Update: This business has ceased its operations.
Hong Deng Long Steamboat (红灯笼火锅) is located just across the street from Queensbay Mall, several doors away from Aza Aza Starvil. The restaurant is operated by Chinese nationals, so I am looking forward to seeing authentic Chinese cooking like the ones in mainland China.
As evident by the layout of the dining area, the focus of this restaurant is steamboat (火锅). According to the menu, soup choices are Spicy Soup (麻辣汤), Herbs Chicken Soup (药材鸡汤) and Nutrient Broth (滋补营养清汤). Ingredients can be ordered from the menu or picked up from the conveyor belt.
I am seeking something light for lunch. Fortunately for me, there is a lunch menu for individual diners. Each meal includes a complementary cup of Chinese barley tea (中国大麦茶).
My lunch choice is Beef Noodle (牛肉面, RM15.00), which is handmade noodle (手工面) served in a bowl of beef broth. The bowl also contains cabbage (包菜) and bok choy (小白菜).
Stewed from bones, the beef broth is quite rich in flavor. Its appetizing flavor is natural – not from artificial flavoring (MSG). Meanwhile, the noodle is sufficiently firm but can benefit from springier texture.
According to the owner, other recommended dishes here are Duck Head (秘制麻辣鸭头), Fried Chinese New Year Cake (中国炒年糕) and Spicy Frog Pot (麻辣田鸡锅). I will have to defer these suggestions for my next visit.
Address: 28A-G, Persiaran Bayan Indah, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-638-0131
Business hours: 11:00am-3:00pm