Authentic Peranakan cuisine, made entirely from scratch.
George Town, Penang · UNESCO World Heritage City
Our Story
Auntie Gaik Lean first learned Nyonya cooking at her mother's side at the age of twelve. Every recipe she carries — every blend of spice paste, every measure of tamarind — was passed down not from a cookbook, but from memory, from touch, from love.
Today, from a beautifully restored shophouse on Bishop Street in the heart of George Town's UNESCO World Heritage zone, she still oversees every single dish that leaves her kitchen. Nothing is compromised. Nothing is shortcut.
"The Michelin star didn't change how we cook. It simply told the world what we already knew."
Each dish is a chapter from Auntie's family recipe book — prepared fresh, every service, without exception.
Spiced fish custard blended with fresh herbs, wrapped in banana leaf and gently grilled.
Nyonya-style twice-fried chicken marinated in coconut milk and spices, served with a tangy dip.
Traditional herb rice tossed with aromatic fresh herbs, toasted coconut and pounded salted kurau fish.
Fish with okra in a tangy and spicy tamarind-based curry.
Finely shredded jicama and carrot stir-fried with cuttlefish, served with fresh lettuce to wrap.
Black glutinous rice porridge served with longan and fresh coconut milk.
Our Heritage
Peranakan cuisine is the living legacy of Chinese settlers who wove their traditions into the fabric of Malay culture along the Straits. The result is one of the world's most complex, layered, and labour-intensive culinary traditions.
At Auntie Gaik Lean's, nothing comes from a packet. The gulai tumis paste is blended from eight fresh ingredients — including fresh saffron. The nasi ulam is hand-tossed with over ten herbs. Every dish is an act of preservation.
Auntie Gaik Lean's became Malaysia's first Michelin-starred homestyle Peranakan restaurant — and one of only two Michelin-starred Peranakan establishments in the world. First awarded in December 2022 in the inaugural Michelin Guide Malaysia, this distinction has been retained for four consecutive years: 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Beh Gaik Lean (known as Auntie Gaik Lean) made history as the first Malaysian woman to receive a Michelin star, at the age of 69.
Chef Gaik Lean makes no compromises on quality — many dishes are made entirely from scratch, including a gulai tumis curry paste of over eight ingredients featuring fresh saffron.
Four Consecutive Michelin Stars · 2023–Present
This 1-Star Michelin restaurant serves delicious Peranakan food that hit all the right spots. The Kari Kapitan was incredible — rich, layered flavour you simply cannot find anywhere else.
Unusually accessible 1-star restaurant which delivers impeccably executed classics. The Nasi Ulam and Gulai Tumis were outstanding — every dish is made entirely from scratch, you can taste the difference.
Absolutely authentic Nyonya food with rich flavour and traditional dishes. The ambiance is warm and the team is welcoming — a truly memorable dining experience in the heart of George Town.
We recommend booking well in advance. A deposit of RM 200 nett confirms your reservation. Walk-ins welcome for groups of 3 or fewer.
Groups of 12 or more — contact us via WhatsApp for private dining
Find Us
| Wed – Sun | |
| Lunch | 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm |
| Dinner | 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm |
| Closed Monday & Tuesday | |
Parking: Street parking on Bishop Street, or private open lot nearby.