Cover The new facade
The new facade
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Discover how Aunty Gaik Lean Old School Eatery in Penang was transformed by award-winning design studio Nevermore
Fresh from retaining their 1-Michelin Star for 2023, Penang’s Peranakan restaurant, Aunty Gaik Lean Old School Eatery, was recently transformed by the award-winning local design studio, Nevermore.
The idea for this transformation came after this long family-run eatery was awarded a star in Malaysia’s inaugural Michelin Guide last year. Since it opened years ago, this restaurant has been serving Aunty Gaik Lean’s authentic and time-honoured recipes amongst a modest ambience adorned with nostalgic memorabilia.
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Above Aunty Gaik Lean's retained its one Michelin Star ranking for 2023
Aunty Gaik Lean's retained its one Michelin Star ranking for 2023
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To lead this upgrade, the restaurant owners sought the assistance of Nevermore, led by creative director Chuah Say Yang.
Yang took on this challenge with a special connection to the restaurant as a loyal patron for nearly a decade.
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Above Peranakan panels from the set of Crazy Rich Asians
Above The statement lighting is a feature of the dining hall
Peranakan panels from the set of Crazy Rich Asians
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The 2,640 sq ft establishment in Georgetown within the UNESCO Heritage Core area required a swift renovation within a tight 20-day timeframe.
The primary objective was to upgrade and establish a distinctive identity inspired by Aunty Gaik Lean herself, who was considered culinary royalty by many. As such, royal blue became the primary colour, reflecting this status and her Peranakan heritage.
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The main dining hall has a mural by local artist Andha Ras
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Preserving the old-school charm, the renovation retained the original floor tiles and refreshed the façade with regal blue paint.
The unique design featured kampung glass in blue and clear shades, Peranakan panels, and custom-made solid wood elements. At the same time, original props from the set of Crazy Rich Asians found a new home in the VIP dining room.
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Above An arched doorway
Above A regal transformation
An arched doorway
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Local mural artist Andha Ras was commissioned to paint stylised depictions of Aunty Gaik Lean, flowers, and horses in the main dining hall.
In contrast, the designers worked with a wall artist to add faux paintings to the VIP room wall treatment for a textured effect.
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The private room
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A Tok Panjang, the traditional long table where feasts are served in Peranakan households, was crafted by reclaimed wood specialists and added to the VIP room with enough room for up to 12 guests.
For the finishing touch, Edward from Lervish Flower Couture provided autumnal floral bouquets to complement the royal blue theme.
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Credits
Photography: The Space Storyteller
Jennifer Choo is Regional Managing Editor of Tatler Homes, covering architecture, interior design, and art across Asia. Based in Malaysia, she oversees regional content on luxury residential design and contemporary art collections. Legally trained but choosing to pursue her passion for design, she previously led notable design publications and worked as an interior stylist and art consultant for property developers, design firms, and private clients.
