Lingua Gustatio: China House 唐人厝

Strolling along the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Georgetown, you would never miss this longest cafe in Penang with two different facades facing the busy bustling Beach Street and Victoria Street. I bet most of the Penangites are pretty familiar with China House, it is not only a cafe but a 14 spaces embracing restaurants, galleries, outlets and even performance theatre!
相信大家都知道槟城乔治市是世界文化遗产古迹之一。在这历史悠久的街道上，大家一定不会错过槟城最长咖啡厅， 唐人厝。这不仅仅是一家咖啡厅，同时也是餐馆，画廊，商店甚至是艺术表演舞台！

China House is accessible from Victoria Street as well as Beach Street. 它有两个入口，也分别是两个不同的餐厅。

KOPI C. ESPRESSO 

The most popular cafe under China House serves all day meals as early as 9AM till midnight. Diners could enjoy their Australian style cuisine ranging from breakfast, salad & sandwiches for lunch & mezze and dinner main dish. Besides, the hot selling cakes are available throughout the day too! 

如果从Beach Street 进入的话，就会来到China House招牌咖啡厅，叫Kopi C. 听这名字就知道是很道地，是比较casual轻松的。你可以在早上九点钟享用早餐，午餐吃便当，或是晚上试试他们的小菜式。全日都可以休闲的呆在这，何乐无比？

BTB (BON TON BISTRO)

To the left of Kopi C. Espresso, this is where China House serves modern Western and local cuisine and it only starts operating from 6pm onwards. The dishes are usually complemented with first class wines. 

在Kopi C的旁边，又是另一种风格，只是在晚上六点才开始迎客。这边环境比较高尚，食物也是略不同，同时都会有高级红酒，白酒搭配。

BEACH STREET BAKERY

Their in-house bakery, Beach Street Bakery serves a long list of cakes and pâtisseries. The dedicated bakers are even striving at late night in order to satiate all the sweet tooth. China House 有自己的烘培室，所以他们的蛋糕，甜点都是天天新鲜出炉的。蛋糕师傅们有时候还会做夜班就为了赶上顾客们对蛋糕的热衷。

BON TON THE SHOP

Walking up the stairs from Kopi C. Espresso, here is where visitors could purchase some souvenirs, gifts and even books from Borders. Personally, I feel girls would love visiting it as there are a large variety of accessories, jewelleries and adorable ornaments.  

从Kopi C走上二楼，这里是商店所在。顾客们可以随意选购手信，还有手工艺品及宝石饰品，花样非常多。除此，你也可以在这购买Borders的书籍。

ART SPACE

Few footsteps away from Bon Ton The Shop, we had the opportunity to visit the art gallery presented by different artists from time to time. Currently, these masterpieces are designed by a French artist, Bruno Tanguerel and if you are interested in any of the paintings, you could purchase and keep it as your art collection. 

在Bon Ton店隔壁，我们很容幸可以参观这无比美观的画廊。这次是由一位法国画师，Bruno Tanguerel展示的作品。如果你喜欢的话，是可以把他的作品购买下来。

VINE & SINGLE

There is a lil great corner to gather and have a sip of wine, or any other drinks! They serve different cocktails everyday like for today (Saturday), Dark Stromy consisting of rum, ginger beer and lime. Wanna have a drink now? 

这Vine & Single是个让人放松，和三五知己喝喝小酒的地方。另外，他们每天都有不同的鸡尾酒，你都可以尝尝看。

READING ROOM

Next to the Vine & Single, this is another lil quiet area for the book lovers. Grab your chair, read a book with a cuppa, that would definitely make your day. 此外，店家还提供了不少书籍，让大家可以好好的阅读一番。

14 CHAIRS

Need some privacy for your bunch of friends? This long stretch of marble table would surely be ample to accommodate all 14 people or even more. 想办一个私人派对？没问题！这小房间绝对容纳得下十四位贵宾。

COURTYARD

Moving on to the more interior side, we have reached the central open air courtyard. This is the best place to get some fresh air, relax under the mango trees and enjoy the scenery. 
走着走着，就来到了中央花园。晒晒太阳，吹吹风，看看风景，想必对身心灵有百利而无一害。

Lights on during the night. Fascinating, isn't it? 晚上漂亮的灯饰亮起来，让这花园增添了不少气氛。

GRAB AND GO DRINKS
Another cute little spot in China House is found right after the courtyard which serves beverages like soft drinks, beers as well as champagnes. 这小小个档口位于花园后端，贩卖着可口饮料，甚至还有酒精饮品。

There is a directory board makes sure you get the right way out! 迷路了，就看看这指引吧!

THE CANTEEN & BAR

The Victoria Street facade features another happening restaurant and bar with different live bands daily from 9.30PM onwards. It is usually very packed especially weekends where there would be additional live music from 3-6PM. Occasionally, the customers get to enjoy the comedy performance as well. 

来到了另外一端，是另一个餐馆/酒吧。每天晚上九点半都会有精彩乐队表演，所以这里气氛都是很高昂的。除此，周末三到六点又会有不一样的乐队表演，有时候还会有笑话表演。所以这里通常是座无虚席的。

Oh yes, you gotta walk 300 ft from the Canteen to the China House, that's why it is the longest cafe in Penang! Well, it's pretty good for us to exercise after the scrumptious meal. 从这一端到另一端，是得运动一下，走三百尺啦～

UPSTAIRS AT VICTORIA

Walking up from the Canteen & Bar, here is the spacious and cozy zone available for private function. There is even a pool table for the people to have fun and compete perhaps? ;) 在The Canteen的楼上，有个宽敞,舒适的地方。这里有沙发，餐桌，甚至是桌球，可以一大班人在这切磋切磋。

179 THE HOUSE

China House is actually owned by Bon Ton Langkawi and besides the resorts and restaurants, the company also operates this shop featuring antique, art, furniture and interior design. 179 The Shop is located at Victoria Street, also few doors away from China House. Spot the giant pink tank? It is actually a fundraising event to aware the public regarding the stray animals in Langkawi. All the donation would go to Lessie, the animal shelter and sanctuary in Langkawi. 

这179是位于China House隔壁几间的一个艺术家具商店，它是China House 老板旗下的一间店，前面这粉红坦克，其实是一个为Langkawi流浪猫狗筹款的活动。

Despite having different eateries in a compound, diners can actually order any food or drinks wherever you are seated. As for us, we decided to try out all the cuisines from 3 different kitchens. 虽然China House 有很多个不同的餐厅，但其实无论你坐哪儿，都可以点任何一个餐厅的食物。

Pineapple, Cucumber and Lemon juice 黄梨，黄瓜和柠檬果汁 RM10

This authentic fruit juice is well enriched with Vitamin C and apparently, these 3 types of fruits make a great combo! 

这三种水果加起来，富有满满的维他命C, 自然健康又营养丰富。

Crushed Mint & Lime Soda 薄荷青柠苏打水RM10

This sweet refreshment can cool yourself down especially in a scorching hot day. Remember to stir it up to allow the mint to impart its scent. 大热天可以喝上这清凉的饮料解暑，淡淡的薄荷香让人又精神起来啦。

Mushroom Quesadillas with Rocket, Salsa Verde, Onion and Mixed Cheese RM25 (From the Canteen & Bar)
The thin flour tortillas are fully stuffed with savoury mixture including mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, salsa verde (green herbs sauce) and cheese. Personally, I love the heavy scent of mushrooms and the quesadilla goes very well with the salsa and sour cream!
这薄饼里有满满的食材，比如蘑菇，番茄，洋葱，salsa verde （青酱）， 芝士。本身我很爱蘑菇，所以很喜欢这浓浓的蘑菇香味。记得要搭配上salsa酱和sour cream，会有另外一番的滋味。 

Seared Seabass with Laksa Sauce, Coriander and Mint Salad on Mash Potato with Chilli Jam RM46 (From BTB)

First of all, I really love the freshness of this ocean catch which melts in my mouth instantly! Besides, the laksa sauce comprises of all basic tastes, namely sweetness, sourness, saltiness as well as spiciness. If you wish to further challenge your taste buds, you could add the lemon and chilli paste given separately. This is definitely one of the dishes that you should not miss. 
这Seabass（我上网查是写鲈鱼) 只是用简单的烹煮方式，就为了保留了那海水的鲜味。而且没想到，那鱼肉还入口即化。特调的酱汁很特别，它有着所有的味道，甜酸咸辣，绝对可以刺激你的味蕾。另外，你也可以加些柠檬汁和辣椒，去感受不一样的滋味。我个人真的很推荐这道菜式。

Laos Chicken & Pumpkin Curry with Pumpkin Seed, Coconut Rice, Green Mango, Cashew Nuts Kerabu, Acar, Sambal Belacan, Chilli Jam & Crackers RM32 (From Kopi C. Espresso Cafe)

Another highlight of the night goes to this Laos chicken with pumpkin curry. The rich savour of pumpkin sweetens the curry, and it is best matched with the aromatic coconut rice. It comes with few little side dishes like cashew nuts kerabu, acar as well as the crispy crackers. Don't forget to try the spicy sambal belacan as it can make you thrilled and excited and you would even crave for more! 
另外一个特别菜式是这个寮国鸡和南瓜咖喱。这滑嫩的鸡腿肉都有一丝丝的南瓜香味和咖喱辣味。没想到香甜的南瓜和咖喱真的很搭，还有记得要配上椰浆饭和很多特别小菜， 腰豆kerabu, acar 酸菜还有脆饼。另外，记得试一试sambal belacan, 香辣味十足，这才是东南亚的特色嘛！

Tiramisu RM10 

*Drum rolls* Here comes the superstar! Almost 15 whole cakes are sold daily according to the manager. The flavour is very exclusive from the typical tiramisu as I guess this is their own special recipe. Personally I feel the nuts are too sweet but somehow, the coffee sensation neutralizes the sweetness and balance up the entire taste. 

最后要介绍的（其实也不用多说）就是明星蛋糕，提拉米苏！听经理说，大约每天可以卖出十五个大蛋糕。那你说，这是不是明星蛋糕呢？其实我个人觉得那旁边的豆豆是偏甜，不过蛋糕中的咖啡味又会中和了那甜味。我真的很想知道他们的秘密recipe是什么。

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Taste: 8/ 10

Price: 7/ 10
Service: 7/ 10 

Ambience: 7.5/ 10

Location: 153 & 155, Lebuh Pantai and 183B, Lebuh Victoria, Georgetown, Penang.

Contact: +604-2637299

Website: www.chinahouse.com.my

Operating hours: 9AM - 12AM daily. (Up to 1AM for Friday & Saturday)

Revisit? Absolutely!

Thank you so much to China House (Alison and Lawrence) and Ho Chiak Penang for the invitation!