Penang Coffee House

Posted by: JBM-Melb | 13 May 2009, 9.25am

I've been to Penang Coffee House, ever since 1995. Maybe more so now, as I have moved closer to the area. I think things have changed or maybe my palate has.
But I would agree with the previous reviewer in May 09.
The quality of the food is not as good anymore; service still great.
The prawn noodle dish, Har Mee did not have enough prawn taste but more like shrimp paste, and the serving size of noodles in their fried noodle dishes were small.

I think Penang Coffee House has to realise that there is much more competition for Malaysia food around the area - and I can think of at least another 3 restaurants within the 5km radius that will serve just as competitive food.

Food:			Visit: Fri 1 May 2009
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Posted by: Nutty Professor | 9 May 2009, 12.57pm

Penang Coffee House makes the best laksa in Melbourne - lots of chicken, pork, and great flavour. Unfortunately, the Mee Goreng and the Beef Rendang were horrible. The Mee Goreng (which used to be good) lacked flavour and ingredients. The Beef Rendang was dry and overcooked.

Suggest they go back to making great food (even if it means putting up the prices), otherwise just go for a great laksa.

Food:			Visit: Tue 28 April 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: sb_0512 | 27 December 2007, 8.55pm

The prices are great, the taste is great, it's unique and delicious, the decor is grim and the service very casual but that's not what you go there for. One of my favourite cheap eats.

Food:			Visit: Thu 6 December 2007 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: old tea | 19 March 2007, 11.58am

I am a food snob when it comes to Malaysian food. This is just because I was born and raised in Malaysia where great foods are plentiful. We went to the Penang Coffee House last week and we ordered a laksa lemak and a chef's chicken (lemongrass chicken, tasted like satay chicken). The laksa lemak was OK but not great. However, the chef's chicken was great!! The ha mee of Penang Coffee House tasted alright. The broth was nice but not spicy enough, I thought. I am a bit disappointed when they replace the water convolvulus with spinach (maybe it's hard to get it in Melbourne). I know I shouldn't compare it with Lam Ha Min back at Petaling Jaya, Malaysia or Penang Hokkien Mee so I gave 7 out of 10 to Penang Coffee House. Well, the Loh Bak at Penang Coffee House tasted ok. Loh Bak is a meat roll wrapped in beancurd skin and deep-fried to perfection. It didn't taste the same as back in Malaysia, but it was passable for me. The only disappointment for me was the sauce, it wasn't the chilli sauce and a starchy sauce flavored with five-spice powder and eggs. Instead, it was a chilli sauce mixed with sweet soya sauce and peanuts.

Food:			Visit: Sun 18 March 2007 Mealtime: lunch
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Posted by: mm74 | 17 December 2006, 5.23pm

This is exactly as the name suggests: 'Penang Coffee House' and that is it. The place and service doesn't pretend to be upmarket. The basic tables and chairs all squashed in is reminiscent of coffee houses found in Malaysia and those of you able to smell and stomach it, the assam laksa is really good. The rendang was so-so but other dishes like the laksa and char kway teo are good – though they should put belacan kang-kong on the menu! Staff are often very busy but friendly and they do their best to accommodate everyone's needs. The place can get very noisy and often there are people waiting outside to be seated.

Food:			Visit: Sun 17 December 2006 Mealtime: dinner
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