Restoran Sin Da Wei (大威肉骨茶) is located at Pusat Perniagaan Maju Utama in Bukit Mertajam. The shop is within a stone’s throw from Restoran Wok City BBQ (锅富城). Formerly operating as a hawker stall at Chai Leng Park, Restoran Sin Da Wei moved to this proper shop late last year.
The specialty of Restoran Sin Da Wei is Bak Kut Teh (肉骨茶, RM9.00). The recipe is derived from two masters’ recipes. Bak kut teh soup is stewed for hours from a variety of Chinese herbs like dong quai (当归), cloves (丁香) and star anise (八角). In terms of taste, the dark soup carries a combination of sweet and bitter tastes.
Bak Kut Teh is reheated upon ordering and is served in single portion claypots. Ingredients used are pork ribs (排骨), pork belly (五花肉), intestines (粉肠), tofu skin (豆腐皮), pork meatballs (猪肉丸), enoki mushrooms (金针菇) and lettuce (油菜).
Youtiao (油条, RM1.00) is often served alongside bak kut teh. I feel that this deep-fried breadstick is not as crispy as I hoped. Of course, rice (白饭, RM1.20) is a necessity when eating bak kut teh.
The Dry Bak Kut Teh (干肉骨茶, RM10.00) is well-received by locals too. With the herbal soup reduced till almost dry, herbal flavors are more concentrated. Pork is also braised with bird’s eye chili (小辣椒), dried squid (鱿鱼丝) and chopped garlic (蒜茸). Go for this version if you enjoy spiciness.
As for side dishes, the plate of Chicken Feet (鸡脚, RM5.00) is stewed in thick soy sauce. Although considered a delicacy by some, chicken feet are not necessarily everyone’s cup of tea.
Also included is a plate of Rapeseed (油菜, RM5.00). The leafy vegetable is blanched briefly so that it remains juicy. It is then served with oyster sauce (蚝油) and chopped garlic.
The proprietor’s friendly personality makes customers feel welcome. Combined with decent food and reasonable prices, I think it is worth visiting Restoran Sin Da Wei whenever you visit this part of Bukit Mertajam.
Name: Restoran Sin Da Wei (大威肉骨茶)
Address: 18, Lorong Maju Utama 1, Pusat Perniagaan Maju Utama, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 013-485-8983
Business hours: 11:00am-4:00pm, 6:00pm-10:00pm, closed on Wednesdays
Website: https://www.facebook.com/bukitmertajamsindaweibakuteh
Coordinates: 5.35162 N, 100.47199 E
Directions: Restoran Sin Da Wei is located at the commercial area of Pusat Perniagaan Maju Utama in Bukit Mertajam. The restaurant is several shops away from Restoran Wok City BBQ. Street parking is available.