The story
Kebaya Dining Room is the culinary heart of Seven Terraces, a heritage hotel in George Town owned by Christopher Ong. Ong, a dedicated preservationist, envisioned a restaurant that would honor Penang's rich Peranakan traditions while pushing them forward. He worked for six months with chefs Zac and Kent, enlisting Nyonya aunties—custodians of generations-old cooking knowledge—to guide the chefs in the nuances of Straits Chinese cuisine. The result is a menu that respects the past but is unafraid to innovate.
Chef Zac, Swiss-trained, and Chef Kent bring a distinctive blend of techniques to the kitchen. They combine traditional Malaysian flavour profiles with Vietnamese lightness, Thai spiciness, and classic French culinary methods. This cross-cultural approach allows them to deconstruct and elevate classic Peranakan dishes, delivering surprising new twists while retaining the soul of the cuisine. Every plate reflects a deep understanding of balance—spicy, sour, sweet, and herbaceous notes are woven with precision.
This dedication to reimagining Peranakan fare has not gone unnoticed. Kebaya Dining Room was awarded a Michelin Recommended distinction in 2026, a testament to its thoughtful execution and respect for heritage. The dining room itself, set within the restored Seven Terraces, offers an atmosphere of warm elegance, evoking the charm of old Penang. The restaurant serves a set menu that showcases the chefs' interpretations, and special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
Kebaya Dining Room is more than a meal; it is a celebration of Peranakan culture, reinterpreted for today. It offers a rare glimpse into the culinary traditions of the Straits Chinese, guided by family wisdom and executed with modern finesse.
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