咸鱼包 (Salted fish bun) is one of the rare food in Penang. The pao or bun has never existed in any restaurants until recently. Salted fish bun was first introduced by the Hong Kong TVB drama series “Gilded Chopsticks 食為奴”. In this drama, the emperor of Qing Dynasty was conducting a survey on its citizens in plain clothes and was stuck in the jungle for days. They were found by a farmer who passed by and handed the emperor a salted fish bun for dinner. After the emperor returned to the palace he kept yearning for the taste of the salted fish bun. He offered a very good price to any chef who is able to make the salted fish bun and this is when the story began.
Due to the popular demand and high view rate for the drama, De Tai Tong Cafe is following the wave and prepare this type of bun to the public. The restaurant which is normally not so packed has become crowded. The buns will be produced only twice a day. Usually it is out around 10am and 5pm. To avoid disappointment, make sure you place your order one day beforehand.
The all-time favourite dim sum “siu mai” (pork dumplings) is still selling here.
The same goes to har gao (prawn dumpling), which is also a popular dish to be ordered at dim sum restaurants.
The operation days of the restaurant is always written on the white board at the cashier.
The bun and tart counter of the restaurant is now cramped and crowded.
Thanks to this yellow notice that reads “食為奴咸鱼包上市” (Gilded Chopsticks salted fish bun is now on sale) which attracted the massive crowd.
Each salted fish bun comes in a recyclable paper box.
The long-waited and popular Salted Fish Bun costs RM2.50 each and is selling like hot cakes.
The inner look of the salted fish bun. The bun itself was stuffed with some grained salted fish, some pork slices, water chestnut cubes and some spring onions. The taste of the bun was great as it was packed with the aroma of salted fish. However, the filling of the bun was very little in portion.
Overall, if you have not tried the bun, get one and try it. As for me, I will not go for another one as it does not have a significant flavor that will get me hooked to it. Moreover, the price of bun RM2.50 with so little stuffing is considered very high, not really worth the money and overrated.To avoid disappointment, make reservation for the buns a day earlier.
Editor’s Review (5 Stars Rank):
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Quick Facts:
| Family Friendly |  |
| Parking |  |
| Pork Free | |
| Alcohol | |
| Credit Card | |
| Smoking | |
| Reservation | |
| Private Room (Private Area) | |
| WIFI Available | |
Operation hours: 6:00am – 12:00am (7 days a week)
Contact: 604-263 6625
Address: 45, Cintra Streets, 10100 Penang
GPS: 5° 41′ 77.41″ N, 100° 33′ 35.21″ E