中天樓

This is the first dinner we had as big family right after brother's funeral. Although everyone is still sad, however brother being young and passed on before parents, there was no mourning period.


As suggested by aunty Glenda, we booked 4 tables at cultural hotel 1881 Chong Tian. The hotel is 130 years old and the only true chinese heritage hotel in Penang. There are two sections for fine dining in the hotel - East and West. We opted for East dinner set.

While waiting for all to arrive, I took a short tour of the hotel. It reminds me of grandpa's house, while most guests are going Oooh... Aaah.... I was being indifferent.


THE OPIUM BED that I dreamt of having since teenager. Decorated with shiny shell and marbles, cool to the skin and elegant piece at the same time. I fell in love with opium bed since I studied history in secondary 2. Don't know why, maybe I once puffed some in past life.

Big red 對聯 - typical of chinese house to have one, especially important during festive season such as chinese new year, birthdays, weddings, and any celebrations.

 A spin off set of the opium bed, 3 seater set. Not much of a fan but the deco is just right for showing off a wealthy chinese house.

Study room, with Confucius in the background. How apt... In the olden days, chinese stool are made of porcelain and in the shape of drum. In a way, it forces one to sit upright coz there is no empty space for the legs to curl behind. Maybe we should bring back more of these stools instead.

The center piece at Chong Tian Hotel. Dragon and Phoenix looking at the name carving of the hotel.

 The floor decorations are not spared. Here spotted a pair of white stock next to water fountain.

 I love the background of this picture of Jet. Yellow Gold and Blue - the Old Soul bottle. Jet is indeed an old friend of our family.

First dish up - 4 seasons cold patter. Everything is nice, no comment.. chom chom chom... 

Black chicken superior soup. I always skipped soup served at chinese restaurant as I am allergic to MSG. Most said it's good, but guess I will never know.

Honey spare ribs. So delicious I can finish up the whole plate! 

Double boiled sea cucumber with broccoli. Er... I only eat the broccoli, despite much persuasion by aunties to try the sea cucumber in the name of beauty, I just can't swallow the chuck of fat and collagen.






1881 Chong Tian Cultural Hotel
36, 38, 40, 41 Jalan Pintal Tali
10100 Georgetown, Penang
Tel: 04-263 1881
Opens daily: 11.00am - 2.00pm for lunch, 6.00pm - 10.00pm for dinner