Penang, an island celebrated for its cultural diversity, presents a culinary landscape as rich and varied as its history. Among the myriad gastronomic delights, dim sum is a beloved tradition, offering a taste of local and regional flavours through bite-sized morsels.
This culinary journey through Penang’s dim sum scene reveals establishments that cater to every taste and preference, from traditional fare to innovative creations, halal-certified options, and even upscale dining experiences.
Each venue, with its unique charm and speciality, contributes to the tapestry of Penang’s food culture, inviting locals and tourists alike to explore and savour.
1. Fu Er Dai 富二代: A Weekday Wonder
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First on our list, Fu Er Dai captivates with its mix of traditional dim sum and innovative offerings like the signature bacon roll, making it a standout choice for weekday dining. The restaurant also boasts a varied selection of Chinese teas and local kopitiam beverages, perfect for pairing with your meal.
With its convenient own parking and open-air setup equipped with fans, it promises comfort alongside culinary delight.
- Address: 7, Jln Sultan Ahmad Shah, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
- Opening Hours: 6:30 am to 2 pm.
- Contact: +604-251 9289.
2. Canning Dim Sum Express: Halal and Heartwarming
Next, originating from Ipoh, Canning Dim Sum Express brings a halal-certified menu to Penang, accommodating a wider audience. The restaurant prides itself on its friendly staff and a multi-language menu complete with pictures, ensuring a seamless dining experience.
Nestled in D’Piazza Mall, it offers a cosy, clean, and child-friendly environment with ample parking, making it a hit among families.
- Address: D’Piazza Mall, 70-1-60, D’Piazza Mall, Jalan Mahsuri, Bandar Bayan Baru, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang.
- Business Hours: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm (Closed on Wednesdays).
- Contact: 010-9606180.
3. Restoran Zim Sum 點心之家: Buffet-style Brilliance
Moving on, Restoran Zim Sum offers an economical buffet-style dining experience with a vast selection of dim sum to choose from. The restaurant has a unique policy of charging for sauce bowls to encourage the use of the plastic containers they provide, adding a quirky touch to their service.
Despite a 60-minute dining limit, it remains a popular choice for its affordability and self-service convenience.
- Address: No 62, Jalan Macalister, George Town, 10400 PULAN PINANAG, Pulau Pinang.
- Business Hours: 6:30 am to 1:30 pm; closed on Tuesdays.
- Contact: 014-3029177.
4. Dim Sum Station 点心栈: Modern and Air-Conditioned
Dim Sum Station impresses with its modern, air-conditioned booth setup, offering a contemporary twist on the traditional dim sum dining experience. Although the service can sometimes be slow, the staff’s friendliness and the quality of the dim sum make up for it.
The restaurant also benefits from ample roadside parking, making access easy for visitors.
- Address: The Promenade, 5-G, Persiaran Mahsuri 2/3, Bandar Bayan Baru, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang.
- Business Hours: 8.00 am to 3:30 pm.
- Contact: 011-59775299.
5. Restoran Lip Sin Red Tea House: Highly Rated and Self-Serve
Known for its high-quality food, Restoran Lip Sin operates on a self-service basis, offering a variety of dim sum at reasonable prices.
The major challenge here is the limited parking, a small price to pay for the culinary excellence that awaits. The bustling atmosphere is a testament to its popularity among locals and tourists alike.
- Address: Pan Palace Plaza, 56, Lorong Nipah 4, Taman Lip Sin, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang.
- Business Hours: 6:30 am to 2.00 pm.
- Contact: 012-4618959.
6. Yong Pin Restaurant: Retro Hong Kong Charm
Next, Yong Pin Restaurant offers a dive into nostalgia with its retro Hong Kong-style decor and ambience, situated within the UNESCO Historic Site of Georgetown.
The establishment has been recently renovated, enhancing its appeal while maintaining commendable service and self-service efficiency. It’s a spot where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly.
- Address: 59A, Lebuh Kimberley, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
- Business Hours: 6:30 am to 2:30 pm, closed on Mondays.
- Contact: 04-2611355.
7. Tai Tong Restaurant: A Nostalgic Favorite
Established in the 1950s, Tai Tong Restaurant is a beloved local institution, offering a vast selection of dim sum in a mostly self-service format.
The restaurant’s enduring popularity is a testament to its quality and tradition, making it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic Penang dim sum experience.
- Address: 45, Lebuh Cintra, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
- Business Hours: 6:30 am to 1:30 pm and again from 6 pm to 9 pm.
- Contact: 04-2636625.
8. Maxim Dim Sum Pekaka: Food Court Vibes
Next, Maxim Dim Sum offers a wide variety of dim sum in a spacious setting that resembles a food court, providing a casual and relaxed dining atmosphere.
Despite the lack of air conditioning, the quality and consistency of the food keep patrons coming back. It’s a popular choice for those seeking variety and an authentic taste of local cuisine.
- Address: Bangunan Lip Sin 2 – G – 7 to 12, Lebuh Pekaka 1，Sungai Dua, Taman Pekaka, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang.
- Opening hours: 6:30 am to 1:45 pm.
- Contact: +6016-713 6625.
9. Sea Queen Restaurant: Upscale and Unique
Sea Queen Restaurant elevates the dim sum dining experience with its fancy interior and speciality in local seafood dim sum.
The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, catering to different preferences, and even includes package deals for yacht chartering, making it a unique dining destination in Penang.
- Address: G3 & 3A, Straits Quay, Jalan Seri Tg Pinang, Seri Tanjung Pinang, 10470 Tanjung Tokong, Pulau Pinang.
- Business Hours: 8 am to 2:30 pm, 6 pm to 9:30 pm.
- Contact: 010-4040299.
10. Restoran Chaw Choon Dim Sum 超全点心: Butterworth’s Best
In the heart of Butterworth, Restoran Chaw Choon stands out for its affordable prices and large variety of dim sum, served in a self-service format.
Additionally, the ease of finding street parking and the restaurant’s popularity among locals make it a preferred choice for a casual and satisfying meal.
- Address: Jalan Ong Yi How, Lucky Park, 13400 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang.
- Business Hours: 6 am to 2 pm (Closed on Wednesdays).
- Contact: 04-3330779.
11. Restaurant Eng Meng 英明茶楼: Variety and Service
Finally, Restaurant Eng Meng impresses with its variety and excellent service. The steamed fish comes highly recommended, marking a perfect end to our dim sum journey.
- Address: Jalan Maju, Taman Sri Maju, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang.
- Business Hours: 7 am to 12:30 pm (Closed on Wednesdays).
- Contact: 016-4829113.
Conclusion: Discovering Authentic Dim Sum Penang
Last but not least, in Penang, the art of dim sum goes beyond mere eating; it’s a vibrant expression of cultural fusion and culinary innovation. As we’ve explored these 11 distinguished spots, it’s clear that each contributes uniquely to the island’s gastronomic landscape.
Whether seeking a taste of tradition, a touch of modernity, or a blend of both, Penang’s dim sum scene is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. Hence, embarking on this culinary journey satisfies the palate and deepens the appreciation for Penang’s rich cultural heritage and its enduring love affair with food.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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