The Penang Table Brings Malaysian Flavours To Mumbai

Like most ’90s kids, my first international trip was to Singapore and Malaysia. I visited both countries when I was eight or nine, travelling with my family, but the memories are hazy at best. What remains are fragments: the Merlion and Sentosa Island in Singapore; the Twin Towers and Genting Highlands in Malaysia. And, of course, food – noodles in particular, especially those Malaysian flat noodles. So yes, going back as an adult feels inevitable. This time, I want to create memories I’ll actually remember, and as a foodie, dive deep into the region’s rich, layered food culture. Until I can tick that bucket-list trip off, The Penang Table promises to transport me straight to the streets of Penang.

Once a trading port under British rule, Penang’s history shaped a cuisine unlike any other—a heady blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and European influences that plays out in its culture, architecture, and, most memorably, its food. This melting pot of flavours is exactly what the kitchen at The Penang Table celebrates, spotlighting the many influences that have come together to define Malaysia’s vibrant culinary identity.

Located in Bandra, The Penang Table is the brainchild of restaurateur Kishore DF, the man behind favourites like Tanjore Tiffin Room, Pot Pourri, Lemon Grass, Seijo & The Soul Dish, and WTF. “Through my many travels to Malaysia, I fell in love with its bold, soulful flavours. Despite building several restaurants across different spaces, I realised no one had truly explored Malay cuisine, so I created The Penang Table to introduce the city to its first Malaysian dining experience,” he shares.

My meal begins even before I reach the table, with the staff offering me a delicate bracelet strung with fragrant jasmine flowers – a small, thoughtful gesture that sets the tone for what’s to come.

The Space

As soon as I entered the restaurant, I was transported to the streets of Penang. A lively palette of sunset yellow, punctuated with hints of red and green, sets the tone, while planters and bamboo blinds lend an earthy, laid-back charm. Sunlight streams in through large windows during the day, brightening the expansive 34,000-sq-ft space and creating an uplifting setting ideal for leisurely lunches. Hand-painted tiles and greenery in all shapes and sizes add texture and warmth to the bistro-style interiors.

As evening falls, the mood shifts subtly. Warm yellows, elegant blacks and spicy reds across the walls and furnishings bring a refined sophistication to the space. Murals inspired by Malayan jungles whisk you away to Southeast Asia, while subtle Indian motifs gently anchor you back in the heart of Mumbai.

The Food

Malaysian food culture feels strikingly familiar to us in India. Both cuisines celebrate hearty meals shared with family and friends, and both lean into bold flavours. At The Penang Table, the aim is to carve out a special place in the hearts of the city’s food lovers with dishes that speak straight to the soul – where sweet, sour, salty and spicy notes often hit the palate all at once. Led by Chef Mitesh Rangras, who is also the chef and co-founder of Abokado in Mumbai, the kitchen serves Malaysian food with a subtle dash of Bombay spirit.

Chef Mitesh insists I begin with the Coconut Water Noodle Salad, a refreshing yet flavour-packed start. The noodles are soaked in chilled coconut water and laid over a bed of peanut sauce, then tossed with coconut jelly, candied red chilli and a kaffir lime vinaigrette. Mixed together, it’s light, cooling and surprisingly complex.

Another standout is the Sarawak Salmon Sashimi, treated more like a Peruvian tiradito. Slightly thicker slices of salmon sit on a bed of sauce, layered with water chestnut, citrus, dehydrated curry leaf powder, lotus root and red jalapeño spice – a clever, cross-cultural dish that works beautifully.

Next comes the Sambal Chicken Roti John, the chef’s take on the humble Malaysian street sandwich. A bite-sized brioche is topped with spicy minced chicken and pickled chilli, delivering a punchy, flavour-forward bite. The Signature Roti Sarang is equally satisfying – a fluffy parotta ring stuffed with sunny-side-up eggs, minced chicken and chilli, and pure comfort on a plate.

From the Bakar Bakar section (meaning ‘to grill’), seafood and meats are marinated, smoked and cooked over an open flame. The 36-hour pork belly, marinated in black tea and finished with a hoisin glaze, stood out for its depth and smokiness.

There’s also a dedicated Satay section spotlighting the iconic Malaysian street food – skewered, marinated meats grilled over charcoal and served with a signature spicy peanut sauce. Both a festive favourite and an everyday staple, the Black Pepper Buff Satay, glazed with sweet soy, crushed peppercorns and pineapple sambal, was an absolute banger.

That said, the clear winner among the appetisers for me was the Crunchy Prawns tossed with curry leaves and garlic pods. Served alongside a spicy, sour and savoury asam sambal, the prawns were so flavourful that I happily enjoyed them just as they were.

For mains, I tried the Mee Goreng Mamak, Indian-style noodles tossed in a special house-made paste with crunchy vegetables and chilli, along with a rich Lamb Rendang Curry paired with Jasmine Rice. Chef Rangras also recommended the Okra Sour Cream with Shallots, which gave my favourite vegetable, bhindi, a Malaysian twist.

Desserts were indulgent and unapologetic. Tropical Sin paired coconut mousse with roti tuile, citrus glaze and candied ginger ice cream, while Dark Chocolate Passion brought together chocolate crème, passion fruit tuile, cream cheese and Baileys gelato – both decadent in their own way.

The Cocktails

The bar programme, designed by mixologist Pranav Modi, mirrors the kitchen’s philosophy, using ingredients commonly found in Malaysian cooking such as pandan, kaffir lime and lemongrass. The result is a cocktail list that complements the food effortlessly. As someone who enjoys a hint of spice in her drinks, I gravitated towards the Jungle Fire with reposado, passionfruit, galangal, orange and Thai chilli, finished with vegan foam. The Kera-boo, made with Malfy Con Limone, Langley’s, cilantro and ginger, was bright and refreshing.

ELLE Gourmet’s Verdict

Some restaurants arrive quietly and deliver exactly what they promise. The Penang Table is one such place, where the food does all the talking. I may not have planned my Malaysia trip just yet, but this meal certainly offered a delicious slice of Penang. Go here if you’re looking to be transported, if only for a few hours.

Address: The Penang Table, 1st Floor, VN Sphere Mall, Linking Rd, Bandra West, Mumbai, 400050

Timings for dining: 12 pm to 12 am 

Price for two: INR1800

Contact number: 8591174660