Chao Liu Xian 潮六鲜鸡煲 @ Macalister Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Along Macalister Road in Georgetown, Chao Liu Xian 潮六鲜鸡煲 offers a Chao Shan-focused menu that goes beyond its signature chicken hotpot, with a selection of stir-fries, claypot dishes and other cooked options for a more varied meal. Prices sit slightly above the usual casual dining range, which feels reasonable given the spread, though the overall value depends on what you order. The space itself is fairly simple and not fully air-conditioned, so it can get quite warm during peak hours—something to keep in mind if you are planning a more comfortable dine-in experience. 

Kak Tao Lang 角头人 @ Victoria Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Kak Tao Lang 角头人 on Lebuh Victoria keeps things straightforward with a small, focused menu built around sour-spicy noodles and rice dishes paired with seafood or meat. The flavours lean bold and comforting rather than refined, and portions are generous enough to feel substantial without being excessive. It’s a casual, sit-down space where you come for a hearty meal instead of variety — expect to pay around RM20–40 per dish, which reflects restaurant pricing rather than hawker rates. A practical choice when you’re craving something punchy and filling in the heart of George Town. 

Lee's Signature Fish 小李酸菜鱼 @ Sunway Carnival Mall, Perai, Penang.

Opened in mid 2025, Lee’s Signature Fish 小李酸菜鱼 has built a strong following in Penang, and it’s easy to see why the outlet is often extremely busy, especially during peak meal hours. The clear crowd favourite is their Signature Suan Cai Fish, served in a tangy, appetizing broth that keeps tables turning quickly thanks to their super-fast service. That said, while the flavours hit familiar comfort notes, the prices feel on the higher side considering the relatively small portion sizes. 

Shao Lak Restaurant 烧腊皇 @ Batu Kawan, Penang.

Shao Lak Restaurant 烧腊皇 in Batu Kawan is a solid go-to for Chinese roasted meats and comfort dishes in an area where good Chinese options can be limited. Known for its char siew, siu yuk and roast duck, the restaurant draws steady crowds during peak hours, especially for quick family meals or casual gatherings. Prices aren’t exactly cheap, but for Batu Kawan standards, it’s still considered reasonable for the quality and convenience. While not a destination dining spot, it’s a reliable choice when you’re craving classic烧腊 in the neighbourhood. 

Lao Chu Heritage 老厝砂锅潮州粥 @ Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Located within walking distance from Icon City in Bukit Mertajam, Lao Chu Heritage 老厝砂锅潮州粥 offers a comforting Chinese menu with plenty of Teochew highlights and is especially known for its seafood porridge served in claypot style. Prices are reasonable, making it a popular choice for casual family meals in the area. On my visits, I also enjoy ordering their Teochew Mee Tiao, which delivers familiar, no-frills flavours and works well as an alternative if you’re not in the mood for porridge. 

Teik Heng Dim Sum @ Chai Leng Park, Butterworth, Penang.

Tucked away in Chai Leng Park, Teik Heng Dim Sum is a no-frills dim sum spot that has quietly stood the test of time for over 40 years, drawing in loyal regulars who come purely for the food. Expect Teo Chew–influenced dim sum offerings such as Chai Koay and various Teo Chew–style dumplings, alongside familiar classics, all priced affordably and served without fuss. Ambiance is clearly not the focus here — some tables even sit close to the alley — but the consistently solid dim sum and old-school charm are what keep this place going strong after decades. 

Penang Famous Teow Chew Chai Kuih @ Dickens Street, Georgetown, Penang.

With origins linked to the long-established Jawi Chai Kuih Sin Soon Lee (since 1924), Penang Famous Teow Chew Chai Kuih continues the tradition of classic Teochew steamed dumplings. The first branch in Penang island can be found at Dickens Street, the menu expands from the signature Chai Kuih to other Chinese stir fries as well as an array of Noodle dishes. The restaurant is clean, spacious and air-conditioned.... offering a more comfortable space for diners to enjoy their Teow Chew delights.  

HK 1987 @ Island 88, Penang.

A new addition to Island 88, HK 1987 is tucked away on the mezzanine floor of the building. The restaurant offers a wide variety of Hong Kong delights, with a particular focus on HK-style claypot rice and an extensive range of stir-fried dishes. Portions are generous and prices are reasonable, making it a versatile spot that caters well to diners of all ages. With its large menu and hearty servings, HK 1987 is worth checking out for those craving comforting Hong Kong flavors in Penang. 

Xi He Oriental 喜鹤 @ Bandar Tasek Mutiara, Simpang Ampat, Penang.

Located within the growing enclave of Bandar Tasek Mutiara, Simpang Ampat, Xi He Oriental 喜鹤 offers a more polished take on Chinese dining in a comfortable, modern setting. The space is spacious and pleasant, making it suitable for family meals or casual gatherings, though patience is required — waiting times can easily stretch to 30 minutes or more during busy hours. Prices remain reasonable given the quality and portion sizes, and while it may not be a destination spot, it is a dependable option if you’re in the area and don’t mind the wait. 

Jit Seng Hong Kong Roasted Duck (日昇香港烧鸭) @ Carnavon Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Jit Seng Roasted Duck has long been a household name for roasted meats in Penang, recently earning a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand to further cement its reputation. The brand has been around for years and continues to draw crowds for what many consider one of the best roasted ducks in town. Jit Seng has recently moved to a new shop along the same street, offering diners a more comfortable, air-conditioned space with increased seating capacity. The menu has also expanded, now featuring additional sides and noodle options, though the signature roasted duck remains the star attraction. There are rumours that the brand has changed hands, but nothing has been officially verified. Still, with its consistent flavours and improved dining environment, Jit Seng remains a solid stop for a satisfying roasted duck fix in George Town.

Yew Xin Yuan 游心园 @ Fifth Avenue Hotel, Georgetown, Penang.

Located at Fifth Avenue Hotel, Yew Xin Yuan 游心园’s second outlet introduces a proper main-meal menu for the first time, building on the brand’s wellness-focused identity (first branch in Sunshine Central Penang). The dishes centre around Chinese herbs and light, nourishing preparations, with seasoning kept intentionally mild — something that may appeal more to those seeking clean eating than robust flavours. Prices are on the premium side, but the comfortable seating and calm hotel setting make it a pleasant option for a fuss-free, health-driven dining experience. 

Hei In Dee Tong 喜在糖里 @ Jalan Kek Chuan, Georgetown, Penang.

Hailing from Guangzhou, China, Hei In Dee Tong (喜在糖里) brings a playful yet comforting take on Chinese desserts to Penang. The dessert parlour offers a good range of sweet soups and chilled treats — from timeless classics to more fun, modern variations — all served in a space with strong Chinese design elements that reflect the brand’s roots. With reasonable pricing and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, it’s an easy spot to drop by for a casual dessert fix, whether you’re craving something familiar or slightly different. 

Katao @ Bishop Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Katao is the latest addition to Penang’s dining scene, marking its first branch on the island with a cosy spot on Lebuh Bishop, George Town. The restaurant offers a refreshing mix of Thai-Taiwanese influenced dishes, with its signature pot-meal series gaining much praise for generous servings and comforting flavours. The ambience strikes a nice balance — casual yet inviting, perfect for a relaxed meal or small group gathering. Portion sizes are hearty and prices remain reasonable, making it a solid option if you want a hearty, flavourful meal without burning a hole in your pocket.

Chinese New Year Reunion Promotion @ Iconic Marjorie Hotel Penang.

Iconic Marjorie Penang welcomes the Year of the Horse with a Chinese New Year 2026 celebration that blends festive tradition with contemporary elegance. The hotel is adorned with auspicious décor inspired by the Horse’s energy and grace, creating a vibrant yet refined setting for reunions, shared moments and new beginnings. The overall atmosphere reflects optimism and momentum, making it a fitting place to gather and usher in the Lunar New Year.

Chinese New Year 8-Course Menu (RM2,888+)

• Prosperity Fresh Fruits Yee Sang, Fresh Salmon and Hokkigai Scallop with Salmon Skin 鱼贝同辉捞喜气
• Double Boiled Village Chicken, Fish Maw and Dried Scallop with Chinese Ginseng 海宝山珍浴凤凰
• Combination of Roasted Sesame Chicken and Pi Pa Duck 瑞禽双贺福满年
• Steamed Pearl Grouper Fish in Hong Kong Style 鱼跃马腾满堂春
• Braised Flower Mushroom, Abalone, Sea Cucumber, Sea Moss with Garden Greens 海味绿叶发千家
• Steamed Lobster Meat, Glass Noodle with Fresh Scallop 龙皇披纱赐玉贝
• Prosperity Golden Seafood Fried Rice with Prawn Meat 金光泛满喜遐迩
• Double Boiled Bird's Nest with Coconut Water 椰林百果燕弄春
• Teo Chew Yam Paste with Gingko Nut 潮州白果芋泥

Leong Keat Restaurant 亮吉小食店 @ Fortune Court, Farlim, Penang.

Tucked in the quieter setting of the Farlim Business Centre (a short walk from Sunshine Farlim), Leong Keat Restaurant is a hidden gem that has gained loyal support from the neighbourhood’s residents. The restaurant offers no-fuss Chinese fare with generous portions and reasonable prices. Unlike many small eateries, it is fully air-conditioned and spacious enough to accommodate larger groups — making it a comfortable pick for family dinners or gatherings. If you’re in the Farlim area and want a reliable, casual spot with good value, Leong Keat is worth checking out. 

San Xi Lou 三希楼 @ Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang.

The renowned Hong Kong restaurant San Xi Lou has made its Malaysian debut at Gurney Paragon Mall, introducing a refined mix of Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine. Established in Hong Kong since 2007, the restaurant is famed for its bold flavours and elegant presentation. The Penang outlet on Level 6 offers a good selection of both Cantonese and Sichuan delights as well as a selection of dim sum — making it a noteworthy new spot for elevated Chinese dining in Penang. 

Dai You Bin Dim Sum 大优宾点心茶楼 @ Sungai Petani, Kedah.

Tucked away in a serene neighborhood, Dai You Bin has withstood the test of time and is often regarded as one of the best dim sum restaurants in Sungai Petani. The brand has been around for quite a number of years, drawing large crowds with its air-conditioned comfort and extensive selection of homemade dim sum crafted by in-house chefs. From timeless classics to creative variations, the dishes come in generous portions at reasonable prices, making it a worthy spot for dim sum lovers in the area. 

Lau Ee Home Kitchen @ Hye Keat Estate, Air Hitam, Penang.

Hidden at one end of Hye Keat Estate, Lau Ee Home Kitchen is a humble family-run private kitchen with over 30 years of history. The place feels like dining at a relative’s home — warm, intimate, and exclusive — but with restaurant-calibre execution. It serves Teo Chew dishes with a touch of Thai influence, and many of the recipes are made completely from scratch. It’s best known for its signature Shark’s Fin dishes and has even attracted quite a number of celebrity diners over the years. The setup is simple but comfortable, with about 9–10 tables that can fit up to 80 guests. The menu is small, focusing on long-time classics that regulars keep coming back for. 1-day advance reservation is recommended, especially for larger groups. 

Many Thanks to Lau Ee Home Kitchen for hosting us. 

Rembar @ Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Rembar is a vibrant new restaurant in Georgetown, specializing in modern Southeast Asian flavours. Nestled along Beach Street, it offers a small but carefully curated menu featuring creative dishes with bold taste profiles — think pomelo-duck salad, rendang-spiced open toast, otah, and more. The cocktail list is also standout, with well-crafted drinks that pair nicely with the food. Expect the place to be extremely busy on weekends, often without space for walk-ins, so reservations are highly recommended. Prices are on the higher side, but portion sizes and the quality of ingredients help justify it. 

Mee Tarik Shepherd 牧羊人新疆餐厅 @ Sungai Nibong, Penang.

Manned by Chinese Muslims, Mee Tarik Shepherd is a Muslim-friendly eatery in Sungai Nibong that specializes in Xinjiang cuisine. The air-conditioned restaurant serves up classics like hand-pulled Mee Tarik, lamb pilaf, stir-fried dishes, and barbecue skewers. A good option for those looking to try something different beyond the usual local fare, with a comfortable setting to enjoy it in.