Top 5 Chinese Breakfast in Penang For A Good Morning

George Town’s Chinatown is where you’ll find bold Cantonese flavors and the widest array and options for Chinese breakfast in Penang.

With most meals priced below RM10 (USD$2.30) per person.

You can indulge in delicious noodles, freshly steamed dim sum, and hearty porridge.

These eateries will definitely start your day on the right note.

You can enjoy pots of Chinese tea or warm mugs of Kopi O, just like the locals do.

The bustling streets of George Town come alive early at the crack of dawn.

By 6 am, you can already be enjoying dim sum and even have a second or third breakfast before noon.

If you have a big appetite, don’t worry—Penang has all the delicious meals to satisfy you.

Top 5 Chinese Breakfast in Penang

Penang offers a variety of Chinese breakfasts that are as diverse and flavorful as the island itself.

Here’s your ultimate guide to the best Chinese breakfasts in Penang!

Tho Yuen Restaurant (Dim Sum in Penang) 桃園茶樓

Signature Dish: Dim Sum
Address: 92 Campbell Street, 10100 George Town, Penang
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Overview: For over 80 years, Tho Yuen has served freshly steamed dim sum every morning for Yum Cha.

This traditional Cantonese teahouse is a local institution with rooster-themed tea sets and a nostalgic ambiance that transports diners to simpler times.

What to Order: Don’t miss the classic Siew Mai and Har Gao.

If you arrive late, a plate of fried noodles or bee hoon is equally delicious with a refreshing pot of Pu’er tea.

Why It’s Special: Tho Yuen’s charm lies in its old-school vibe and attention to detail in every bite, making it a perfect spot for an unhurried, authentic breakfast.

Special Mention: Tho Yuen 桃園茶樓 was awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2024 and 2025.

Tai Tong Restaurant (Dim Sum & Char Siew Pau)

Signature Dish: Dim Sum & Char Siew Pau
Address: 45, Lebuh Cintra, 10100 George Town, Penang
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Overview: A Penang dim sum icon since the 1950s, Tai Tong offers a nostalgic Yum Cha experience.

Its dim sum is served from pushcarts, a tradition that adds to the lively atmosphere.

What to Order: For a perfect morning treat, try dim sum favorites like shrimp dumplings and char siew pau (roast pork bun).

It also offers casual stir-fries and other cooked dishes for lunch and dinner. You can even enjoy dim sum at night.

Why It’s Special: Tai Tong has maintained its retro charm, making it an ideal spot for travelers wanting to experience authentic Cantonese flavors in a cozy, communal setting.

Special Mention: During the Mooncake Festival, Tai Tong Restaurant transforms into a festive wonderland, with the entire space beautifully adorned with colorful lanterns.

It’s the perfect time to visit, as the restaurant also offers freshly made mooncakes, a traditional treat to celebrate the season.

The vibrant atmosphere and delicious mooncakes add an extra touch of magic to your dining experience.

Kheng Pin Cafe (Best Pork Lorbak in Penang)

Signature Dish: Pork Lorbak and Prawn Fritters
Address: 80, Jalan Penang, 10000 George Town, Penang
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 1:30 PM (Mon & Tues Closed)

Overview: Kheng Pin Café is a typical Malaysian-style coffee shop, where you’ll be greeted by the lively chatter and scents of cooking that fill the air.

It serves up some of the best breakfast options in George Town and is a local favorite for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.

What to Order: Try the Pork Lorbak and Prawn Fritters served with chili and a thick starchy sweet-savoury sauce (lor) for dipping.

Loh Bak typically consists of marinated pork wrapped in beancurd skin and deep-fried until crispy.

Pair it with Char Kway Teow or Penang Hokkien Mee for a satisfying meal.

Why It’s Special: Known for its laid-back atmosphere, Kheng Pin features old-school booth seats and simple tables and chairs.

It’s a great place to mingle with locals while enjoying a classic Chinese breakfast.

Nam Kie Kopitiam (Best Hailam Mee in Penang)

Signature Dish: Hailam Mee and Hailam Kopi
Address: 116, Lebuh Kimberley, 10100 George Town, Penang
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)

Overview: This quaint kopitiam in the heart of George Town is a local institution.

Nam Kie is well-known for its Hailam Mee, a delicious noodle dish that’s perfect for breakfast or lunch.

The shop serves a variety of other local favorites, but the star of the show is the Hailam Mee, a flavorful dish of noodles with seafood and pork.

What to Order: Hailam Mee, paired with a refreshing glass of Hailam kopi O.

Why It’s Special: With its traditional setting and consistently excellent food quality, Nam Kie Kopitiam has become a must-visit in Penang.

It’s the go-to spot for those craving comfort food served with a side of nostalgia.

Chok Kee Porridge Cafe (Best Cantonese Porridge in Penang)

Signature Dish: Cantonese Porridge
Address: 118, Lebuh Kimberley, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Overview: If you’re craving a hearty and warming breakfast, Chok Kee Porridge Café offers some of the best Cantonese porridge in Penang.

The porridge here is thick and flavorful, often served with various organ meats or century egg.

What to Order: Their pork porridge and century egg porridge are highly recommended.

If you don’t eat pork, there is a peanut porridge option.

Why It’s Special: Chok Kee is a go-to spot for anyone who loves pork innard porridge and appreciates different types of pig organs.

The variety of textures and tastes complement the smooth mouthfeel of the porridge.

Conclusion

From dim sum at Tho Yuen to Hailam Mee at Nam Kie, Penang’s Chinese breakfasts showcase the island’s rich culinary heritage.

These spots serve more than a meal—they offer an authentic taste of Penang’s vibrant food culture.

Don’t miss the chance to experience these must-try breakfast dishes and start your day with an authentic flavor of Penang!