Located in the vibrant heart of George Town, Penang, Chao Xuan Restaurant offers an authentic and soul-satisfying dive into Teochew cuisine that both locals and travelers cherish. This Michelin Guide recommended gem specializes in comforting traditional dishes that evoke the warmth and nostalgia of homemade meals, served in a cozy setting that beautifully reflects yesteryear charm with its nostalgic décor, natural air wells, and plenty of soft natural light.
Chao Xuan’s menu is a heartfelt celebration of Teochew flavors, with popular offerings such as the generous Teow Chew Porridge Set complete with seven side dishes, delivering a wholesome and deeply satisfying meal that is both hearty and delicate. Diners rave about this classic, with its comforting warmth and well-balanced flavors making it the perfect solace on a hot Penang day, as one happy guest discovered while wandering along Malay Street.
For those craving something rich and flavorful, the Char Siew Braised Pork Rice and the Kong Bak Braised Pork Rice come highly recommended, each served with a choice of beverage like a soothing Iced Milk Tea or the refreshing and familiar taste of Coca-Cola. The fragrant aroma of these braised pork dishes prepares the palate for tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat paired with perfectly seasoned rice that lingers with every bite.
Beyond mains, Chao Xuan’s snacks and beverages offer delightful moments of indulgence. Their Kaya Butter Toast and Peanut Butter Toast provide a sweet, buttery crunch backed by nostalgic flavors, perfect companions to their signature Teh Peng — an iced milk tea beloved for its smooth, creamy taste that refreshes in Penang’s tropical heat. Don’t miss the variety of traditional kuih that line the menu, from soft, tender chai kueh to the crunchy, flavorful guang qiang fried kuih, each bite a testament to authentic, lovingly prepared Teochew heritage.
Customers often remark on the welcoming, air-conditioned environment—a cool refuge during the island’s warm days—and the friendly, attentive service that makes every visit feel personal and memorable. The limited parking means locals tend to arrive on foot or by Grab, which adds to the casual, neighborhood atmosphere that suits Chao Xuan perfectly.
Whether you’re a Teochew food enthusiast or someone eager to explore Penang’s renowned culinary tapestry, Chao Xuan Restaurant offers more than a meal—it serves a genuine connection to traditional flavors, generous portions, and heartfelt memories with every dish. A visit here is more than recommended; it promises a rich, sensory journey into the essence of Penang’s authentic Teochew cuisine.
Contact Information:
Address: 90, Lebuh Melayu, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 12-561 9171
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海风一样的自由
15/12/2025
Comfort food, authentic teow chew food and big portion as well! luckily I saw it on grab that it was michelin guide back in 2024 and give it a try at the restaurant
Joanne Teo
03/11/2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐ As a Teochew, I was excited to try Teochew cuisine in Penang — and it didn’t disappoint! The yam cake, pulut hitam, and kuang jiang were all delicious. The peach-shaped dumpling was quite different from what I’m used to, but still tasty and unique. The café has a lovely nostalgic vibe with charming yesteryear décor. I especially appreciated the air well and the natural light coming in through the ceiling — a nice touch that adds to the ambiance. A must-visit for anyone who enjoys Teochew food and heritage experiences!
Yong Chieh Gooi
21/10/2025
We bumped into this place as we were walking along Malay Street and looking for food. Whilst it was a very hot day, we somehow had cravings for hot porridge and that was what caught our attention. The Teochew porridge set was big, more than enough to fit one big person. And it tasted good too. The kuih and coffee, and other non Teochew porridge dishes were above average. Good place to eat but it can get pretty warm inside on a hot day.
Cathy Food
14/10/2025
I love Chao Xuan Teochew restaurant! My favorite is the 卤拼盘 with duck, tofu, egg, and pork belly . It’s very flavorful and tastes just like my grandma’s cooking — unforgettable! Highly recommended for anyone who loves Teochew food. The chai kueh was soft and tender, really yummy . My favorite part was the Guang Qiang, a fried kuih — crunchy, tasty, and so good that I took some home! The fried noodles came in a big portion, and the coffee was served in a big cup . The only downside is the toilet, which I don’t recommend. But I will definitely come back soon!
Polly Ning (新加坡房产优选)
11/10/2025
Penang is the food paradise, but I decided to have my first meal at Chai Xuan. Cosy restaurant with nice deco and very cooling in such a hot day. I ordered the porridge set so it is not that filling and I can still try other food later. The kuih look delicious, may try it tomorrow.
HonWee Lau
14/09/2025
Firstly, the place has limited parking slots. If you stay nearby, recommend you to walk or take grab! I didn’t realize it was a Michelin-recommended restaurant. Overall, the food was good — I tried their Teh Peng, Porridge, Curry chicken rice (fusion with local nasi lemak sambal), Roasted duck and pork, and of course, their Traditional kuih. Personally, I’d recommend the porridge and kuih, as they stood out more compared to the curry chicken rice. However, if you prefer bolder, richer tastes, you might enjoy the curry chicken. The kuih, in particular, is a must-try!
Yip Susan
01/09/2025
On our first day in Penang, we set out to experience the local cuisine, which was all incredibly delicious, though the chicken feet were slightly too salty. All in all, we enjoyed everything we tasted and we should definitely try the coffee with Milo and the plum drinks. I'm sure we will fall in love with those beverages!