat it together
The taste was mind-blowing!Ā Ā The flavour of the crisp, yet tender shredded duck slices was boldĀ and the accompaniment of theĀ duck sauce, cucumber andĀ spring onion complemented this dish so well.Ā
Okay, enough seriousness for a second.
Here’sĀ Sam and I smilingĀ for the camera!Ā
Red Lantern Chinese Cabbage
Just like the Garlic Cucumber, this was also a very simple looking dishĀ that exceeded my expectations.
These slices of cabbage were cooked untilĀ soft, warm andĀ had this unique twang of sweet and spicyness, as this dishĀ was cooked with chilies and whole garlic cloves.Ā This is arguably one of my favorite dishes here!Ā
Sam placing the next dish on my table
I have always beenĀ of the opinion that great leaders should always lead by example and get on par with their ground staff. Despite being the owner and bigboss of CHIN’s, I’ve noticed how Sam alwaysĀ plays an equal part in the running and the operational day-to-day ongoings in the restaurant!
He even personally serves food occasionally and spends time engaging in conversations with the guests.Ā
That’s not something you see a boss do everyday, right?
Thanks for the wonderful and warm hospitality, Sam!Ā
Double Flavored Freshwater Fish
There’s an obvious reason why this dish was given its name.
ItĀ comes in two very contrasting parts of flavour and garnishing.Ā Take a closer look at the picture below:
Left : Ā Hot & Spicy side | Right : Pickled and Garlic sideĀ
TRIVIAThis recipe originated from the Hunan province!
This dish was comesĀ in the variant of aĀ very popular freshwater fish, the Patin Fish or also known as theĀ Iridescent Shark Catfish.
Despite having two very opposing tastes, both flavours jive together very well with my palate. The juicy fish broth taste was distinct in both sides of the fish, and this dish is usually best eaten along with steamed rice. Ā
The two flavours were very strong contenders in being my favorite, but if I had to choose between them, I liked the left one best!
Beef Tenderloin in Mustard and Garlic
I’ve always had an eye forĀ aesthetics so I’ve gotta say, this oneĀ takes the cake for the mostĀ beautiful food presentation, hands down!
ThisĀ medium wellĀ chunky beef cubes were mighty succulent, bursting with flavourĀ and tender-soft, unlike plenty of beef I’ve eaten elsewhere where you’dĀ bothersomely chew and chew to no end butĀ just refuses to disintegrate. -___-“
If you’re wondering what that long line ofĀ orange-coloured bits are, it doesn’t only serve as decor but it doubles as a garlip dip!Ā
Just take a chunk of beef andĀ dip in the line of fried garlic before putting it
into your mouthĀ for that extra crunch and flavour!Ā
Sesame Black Bean with Crispy Pudding
We have finally come to the desserts.Ā Sweet tooths, rejoice!Ā
I would say that this savoryĀ dessert is most apt for those who dislike anythin too sweet. The pudding, although deep fried, was not oily butĀ crispy on the outside and soft on the inside;Ā flowing withĀ custard the moment you sink your teeth into it. Very carefully made, CHIN’S!
The sesame black bean ice-cream is also self-made by them, mind you. It had a vanilla base but a recognizable sesame after-taste.
Maltose Toffee Apple BananaĀ Fruits
As if one dessert wasn’t already enough, CHIN’S pampered me with one more epic, gravity-defyingĀ dessert!Ā
This dessert had to be eaten with extra care, for each fruit is coated with extremely hotĀ toffee at boiling point. You would be writing a deathwish if you put one directly into your mouth immediately after this dish arrives!Ā
Which, is why CHIN’S practices caution and had a waitress conduct the very interesting cool-down method for me.
Another LIVE demonstration right before my eyes
She was carefully picking up each toffee fruit andĀ dippingĀ in ice water
for a few seconds before putting it back onto my plate
This dessert is leaning towards the sweeter side but hey, after the scrumptious feast, I could go for something sweet to wrap up my evening.Ā
Once you get past the hard, crunchy toffee bite, your tastebuds are treated to a warm, fruity taste of apple or banana (depending which one you ate!) An excellent alternative to how you would usuallyĀ eat fruits!Ā
BuddyMinny and I chilling by the patio
That being said, dinner was officially over and done with.
I was won over entirely and did not find a single flaw in their marvellous cuisine. Such high-quality, premium selection of authentic Chinese dishes deserves to be savoured by all!
After a more-than-satisfiying dinner, I had to get up and take a stroll around the restaurant.
Knowing me, I couldn’t resist takingĀ pictures!
The bar area
Behind the bar area
The whole dining area was proudly lined with display cabinets of all their accolades and awards
I also sneaked upstairs during my brief exploration. Teehee.Ā
The verdict? I was charmed. It was jaw-droppingly lavish andĀ extensive!
I can totally see myself throwing a big birthday celebrationĀ here. Or an engagement party.
OrĀ a wedding banquet dinner. Ā Or even a Hen’s Night/Bachelorette party.Ā
Hmmm.. did I just give you a goodĀ idea?Ā
As you can probably tell by this lengthy blog post and comprehensive review,
I had a marvellous experience at CHIN’S Stylish Chinese Cuisine.Ā
It certainly lived up to its name.
The restaurantĀ was captivating as it was traditionally Chinese in its fare of authentic SzeChuan, Hunan, Mongolian and Northern Beijing cuisinesĀ but it is certainly not your typical Asian restaurant, as it isĀ splashed with aspects of modernismĀ with several, varied influences from around the world!Ā
For such brilliant decadence and sophisticated diningĀ experience complemented with first-class service, supremeĀ hospitality and immaculatelyĀ classyĀ ambience,Ā CHIN’S Stylish Chinese Cuisine is no doubt,Ā a class above the rest.Ā
Trust me on this, I only recommend the best.Ā *winks*Ā
If you want someĀ Chinese Cuisine in the heart of KL, check outĀ Reminisce Cafe in Mid Valley Megamall right here!
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For more information or to place your reservations:
Contact number:Ā +604-261 2611 (Opening hours 6.30PM – 11PM daily)
Address:Ā Tanjung City Marina,Ā Church St. Pier,Ā 8A, Pengkalan Weld,Ā Georgetown, Penang.Ā
If you get lost, here are the GPS coordinates:Ā Ā N05Ā°24’56.7ā³ E100Ā°20’36.7ā³
OR you can log on to SOHO Group Penang‘sĀ official websiteĀ orĀ look them up on their Facebook page
Hi! Welcome to TheJessicat.com - an urban lifestyle blog established since 2005, written from the perspective of a Malaysian blogger. Discover the latest and all that the city has to offer! Do bear with her occasional rants & musings though. Happy reading! ā¤
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