ChinaHouse, George Town

China House, Beach Street, Penang (11 February 2013)

ChinaHouse (GPS: 5.41477, 100.33879) is a restored two-and-a-half-storey shophouse at 155 Beach Street, in George Town, Penang. Along with 153 Beach Street, these properties were built in the 1910s, and is one of the buildings that stretch from Beach Street to Victoria Street. After restoration, these shophouses were turned into a food & beverage outlet, along with art gallery and live performance venue.

Occupying the ground floor of ChinaHouse is Kopi C. Espresso, an Australian-style coffee shop serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant is open daily from 9:00 am to midnight. Patrons get to try a variety of coffee from its baristas. Alongside the coffee shop is BTM & Restaurant, a restaurant serving an eclectic menu of Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. In addition to the two eateries, there is also a bakery offering a wide selection of pastries.

How to go to ChinaHouse

By Bus
From the Weld Quay Bus Terminal, walk down Armenian Street Ghaut until junction of Beach Street. Turn right, go along Beach Street to arrive at the front entrance to ChinaHouse on your right.

Map of ChinaHouse location

ChinaHouse is on the Map of Beach Street, Penang

What to eat at ChinaHouse

ChinaHouse is most famous above all for its cakes. Many people come here just for that.

Here I am ChinaHouse with two pieces of their cakes. (23 March 2018)

Cakes at ChinaHouse (23 March 2018)

Cakes aplenty at ChinaHouse. (23 March 2018)

Spoilt for choice. (23 March 2018)

Take your pick (23 March 2018)

The ChinaHouse menu leans towards Western fare.

ChinaHouse menu. (23 March 2018)

Dining room at ChinaHouse (23 March 2018)

Salad (23 March 2018)

The main course (23 March 2018)

A tour of ChinaHouse

ChinaHouse is long. It stretches from Beach Street to Victoria Street. As you navigate through the long shophouse, you pass through various cosy corners, with airwells and serene gardens.

ChinaHouse has an outdoor courtyard where visitors can enjoy a moment of respite from the heat and noise of the city. On the section of ChinaHouse facing Victoria Street is the Canteen.

The upper floor of ChinaHouse is occupied by the art gallery, designated as Art Space I and II. There is a dorm for artists in resident. The gallery owners also have their own apartment while live performances are often conducted at "Upstairs at Victoria", a small theatre for shows and workshops.