George Town is considered a foodie haven, even by Malaysian standards. After all, why else do Singaporeans travel all the way here just to eat? You can find anything and everything here, from warung-style food to fancy atas stuff. But if you want something classic and homely, you should visit Tai Tong Restaurant on Lebuh Cintra.
Oldest Penang dim sum shop
Image Credit: Wang Carol on Google Review (Left), Tai Tong Restaurant (Right)
This restaurant is considered among the oldest restaurants still in operation in the historic city. Tai Tong was established in the 1950s and is still run by the same family. The restaurant definitely holds the title of the longest-running dim sum restaurant in Penang itself.
It is for this reason that Tai Tong is highly regarded among Penangites and out-of-state visitors alike. The place does not take reservations and it does not need to. The place is often packed to the brim with customers, especially in the mornings.
OId school vibes
Image Credit: Jack Low on Google Review (Left), Ethan T on Google Review (Right)
However, if you are lucky, or come very early in the morning, you will get a table soon enough. The place is not air-conditioned, so it can get stuffy at times. The place has serious old-world kopitiam vibes, the sort your grandparents would have experienced back in the day.
Carts of dim sum
Image Credit: Kevin Lim on Google Review (Left), Maise on Google Review (Right)
What sets Tai Tong apart is how its dim sum is distributed. Unlike most dim sum shops today, Tai Tong’s staff members push around a small metal cart filled with the restaurant’s dim sum. This has been done since the 1950s! Just like back then, choose whichever you would like to enjoy for the day. Afterwards, feel free to tuck in with no reservations.
Famous egg tart
Image Credit: Todd Na Nagara on Google Review (Left), Michele C on Google Review (Right)
In terms of variety, Tai Tong lacks for nothing. It has all the classic dim sum you would ever want. These include siew mai, prawn dumplings, char siew bao, lao sah bao and many other goodies. The crowd favourite here has to be the egg tarts. Made fresh every day, these are smooth and creamy. The top of the tarts are carefully caramelised, complimenting the creamy insides.
Popular Loh Mai Kai
Image Credit: Yvonne Meow Hsu on Google Review (Left), He Xiaowen on Google Review (Right)
Also worth trying is the Loh Mah Kai, the steamed glutinous rice with chicken found in any respectable dim sum shop. Tai Tong’s take on the dish is said to be among the best on the island. The Loh Mah Kai is cooked till soft and moist, with the sticky rice best enjoyed with the tender chicken meat.
Juicy salted egg yolk buns
Image Credit: K Boonsiri on Google Review (Left), Eva Risia on Google Review (Right)
Locals also often recommend trying Tai Tong’s salted egg yolk custard buns. These yellow bao are bursting with liquid salted egg custard. Be careful when biting into the bao as the filling can be quite hot to the touch. Still, the sweet and salty custard is really addictive, leaving you licking your lips afterwards.
Lanterns everywhere
Image Credit: Wan En Kok on Google Review (Left), Pierres Hsiao on Google Review (Right)
If you come to Tai Tong during the Mid-Autumn Festival, be prepared to keep your head down. Dozens of colourful lanterns, mostly shaped as animals and cartoons, will be hanging from the rafters. It might be inconvenient to move around, but it makes for a great photo opportunity.
Worth a try?
Despite its good reputation, a handful of recent Google Reviews do comment on poor service from the waiters. They are apparently always in a rush, encouraging customers to hurry up with making their orders as well. If you are willing to look past this issue, perhaps a visit to Tai Tong will be great for your tastebuds.
Tai Tong Restaurant
Address: 45, Lebuh Cintra, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Opening Hours: 6.30 am – 1.30 pm & 6 pm – 9 pm daily | Closed on Mondays
Contact: 016-7746625
Halal Status: Non-halal
You should also check out: This cafe in Penang is straight out of a Barbie movie, with its pink decor & delicious treats
Feature Image Credit: Tai Tong Restaurant (Left), Marcus Cheah on Google Review (Right)
