You only live once but if you do it right, once is enough

Penang isn’t just Malaysia’s food capital, it’s a sensory experience. From hawker stalls to traditional eateries, the island’s food scene is unmatched in variety and heritage. During our recent visit to George Town, we were eager to uncover some of the best local eats. At the top of our list? Dim sum. And in Penang, few places can rival the charm, heritage, and deliciousness of Tai Tong Restaurant and Yong Pin Restaurant.

These two time honored spots aren’t just restaurants, they’re institutions, swarmed by locals and seasoned regulars every morning. They both open early and close by 2:30pm for the day so watch out for their hours on google if you do plan to visit them. You’ll find multi-generational families at round tables, chatter echoing off vintage tiled walls, and a beautiful ballet of bamboo steamers, clinking teacups, and dim sum carts that bring the dishes straight to your table.

Tai Tong Restaurant – Old-School Elegance with Every Bite

Tucked away on Lebuh Cintra, Tai Tong has been delighting Penangites for over 60 years. Step in, and you’re transported back in time. The setting is traditional Chinese banquet-style, with large round tables, red paper lanterns, and dim sum trolleys navigating the narrow aisles between eager diners.

Tai Tong offers a massive dim sum spread with over a hundred varieties on peak days. We started off with:

Har Gow (Prawn Dumplings): Delicate translucent wrappers filled with juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp.

Siu Mai: Soft, pork-filled perfection with hints of mushroom and roe.

Char Siew Bao: Soft, fluffy buns oozing sweet-salty barbecue pork.

Egg Tarts: Buttery crust with silky egg custard, a must-have.

Chee Cheong Fun: Rolled rice noodles filled with prawns, served with light soy sauce and made fresh to order.

One of the best parts of dining here is the roaming trolleys, they come by with stacks of steamers, and you simply point to what looks good. It’s fast, fun, and a bit of a culinary treasure hunt.

Yong Pin Restaurant – Local Favorite with a Retro Soul.

Located on Jalan Sungai Ujong, Long Pin is a lesser-known gem that’s been operating since 1981. It recently received a light makeover while still preserving its retro Hong Kong cha chaan teng vibes. The result? A space that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Here, the dim sum is lovingly handcrafted each morning, and the menu includes:

Fried Garlic Chives Dumplings: Crispy, fragrant parcels bursting with greens and seasoning.

Lo Mai Gai (Sticky Rice with Chicken): Served in lotus leaves, comfort food at its best.

Muar Chee: A surprise dessert—chewy glutinous rice balls with a generous coating of crushed peanuts.

Steamed Spare Ribs: Juicy bites of pork in a fermented black bean sauce.

Fried Prawn Rolls: Light, crunchy and ideal for dipping in sweet chili sauce.

Unlike Tai Tong, here you walk up to the dim sum counter, point out what you want, and it’s plated hot and fast. This setup gives you a clear view of the wide variety and lets you handpick your feast.

A Feast of Flavors & Warmth

What stood out at both restaurants was not just the food, but the ambience, the sense of community, the sounds of a kitchen in full swing, the camaraderie among locals. We never once felt out of place if anything, the warm smiles and eager servers made us feel like part of the morning ritual.

If you’re a dim sum lover or simply curious to experience Penang’s timeless culinary traditions, both Tai Tong and Yong Pin are essential stops.