Celebrating Penang Heritage Month with A Culinary Voyage @ Gurney Bay Hotel, Gurney Drive, Penang

By : Chha

When July rolls around in Penang, the island comes alive with a renewed sense of cultural pride. This year, Gurney Bay Hotel, a PARKROYAL Partner Hotel, has taken it up a notch with their vibrant tribute to Penang Heritage Month a celebration of not only tradition and history but of flavours that have shaped the identity of this island we call home. Tucked just off the bustling Gurney Drive, Gurney Bay Hotel is no stranger to grandeur and hospitality. But this July, they are offering something extra special an immersive month long cultural and culinary journey that invites both locals and travellers to rediscover the heart and soul of Penang, one plate at a time.

At the heart of the celebration is A Taste of Heritage, a specially curated buffet series and daily Nyonya Tiffin Set that pays homage to the culinary richness of Penang’s multicultural communities. Crafted with passion by their talented Chef and their dedicated team, the experience is less like dining out and more like stepping into a time capsule flavoured with spices, stories, and soulful recipes passed down through generations.

If you are a buffet lover like me then weekends at The Cafe will be your happy place throughout July. The heritage themed buffet lunch and dinner are available every Saturday and Sunday for lunch (12.00 pm – 2.30 pm) and Friday and Saturday for dinner (6.30 pm – 9.30 pm). Priced at RM 95.00 for lunch and RM 135.00 for dinner (with senior citizen rates available at 40% off), the buffet takes you on a rotating tour of Penang’s beloved culinary styles each week.

The buffet spread at Gurney Bay Hotel is a true celebration of flavours, balancing nostalgic comfort with bold local flair. One of the highlights for me was the Mee Goreng Mamak which is spicy, smoky and stir fried to perfection, just like the ones from the bustling street stalls. The Stir fried Prawns Sambal packed a punch, while the Ayam Masak Merah was tender and coated in a rich, tangy tomato based sauce. The Beef Steak is juicy and well seasoned, alongside the comforting classic Baked Chicken. For something lighter, the Mixed Vegetables offered a wholesome balance and the Clams added a briny taste of the sea, cooked just right to retain their natural sweetness. Every dish felt like a chapter from Penang’s diverse food heritage.

The buffet at Gurney Bay Hotel is different every week, this make things even more interesting.

Week 1 (4–6 July) brought us a bold and aromatic Indian Malay fusion Nasi Kandar and Teh Tarik featuring highlights like Daging Masak Hitam, Ayam Bawang, Vadai, Squid Curry and a colourful spread of Indian sweets and Apom.

Week 2 (11–13 July) is all about classic Nyonya Style Nasi Ulam, Chicken Pong Teh, Fish Head Curry, and the unforgettable Inchi Kabin. Of course, no Nyonya meal is complete without Kueh Ketayap and Bubur Cha Cha to sweeten the deal.

Week 3 (18–20 July) will feature Penang Hawker Favourites, with crowd pleasers like Asam Laksa, Pai Tee from the live station ! Oyster Omelette, and even Pani Puri making a surprise appearance. Yes, street food goes gourmet here!

Week 4 (25–27 July) closes the month with Cantonese Classics think Steamed Red Snapper Qi lin Style, Peking Duck (served fresh from a live stall), Kung Pao Prawns, and a chilled Mango Pomelo dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Can’t make it on the weekend ? Fret not ! the Nyonya Tiffin Set is available daily from 11.00 am to 9.00 pm until 31 July 2025, at only RM 36.00 nett per set. With three flavour-packed options, each one is portioned for one but brimming with heritage.

Set 1: Prawn Curry with Okra & Eggplant, Blue Pea Rice, Teh Tarik, and Ondeh-Ondeh.

Set 2: Nasi Ulam with Inchi Kabin, Bandung Rose, and Sago Gula Melaka.

Set 3: Asam Gerang Siakap, Pandan Rice, Nyonya Chap Chye, and Iced Cincau with Snow Fungus Tongsui

The presentation in nostalgic tiffin carriers adds that extra charm and it is perfect for those who want a complete Penang experience in one delicious sitting. Gurney Bay Hotel’s Heritage Month is not just a feast for the taste buds but it is also a celebration of identity, community and continuity. It reminds us that heritage is not something static, tucked away in museums or history books, but something we live and breathe, especially here in Penang. Whether you are revisiting a childhood favourite or discovering a new classic, every bite tells a story. So, if you are in Penang this July, make your way to Gurney Bay Hotel. Come hungry, come curious and come ready to experience heritage on a plate.

For more details or to make a reservation, contact +6 04 222 9988 or drop Gurney Bay Hotel an email at enquiry.prpgb@pphg.com.

BUFFET LUNCH AND DINNER

Lunch
- Saturday & Sunday
- 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Dinner
- Friday & Saturday
- 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Prices :
Adults: RM 95.00 (Lunch) | RM 135.00 (Dinner)
Senior Citizens: RM 57.00 (Lunch) | RM 81.00 (Dinner) (40% off)

NYONYA TIFFIN SET
Available Daily
Date : 7 – 31 July 2025
Time : 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Price :
RM 36.00 nett per set, portioned for one person

Telephone :

+6 04 222 9988

Email :

enquiry.prpgb@pphg.com.

Address :

53, Gurney Drrive,

10250 George Town,

Penang

GPS Coordinate :

5.431463601213472, 100.31812345371809

Map :

https://maps.app.goo.gl/FhpjgnrwYDjMeeuQ8

Posted Date : 15 July 2025

Posted Time : 10.46 pm