Tek Sen Restaurant

Chinese restaurant · George Town ·

Tek Sen Restaurant

Chinese restaurant · George Town ·

Cantonese & Malaysian-Chinese fare: double-roasted pork, tofu

Information

18, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Get directions

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

"Chinese couplets on the wall and red table cloths give the clean, simple room a festive vibe. This no-frills joint has won the hearts of serious foodies since 1965 with its well-made traditional Cantonese fare and fusion creations with a local twist. Deep-fried homemade tofu in an egg white glaze with prawns and dried scallops is a must. Dishes seasoned with assam tumis or sambal are also worth trying. Expect a long queue at peak hours." - Michelin Inspector

https://guide.michelin.com/en/pulau-pinang/my-george-town/restaurant/teksen

Teksen Restaurant

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur and Penang: 97 Restaurants Shine in the First Edition, Including 4 MICHELIN Stars

"A no-frills joint beloved for traditional Cantonese fare and fusion creations with a local twist, it sees long queues at peak hours for deep-fried homemade tofu and dishes seasoned with assam tumis or sambal." - MICHELIN Guide Asia

https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/news-and-views/michelin-guide-kuala-lumpur-penang-malaysia-2023

Tek Sen Restaurant

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

Savoring the Flavors of Penang - AFAR

"A family-run restaurant serving Chinese-rooted home-style dishes, recommended for plates such as deep-fried tofu with fermented bean sauce and stir-fried potato leaves with prawns." - AFAR

https://www.afar.com/magazine/savoring-the-flavors-of-penang

Tek Sen Restaurant

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

The 17 Best Restaurants in George Town, Malaysia | Eater

"In a city with very, very good food, Tek Sen just might hold the title of the best restaurant in town. Dating back to 1965, the menu is a virtual crash-course in Penang-style Chinese and Baba-Nyonya (a mix of indigenous and Chinese cooking styles and ingredients) dishes. You can’t really go wrong here, but favorites include the double-cooked roast pork with chili padi, stir-fried sweet potato leaves with sambal belecan (fermented shrimp paste) and shrimp, and assam pedas, a tart soup with stingray. Be sure to order a glass of the the house-made drink made from nutmeg syrup. Open for lunch and dinner, closed Tuesdays; be prepared to queue. [$$ - $$$]" - Austin Bush

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-george-town-malaysia

Eater - Lists + Maps

Tek Sen Restaurant

@cntraveler

42,481 Postcards · 5,683 Cities

Penang is Asia's Next Great Foodie City

"Tek Sen Restaurant is packed to the rafters with trendy young locals and serves electrifyingly tasty Malaysian-Chinese food, including caramelized double-roasted pork with chilies and homemade tofu with scallops and prawns."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/penang-is-asias-next-great-foodie-city

Teksen Restaurant

Holly

Google

Best Chinese food I've had. We ordered the double roasted pork in chilli which was unlike any pork dish we have had before from a Chinese restaurant. The crispy chicken with sour plum sauce, sambal water spinach, fried rice and sweet and sour pork were also delicious. Arrived at 5pm and there was a long line already but got seated at about 6:15, was glad the food was so good after waiting in the heat- made it worth it.

Sean S.

Google

What is a double roast pork? Today I just had it. It is actually shaorou (roast pork) slided to bite size and they fried with char siew sauce. Almost every table has it cos it's delicious. Just this and one bowl of rice is actually good enough. But then, there is the super delicious n soft n fresh asam stingray also. The world treat me really well as i get to eat so delicious food. Even the lime juice is nice and ordered an extra one cos I am trying to recover from diarrhea (from the not so good mussel from the nonya seafood buffet on genting cruise) This place opens at 1130am, we reached at 1140am and already full. Joined the queue and stood for 40min watching you tube. Those who are even later will need to queue in the sun, cos the queue stretches out of the sheltered walkway. So, next time I will come at 1115am, so that I can be on the first seating. The Michelin shop is worth the wait. The staff all efficient and fair, and also ask if we are ok to share table, which cut down waiting time too. Will come back for sure!!!!

Jung G.

Google

The food is excellent, it's definitely worth the wait if you haven't tried it yet. The staff is courteous and efficient. We had The roast pork with chilly, braised pork trotter, mapo tofu and pea shoots with garlic for a table of 4. Most dishes come in 2 serving sizes, small and large. We ordered 4 dishes so we we're recommended to get the small serve, which were enough for us, since we're not big eaters. However we thought we could have polished a bigger serving of the pea shoots. Everything was delicious, I can't think of anything bad to say. They also accept card payments for those who are wondering.

RACHEL N.

Google

Recommended by a friend to try this place and it did not disappoint. The queue gets crazy after opening hours, but they’re quite systematic and food is served quickly after ordering. We had the curry stingray — well worth it, with meaty pieces and very satisfying. The beancurd was soft with a nice sauce, and the kangkong was delicious; the sambal wasn’t overpowering and had a very fragrant aroma. There were just two of us, so we couldn’t order more to try. Will revisit if I come back to Penang, and would definitely recommend giving this place a try.

Penny S.

Google

This restaurant was recommended by the boss of a massage parlour, who told us that there’s usually a queue. Luckily, when we arrived around 12.30pm on a Sunday, we managed to get a table without waiting. This 60-year-old restaurant serves simple yet heartfelt dishes, all packed with flavour and that unmistakable wok hei. The prices are reasonable too. Here’s what we ordered: • Steamed egg – silky smooth, almost like tau fu fa. • Home recipe double roast pork (招牌火肉) – cut into small pieces with excellent flavour. • Deep-fried chicken with umeboshi sauce (梅子鸡) – tender chicken paired with a sweet and sour sauce; delicious, though the portion wasn’t quite enough for the six of us. • Stir-fried seasonal vegetables with Judas’ ear fungus and egg. • Deep-fried homemade tofu topped with prawns, dried scallops, and egg white. • Stir-fried pea shoots with garlic. By the time we finished our meal, a long queue had already formed outside — a clear sign of how popular this place is.

cavin D.

Google

A very good restaurant, the food is as good as what everyone is raving about. Be sure to make a booking or else be prepared to wait. The queues started way before 5pm. We got a few of their signature dishes, very happy with the meal. Another positive was that the food came out altogether.

리롱즈

Google

I’ve experienced exceptional food and service. Although this is my third trip to Penang, I only discovered this place during my second visit—and now, it’s become a must-visit spot every time I return. The Char Siew Bak is a signature dish that you absolutely must try, and every tofu dish I’ve had here has been delicious and gentle on the stomach. What truly sets this place apart is the care they show for special requests. I’m currently undergoing health treatment, and the staff have always been incredibly attentive to my dietary needs, which makes me trust and appreciate this restaurant even more. My whole family was satisfied with our experience here. Even the staff were warm and professional, and the service was top-notch. It’s the kind of place that’s absolutely worth lining up for. If I come back to Penang again, I’ll definitely be returning to this restaurant

Alvin T.

Google

Great place for family and large group gatherings. Do make reservation in advance, if not prepare for a long queue especially towards the weekend. Food is served quite quickly after ordering, and you can really taste the wok hei (breath of wok) from all the dishes cooked. I would highly recommend having the double roasted pork with chili padi (spicy level would be similar to eating spicy potato chips, even my kids could handle the spice level), deep fried homemade tofu with prawn, scallop and egg white topping (very good for family that have young children), stir fried kang kong with sambal sauce and prawn, and deep fried chicken with sour plum sauce. I and the nutmeg squash which pairs very well if you have many oily dishes. This is a place I will definitely return to if I come back to Penang again.

Gary Y.

Yelp

There is likely going to be a wait for Tek Sen but it's absolutely worth it. Food here is reasonably priced and everything is good. The nice thing is they are really efficient at turning the tables so likely the line will move quickly. Only minor gripe is the restaurant is open air to the outside so if it's really hot outside, it won't be that much cooler on the inside.

Daniel K.

Yelp

This is a very good food joint. Very simple atmosphere. Service is a bit disjointed but friendly and efficient. Food is very well executed. This is a joint worth checking out.

Jocelyn A.

Yelp

One of my top 5 favorite restaurants in Penang. There is always a line, especially at dinner, but they move tables through very quickly. I'd recommend the fried chicken with sour plum sauce and the homemade egg tofu. Be sure to look at the specials menu (written on a whiteboard in Mandarin). The braised duck special with yams is the best thing on the menu if they have it! The ambiance is typical of Penang, chaotic and a bit hot. The place is clean though and the staff is friendly enough.

Cecilia L.

Yelp

Highly recommend going early or a time when the que is less. I tried calling but no answer. Service is fast, food is great!

Joanna K.

Yelp

The correct time for this restaurant open for dinner is 5:30 PM. We arrive at 5:45 PM already has a long line. We waited 45 minutes to be sit down. Waiting to order and food on table is another 45 minutes. Is it worth it? Yes. We ordered tofu, chicken, egg plants and shrimp. Food is good and cheap.

Michael B.

Yelp

What an experience. The short wait outside was really entertaining, just watching the lady in charge discuss and control the situation. Also, we were supposed to make choices from the menu while waiting, so the 15 min wait Saturday night at 7 was nothing. The menu has a lot to offer, but so many reviews points to the Double Roasted Pork, so we had to try. Also the Stingray Curry was recommended and finally we went for the Pak Choi w shrimps and garlic. We found this a perfect composition, each part standing in its own right. Volume perfect for two people. The food is somewhat spicy, which makes you appreciate the large Tiger beer for sharing even more. When you are done eating, you should leave. More people are waiting to come in, and the floor manager is very diligent about getting your pay and seeing you out, but it's only fair and only performed in a kind manner. We completely understand the great ratings given to Tek Sek and were not in doubt about the 5 stars.

Kevin C.

Yelp

We have traveled the world and ate at all types of Chinese restaurants in different countries. But the best Chinese food we have ever eaten was at this unassuming casual open-door restaurant in Penang, Malaysia. Probably the food here is better than most high-end restaurants in the world. I don't mind going back to Penang just to be able to eat at this restaurant again.

Lisa O.

Yelp

Excellent eats! Order the double roasted pork! You'll want to return for more! 5 star

Pornteera I.

Yelp

Amazing local food and services ! The line is moving fast and the restaurant is always packed, but definitely worth the wait.

S W.

Yelp

First meal in Panag, our driver (Grab) recommended this to us since it's close to our hotel. We dropped our bags off and came here right away. It was very busy lunch time but we managed to get a table right away near the cash desk. Restaurant clean, service was quick and food was really good. We ordered several dishes to share and even had Chrysanthemums tea! Yum ! We ordered: * Mar pa Tofu * veggies sautéed * soup of the day Everything was so tasty we had to refill the white rice! if I am ever in Panag again I would come back

Gaby D.

Yelp

This place was recommended to us by our friend who is a Penang local. He brought us to this restaurant for dinner on our first night in Georgetown. The food was excellent and the flavours are on point. I enjoyed the stir fried pork dish that tasted like candied bacon. The stingray curry was also very good, and a local delicacy. Also one can't possibly go wrong with the sweet and sour fish which was very well made. I will definitely be back!

Clarence J.

Yelp

Tek Sen definitely met my expectations after hearing friends rave about it! The menu had a wide range of options, and the food -- at least the few things I tried -- was excellent across the board. The lively and bustling restaurant has a very simple, straightforward, and well-worn atmosphere. I found the staff to be friendly while also brusque and businesslike -- basically wanting to welcome new guests in and have us enjoy wonderful food, while also wanting us to finish expeditiously in order to make room for more from the waiting crowd of hopeful diners. If you don't make a reservation, join the scrum of people in front of the restaurant and try to work your way to the hostess who'll be mixed into the middle of the front of the crowd. Fair warning that it seemed like among those without a reservation singletons and pairs have an easier time being seated quickly due to the number of small tables around the sides of the restaurant. One note: I was a bit frustrated by a lady who sat herself down at my table, asked what I'd ordered, had the waiter bring a menu to her, confirmed what I'd ordered, asked what size plates I'd ordered, and then departed in a huff after I stated that I had ordered the smaller (medium) size plates. No, I did not know her, nor was it one of -those- situations. Apparently, she just walked into the crowded restaurant -- I'm assuming the staff did not send her my way -- and thought she could get a free meal from the person sitting on his own.

Ada L.

Yelp

While this restaurant is touted as a "local" favorite, judging from all the signage and people in line, it's mainly tourists. I doubt very many locals eat here except on a special occasion, because many people we talked to, including the driver, had never heard of this place. And I can see why, dishes here, in comparison to even the other restaurant down the corner, are very expensive and portions are quite small. Soups are also individually portioned, not family style sharing. All that said, the food is actually quite good. It was the best I had in Penang (but that's not saying much since I was only a short stay visitor). It was the type of clean, clear cooking that suited my palate, especially after all the daily extra oily, spicy, heavily seasoned hawker eats. On the other hand, service and the whole ambiance was a bit offensive and rushed, waiting in line wasn't pleasant either. They know they're popular, and there's a long line to prove it, so they just don't bother being nice to you since they know you'll wait. Unlike the rest of Penang where I found the Malaysian hospitality quite endearing, they don't bother with it here. Try the belacan chicken wings. Not oily at all, and not salty like you'd expect. Crispy on the outside, still moist on the inside.

Chely May R.

Yelp

When in Penang food seems to just come to you at every corner and everything tastes better than the one before. With street food being so cheap why bother going to a sit down restaurant? As the previous Yelpers has mentioned, it can be really nice to actually sit down at a 'restaurant' after a full day of just 'hawking' at various street stalls. Plus, the food at Tek Sen is so good, it is definitely a must eat in Penang. When asking a few locals about this place, we received a few confused look and not a lot of people appear to know it. Although I imagine it's probably more to do with the price range rather than the quality ( prices at Tek Sen is more expensive than other local eats although still cheap for tourist standard) When we arrived at Tek Sen there definitely was no shortage of queue and the tables kept filling up. As I said the dishes were all definitely winners. And it is definitely a must try restaurant in Penang

Ana C.

Yelp

I am so excited to be the first to review Tek Sen on Yelp. This place has been written about in multiple food guides and is a local favorite. Despite the popularity, the quality has remained unchanged and the food is amazingly delicious. My first few days in Malaysia were filled with yummy food but none that "blew my socks off" until we came to Tek Sen. Just the thought of their double roasted pork makes my mouth drool... Their menu is in English and Chinese, and they also have daily specials but those are written on the wall in Chinese only. Food: 5/5 You absolutely must get the double roasted pork with chili padi! It is sweet and sticky, crunchy and goey and absolutely delicious!! Go for the large portion because you will devour the whole thing. We also had their specialty fish curry (with sting ray) and it was tasty, but it is a very different type of curry, it was more on the sour side which I loved but my husband didn't. Also recommended is anything with sambal sauce and also the stir-fried bitter gourd with egg. If you are unsure what to order, the menu has helpfully marked their most popular dishes but you can also just ask the waiter. Service: 3/5 Standard Asian service. The staff are efficient and friendly, but they are not going to come to your table to check on how you are doing. Atmosphere: 4/5 After days of eating at hawker stalls, I was totally ready to sit down in a restaurant and have my order taken. It is very clean and they recently expanded, as from the outside there is still a sign for the previous cafe there. Value: 4/5 This will be more expensive than eating at hawker stalls, and perhaps you are paying for the comfort of having your food served to you but it is totally worth the price. The food is so delicious and one that I would highly recommend! That pork has secured a spot on my list of "best thing I ever ate" TIP: Come early or late (but definitely not around 7-8pm) because it is always packed!

Harry K.

Yelp

Just flew in Penang and was recommended this place. It was so good only tried deep fried tofu w shrimp (A+, just umami), Mapo tofu(A, super flavorful), double roast pork w chili (B, like candied bacon bbq flavor), and soup of the day (A, just nourishing hearty). I'd recommend to anyone.

Yu H.

Yelp

A long queue when I brought my parents out to dinner there last night. We came early but latecomers were ushered in first. Rule to serve customers is always first come first serve basis. I complain about it, they did apologise for the inconvenience but they really need to improve their service. If the table is empty already, why still let the customers waiting outside and queue? what's the point? Barbecue pork, kangkung with belacan, homemade tofu are their signature dishes. Really nice, spicy and flavoury.

Rob R.

Yelp

Good place, but is super crowded! It's definitely a tourist spot now, but we definitely enjoyed our experience there. Our favorite was a double braised pork dish - it was like candied bacon!!

Kim R.

Yelp

Okay this totally lives up to the reviews. Delicious! We heard about it from our taxi driver in Singapore and he said his friend had the best food in Penang. Sure...... but this place was divine. The restaurant was jam packed but our group of four got in within five minutes. Do yourself a favor and have the double pork with the padi. And make it the XL size. You're gonna wish you had. It is sweet and crunchy and almost tastes like candy. The vegetable dish was really perfect. Fresh vegetables with a light sauce that let the veggies shine. Nothing overpowering. I wish we'd tried this the first night we got to Penang instead of the last! But I'll be back for sure!

Willie O.

Yelp

This famous and popular restaurant. Recommend you book it's always busy home cooked style Malaysian dishes.

Mike C.

Yelp

Consistently serving great local favorites. Try their home made tofu with scallops, twice cooked pork, and belacan chicken, and kangkong belacan. Pomfret fish curry was okay but not worth its 38rm price. Come early as this place always full.

Jess R.

Yelp

Highly recommended for an authentic family style meal in town! Come early to avoid the long queues.

Debbie D.

Yelp

Wonderful, tasty Chinese food at reasonable prices! My friend & I enjoyed our final supper meal in Penang with takeout. We had steamed soy sauce fish, fried pea green shoots & steamed preserved egg & pork dish with rice for only 60 ringgit. The portion sizes of the dish were perfect for the two of us. I would definitely recommend this restaurant!

Eli L.

Yelp

Welcome to the house of Arrogance, Rudeness and Unfriendly Customer service! The anti-Penang Hospitality Restaurant. If you wish to be treated with disrespect, hurry and make your way here! Stand in line and then get your dose of arrogance plus a heap of bad manners! That what this restaurant is about. I am a local Penangite and would never again go to this restaurant even if you pay me to do it. Their food is good but you can find equally good food at other joints where they appreciate you giving them the business. Be warned!!! Should be negative stars if I could give them that!

Annie Y.

Yelp

Super good, highly recommended to do a reservation before you go, else the queue is Super Long especially on weekend. I like the 梅菜扣肉 and 火肉 very much a

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

https://guide.michelin.com/en/pulau-pinang/my-george-town/restaurant/teksen

Teksen Restaurant

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur and Penang: 97 Restaurants Shine in the First Edition, Including 4 MICHELIN Stars

https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/news-and-views/michelin-guide-kuala-lumpur-penang-malaysia-2023

Tek Sen Restaurant

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

Savoring the Flavors of Penang - AFAR

"A family-run restaurant serving Chinese-rooted home-style dishes, recommended for plates such as deep-fried tofu with fermented bean sauce and stir-fried potato leaves with prawns." - AFAR

https://www.afar.com/magazine/savoring-the-flavors-of-penang

Tek Sen Restaurant

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

The 17 Best Restaurants in George Town, Malaysia | Eater

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-george-town-malaysia

Eater - Lists + Maps

Tek Sen Restaurant

@cntraveler

42,481 Postcards · 5,683 Cities

Penang is Asia's Next Great Foodie City

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/penang-is-asias-next-great-foodie-city

Teksen Restaurant

Holly

Google

Sean S.

Google

Jung G.

Google

RACHEL N.

Google

Penny S.

Google

cavin D.

Google

리롱즈

Google

Alvin T.

Google

Gary Y.

Yelp

Daniel K.

Yelp

This is a very good food joint. Very simple atmosphere. Service is a bit disjointed but friendly and efficient. Food is very well executed. This is a joint worth checking out.

Jocelyn A.

Yelp

Cecilia L.

Yelp

Highly recommend going early or a time when the que is less. I tried calling but no answer. Service is fast, food is great!

Joanna K.

Yelp

Michael B.

Yelp

Kevin C.

Yelp

Lisa O.

Yelp

Excellent eats! Order the double roasted pork! You'll want to return for more! 5 star

Pornteera I.

Yelp

Amazing local food and services ! The line is moving fast and the restaurant is always packed, but definitely worth the wait.

S W.

Yelp

Gaby D.

Yelp

Clarence J.

Yelp

Ada L.

Yelp

Chely May R.

Yelp

Ana C.

Yelp

Harry K.

Yelp

Yu H.

Yelp

Rob R.

Yelp

Good place, but is super crowded! It's definitely a tourist spot now, but we definitely enjoyed our experience there. Our favorite was a double braised pork dish - it was like candied bacon!!

Kim R.

Yelp

Willie O.

Yelp

This famous and popular restaurant. Recommend you book it's always busy home cooked style Malaysian dishes.

Mike C.

Yelp

Jess R.

Yelp

Highly recommended for an authentic family style meal in town! Come early to avoid the long queues.

Debbie D.

Yelp

Eli L.

Yelp

Annie Y.

Yelp

Super good, highly recommended to do a reservation before you go, else the queue is Super Long especially on weekend. I like the 梅菜扣肉 and 火肉 very much a

Tek Sen Restaurant

Information

Postcards

Media

MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur and Penang: 97 Restaurants Shine in the First Edition, Including 4 MICHELIN Stars

Savoring the Flavors of Penang - AFAR

The 17 Best Restaurants in George Town, Malaysia | Eater

Penang is Asia's Next Great Foodie City

You might also like

MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur and Penang: 97 Restaurants Shine in the First Edition, Including 4 MICHELIN Stars

Savoring the Flavors of Penang - AFAR

The 17 Best Restaurants in George Town, Malaysia | Eater

Penang is Asia's Next Great Foodie City