We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Helena's Cafe

43B Jalan Batu Ferrenghi | opp Yahong Gallery, Batu Ferringhi, Penang Island, Malaysia
Update restaurant details
Cuisines: Indian, Malaysian, Nonya
Good for: Families with children, Large groups, Local cuisine, Dining on a budget
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Reservations, Takeout, Late Night, Dessert
Restaurant details
Good for: Families with children, Large groups, Local cuisine, Dining on a budget
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Reservations, Takeout, Late Night, Dessert
Write a Review

209 reviews from our community

84% Recommend
    121
    56
    22
    7
    3
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Redcar, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
15 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 16, 2013

Found the service to be very poor and the menu to be very limited. The place itself is a bit of a shocker, but then most places are in Batu Ferringhi. My meal was not great but the wife had a nice chicken chop. Prices were not that cheap, standard for the area. All told there are far better options... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Joninho75 for Batu Ferringhi
Singapore, Singapore
Top Contributor
60 reviews 60 reviews
40 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2013

a wonderful charming cafe near to the night market. It is the ideal place for children's food( my son loved the sausages) and for currys. The chicken curry was a favourite of mine and the satay was the best I have tasted in Penang.

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 3 more reviews by Oratory1 for Batu Ferringhi
Penang Island, Malaysia
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 6, 2013

If you go to Helena's DO NOT order the Tandoori chicken or the naan. They do not have a tandoori oven, the 'Tandoori' chicken is actually a chicken breast covered in a strangely spiced glaze, and the naan is store-bought, as confirmed by the chef. I have not tried anything else from the menu, but the Tandoori selections are hugely... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Launceston, Australia
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
6 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 1, 2013

Great value for money - we walked away with a RM78 bill - that's around AU$26 for 3 different meals, roti, 2 g&t & a sprite. Service was unassuming but attentive when it counts. A number of children were in the kafe enjoying a range of food. If you want spice levels adjusted, just ask. If you've been on holiday... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 2 more reviews by Pookie6972 for Batu Ferringhi
Blandford Forum, United Kingdom
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
9 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 26, 2013

The staff were pleasant enough and attentive but not overly so. I had a plain chicken curry which was freshly cooked and a good sized portion but not particularly special in its flavour. My wife had the tandoori chicken and thoroughly enjoyed and remarked on the freshly cooked naan bread.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 5 more reviews by Nick D for Batu Ferringhi
Manchester, United Kingdom
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 25, 2013

We have been to Penang many times and always make for Helena's Cafe the food is superb from a simple sandwich to a breakfast then on to the wonderful Malay cusine, the fish with delicate herbs and the curries are to die for. This last visit my husband had been diagnosed with a stomach problem in the UK and was... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Newcastle, Australia
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 25, 2013

Quite a surprise for its food and service. Small and not great presentation but clean and good value with well prepared menu.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 2 more reviews by mark h for Batu Ferringhi
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed April 24, 2013

Food was not good, service very poor. Much nicer places to eat. Menu choices are narrow. Would not visit again.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by lady_well_travelled for Batu Ferringhi
Pattaya, Chon Buri, Thailand
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 23, 2013

We were staying in holiday inn and for breakfast, lunch and dinner we used to go to helenas. The food served there really tasted good and we didnt feel like we r out. It gave us a feeling of our home made dish. The content of the dish was also so much that two people can eat with a bowl... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Port Macquarie, Australia
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
8 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed April 21, 2013

We use Helena"s as a budget night with good food, but now its prices have snuck up which brings it into a totally difference class, with its plastic chairs and tables it cannot compete with the likes of Jewel of The North, Bora Bora etc etc. who offer by far more in service and atmosphere. This brings me to how... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by Phillip D for Batu Ferringhi

Travelers who viewed Helena's Cafe also viewed

Batu Ferringhi, Penang Island
Batu Ferringhi, Penang Island
 
Batu Ferringhi, Penang Island
Batu Ferringhi, Penang Island
 

Been to Helena's Cafe? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Helena's Cafe, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing