The area around Suffolk House used to be a pepper estate owned by Captain Francis Light (1740-1794). The mansion itself was erected in 1804, and served as the official residence of several British governors. The building was later converted to a Methodist school, but eventually fell into disrepair in the later years.
Fortunately, Suffolk House was given a new lease of life in 2007 when it was restored to its former glory. In fact, it is the sole surviving Georgian Mansion in Malaysia. An impressive piece of masonry, the two-storey structure has stood the test of time for more than two centuries.
Suffolk House is open to the public between 10:00am and 6:00pm daily. The admission fee is RM20.00 per person, and is free for children below the age of 12. The mansion can also be rented for private events. In fact, it provides a popular setting for wedding ceremonies.
Dinner is overseen by Executive Chef Mathijs Nanne from the Netherlands. The food here is Western cuisine with emphasis on local spices. I am visiting Suffolk House this evening under a corporate event. Dinner is served in semi-buffet style.
The meal begins with Roasted Tomato & Coconut Soup. The tangy flavor of tomato certainly helps to expand appetite, but I feel that its sourness is too sharp for comfort.
Served in a shot glass, the Shrimp Cocktail Shooter goes well with salad dressings like tarragon oil and vinaigrette.
Grilled Pear, Almond & Rocket Salad is an interesting salad. In particular, I like the crunchy texture of pears in my mouth.
Oven Baked Salmon is one of the two main dishes this evening. The salmon fillet is served with potatoes, leek purée, snow peas, arugula and piccalilli. Although delectable, the salmon can use more dressing.
Grilled Beef Sirloin is one of the most prized sections of beef. The steak is comes with celery root mousseline, roasted baby carrots, shimeji mushrooms and pea masala.
Suffolk House operates under YKH Group Of Restaurants, the same company which also manages Thirty Two At The Mansion, Three Sixty and Chulia Court. Admission to Suffolk House is essentially free for dining customers because the admission ticket price can be credited towards the restaurant bill.
Address: 250, Jalan Ayer Itam, 10460 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-228-3930
Business hours: 10:00am-11:00pmTaste