Penang has garnered a reputation as Malaysia’s food haven. For anyone who has ever visited Penang, you’ll know that this reputation is well deserved.
But there are many Chinese restaurants in Penang, and you’re probably wondering where to start.
Fret not, we are here to help!
A large majority of the inhabitants of Penang are of Hokkien descent, which is why you’ll hear this dialect spoken most often.
The Chinese cuisine here has a heavy Hokkien influence too, especially the street food.
However, you can still find a very wide and varied selection of Chinese food here.
These are some of Chinese restaurants in Penang serving unique delicacies.
Goh Swee Kee
There are several restaurants in Penang serving Teochew cuisine and Goh Swee Kee comes highly recommended.
Located in Sri Bahari Road in Georgetown, this restaurant has been serving customers for decades.
Patrons love the fact that their dishes are simple and taste like home cooked food.
Among the most common dishes that visitors order here are the Heh Chow or deep fried prawn balls with bean curd.
Subsequently, you’ll also want to try their stir-fried oysters which is cooked in a savoury gravy.
Lastly, don’t miss out on their special Orh Nee, a dessert consisting of sweetened yam paste.
Address: 5, Jalan Sri Bahari, George Town, Malaysia
Contact no: 012-429 6736
Facebook page: Goh Swee Kee Restaurant
Opening hours: Daily, 11:30 a.m. – 2.30 p.m., 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
DeHappy Seafood Restaurant
Seafood restaurants are abound in Penang, especially on the island.
This is because fresh seafood from the surrounding waters are aplenty.
DeHappy Restaurant at Macalister Road is place that’s popular among both the locals and tourists alike.
This is mainly because they’ve managed to strike a balance between good taste and value.
DeHappy is a pork-free establishment with plenty of easy parking.
Additionally, you’ll find live seafood in tanks and fresh ones laid out on trays for you to pick.
Among the highlights here include Salt and Pepper Mantis Prawns, Alaskan King Crabs. Crispy Soft Shell Crab and Claypot Grouper with Yam.
Address: 58, Jalan Macalister, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact no: 012-485 2388
Facebook page: DeHappy Seafood Restaurant
Opening hours: Daily, 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Village Food Recipe
There’s something about home-cooked fare that really tugs at the heart.
This is what Village Food Recipe succeeds in doing, providing familiar and hearty comfort meals.
Perusing the menu will give you a sense of what they specialise in, which are stews served in clay pots.
The specialty here that’s not to be missed is their fried porridge, served warm in a clay pot.
Apart from that, many visitors also order their Fish Steam Boat, Prawn otak-otak, and Braised pork with preserved vegetables, served with Mantou.
Address: 58, Jalan Moulmein, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact no: 012-498 3813
Facebook page: Village Food Recipe
Opening hours: 11.30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Closed on Thursdays)
Tofu Village
One certainly does not expect to find a Hakka restaurant in Penang, but here it is.
Despite its name, the menu at Tofu Village is extensive and covers many Hakka classics.
For example, there’s Pork Belly stewed with Yam, Lotus Leaf Black Bean Pork Ribs, Red Yeast Pork and Hakka Shrimp Paste Pork.
Fans of Hakka cuisine can also expect to find Lui Cha, a dish of rice with vegetables, eaten with a green tea broth.
Tofu Village is of course also known for their tofu dishes.
If you’re looking for a tofu dish to try here, it’s their Mala Tofu.
Address: 88, Church St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Contact no: 04-251 9512
Facebook page: Tofu Village. Restaurant
Opening hours: 11.30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Closed on Thursdays)
Chinese Restaurants in Penang Just for You
This list is definitely not complete, and is only our suggestions for you and your family to start your journey in discovering Chinese restaurants in Penang.
Of course, Penang food is the most exciting highlight of what the state has to offer.
That’s why you should also expand your food journey to street food, and food from other Penang cultures too.
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!