Luffa by Irama Dining, Penang's new dining gem at The Leith Hotel

I am thrilled to share my thoughts on Luffa, a new gem nestled within the elegant setting of The Leith Hotel, located directly across from Penang's iconic Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion. Co-owned by the Irama Dining Group, The Leith Hotel reflects the same dedication to excellence that has become synonymous with the group.

This culinary haven is the latest brainchild of my good friend, Arshad Kamarulzaman, an award-winning restaurateur whose flair for innovation is well-established. You may already know him for his acclaimed ventures – Tamarra, Irama Dining, Sutera Café and Legenda Café – each a testament to his impeccable taste and expertise.

The menu at Luffa draws its strength from the distinct flavours of the East, with inspirations from around the globe. It is a well-rounded offering, covering everything from starters to salads, and from pasta and rice to hearty chicken and steak options. What sets these dishes apart is the infusion of fresh herbs and spices, which make each plate aromatic and full of flavour. I remember Arshad telling me once, "The heart of a dish isn’t just in the ingredients – it’s in the experience it creates for the diners". That philosophy is evident in every bite at Luffa.

Arshad, never one to rest on his laurels, channels his ever-evolving passion for creating fresh and invigorating dining experiences into the very essence of Luffa. The restaurant's name, rather interestingly, draws inspiration from the humble gourd, commonly known as a luffa, which is widely used in Asian cuisines. The sponge-like vegetable absorbs bold flavours much like Luffa the restaurant, which acts as a vessel for exciting and adventurous tastes from around the region.

The restaurant offers a globetrotting culinary experience while maintaining a strong foundation in Eastern flavours, catering to both local and international palates. Starting with the appetisers, the pear and rocket salad, complete with walnuts and a drizzle of balsamic, is a refreshing beginning, as is the classic Caesar salad with smoky grilled chicken.

For crispy options, try the golden battered squid (available in both spicy and original, RM15++) or the nachos overload (RM12++).

Chicken wings (cheesy, Korean or garlic, RM15++), skewered yakitori chicken and Luffa chips are also tempting options to kick-start the meal.

If soups are more to your taste, Luffa offers a hearty selection including rich mushroom soup, traditional French onion, roasted pumpkin and a comforting minestrone. Each bowl delivers warmth and depth, making it a perfect companion to any meal.

Pasta and noodle dishes come with exciting twists – stir-fried ramen with spicy Korean chicken (RM22++), vegetarian lo mein and the restaurant’s signature curry mee and laksa are just a few highlights.

Personally, I gravitated towards the soba beef noodles (RM22++) with a perfectly runny half-boiled egg, corn and greens. For those who enjoy a touch of heat, the fiery green chilli sauce served on the side offers a lip-smacking experience. I cannot get enough of it although punishing yet rewarding, it elevates this noodle dish to a whole new level.

For more substantial fare, the chicken section offers some truly scrumptious choices. The breaded deep-fried chicken roulade atop silky-smooth mashed potatoes (RM26++) and the classic chicken chop (RM22+) are standout options. Additionally, there are also four other chicken dishes for diners to explore including the chicken parmigiana with mushrooms, which promises to be another delightful dish.

For seafood lovers, the classic fish and chips (RM22++) is a safe bet. Featuring seabass, the crispy breaded exterior encases moist, tender flesh, served with fries and a side salad. The grilled salmon with habanero and mango salsa strikes a perfect balance of smoky heat and a refreshing tropical twist.

For burger lovers, the beef burger dripping with melted cheese is mouth-watering. The thick, homemade patty is beautifully seasoned with herbs, delivering a rich and satisfying flavour. Meanwhile, for meat enthusiasts, the rib-eye steak, succulent barbecue beef ribs and tender lamb chops are other tempting options on the menu.

When it comes to sharing, pizzas are a crowd-pleaser. From the beef strip Hawaiian to the Alfredo chicken pizza, there is something for every palate. If you prefer something more unique, try the smoked duck with hoisin sauce or the tandoori prawn pizza.

For those craving local flavours, Luffa’s nasi lemak with chicken rendang (RM26++) or satong petai and udang tumis delivers an authentic Malaysian experience. The fragrant rice, cooked with basmati, is complemented by a classic ensemble of anchovies, cucumber strips, a half-boiled egg and the quintessential sambal.

With so much variety, each visit to Luffa is bound to be exciting. The atmosphere at Luffa is as inviting as the menu. The cosy, air-conditioned dining space, with its comfortable cushioned chairs, provides the perfect respite from the tropical heat as well as a perfect backdrop for both intimate meals and casual gatherings. Attentive service ensures that every need is met, creating a dining experience that feels both welcoming and warm.

As writer Virginia Woolf once said, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” Luffa undoubtedly embraces this philosophy, offering a dining experience that satisfies both the palate and the soul.

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Written and photographed by Adrian Cheah
© All rights reserved

Luffa by Irama Dining at The Leith Hotel
13, Leith Street, 10200 George Town, Penang
T: +6012-765 5833
Open daily from 7:00 am–9:00 pm

PS: My photography skills were recently commissioned to capture the stunning interiors and rooms of The Leith Hotel as well as some of the beautifully presented dishes from Luffa. It was a rewarding experience to work on this project and I could not be happier for Arshad as he continues to expand his culinary ventures.