If you’re looking for the best Chinese food in Seberang Perai, Penang, you’re in for a treat. From traditional Teochew and Cantonese flavours to sizzling seafood dishes and comforting yam rice, this mainland region of Penang boasts a variety of Chinese restaurants that are beloved by locals and foodies alike.
Whether you’re in Bukit Mertajam, Butterworth, Seberang Jaya or the southern district, here’s your ultimate guide to the top 10 Chinese restaurants in Seberang Perai for an unforgettable dining experience.
1. BM Yam Rice Kopitiam – Bukit Mertajam
Location: Jalan Danby, Bukit Mertajam
Highlight: Yam rice with pork organ soup
Must-Try: Stewed pork, salted vegetables, yam rice
Hours: Morning to mid-afternoon
One of Bukit Mertajam’s most iconic eateries, BM Yam Rice Kopitiam offers comfort food at its best. Their yam rice is packed with flavour, paired with rich pork soup and homemade chilli sauce. A must-visit for authentic Penang-style Chinese cuisine.
2. Zi Wei Yuan Steamboat – Butterworth
Location: Taman Bunga Raya, Butterworth
Highlight: Traditional charcoal steamboat
Must-Try: Yam milk fish soup, fresh prawns, homemade meatballs
Hours: 5pm – 11pm
Zi Wei Yuan is famous for its charcoal-based steamboat, giving the broth a distinct smoky depth. Perfect for group dining, their generous platters of seafood and meats make it a popular choice among locals.
3. Ong Cheng Huat Seafood – Butterworth
Location: Bagan Lalang, Butterworth
Highlight: Rustic seafood dining experience
Must-Try: Steamed fish, fried octopus, herbal chicken
Hours: 11am – 5pm
This semi-rural Chinese seafood restaurant is a hidden gem. With a casual open-air setup, Ong Cheng Huat serves up ultra-fresh seafood in a no-fuss, authentic environment. Don’t forget to try their home-brewed toddy!
4. Bee See Heong – Butterworth
Location: Jalan Ong Yi How
Highlight: Michelin-Guide Recommended
Must-Try: Caramel soy threadfin, spicy prawn curry
Hours: Lunch & dinner
Recognized by the Michelin Guide in 2025, Bee See Heong is a humble shop serving powerful wok-fried Chinese dishes. Their caramelised soy fish and spicy seafood are consistent crowd favourites.
5. Xi Palace / Kim Hee Restaurant – Bukit Tengah
Location: Jalan Perusahaan, Bukit Mertajam
Highlight: Banquet-style dining
Must-Try: Dim sum, herbal soup, wedding set menus
Hours: Breakfast to late lunch
A great choice for special occasions or weekend brunches, Xi Palace (also known as Kim Hee) is known for quality dim sum and large-scale banquet menus that suit weddings or company dinners.
6. Restaurant Chong Heng – Seberang Jaya
Location: Jalan Todak, Seberang Jaya
Highlight: Family-friendly chu char spot
Must-Try: Kam Heong chicken, steamed egg with minced pork
Hours: Lunch & dinner
A local favourite for over two decades, Chong Heng serves traditional Chinese stir-fries, soups, and seafood dishes with fast service and affordable prices.
7. Restaurant Chao Zhou – Seberang Jaya
Location: Jalan Todak 5
Highlight: Teochew-style classics
Must-Try: Braised duck, Teochew porridge
Hours: Lunch & dinner
Known for its Teochew specialties, Chao Zhou brings comforting dishes like steamed fish, porridge, and braised meats to the table, perfect for those who enjoy lighter flavours.
8. Seaview Fried Ho Fan (789 Kopitiam) – Perai Tengah
Location: Jalan Perai Jaya
Highlight: Street-style wok hei noodles
Must-Try: Char koay teow, ho fan with egg
Hours: Morning to lunch
For fast, cheap, and delicious Chinese noodles, Seaview Fried Ho Fan is a solid bet. Their stir-fried dishes are known for wok hei—the elusive smoky aroma prized in Chinese cooking.
9. Teow Chew Pan Mee & Y&H Asian Style Food – Seberang Perai Utara
Location: Mak Mandin
Highlight: Hand-pulled noodles & chu char dishes
Must-Try: Pan mee, ginger chicken, sambal fish
Hours: Lunch & dinner
These small eateries in the north district offer authentic, homemade dishes at great prices. Ideal for casual weekday lunches or family dinners.
10. Gee Seng Seafood / Boon Kee / Hai Siang – Seberang Perai Selatan
Location: Nibong Tebal area
Highlight: Fresh river & sea seafood
Must-Try: Assam fish, mantis prawn, fried tofu
Hours: Varies by outlet
These local favourites in southern Seberang Perai are best known for seafood served in open-air style restaurants along the river. Expect large portions and budget-friendly prices.
How to Get Around Seberang Perai for Food
- Car: Best option for flexibility. Most top Chinese restaurants are scattered around town centres and industrial zones.
- Public Transport: Rapid Penang buses serve major towns like Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam.
- Ride-Hailing: Grab is widely available and convenient for food trips.
Bonus Tips for Foodies
- Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long waits, especially at Bee See Heong and Ong Cheng Huat.
- Many restaurants are cash-only, so bring sufficient cash.
- Local specialties to look out for include Teochew porridge, Penang-style yam rice, and charcoal steamboat.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast, noodle lover, or dim sum devotee, Seberang Perai has a Chinese restaurant that will hit the spot. With everything from Michelin‑recommended kitchens to humble kopitiams serving unforgettable wok‑fried noodles, these top 10 Chinese restaurants are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Looking for more hidden gems or halal-friendly options in Seberang Perai? Let us know and we’ll tailor your next food adventure.
