Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery

What an unforgettable meal! We love traveling and exploring local restaurants wherever we go, and this place easily ranks among the best we’ve ever tried. The atmosphere is beautiful, clean, and welcoming — the perfect setting for an exceptional dining experience.The food was incredibly fresh and flavorful. Every ingredient shone through, enhanced by rich, layered sauces and expert cooking techniques. We ordered the octopus, curry beef, prawns, fried chicken, and spinach — and every single dish was outstanding. Each bite left us wanting more.At first, we thought we might have over-ordered, as it was just the two of us and our child, but the food was so delicious we ended up finishing everything — down to the very last drop of sauce.This is the kind of meal I know I’ll miss for the rest of my life

A true taste of heritage! The Nasi Ulam stole the show … this fragrant herb rice isn’t just a side, it’s the star. So flavourful, layered with textures and traditional herbs, it needs no sambal belacan to shine (though it pairs beautifully too). Every bite felt like a tribute to the past.Loved the crispy Kueh Pie Tee, tender Chicken Rendang, flavour-packed Assam Stingray with ladies fingers (if only nanas - pineapple were in there too - it will be so perfect), and classic Lok Bak. Each dish was lovingly prepared, rich with tradition and soul. No wonder Aunty Gaik Lean’s has earned her Michelin star — not once, but 3 times! Well worth the queue & visit.

This is my first restaurant I put in my list when I plan my Penang trip, and yes I follow Michelin, after I made my reservation, I only start to read review in google, and instantly I felt like wanted to cancel my booking, but anyway I continue. I really didn’t put high expectation due to Google review, fortunately it turns out out of our expectation, dishes are not as bad as they described. I’m not a nyonya people, but my parents in laws are, they both said that’s the old taste they miss for long time, I guess every nyonya has their own family taste, and it’s really depends on individual. Overall we are satisfied.

Not up to Michelin standards - in terms of taste and service. Ordered the fish - did not even arrive. Taste was average. For one star Michelin - the ranking is equivalent to Molina, Au Jardin. How is this ranking comparable? I am a local Penangite - perhaps I expected more - but sadly this was a disappointment. Sometimes when you are Michelin starred, people come with the highest expectations and this may fall flat. Better do without the ranking. It would be acceptable dining in a lovely restaurant. To add, there was a very noisy table next to us, drinking without restraint and even broke a wine glass. Unacceptable lah. The whole experience just lacked finesse.

Brilliant Muslim-friendly food in a clean, upscale environment. Walked in on a weekday for lunch, had to wait close to 45 mins till we got seated.Food was made to order so it took a while, but the desserts came out first.GET THE NASI ULAM, TELUR BELANDA, PULUT HITAM PENGAT. Seriously. The pengat was soooo creamy and rich and comforting, tasted like my childhood. Had to order an extra before the first one even finished.Other fool-proof classics were the pai tee, otak otak, aubergine sambal, and squid sambal.Initially ordered udang masak lemak as per the recommendation of the front of house, but halfway thru waiting, we were told the kitchen was unsatisfied with that day’s prawns, so that was scraped off. They then said why not try their curry with grouper fish. So the mains were delayed but it’s okay.Drinks and sago dessert were veryyyy normal.Fly from KL, take an ehailing ride to Bishop Street, grab this tasty lunch, and fly home on the next flight. It’s exactly what I did that day. Just anticipate a large crowd and prepare to wait a little. It’s worth it.