Peninsula Malaysian Cuisine

A true diamond in the rough. If you are familiar with Malaysian cuisine, you know they have lots to offer. However probably the key would be to order the right things in order to develop the taste. Their food was mind blowing. We ordered roti telur to beef satay to rendang and trust me when I say, the food was as good as Penang in DC. They were really good. This is a place that I am going back again and again till my trip to twin city continues. more

A true diamond in the rough. If you are familiar with Malaysian cuisine, you know they have lots to offer. However probably the key would be to order the right things in order to develop the taste. Their food was mind blowing. We ordered roti telur to beef satay to rendang and trust me when I say, the food was as good as Penang in DC. They were really good. This is a place that I am going back again and again till my trip to twin city continues. more

I've had good food at Peninsula in the past, but the last experience is enough to make me think twice about where I choose to spend my hard earned money. Our server could not speak or understand English. I'm completely serious. I don't fault him for not speaking the language, but I do fault management for putting him on the floor knowing there was a language barrier. I initially asked for a Stoli martini as a pre-dinner drink but he did not know what ""a stoli"" was. My dinner mate accompanied him to the bar and pointed out the bottle of Stoli. Then he indicated he did not know what a martini was, or how to make one, and indicated with very few words and more hand gestures that there was no bartender. I then pointed to a wine selection, desiring a bottle to share. He took away our wine glasses which I thought strange, and returned almost 10 minutes later with a single glass of wine. I then used my best pantomime skills to indicate we wanted a bottle, not a glass. After he was gone for almost another ten minutes we decided to leave. What was most upsetting was when I reported the incident to management (making sure I wasn't faulting the server for not speaking English as much as I faulted management for putting him on the floor) management replied to my complaint stating the server's expertise with the food was more beneficial to patrons than his inability to communicate effectively was a detriment. I'm still struggling with that one. Next time I'll bring my translation book. Now I know why they have pictures of all the menu items -- it's not for the patrons benefit it's for the staff! Pros: Didn't stay long enough to realize any pros Cons: Could not communicate with server more

I've had good food at Peninsula in the past, but the last experience is enough to make me think twice about where I choose to spend my hard earned money. Our server could not speak or understand English. I'm completely serious. I don't fault him for not speaking the language, but I do fault management for putting him on the floor knowing there was a language barrier. I initially asked for a Stoli martini as a pre-dinner drink but he did not know what "a stoli" was. My dinner mate accompanied him to the bar and pointed out the bottle of Stoli. Then he indicated he did not know what a martini was, or how to make one, and indicated with very few words and more hand gestures that there was no bartender. I then pointed to a wine selection, desiring a bottle to share. He took away our wine glasses which I thought strange, and returned almost 10 minutes later with a single glass of wine. I then used my best pantomime skills to indicate we wanted a bottle, not a glass. After he was gone for almost another ten minutes we decided to leave. What was most upsetting was when I reported the incident to management (making sure I wasn't faulting the server for not speaking English as much as I faulted management for putting him on the floor) management replied to my complaint stating the server's expertise with the food was more beneficial to patrons than his inability to communicate effectively was a detriment. I'm still struggling with that one. Next time I'll bring my translation book. Now I know why they have pictures of all the menu items -- it's not for the patrons benefit it's for the staff! Pros: Didn't stay long enough to realize any pros Cons: Could not communicate with server more

I enjoyed my tour of Malaysian dining the other night at Peninsula, and am thankful for my trusty guide Lance. The menu is a bit overwhelming; with over 200 options but don?t be shy about asking for assistance. My trusty guide fancied a Mohawk but new the menu inside and out. Lance told me they could run the gamut from flavorful across my tongue to drumming up beads of sweat on my brow. After a little feedback he offered up several options and quickly pointed out signature dishes and what we couldn't find elsewhere. I opted for the Char Kway Teow, and was directed to a picture on the wall of a street vendor, followed by a story how in Malaysia ""Char Kway Teow"" is like New York?s Hot Dog, street vendor food. This didn't detract from the experience but only enhanced the authenticity, especially once our food was delivered and I was able to enjoy the culinary expertise which couldn't be further from a New York cart and street. This is no ""dirty water dog"" but rather a palate bursting experience. There is a reason Nicollet is called ?Eat Street? and it is because places like Peninsula. Full of options from Vegetarian to carnivore, Peninsula can?t be beat. If you are looking for an adventure, check it out! I hope your guide is as great as mine was. Pros: Options, Service, Food!!! Cons: perhaps too many options??? more

I enjoyed my tour of Malaysian dining the other night at Peninsula, and am thankful for my trusty guide Lance. The menu is a bit overwhelming; with over 200 options but don’t be shy about asking for assistance. My trusty guide fancied a Mohawk but new the menu inside and out. Lance told me they could run the gamut from flavorful across my tongue to drumming up beads of sweat on my brow. After a little feedback he offered up several options and quickly pointed out signature dishes and what we couldn't find elsewhere. I opted for the Char Kway Teow, and was directed to a picture on the wall of a street vendor, followed by a story how in Malaysia "Char Kway Teow" is like New York’s Hot Dog, street vendor food. This didn't detract from the experience but only enhanced the authenticity, especially once our food was delivered and I was able to enjoy the culinary expertise which couldn't be further from a New York cart and street. This is no "dirty water dog" but rather a palate bursting experience. There is a reason Nicollet is called “Eat Street” and it is because places like Peninsula. Full of options from Vegetarian to carnivore, Peninsula can’t be beat. If you are looking for an adventure, check it out! I hope your guide is as great as mine was. Pros: Options, Service, Food!!! Cons: perhaps too many options??? more

I am a little torn on the experience. First of all, the food was fabulous. Good menu, good food, good drinks. However, I felt like we were being timed. My boyfriend and I went in for dinner (our first time there) we were seated promptly, given menus and asked our order. We asked for a little time, the server said sure, and about, I kid you not, 30 seconds later the server was back. This went on the whole meal. And constantly taking plates away and asking if we wanted food packed up. And we were like um, we just started eating! You would have thought the restaurant was about to close in 15 minutes the way the staff RUSHED us through. They were very kind and polite, and OVERLY attentive. And the place wasn?t even full, it was about half empty when we were there. We went through drinks and 3 courses and were out the door in about 40 minutes flat. So I am torn, food was super good, staff was nice, but I felt like we were in a race or something. When we left, I looked at the door for hours, and the place was still open for another 2 hours. I have NO idea why they rushed us through like that. It was really really weird. Pros: food Cons: very rushed more

I am a little torn on the experience. First of all, the food was fabulous. Good menu, good food, good drinks. However, I felt like we were being timed. My boyfriend and I went in for dinner (our first time there) we were seated promptly, given menus and asked our order. We asked for a little time, the server said sure, and about, I kid you not, 30 seconds later the server was back. This went on the whole meal. And constantly taking plates away and asking if we wanted food packed up. And we were like um, we just started eating! You would have thought the restaurant was about to close in 15 minutes the way the staff RUSHED us through. They were very kind and polite, and OVERLY attentive. And the place wasn’t even full, it was about half empty when we were there. We went through drinks and 3 courses and were out the door in about 40 minutes flat. So I am torn, food was super good, staff was nice, but I felt like we were in a race or something. When we left, I looked at the door for hours, and the place was still open for another 2 hours. I have NO idea why they rushed us through like that. It was really really weird. Pros: food Cons: very rushed more

For better or for worse? Not entirely sure. Chef is still there cooking away, but he was also up front... more

For better or for worse? Not entirely sure. Chef is still there cooking away, but he was also up front cleaning tables and serving drinks last ni... more

I love Peninsula. I love it so much that I worked there at one point. The family that owns Peninsula keep... more

I love Peninsula. I love it so much that I worked there at one point. The family that owns Peninsula keep to their roots and that is just one of ... more

Another stop on our dinner of the month ""club"" with friends, and another big success. This is the first place I've been to that actually reminded me of dining experiences in China. In other words, don't expect anything sweet and sour, or dumbed down for midwestern blandness. That means that if you're not an adventurous eater, some of the smells, flavors, and ingredients might be a turn off. Unfortunately, that means you'd be missing truly extraordinary dishes. Even my wife, who isn't very adventurous, loved just about everything. The menu lists over 150 items, many of which include pictures. Descriptions were accurate, and the servers were very helpful. I was impressed with how she had memorized the entire menu numbering. Dishes were presented beautifully and service timing was perfect. When we finished the entrees, we weren't rushed on, but given enough time to digest a bit so that we could have dessert (which were awesome). Go with an open mind, and lots of friends so you can share many dishes. Pros: Delicious unique food, great service, good prices more

Another stop on our dinner of the month "club" with friends, and another big success. This is the first place I've been to that actually reminded me of dining experiences in China. In other words, don't expect anything sweet and sour, or dumbed down for midwestern blandness. That means that if you're not an adventurous eater, some of the smells, flavors, and ingredients might be a turn off. Unfortunately, that means you'd be missing truly extraordinary dishes. Even my wife, who isn't very adventurous, loved just about everything. The menu lists over 150 items, many of which include pictures. Descriptions were accurate, and the servers were very helpful. I was impressed with how she had memorized the entire menu numbering. Dishes were presented beautifully and service timing was perfect. When we finished the entrees, we weren't rushed on, but given enough time to digest a bit so that we could have dessert (which were awesome). Go with an open mind, and lots of friends so you can share many dishes. Pros: Delicious unique food, great service, good prices Cons: None more

I've always enjoyed my experiences here. The waitstaff are friendly and attractive, they'll describe... more

I've always enjoyed my experiences here. The waitstaff are friendly and attractive, they'll describe anything on the menu and even explain the cul... more

This is a good place i would recommend for casual dinner. Most items on their menus are good specially the fried rice and the rendang (beef brisket curry one of my favorites) and the char mee (noodles) I have tried their other curry like the green curry but it lacks depth and body, taste like any ordinary curry. Prices are reasonable and staff is warm and friendly. I dont recommend their drinks though (like the smoothies )specially if you're not familiar with asian textures and tastes. Pros: most items are good, reasonably priced Cons: limited drinks and dessert selections more

This is a good place i would recommend for casual dinner. Most items on their menus are good specially the fried rice and the rendang (beef brisket curry one of my favorites) and the char mee (noodles) I have tried their other curry like the green curry but it lacks depth and body, taste like any ordinary curry. Prices are reasonable and staff is warm and friendly. I dont recommend their drinks though (like the smoothies )specially if you're not familiar with asian textures and tastes. Bottom line = Its worth a second or third visit for me sometime, good food (if you know what to order) good service and reasonably priced Pros: most items are good, reasonably priced Cons: limited drinks and dessert selections more

Beef dishes taste fabulous, but was very very fatty. Staff is welcoming, pleasant and wonderful. Most of the food is very good! Pros: Great staff - warm and welcoming. Cons: Very fatty beef. more

Beef dishes taste fabulous, but was very very fatty. Staff is welcoming, pleasant and wonderful. Most of the food is very good! Pros: Great staff - warm and welcoming. Cons: Very fatty beef. more