Bao Teck Tea House — Restaurant in George Town

Coming to George Town, Penang, all I heard was that this town had nothing but amazing food. Food where after you devour it, you can't stop happily think about it. This place was THE OPPOSITE. What's even more of a shame is that this restaurant made it into the Michelin Guide. The credibility of Michelin Guide definitely has gone down for me.

Anyway, let's talk about our experience and why they deserve my review. Our group was so excited to have a morning dim sum session in George Town, looking forward to eating the traditional plates we've all been enjoying while growing up as Vietnamese and Chinese people in all over the world (San Gabriel Valley and Orange County in California, and London). Upon walking into the restaurant, you're greeted with a very nicely decorated and charming interior. At that moment, we were like "awesome!"

We then sat and were given their menus and as we sifted through the menu, we've realized how pricey everything was compared to the other dim sum restaurants in the area that were not part of the Michelin Guide. Well okay, maybe it's just so good that they can charge more deservingly right? We'll find out soon.

As we all know, THE VERY STAPLE OF DIM SUM is having items such as chicken feet and cheong fun right? This. place. does. not. have. these. And you call yourself an authentic dim sum restaurant? As I looked up at my group in such big disappointment, all I can see is a large piece of art hung on the wall which seems to have been depicting the owner's family of the restaurant eating dim sum together and smiling. I feel so bad for the kids in their family because they had probably never had an authentic dim sum meal!!!! How sad is that?

So we ended up ordering a bunch of items from their menu in hopes of at least the food coming out just amazing. Before finalizing the order, the waitress asked if we wanted to order some tea. We found out that tea was not free here, as it was in many dim sum places. Dim sum is all about drinking tea and eating dim sum right?? They charge BY THE CUP. Roughly $2 USD PER PERSON. They even tried to upsell us on the tea we selected to a much more expensive option, explaining how the tea we chose is "too strong". Come on!! We're eating dim sum, we need all the energy we can to enjoy the food we are expecting to eat!!! No thank you, but you ain't getting us to pay for more something that should have already been free in the first place.

Okay so food started coming out and boy this is where things just kept falling off the cliff. We realized so fast that this place focused all their time and effort into presentation, but decided to leave out their effort in making their dim sum actually taste good and authentic. It was so bad... Every time a plate came out, we felt like we were getting nothing but ripped off. Wasted calories. Empty souls.

At the end of the miserable meal, we then realized that they decided to add even more salt to our wounds by telling us that the wet napkins that they provided next to every plate as you sat down, was not free to use. I mistakenly used one, whereas the other people in my group didn't. The bill came and they added the charges for all the napkins. I asked the waitress if she could remove the charges for the other unused ones and guess what she said? She said yes, just make sure to bring it up to the cashier so they can remove it. My friend quickly jumped in and asked, "oh okay, so we have to bring it up there?" The waitress replied, "yes".

MICHELIN GUIDED restaurant?!? COME ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN you serious?

If you made it this far in the review, you're in for another treat as I finalize our experience here.

We went up to pay our bill and the cashier removed the unused wet napkins on our bill. We swiped our credit card and got the receipt. Our eyes reviews every line item and we looked at the very bottom after the subtotal portion of the receipt. Guess what we saw?

Service Charge @ 10% Service Charge TAX @ 7%

WE WERE OFFICIALLY DEFEATED. NEVER EVER, EVER, EVER, A G A I N !!!!! AVOID THIS PLACE AT...

A Dim Sum Delight with Chinese Nostalgia: Bao Teck Tea House Review

Rating: ★★★★★

As a connoisseur of authentic Chinese cuisine, I recently had the pleasure of visiting Bao Teck Tea House in Penang, and it left an indelible impression on me. This charming establishment not only offers a wide array of delectable dim sum but also boasts a captivating environment that exudes Chinese nostalgia and a luxurious interior. Bao Teck Tea House is an absolute gem for anyone seeking an authentic culinary experience and a trip down memory lane.

From the moment I stepped through the doors of Bao Teck Tea House, I was transported to a bygone era. The interior is meticulously designed with intricate wooden carvings, delicate Chinese lanterns, and vintage decor. The attention to detail is remarkable, creating an ambiance that resonates with traditional Chinese teahouses. Every corner exudes an air of elegance and warmth, making it an ideal place to unwind and savor the flavors of authentic dim sum.

Speaking of dim sum, Bao Teck Tea House offers an extensive selection that caters to both traditionalists and adventurous food enthusiasts. The bite-sized delicacies are beautifully presented and crafted with expertise, showcasing the skills of the talented culinary team. Each dumpling and steamed bun is bursting with flavor, showcasing the mastery of seasoning and ingredient combinations. From classic favorites like Har Gow (shrimp dumplings) and Siu Mai (pork dumplings) to unique creations like salted egg custard buns, every dish is a testament to the dedication and passion for culinary excellence.

The staff at Bao Teck Tea House deserves commendation for their impeccable service. Attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly, they enhance the dining experience by offering recommendations and ensuring that every guest's needs are met. Their commitment to providing exceptional service contributes to the overall enjoyment and adds a personal touch to the visit.

What truly sets Bao Teck Tea House apart is its commitment to preserving Chinese culinary traditions and evoking a sense of nostalgia. The combination of the authentic dim sum, the luxurious interior, and the warm ambiance creates an atmosphere that harkens back to a time of elegance and grace. Whether you are a local or a visitor to Penang, Bao Teck Tea House is an ideal destination for those seeking an escape from the ordinary and an immersion into Chinese culture.

In conclusion, Bao Teck Tea House in Penang is a hidden gem that brings together exquisite dim sum, a captivating environment, and Chinese nostalgia. It is an exceptional culinary destination for anyone who appreciates the artistry of traditional Chinese cuisine and desires an unforgettable dining experience. I highly recommend a visit to Bao Teck Tea House to indulge in the flavors of the past while reveling in the elegance of...

To sum it up, the overall experience I would say it’s overrated and overpriced. The moment we stepped into the tea house, the experience just went mostly downhill from there. The staff who welcomed us stressed that the dine-in time is limited to only 1.5hours despite the tea house being filled not more than 25% of the vicinity. There were only 2 of us but we were seated in a table that could possible fit in 10 or more people despite having other table options available. We requested for a smaller table, and we were brought to the space upstairs, but the staff stressed again that we need to get out within 1.5hours. We understood the first time, did not have to keep telling us that every single time he sees us, it was a very unpleasant feeling. After we were seated, we were looking at the menu, but it’s so stressful when the waitress (this is another staff) kept hovering over us awkwardly, and circling around our table, as if pressuring us to order. When asked for more details on taste notes and differences between the tea choices, there was little to no information given. Only response I got was, “this one is more kao (heavy mouthfeel/taste), and the other one less kao.” Mind you, we’re paying RM58 - 88 for the tea, the least I would like to know is what exactly am I ordering, and the response just didn’t cut it. After we placed our order, that same staff continued to hover and circle around another table that came after us, it was rather uncomfortable to watch. The food was beautifully presented and tasted good, but I wouldn’t say it justified the price tag. Can I get the same kind of food elsewhere? Yes, probably not as pretty, but definitely tastes as good if not better. For the price range, we’re not only paying for the food and drinks, I’m sure, we’re also paying for the experience and ambiance. Conclusion is other than the food, we were unimpressed with...