One evening, I typed “Xiao Long Bao Penang” into Google, half curious, half sceptical.
That search led me to a small Chinese restaurant on Campbell Street called Tak Bo Restaurant.
The modest entrance and cozy interior of Tak Bo Restaurant on Lebuh Campbell, Penang
Blog Disclosure: This blog is written independently. No compensation, free meals, payments, or services have been received from any featured establishments. All reviews are based on the editor’s personal visits with friends while exploring Penang.
It’s a shop I had walked past countless times without stopping.
Modest frontage, no loud signage, easy to overlook if you weren’t paying attention.
But once I stepped in, that was enough to make me return.
One visit became two. Then three.
Before I even began writing this, Tak Bo Restaurant had already become one of my most-visited spots in 2025.
Tak Bo grew on me, and I just found myself wandering back because the food was good.
I just liked the simple Chinese dishes.
Xiao Long Bao Dumplings
The reason Tak Bo Restaurant stays in my mind is its Xiao Long Bao.
The steamed Xiao Long Bao come in small aluminium cups, neatly arranged and holding their shape.
These are on the larger side, filled with minced pork and broth.
Bite into one carefully and the soup comes through warm and savoury.
Not excessive, not dry.
Sometimes one splits after steaming. It happens. Nobody fusses.
Steamed Xiao Long Bao with boing-boing skin at Tak Bo Restaurant, a must-try
The Fried Xiao Long Bao was the first dish I ever ordered here.
Crisp at the base, soft on top, with that contrast that makes you slow down.
This is a must-order, especially if you enjoy contrasting textures.
Crispy-bottomed Fried Xiao Long Bao, one of the standout dishes at Tak Bo Restaurant
But the dumpling I crave most is the steamed dumpling with that unmistakable boing-boing skin.
Slightly chewy, simple filling, and deeply satisfying.
These are the dumplings I miss between visits.
There are other options worth ordering too, including leek with egg fillings and fried dumpling variations.
It’s easy to turn a table here into a proper Xiao Long Bao spread without overthinking it.
Leek and egg dumplings, one of the many tasty dumpling options at Tak Bo Restaurant
Tak Bo Noodles
The Xiao Long Bao may draw you in, but the noodles are what keep you seated.
On one visit, a staff member suggested the Lanzhou Beef Noodle. I hesitated because the bowl looked generous. I’m glad I didn’t skip it.
Hand-pulled Lanzhou beef noodles at Tak Bo Restaurant—springy noodles in a rich broth
The hand-pulled noodles were thin, springy, and elastic, with a comforting broth that made the bowl easy to finish.
It’s the kind of dish that fits naturally into a Chinese Restaurant Penang menu without trying to impress.
The Sour and Spicy Noodle is another favourite.
Balanced, warming, and satisfying without being sharp or overpowering.
A good counterpoint to all the dumplings.
Comforting tomato and egg noodles, a simple yet satisfying dish at Tak Bo Restaurant
Other items
On my fifth visit, I brought my brother William along.
We ordered several plates of Xiao Long Bao, noodles, and skewers, calling it a small dumpling feast.
The skewers were simple and satisfying.
Lamb, beef, pork, bacon enoki. Smoky, juicy, and easy to keep reaching for.
Juicy lamb, beef, pork, and bacon enoki skewers served at Tak Bo Restaurant
To balance things out, we added vegetables.
Lady finger, broccoli, and a plate of garlic eggplant.
The table filled up quickly, and the conversation slowed, which is usually a good sign.
Over time, I’ve brought others here too.
Miss Lisa, who laughs every time she realises we’re back again.
Calvin, after a meeting, focused entirely on his noodles.
Danny, who ended up with takeaway passed his way.
Each visit felt easy.
Why It Works
Tak Bo Restaurant isn’t polished.
The space is casual, the service relaxed and friendly.
What stands out is consistency.
The Xiao Long Bao tastes good every time.
Prices are affordable, especially for George Town, which explains why both tourists and locals keep coming back.
It’s a Chinese Restaurant Penang that doesn’t chase trends and doesn’t need to.
It hasn’t been around forever, but it already feels settled into the neighbourhood.
If you’re searching for Xiao Long Bao Penang, or a reliable Chinese Restaurant Penang, Tak Bo Restaurant fits naturally into that list.
And that’s probably why I’ve been back so many times.
Tak Bo Restaurant
53, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10100 Penang
Google Maps
Blog Disclosure: This blog is written independently. No compensation, free meals, payments, or services have been received from any featured establishments. All reviews are based on the editor’s personal visits with friends while exploring Penang.
