10 Impressive dim sum places in Penang to delight your taste buds

huibing 15 Jun 2017

1/10
Yong Pin Restaurant (榕槟茶楼)
Yong Pin Restaurant is easily one of the most recognisable dim sum restaurants in Penang, having been around since the 80s. Retaining most of its traditional style and take on this particular cuisine, Yong Pin excels in simple fare that pleases hungry tummies. Boasting a large variety of dim sum, this is a favourite for locals and tourists alike, who flock in waves during mealtimes in search for their favourite dishes. Take note that they are open from night till lunch time, before taking a break after that!

11-C Jalan Sungai Ujong, George Town, Penang Island, Malaysia

Photo: @desjan21
2/10
Tai Tong Restaurant (大東酒樓)
With the variety of dishes they have to offer, it is easy to get carried away while ordering. Sit down at your table and wait for the food cart to arrive at Tai Tong Restaurant to place your order. This restaurant is filled with senior waitstaff who have been working for over thirty years, carrying with them an abundance of experience and also the delicious trays of food that will make your mouth water. This relaxed and loud atmosphere may not be what you expect from a restaurant, but it is certainly a wonderful experience paired with even better food.

45 Lebuh Cintra, George Town, Penang Island 10100, Malaysia

Photo: @lyhnv
3/10
Restaurant Zim Sum ( 點心之家)
As the name might suggest, Restaurant Zim Sum sells amazing dim sum. While the name might not be entirely too surprising, what is surprising is how outstanding the food served there is. Although they have a fair share of traditional dishes, Restaurant Zim Sum is unafraid of switching things up. Good food at affordable prices, it is easy to splurge and indulge with little guilt. Opened from morning till afternoon, this crowded location is filled with happy patrons with a full stomach. What more can you ask for?

62 Jalan Macalister, Penang Island 10400, Malaysia

Photo: @dswidjaja
4/10
Aik Hoe Restaurant (益和茶楼)
The clientele at Aik Hoe are mostly locals who have been visiting for many years, a sign that the food here is delicious. As everything is homemade and fresh (made right at the back, in their kitchen), you are guaranteed high quality dim sum without breaking the bank. Like most traditional dim sum houses, go up to the counter and point at your favourite picks. This old-school place is open from 5am till 2pm, so make sure to visit for an affordable, rustic and (most importantly) authentic meal.

No. 6 & 8, Lebuh Carnavon, 10100, George Town, Pulau Pinang, 10100, Malaysia

Photo: @tommy.tran
5/10
Prosperous Dimsum (福星茶楼)
People arriving in big crowds: have no fear, because the restaurant is big enough to accommodate, with its large tables and plenty of space. At Prosperous Dimsum, you are going to want to plough through everything, but the wide array of dishes available makes it impossible, even if each and every one of them is finger-licking good. Located right along Red Rock Hotel, this is a place that’s hard to miss.

202-G5, Aboo Siti Lane, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Photo: @prewonder
6/10
Restoran Chaw Choon Dim Sum (超全茶楼)
Unlike most of the other dim sum places that are in George Town, Chaw Choon Dim Sum is in Butterworth and has made a name for itself throughout Penang for its consistently good dim sum at inexpensive prices. Chaw Choon’s dining space extends three stalls, with its brown signboard prominently demarketing its existence. Despite the large amount of tables, it seems to always be filled with people— which goes to show how scrumptious and enjoyable the dishes here are.

6970, Jalan Ong Yi How, Off Raja Uda, 12300, Butterworth, Penang

Photo: @tangkianthong
7/10
Fu Er Dai (富二代)
Serving up delectable dim sum by day and offering appetising BBQ steamboat (think Mookata) by night might seem like a tall order, but Fu Er Dai manages to excel with both anyway. Fu Er Dai’s name is a nod to those born with a silver spoon, and the restaurant ups their game by using high-quality ingredients that provides a freshness to the dishes. Boasting a beautiful and spacious atmosphere, and free parking, consider dropping by for your next family meal (be it for the dim sum or the steamboat)!

7, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10300, George Town, Penang

Photo: @mcginn
8/10
Tho Yuen Restaurant (桃園茶樓)
Located in a matcha green shophouse, you will find the gem that is Tho Yuen Restaurant. The dim sum here is brought to your table in carts and is heavily reminiscent of dim sum served in Hong Kong. Come early to get the best picks, for this place is known to run out of local favourites real fast. They are open early in the morning, so drop by for an affordable and quaint meal to start your morning right.

92, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Photo: @aichunyeng
9/10
Maxim Dim Sum (美食之家)
Open from 6am to 12pm, this is a place you do not want to miss. With a mix of unique and traditional dim sum dishes that are sure to satisfy everyone, it is truly no wonder that Maxim Dim Sum is always teeming with people. Instead of a trolley, go up to a counter and order the dishes you want, so make sure you strategise to get your favourite dishes ASAP before they run out. Also, when at Maxim, definitely give the century egg porridge a try— it will not disappoint.

Sg. Dua, George Town, Penang Island 11050, Malaysia

Bangunan Lip Sin 2-G-11 & 12, Lebuh Pekaka 1, Taman Pekaka, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Photo: @yiphine_0526
10/10
Golden Phoenix Chinese Restaurant (金鳳樓)
Unlike many of the places on this list, Golden Phoenix Chinese Restaurant is located in Penang’s Equatorial Hotel, which is the perfect pick for the heat-averse. Though they aren’t a specialised dim sum place, Golden Phoenix serves up a range of flavourful Szechuan and Cantonese dishes, with a focus on their dim sums which are absolutely divine. Watch as the restaurant elevates the dim sum experience, while retaining the classic authenticity that many has grown fond of. Take note that the dim sum is only served during lunchtime to avoid disappointment.

47, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah 10050 Penang, Malaysia.

Photo: @hvuxo

The next time you’re in Penang, drop by one of these 10 amazing dim sum places!

When it comes to a delicious Chinese cuisine, it is impossible not to talk about the beauty that is dim sum. Originally from Guangzhou, China, this style of communal eating has made its name in many different parts of the world, often revitalising the traditional technique with a twist unique to each country. Originally, they were finger foods of sort, that accompanied tea-drinking, but has grown to become an incredibly popular style of eating. Gathered around a table with a spread of delicious, bite-sized goodies, there really is no better way to spend time with family and friends on a weekend.

Penang is known for its good food, that much is true. From the famed Penang laksa to its coconut-filled chendol, food is in abundance here, and people arrive with expectations of leaving a little happier and heartier than they arrived. But, did you know, Penang has a thriving dim sum food scene? Here are 10 of our top places to get your dim sum fix!

Lee Hui Bing

Photo: Getty Images

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