Lunch @ Penang Hill

Two of my most frequented blogs have very different reviews of Penang Hill, Dr. EmDy was rather impressed with the food as well as the service of their Shangri La branch while PinoyCook promises not to go back at all to their Promenade Greenhills branch. I became curious as to how a restaurant could be given two very opposing reviews and swore that if given the chance, I would try it out myself.

Right after the initial screening for my Lasik eye surgery which was in the 5th level of the Shangri La Mall, I remembered Penang Hill and so I recommended the place to honey who was so hungry he couldn’t summon enough strength to make any other suggestions so we headed over the ledge and had a very late lunch.

There was no one else inside the restaurant as it was almost 4pm when we went there. The staff was very attentive and was very enthusiastic when asked about their specialties and their best sellers. We decided go with the staff’s recommendations and ordered their braised beef, roasted chicken, sautéed shrimp, bagoong fried rice and garlic fried rice with bottomless iced teas and lemonades. The staff waiting on us said that our order was enough for five persons but we decided to keep the menu just in case, after all, I was with four very hungry men hehe.

The sautéed shrimp was ok but nothing to rave about while the braised beef was fork tender and flavorful but was salty even for honey who likes his food a wee bit on the salty side so it means the beef was really salty. The roasted chicken, on the other hand, was a big hit. It was roasted to golden brown perfection, succulent and juicy inside with a little crisp on the skin outside. There were three condiments that accompanied the roasted chicken but I liked the reddish sauce the best, it was spicy with a tinge of sweetness and tang, just the right condiment for a great roast. The service was excellent, the staff attending us refilled our bottomless drinks without being asked and removed plates immediately after they were no longer required. We ordered just enough for us, although there were still some of the beef and shrimp left at the end of the meal, needless to say the chicken was all consumed.




It was a satisfying meal altogether, not to mention quite inexpensive. If asked if we’ll be coming back, definitely, if only to taste their roasted chicken again and maybe try some of their dumplings as well.