Special thanks to Guo Xiang Fu Steamboat for extending this food review invitation.
Guo Xiang Fu Steamboat (锅香府特色火锅专卖店) is a modest steamboat restaurant at Jalan Seang Tek, just opposite of Penang Times Square. The restaurant has been operating since 2014. The shop owner started as a home-based steamboat caterer, but decided to open this shop due to popular demand.
There are 5 types of soup for steamboat: Chicken Soup (鸡汤), Ma La Soup (麻辣汤), Tom Yam (东炎), Duck Soup (老鸭汤) and Fish Head Soup (鱼头汤). Soup can be ordered individually (RM5.00 per person), but it is often more economical to opt for the set meals. Set meals range from 1-person set (RM22.80) to 10-person set (RM238.00).
Today’s visit is to try the newly-introduced Dragon King Seafood Porridge (海龙王粥底海鲜锅, RM33.80). This set meal includes a claypot of porridge and various seafood ingredients such as scallops, shrimps and abalone slices. Porridge is prepared from chicken broth, but the seafood definitely helps to enhance flavor. Egg and mushrooms are also included.
Balanced flavoring makes each spoonful of porridge rather soothing down the throat. As far as I can tell, the seafood is extremely fresh. This meal is meant for up to 3 persons and includes unlimited porridge refills. In fact, I think it is worthwhile to order more à la carte items to enjoy with the porridge.
As for condiments, chili soy sauce provides salty-spiciness that most Penangites are fond of. In addition to fiery spiciness, garlic chili sauce gives a respectable degree of sourness. Finally, fried garlic can be added liberally into the porridge to improve aroma.
Meanwhile for drinks, the refreshing Home Made Lemon Juice (自制柠檬汁, RM6.50) is great in drawing appetite due to its citrus tanginess. In addition, it is nice to wash away lingering sensation on the taste buds when switching to a different type of soup.
Guo Xiang Fu Steamboat provides steamboat delivery service within Penang Island. One should not worry about cookware because the restaurant can loan the required pots at no additional cost (deposit required). During festive seasons such as Chinese New Year, self-collection is advised as the restaurant is usually overwhelmed with orders.
Name: Guo Xiang Fu Steamboat (锅香府特色火锅专卖店)
Address: 10, Jalan Seang Tek, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 012-409-7096
Business hours: 5:00pm-12:00am
Website: https://www.facebook.com/worhiongfu
Coordinates: 5.41287 N, 100.32403 E
Directions: Driving eastbound along Jalan Dato Keramat, turn left to Jalan Seang Tek. Guo Xiang Fu Steamboat is one of the first shops on the right. Street parking is available.
