Xuan Xin Restaurant at Gurney Plaza| Penang

Who would think that there's actually a decent chinese restaurant in a shopping mall? Well, I have stereotyped food in a mall to be less delicious as they are usually for hungry shoppers to fill up their tummy. So I was actually pleasantly surprise at the quality of food at Xuan Xin Restaurant. It is a very bright and spacious restaurant situated on the third floor of Gurney Plaza's new wing. The food is flavourful and has a rather prompt service. They have incorporated the wireless calling system whereby you press buttons on the table to call for a staff or for your bill. Although this system is useful for such a big restaurant, it has actually reduced the staff alertness.

Press the button for attention, bill or water.

Stir fry lotus root with french beans was well cooked. The lotus roots were thinly sliced and cooked to perfection, still with a good crunch to it.

Black chicken herbal soup

I am sure you must be wondering what 'black chicken' is. It is a different species of chicken named 'Silkie' which has black skin, darkened bones and grey flesh. It got its name from the soft feathers. This gamy free range chicken is usually used in Asian cooking. In Malaysian Chinese cooking, we believe this species has curative effect and are usually used to cook soup. Click here to read the article on NYTimes about silkie.

This deep fried beancurd with salted egg is a must try. I think it is a dish that will convert any tofu haters.

Claypot pork belly with salted fish and dried chilli; salty, spicy, sweet and aromatic.

Mango chicken

Mango chicken has always been one of my favourite chicken dish. I've not seen this dish anywhere else except in Malaysia. The only restaurant outside Malaysia that has this dish so far is Maximini in London, near Lancaster Gate.

The steam egg is so smooth and has the right ratio of eggs and water.

I would definitely recommend this restaurant for a good dinner after a tiring day of shopping. It's well worth it.

XUAN XIN RESTAURANT

Gurney Plaza, 3rd floor
170-03-86, Plaza Gurney, Persiaran Gurney
Goergetown 10250 Penang, Malaysia.
Tel: +604-229 7882
Business Hours: Open Daily, 11am - 10pm

There are other branches as well and address is on their website.