The Annathai-Kitchen Evolution: Why Penang’s Most Affordable Thai Spot Ditched Its Famous ‘Economy Rice’ Concept In 2025

For years, Annathai-Kitchen in Pulau Tikus, Penang, stood out as a culinary anomaly: a beloved, budget-friendly restaurant serving authentic Thai food in the unique style of Malaysian 'Economy Rice' or 'Chap Fun'. This concept, where diners select from a wide array of pre-cooked dishes, made it a local legend for a quick, affordable, and flavourful Thai fix. However, as of late 2025, the restaurant has undergone a significant operational shift, retiring its famous buffet-style offering to focus entirely on an enhanced à la carte menu and new set meals, marking a major turning point for this iconic George Town eatery.

The decision to cease the popular "Thai Style Economy Rice" buffet has been the biggest news surrounding the restaurant, signaling a move towards a more focused, quality-driven dining experience. Despite this change, Annathai-Kitchen remains a cornerstone of the Pulau Tikus food scene, continuing to draw crowds with its genuine, non-halal Thai flavours and a menu packed with traditional favorites and hidden gems.

Annathai-Kitchen: Location, Operational Hours, and Current Status (2025)

Annathai-Kitchen is a well-established name in Penang's vibrant food landscape, known for delivering authentic Thai cuisine without the hefty price tag often associated with fine dining. Its prime location in the bustling George Town area has contributed significantly to its popularity.

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Essential Profile and Biography (Restaurant)

• Full Name: Annathai-Kitchen (sometimes referred to as Anna's Restaurant)
• Location: 26, Jalan Moulmein, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
• Landmark: Situated just a short distance from the popular Pulau Tikus wet market.
• Cuisine Focus: Authentic Thai Cuisine (Non-Halal).
• Contact: 04-227 7599
• Current Operational Hours (2025):
  • Lunch: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
  • Dinner: 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
  • Closed: Monday
• Current Menu Concept: Exclusively à la carte and set meals for both lunch and dinner (The Thai Economy Rice/Chap Fun buffet has ceased operation).

While the identity of the "Anna" behind the name is often a topic of local curiosity, the restaurant's reputation is built on its consistent, satisfying, and flavourful food. The friendly and helpful staff, coupled with a cozy, converted terrace house environment, contribute to the welcoming atmosphere that patrons have come to love.

The Major Menu Shift: From Economy Rice to À La Carte Excellence

The most significant development for Annathai-Kitchen in recent times is the discontinuation of its famous Thai Economy Rice (Chap Fun) concept. This buffet-style lunch was unique in Penang, allowing diners to mix and match various Thai dishes over rice at a highly affordable rate.

According to recent reports, the restaurant has transitioned to serving only à la carte dishes and special set meals for both the lunch and dinner services. This change has redirected the focus entirely onto the quality and presentation of individual dishes, ensuring every plate is cooked to order and meets a high standard of authentic Thai flavour. This move aligns with a broader trend in the Penang food scene towards specialized dining experiences.

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The new focus allows the kitchen to highlight its strengths beyond the buffet format, particularly in complex, fresh-to-order dishes that require more precision. This shift promises a more refined culinary experience for patrons seeking the true taste of Thailand, moving away from the quick-serve nature of the economy rice.

Must-Try Dishes: The New Annathai-Kitchen À La Carte Highlights

Despite the change in service style, the core menu remains a treasure trove of authentic Thai entities and local favorites, showcasing the culinary depth of the kitchen. When visiting Annathai-Kitchen now, these are the essential dishes you should order from the new à la carte and set meal menus:

1. Signature Pork Dishes

As a non-halal establishment, Annathai-Kitchen excels in its pork offerings. The Pandan Pork is a perennial favorite, where succulent pieces of marinated pork are wrapped in fragrant pandan leaves and deep-fried, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy, aromatic meat. Another must-try is the Phat Kraprao Pork (Thai Basil Pork), a fiery stir-fry of minced pork, fresh chillies, garlic, and Thai basil, often served with a fried egg over steamed rice.

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2. Authentic Thai Curries and Soups

The restaurant’s curries are celebrated for their rich, complex flavours, achieved through the generous use of fresh coconut milk, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and other essential Thai herbs. The classic Green Curry (Kaeng Khiao Wan) is a creamy, spicy-sweet delight. For soup lovers, the famous Tomyam is a non-negotiable order—a perfectly balanced hot and sour soup that is both invigorating and deeply satisfying.

3. Unique and Traditional Thai Specialties

Annathai-Kitchen is a great place to explore more traditional and less common Thai street food entities. The Siam Laksa (Kha-Nom-Chin) is a distinctive noodle dish featuring a creamy, mild curry gravy cooked with fresh coconut milk and a blend of herbs, served cold with refreshing raw diced long beans and cucumber.

Another popular entity is the Hor Mok, which is the Thai version of Otak Otak—a steamed fish custard infused with red curry paste and basil, often served in a banana leaf cup. The Khao Yam is a colourful and healthy Southern Thai rice salad, mixed with various herbs, vegetables, and dried shrimp, dressed with a sweet fish sauce dressing. For those seeking something truly unique, the Kaeng-Gai-NoMai (Chicken with Bamboo Shoot Curry) offers a rustic and deeply savory flavour profile.

4. Chinese-Influenced Thai Kitchen Staples

Reflecting the culinary fusion common in Malaysian-Thai border cooking, the menu also features dishes with Chinese influences, catering to the local palate. These include the Sweet & Sour Chicken, Ginger Onion Chicken, and the popular Black Pepper Chicken. For a richer, more decadent option, the Butter Chicken and Cheesy Chicken are also available, showcasing the kitchen's versatility.

Why Annathai-Kitchen Remains a Penang Food Icon

Even with the retirement of the economy rice concept, Annathai-Kitchen’s reputation for providing authentic, quality Thai food at reasonable prices remains strong. The restaurant’s commitment to using fresh ingredients and traditional preparation methods ensures that the essence of Thai cuisine is preserved in every dish.

For food enthusiasts exploring George Town and specifically the Pulau Tikus area, Annathai-Kitchen offers a necessary stop. It’s a place where you can experience the full spectrum of Thai flavour—from the intense heat of Phat Kraprao to the delicate sweetness of Traditional Thai Banana Glutinous Rice (Khao-Tom-Mart). The current à la carte and set meal format provides a more focused culinary journey, allowing diners to appreciate the depth of each individual dish.

Whether you are craving the fiery kick of Thai Basil, the aromatic tang of Tom Yum, or the comforting richness of a Green Curry, Annathai-Kitchen continues to be one of the best places in Penang to satisfy your authentic Thai food desires, now with a renewed focus on plated excellence.