Yao Ya Gan Dim Sum isn’t a place you’ll see on most Penang breakfast lists.
Ask a Penangite where to eat dim sum and you’ll probably hear the same names repeated.
But after a few disappointing visits to some old favourites, I started looking beyond the usual recommendations in George Town.
That’s how I ended up at Yao Ya Gan Dim Sum, a neighbourhood breakfast spot tucked in the housing estates between Gelugor and Batu Lanchang.
This is the kind of place where you’ll rarely spot outstation car number plates.
Most tables are filled with regulars who already know exactly what they want to order.
The funny thing?
I came expecting dim sum.
The regulars came for something else entirely.
A full table of dim sum dishes at Yao Ya Gan Dim Sum featuring chicken feet, braised pork ribs, egg tarts, shrimp dumplings, siu mai, chee cheong fun, fried rolls, and tofu.
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Is Yao Ya Gan Dim Sum Worth Visiting?
Yes, but not for the Har Gow or Siew Mai.
Yao Ya Gan is worth visiting for the steamed fish, pork ribs, fish noodles and old-school neighbourhood atmosphere.
If you arrive expecting polished hotel-style dim sum, you may leave disappointed.
But if you come knowing what this place does well, you’ll understand why locals keep returning.
Why Yao Ya Gan Has Mixed Reviews
With a modest 3.9-star Google rating, Yao Ya Gan isn’t going to please everyone.
Many complaints focus on the Har Gow and Siew Mai, and after trying them myself, I understand why.
My favourite dim sum in Penang is still Fu Er Dai, but I’m always open to discovering somewhere different.
My first visit to Yao Ya Gan was back in 2023 for a late brunch. By then, many of the popular items had already sold out.
That was when my friend Kim pointed something out.
The regulars weren’t here for the classic dim sum.
They were ordering the steamed fish and noodles.
Kim went straight for the steamed fish stomach with ginger. If you enjoy old-school Cantonese cooking with a comforting cornstarch gravy, this was something completely different from what I normally associate with a dim sum shop.
It was delicious.
Fast forward to this year, Irene visited a week earlier and couldn’t stop talking about it.
That convinced me to return so we could focus on what regulars actually order instead of simply filling the table with bamboo baskets.
And that changed the way I looked at Yao Ya Gan.
What the Regulars Actually Order
The biggest mistake is judging Yao Ya Gan by its standard dim sum.
The real attraction is everything else.
This is one of the few dim sum shops I’ve visited with its own curry mee stall. Available only three days a week, the White Curry Mee has built a loyal following alongside the steamed fish and fish noodles.
The regulars clearly know what they are doing.
They are not rushing here for the usual dim sum favourites.
They come for the dishes that have quietly kept this neighbourhood breakfast spot alive for years.
What to Order (and What to Skip)
After two visits, these are the dishes I’d order again.
The Dishes Worth Coming For
A mouthwatering spread of classic, piping-hot aromatic steamed fish—the perfect authentic breakfast experience at Yao Ya Gan Dim Sum.
Steamed Fish Head
This is the dish that changed my opinion of Yao Ya Gan. Fresh, meaty and beautifully steamed, it is easily the highlight of the meal. If you only order one thing here, make it this.
Rich, savory, and fall-off-the-bone tender—these perfectly seasoned steamed pork ribs are a classic staple you can’t skip at Yao Ya Gan Dim Sum.
Steamed Pork Ribs
Tender, flavourful and very well executed. A classic Cantonese steamed dish done properly.
Braised Chicken Feet with Chilli
Nicely braised with a gentle kick. The texture was soft without becoming overly heavy.
Char Koay Kak (Radish Cake)
A comforting choice that feels familiar and satisfying.
Fish Noodles
Another dish the regulars seem to love. This is not something you usually expect to find at a dim sum restaurant, but it is one of the reasons people keep coming back.
What I’d Skip
Har Gow
This is probably the dish that disappoints visitors the most. The prawns lacked the freshness and texture I would expect from a good har gow.
Siew Mai
Similar story. It was acceptable, but not something I’d return for.
A spoonful of pure comfort—warm, rich, and flavorful thick soup to perfectly balance your meal at Yao Ya Gan Dim Sum.
Shark Fin Soup
Far too thick and starchy for my liking.
Fried Stuffed Banana
My biggest regret of the morning. It was oily, soggy and had lost the crisp texture that makes fried dim sum enjoyable.
One dish I still haven’t managed to try is the Loh Mai Kai.
Regulars told me they still prepare it the old-fashioned way, with slices of egg and char siew filling inside the glutinous rice. Unfortunately, it had already sold out by the time we arrived.
So if this is on your must-try list, arrive early.
The Experience
Yao Ya Gan occupies two converted terrace houses, sharing the street with Sebai Thai Food Restaurant and Soon Lai Seafood.
Its location is only a few minutes after crossing the First Penang Bridge, making it a convenient breakfast stop if you’re arriving on the island hungry!
The restaurant is semi open-air with no air conditioning. On humid mornings, it can feel quite warm because there aren’t many fans and the cross ventilation is limited.
We arrived around 10.20am on a weekday and the place was already packed.
Surprisingly, there are no order cards and no push carts.
Simply pick what you want, and eat.
When you finish, the staff counts your empty plates before you pay.
Cash only, so come prepared.
Parking is free but limited. We parked a short walk away without blocking any driveways.
Our breakfast for two, including a pot of Siew Yet Kang Chinese tea with free hot water refills, came to just RM53.
For the quality of the steamed dishes, that is excellent value.
One thing to note is that drinks are limited to Chinese tea. If you’re hoping for kopi or fresh juice, you’ll need to grab that somewhere else afterwards.
Before You Go
Yao Ya Gan isn’t the place I’d recommend for textbook Har Gow or Siew Mai, but that isn’t why locals fill the tables every morning.
Come for the steamed fish, pork ribs and fish noodles instead. These are the dishes that keep people coming back, and after two visits, I can understand why.
I’ll just make sure to arrive earlier next time because I’m still determined to finally get my hands on that old-school Loh Mai Kai.
Frequently Asked Questions
Old-school vibes and endless choices—picking out your favorite morning bites straight from the bustling counter at Yao Ya Gan Dim Sum.
Is Yao Ya Gan Dim Sum worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you know what to order. The steamed fish, pork ribs and fish noodles are the dishes that make this neighbourhood dim sum shop worth visiting. The Har Gow and Siew Mai are not the highlights.
What are the best dishes at Yao Ya Gan Dim Sum?
The steamed fish, steamed pork ribs, fish noodles and Loh Mai Kai are the dishes worth trying. Arrive early if you want a better chance of getting the popular items.
Does Yao Ya Gan Dim Sum accept cards?
No. Payment is cash only.
What time should I visit Yao Ya Gan Dim Sum?
Arrive before 9.30am if you want a better chance of getting popular dishes like Loh Mai Kai.
Yao Ya Gan Dim Sum
Address: 3, Lintang Batu, Taman Gelugor, 11600 Jelutong, Penang
Operating Hours: 6:00am to 2:00pm (Closed Wednesdays)
Best Time to Visit: Before 9:30am if you want the best chance of getting Loh Mai Kai.
Payment:
Cash only.
Drinks:
Chinese tea only. No coffee or fruit juices.
SmartDory Tip:
Don’t judge Yao Ya Gan by its Har Gow. The regulars are here for the steamed fish, pork ribs and noodles.
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.
