THE RECOGNISED “HAINANESE DELIGHTS” AUTHENTIC HAINAN CUISINE RESTAURANT RUNNING ON THE NORTHERN @ PULAU PINANG
“Hainanese Delights Restaurant,” a cherished culinary gem, holds a special place in the hearts of local Chinese diners. Nestled in the World Heritage City on Penang Island, this restaurant, skillfully managed by the Wong family, has earned acclaim for its decades-long commitment to practicing and preserving the unique and evolved Hainanese Cuisine, which has distinct roots in the Southern coast of China’s Hainan Island.
Developed and perfected by immigrants from Hainan Island, this style of cooking faced significant evolution as inhabitants sought refuge on our shores during the upheavals of wars and WWII. Many Hainanese individuals, grappling with poverty, found work as cooks for Colonial masters or established small coffee shops with their savings. Over the years, Hainanese dishes have transformed and adapted to suit the palates of both locals and colonial masters, becoming a unique blend of local and foreign influences.
Contrary to the traditional way of cooking on Hainan Island, the Malaysian and Singaporean Hainanese cuisine has taken on a distinctive identity, making it unique and unparalleled, even when compared to its origins. This evolution is evident in the incorporation of flavors from Nyonya cooking, infusing dishes like Assam Fish, Curry Kapitan, Inchee Kabin, Assam Prawns, Lor Bak, and Spring Rolls.
A notable dish from the Hainanese cuisine is the renowned Hainanese Chicken Rice, originating from the village of Wen Chang on Hainan Island. This dish, featuring rice cooked in aromatic chicken stock, is served with boiled chicken and specially prepared chili and ginger sauce.
At “Hainanese Delights,” the Wong family takes pride in reintroducing long-forgotten recipes created by their forefathers. These recipes, simple yet gratifying, invite patrons on a culinary journey through the realms of Hainanese Cuisine. The restaurant’s unique offerings showcase the evolution of Hainanese culinary traditions, creating a delightful and authentic dining experience for both locals and visitors in Georgetown at Penang.
As we explore this northern state’s vibrant culinary scene, “Hainanese Delights” stands out, proudly recognized as one of the best-recommended Hainanese Cuisine Restaurants. The Wong family’s culinary expertise, showcased in this charming eatery, has garnered a remarkable positive response from the discerning market, making it a delightful dining destination.
Born in 1951 in Penang, Mr. JP Wong, a local, stands as the pioneering founder of the acclaimed Hainanese Cuisine Restaurant, “Hainanese Delights.” In collaboration with his brothers, Mr. George Wong (born 1948) and Mr. Charles Wong (born 1955), they collectively serve as the current and immediate sibling-owners of this establishment situated along Lebuh King, Georgetown.
Here, on the northern state of Penang, the Wong family passionately presents their authentic Hainanese recipes and signature menus, creating a welcoming haven for both locals and visitors alike.
At the vibrant age of 73, JP Wong, the visionary founder and owner, has long been immersed in the Advertising Industry. Driven by a deep-seated passion for his father’s authentic Hainanese recipes, inherited from a culinary chef, JP Wong foresaw an opportunity to bring these traditional delights to local tables. With a keen eye for the F&B industry’s potential, he embarked on a mission to establish a family-owned eating house.
In 2009, the Wong siblings transformed their dream into reality, inaugurating the inaugural Hainanese Cuisine Restaurant, “Hainanese Delights Restaurant” (by Heng Mooi S/B), on Jalan Burma in Georgetown. This culinary haven, a showcase of their signature dishes, quickly gained popularity, becoming an instant hit among the locals.
In 2021, prompted by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wong family decided to embark on a new chapter. The restaurant, originally located at 1926 Heritage Hotel at Jalan Burma (managed by Heng Mooi S/B), had to be temporarily closed due to COVID-19. In response to numerous inquiries from loyal customers about the reopening, the Wong family took the opportunity to relocate to Lebuh King, Georgetown.
This transition brought about more than just a change in location. During the move from Jalan Burma to Lebuh King, the resilience of the Wong family became evident. Facing the challenges posed by the temporary closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, JP Wong’s wife, Laura Khoo, and his son Darean Wong played pivotal roles in reestablishing the business and navigating through the recovery process, overcoming losses with determination and dedication.
This period not only marked a physical relocation but also showcased the family’s unwavering commitment to their culinary venture, reinforcing “Hainanese Delights Restaurant” as a resilient and beloved establishment in Georgetown.
The dedication and excellence exhibited by the Wong family did not go unnoticed. In 2023, their establishment earned recognition as one of the best in town by the Malaysian F&B E-Media, solidifying their status as culinary trailblazers in the northern state of Penang.
At Hainanese Delights Restaurant, a must-try culinary delight is their signature dish, the “Hainanese Spring Roll,” a perennial favorite among the locals in Penang. Crafted daily with fresh homemade pastry skin, hand-rolled and filled with a delectable combination of cabbage, sengkuang, carrot, shiitake mushroom, spring onion, and crab meat, these rolls are deep-fried to perfection. Served hot and crunchy on the table, accompanied by their uniquely blended mustard sweet sauce, the Hainanese Spring Roll offers an unparalleled culinary experience that you won’t find elsewhere, making it a highlight of your visit to Penang.
Another delightful offering is their special “Yam Duck,” a perennial favorite among the restaurant’s regulars. Carefully selected, the local fresh duck, weighing about 2.5kg, undergoes meticulous cleaning before being expertly prepared in cut pieces. The duck is then slow-cooked for several hours, stewed with fresh yam/taro dices, and infused with a flavorful blend of seasonings and herbs. Served hot on the table, this home-cooked Yam Duck presents an exquisite combination of savory flavors that will leave you savoring the exotic soft bites of both the duck and yam. It’s an experience you won’t regret, making it a must-try dish at this culinary haven.
Among the many delights offered by “Hainanese Delights Restaurant,” a standout dish that captures the essence of Hainanese cuisine is the “Hainanese Chicken Chop”. This dish pays homage to the Hainanese tradition while embracing the culinary evolution that has taken place in Malaysia. The Hainanese Chicken Chop is a delightful fusion of flavors, featuring succulent chicken pieces that are marinated and seasoned to perfection. The dish is then expertly fried to achieve a crispy outer layer while maintaining the juicy tenderness of the chicken inside. Served with a delectable Hainanese-style sauce that balances sweet and savory notes, the Hainanese Chicken Chop at “Hainanese Delights” is a culinary masterpiece.
This dish represents the harmonious blend of Hainanese culinary roots with local influences, creating a unique and unparalleled dining experience. The Wong family takes pride in presenting this iconic dish, a testament to their commitment to preserving and showcasing the rich heritage of Hainanese Cuisine. Whether you are a local enthusiast or a visitor exploring the vibrant food scene in Georgetown, Penang, the Hainanese Chicken Chop at “Hainanese Delights Restaurant” is a must-try. It encapsulates the flavors of tradition and innovation, inviting patrons to savor the rich history and evolution of Hainanese cuisine in every flavorful bite.
For those with a penchant for lamb, the Wong brothers recommend the “Hainanese Braised Lamb with Lady’s Finger.” Imported lamb shoulder from New Zealand or Australia is prepared boneless, braised for hours in a home recipe with herbs, and served with a savory gravy sauce alongside boiled lady’s fingers and homemade onion paste, providing a tender and flavorful experience.
Step into Hainanese Delights Restaurant in the World Heritage City of Georgetown at Pulau Pinang, and indulge in a culinary journey through the Wong family’s authentic Hainanese recipes, where each dish is a testament to tradition and excellence.
HAINANESE DELIGHTS RESTAURANT
(HENG MOOI S/B)
Address: No. 42,
Lebuh King,
10200 Georgetown,
Pulau Pinang.
Business Hours: 11:30am to 2:30pm
6:00pm to 9:30pm (Daily)
(Closed on Tuesday)