Best Teochew Porridge in Penang

There are numerous cafes and hip-oriented restaurants popping up around Muntri Street but Tai Buan Porridge is here to stay. It’s easily identified with a timeworn red signboard and full-of-life atmosphere during peak hours. This no-frills eatery dishes out one of the best Teochew porridge in town. The texture isn’t too moist and not too lumpy, offering a smooth mouthful and certainly opens up to be paired with a range of braised meats, such as duck, pork belly, and innards. Another must-have is their fried turnip egg, which runs out like hot cake. 

Romping over to mainland where Teochew porridge fanatics constantly sing praises about this modest eatery. Expect sheer spread of dishes such as meats, fish and assorted vegetables to go along the porridge that just slides down your throat like melted butter. A few lashes of soy sauce and chilli condiment help to play around the spicy and tangy scale. 

This old-school eatery offers more than a sumptuous bowl of Teochew porridge; it’s a whole new experience that imprints in your memory forever. The real deal here is stacking up stools and sitting on it while chomping down delicious porridge with amiable locals. Adding more charm to the convivial vibes is the range of mouth-watering dishes lined up before your eyes. Hobnob with your new friends, refill your bowls and taste all those vegetables and meats which are constantly refilled. 

This restaurant might have garnered most of their fame from the Hokkien mee stall but that doesn’t mean the Teochew porridge stall should be overlooked. Either you opt for the dried oyster porridge which is liberally shrouded with delectable oysters and meats or stick to the more humble version, slurping down plain porridge with assorted dishes by the side, both are winners. The fried anchovies and fish boast a good texture and taste to complement the bowl of goodness. There’s also an ikan bakar stall that certainly grabs your attention by churning out a luscious range of seafood. Talk about killing two birds with one stone. 

For numerous years, Newday porridge has been an everyday spot for an ideal Teochew porridge fix. The spacious restaurant isn’t only the best bet if you’re bringing in a huge crowd; another scoring point is the gazillion of dishes giving you a tough time to pick. Not to be missed is their braised pork, deep-fried fish, and lala which complements the porridge that is nothing but spectacular. 

Northam Cafe is widely acclaimed as one of the best spots to chomp down a myriad of local and Western delights while enjoying a spectacular view of the never-ending ocean. Bringing Teochew porridge to a whole new level, a lively stall has been serving fried version of it. It may sound a little peculiar but the bowl packs lots of flavours. Filled to the brim with generous servings of seafood and garnished with colourful greens and a spoon of fried anchovies by the side, it’s impeccably good. 

How about coupling a bowl of Teochew porridge with roasted suckling pig, fresh plump prawns, and steamed fish? Yes, for a more upscale dining experience, both the atmosphere and meals, make your way to May Garden Palace. The porridge isn’t the first thing that hits your mind looking at the extensive menu but it’s the perfect vehicle to accompany the plush dishes and fill your tummy. 

A stone’s throw away from Penang Hill, Lye Lye Food Centre has been a gastronomic hub for the locals and tourists alike. Muddled with mouthwatering stalls, it may give you a hard time to make your decision. If you need something less sinful yet satisfyingly flavourful, the Teochew porridge stall is your destination. The softened rice grains lures to be paired with several sides that amp up the taste to a whole new level.