Penang 2011 - Lunch at Tek Sen Restaurant

We landed in Penang around noon time, and by the time we checked into the hotel we were really hungry. There are of course no lack of eating places in Penang, but looking for a good one with a hungry stomach is not something I would recommend - especially with 2 hungry kids in tow. We were more like ready to jump into any shop that looks half decent.

Fortunately our hotel was right next to the Old Town, and it didn't take us long to locate one that is full of people - a sure sign of a good place. And we lucked out. Without even trying, we ended up in Tek Seng Restaurant - one of the most renown "Chu Char" (a restuarant specializing in wok-fried dishes) restaurants in Penang. It was a bit confusing, as the large sign outside said Jin Beng Coffee Shop, while the smaller signboard inside said Tek Sen. Apparently they had moved from their earlier location just a few doors down along Carnovan Street just around a year ago.

They still use these iron stools which I haven't seen in ages.


We ordered a few dishes to go with rice. They were all excellent.

The stand out was this Char Siew Bak - roast pork that is fried with soy sauce and some sugar. It is like bacon candy - really delicious.

Another really good dish was the Sambal Prawn - very rich spicy flavours, and the prawns were fresh and succulent.

Tek Seng is highly recommended for the excellent food and great ambiance. Here you are rubbing shoulders with the locals while enjoying great food at reasonable prices. What more can you ask for ?