Penang may be famed for its street/hawker food - among the best anywhere in the world - but it’s usually a challenge to find good European food in George Town, much less one that specialises in Swiss cheese fondue. And here is where Edelweiss on Armenian Street steps in. Owned by a Swiss-Penang couple, Urs & Teresa Capol, Edelweiss has been serving out its fondue since 2005. Its location on Armenian Street, known for its street art, quirky arts & craft shops like Fuan Wong the Gallery and Studio Howard, and (a bit too many) touristy souvenir shops makes it very accessible.
Located in a 19th-century traditional Chinese townhouse, the whole place is filled with Straits Chinese and British-Malaya-era antiques and curios collected by Teresa Capol, the Penang half of the duo.
We opted for a table at the quieter, sun-lit courtyard at the back.
I’d highly recommend the Penang Sunrise cocktail (brandy, Grand Marnier, Drambuie, Grenadine and orange juice). Shades of the Singapore Sling (which was also available on the drink menu), with a very “tropical feel” to it.
Edelweiss’ fondue, made with Gruyere and Emmental cheeses, is given a sharp alcoholic kick with the addition of kirsch and white wine.
It also serves one of the best-tasting roesti I’d ever had - crisp on the outside, and still moist & light on the inside.
Desserts were a very good Linzertorte, and a (not as impressive) apple flan.
Booking ahead is a good idea, as the place is smallish and can get really packed sometimes.
Address
Edelweiss Cafe
38, Lebuh Armenian
10200 George Town
Penang
Tel: +604-261 8935
Opening hours:
Tue-Fri 11.30am-3pm, 6.30pm-10pm
Sat 11.30am-10pm
Sun 11.30am-6pm
Mon Closed