It’s a hard-to-swallow truth, but Penang is not the only food haven in the world. There’s Bangkok, Tokyo, Italy… and of course the land of boba, Taiwan! Home to many famous delicacies such as Braised Pork Rice and Beef Noodle Soup, Taiwan is a foodie’s dream destination for lip-smacking food & snacks. However, it’s 2972 km away from our country, so going there is a problem. Well, you don’t need to, because there are many Taiwanese restaurants here in Penang that serve the same delicacies which are cooked and prepared most authentically. So wait no more, let’s get into it!
10 Taiwanese Restaurants You Can Find In Penang
1. Bei Tou Squid Snack
A franchise that took Penang by storm! The restaurant chain is named after the Beitou district in Taiwan, where it’s known for its fragrant minced pork rice. Therefore, Bei Tou Squid Snack took that opportunity and recreated this delicious Taiwanese dish, just like the real thing. Patrons can pair their minced pork rice with side dishes of their choice. Our favourite is the Yu Xiang Braised Eggplant! Moreover, their Spicy Chao Shou, Thickened Coated Pork, and Bubble Milk Tea are also worth mentioning.
Bayan Lepas branch
Address: 29-1-29, The Golden Triangle, Jln Paya Terubung, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang
Operating hours: 11:30 am – 4.00 pm; 5.00pm – 9:15 pm (Mon-Fri), 11.30am – 9.15pm (Weekend)
Karpal Singh branch
Address: 22, Persiaran Karpal Singh 2, 11600 Jelutong, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 11:30 am – 4.00 pm; 5.00pm – 9:15 pm (Mon-Fri), 11.30am – 9.15pm (Weekend)
Ayer Itam branch
Address: No. 6H-1-18, All Seasons Place, Lebuhraya Thean Tiek, Bandar Baru Ayer Itam, 11500, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 11:30 am – 4.00 pm; 5.00pm – 9:15 pm (Mon-Fri), 11.30am – 9.15pm (Weekend)
2. Osmanthus Alley
This family-owned restaurant is located right beside the popular weekend market, Hin Market. Sip away on their flavourful Beef Noodle Soup, paired with tender beef meat drenched in a rich and slightly spicy broth. Furthermore, another dish worth mentioning is their Stir Fried Spicy Vermicelli, which has a funny Chinese name which literally translates to ‘ants climbing a tree’. It is cooked using stringy vermicelli, meat, garlic, chilli, ginger and bean paste to achieve its spicy & strong taste.
Address: 59, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 11.00 am–3:30 pm, 5:30–9.00 pm (Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays)
3. Taiwanese Palace 第一臺
A restaurant in Penang that makes you feel like in Taiwan? I want! Taiwanese Palace is so famous among the residents of Bukit Mertajam that they have opened two other branches on Penang island. They offer a feast of authentic Taiwanese delights such as Mixed Mee Sua, Taiwanese Style Fried Chicken, and 3-Cup Chicken. After your meal, you can even wash it all down with a refreshing bowl of Red Bean Taroball Milk Ice, which is milk-infused shaved ice topped with chewy taroballs.
Bukit Mertajam branch
Address: 635, Lorong Nenas, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 11:30 am – 3 :00pm, 5:30pm – 10:00pm (Closed on Mondays)
Bayan Lepas branch
Address: 11-G, Persiaran Bayan Indah, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 11:30 am – 2 :30pm, 5:30pm – 9:00pm (Closed on Mondays)
George Town branch
Address: 11-G, Persiaran Bayan Indah, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 254, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
4. 台好甲 Tai Ho Jiak
If you’re not fluent in Hokkien, Tai Ho Jiak actually means “too delicious” and it best describes what this Taiwanese restaurant has to offer. They are known for their set rice and solo hotpot where you can choose your own soup base and ingredients. For small bites, their Signature Bun is a must-try with its scrumptious crispiness and soft, sweet mantou bun.
Address: 112D, Jalan Burma, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 11.00am – 10.00pm (Daily)
5. The Little House Kochabi
This place really reminds us of home, because the owners prepare heartwarming meals for anyone stepping into their shop. Their set meals include a soup and a side dish, with a lot of delicious choices such as Pork Knuckle Vinegar, Huadiao Wine Steamed Chicken and Taiwan Chicken Chop. Patrons can also pick between rice and noodles. Moreover, fill up any remaining emptiness with their indulgent Fried Sweet Potato.
Address: 195, Jalan Bunga Cempaka, Kampung Kastam, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 11:00am – 3:00pm; 5:30pm – 9:00pm (Closed on Mondays & Thursdays)
6. Taiwanese Beef Noodle
Nestled in the town of Bukit Mertajam, this humble little shop serves amazing Beef Noodles that tastes as authentic as the ones you get in Taiwan. A steaming bowl of rich beef broth, filled with tender braised beef, green vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, awaits all patrons as they dine there. Its soup is strong in terms of beef flavour, accompanied by a symphony of spices to provide that deep broth. Best paired with their signature crispy-licious potstickers!
Address: 44, Jalan Datuk Ooh Chooi Cheng, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 10:00 am – 3:30 pm, 5:30pm – 9:00 pm
7. Chu Bee Taste of Home
Enter this homely abode for a hearty Taiwanese and Chinese style meal. “Chu Bee” actually means the taste of home in Teochew, promising its patrons a taste of home in every bite of their food. Try out their Pork Belly Bun while you’re there, and have a satisfying bite of its juicy meat wrapped in a light and slightly sweet mantou bun. You can also opt for their Western special, Spaghetti Bolognese if you’re more of a noodle person.
Address: 5, Jalan Masjid, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm (Daily)
8. Taiwan Kochabi
When Penangites think of Taiwanese food, this will be the first spot to pop up in our minds. Taiwan Kochabi has been around for years, and many praised it for its food quality and taste, but we praise it for its VARIETY. From the all-time favourite Beef Noodle Soup to Kimchi Pork Rice (we know that’s not exactly Taiwanese ─.─||), they have almost everything you’d crave for in an Asian restaurant. Also, extra hint: try their Taro Milk Tea!
Photo: Olivia Yan (Google Maps)
Address: 229, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10500 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 11:30 am–9:00 pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
9. Mr. Wu Taiwan Restaurant
Are you a fan of Taiwanese Mee Sua? Well, you have come to the right place. Mr Wu makes some of the best Mee Sua in Penang, infused with the briny essence of huge and fresh oysters. Their bento meals are also customer favourites as they include braised pork rice with crispy pork chop and veggie side dishes. So you’ll feel extra full after this!
Address: 72-1-50, Jalan Mahsuri, Bandar Sunway Tunas, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, 5:00pm – 9:00 pm (Daily)
10. Tam Chiiak 吃货
Still tam chiiak (greedy) for Taiwanese food? Let Tam Chiiak take care of that! This food joint has menu full of Taiwanese delights, ranging from their signature Giant Fried Chicken Chop to everyone’s favourite Bubble Milk Tea. Furthermore, you can try out one of Taiwan’s well-known snacks: Flaky Scallion Pancake, which you can choose to pair with egg or corn.
Address: 6972, Jalan Raja Uda, Taman Merbau Jaya, 12300 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 11:00am – 9:00pm (Closed on Mondays)
So Ho Chiak That You Gotta Try!
Travelling to Taiwan is definitely not a daily occurence, but Penangites can always satisfy their cravings for Taiwanese food right here. Head on over to these 10 restaurants and see which one reminds you the most about Taiwan in terms of food and ambience. Tell us all about it, right in the comment section. See you later, Foodies!
Also read: Top 10 Best Char Koay Teow In Penang (2024 Guide)
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