How Shy Hin Bus Depot, Hut & Truck, Penang

How Shy at Hin Bus Depot

Monica Tindall

By the same team behind Gen 根 and Communal Table by Gen 根, comes How Shy in Hin Bus Depot. Run by the staff, every team member gets a say in the menu and the running of the place. Taking shifts at the two main restaurants and here, the team alternate the management responsibilities and decisions on what to serve.

The community itself is spread between a Hut and a Truck with loose stones forming the outdoor floor. Plentiful plants grow seemingly from every crevice, and the ruins of the old Hin Bus Depot border the space. At night, lights glow from strands hung between tree branches and chill music hums unobtrusively from quality speakers. There is a genuinely friendly and artisan vibe to the concept.

How Shy – Truck

Truck has a Latin theme to it with tacos, nachos, ceviche and churros the current items on the menu.

Fish Tacos (2 pcs, RM15) begin with a brushing of tabasco ketchup on the tortilla base. Then there’s lettuce, guacamole, deep-fried seabass, and a crown of salsa and paprika powder. The fish is perfectly cooked with a crunchy batter that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy, smooth avocado.

Nachos (RM 15) seem like such a simple combo, right? It’s challenging to get great examples here though. This team, of course, have it mastered. It starts with super crisp corn chips. They’re generously drizzled, but not drowning in, truck-made cheese sauce, shredded smoked cheddar and tomato salsa. A decently-sized mound of guacamole on the side balances the tasty snack.

A personal favourite that’s not easily found in Malaysia, Ceviche (RM 20), features cured snapper with lime and salt. It too is topped with tomato salsa and sided with corn chips. Hubby loves this and orders seconds.

Lastly, we finish our tasting at How Shy – Truck, with something sweet, Churros (RM 10). They are fantastically light on the inside with a brittle edge and a dusting of cinnamon sugar. Diners can choose salted caramel or chocolate sauce. Of course, we try both in the name of research. Choccie sauce is good but we love the salted caramel. In line with the style of churros, it’s on the lighter side, the perfect amount of sweet for maximum enjoyment without leaving you feeling sluggish.

How Shy – Hut

Hut is the drink, oyster and hand-cut fries portion of the business. Here you’ll find wines, cocktails, beer and food at affordable prices. Wines are organic, many biodynamic, sustainable and some natural. Cocktails vary depending on who is in charge for the week.

Drinks

We’re here during the day for the Sunday market. As such, the cocktail menu reflects ideal refreshment for warm weather with Margaritas (RM 25) and Aperol Spritz (RM 25) in the line-up. Today’s white is a natural wine, Bhilar from Rioja. It’s a deep yellow in the glass, has a good depth of flavour, a dash of minerality, and does well with the plate of oysters we order next.

Food

Oysters from various regions are on sale until they run out. Last night was a busy evening so this morning’s batch sees Irish oysters the only two varieties remaining. Irish Premium Oysters are the meatier counterparts with higher salinity, while the Tragheanna Bay Oysters are smaller and sweeter. Served on a tray of ice, they’re kept nicely chilled.

For those craving something simpler, a bucket of Hand-cut Fries will only set you back RM10. Considering they’re Hut-cut (made in-house) and come with a choice of sauces – tartare, sriracha or mala – they’re a value-for-money snack. Russet potatoes are sliced thickly, boiled and then double-fried producing a soft-mash middle and crisp coat.

How Shy at Hin Bus Depot – Hut & Truck

I truly love this concept. Of course, food and beverage, as well as setting are attractive, but the business proposal of having all staff as active members in decision making is enticingly progressive. Coming from two incredible restaurants, the team certainly set standards high for their Truck and Hut. Ownership is felt in the food and service, and it’s an all-round good place to be.

Reasons to visit How Shy – Hut & Truck at Hin Bus Depot: fun, casual community spirit; tasty food at affordable prices; organic wines by the glass (all under RM30); come and see the Sunday market at the same time or visit Thurs to Sunday for a cooler evening experience.

How Shy Hin Bus Depot – Hut & Truck
31A, Jalan Gurdwara,
10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Instagram @howshypg

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