Richard’s Top Taste Cafe has gone from humble beginnings to become an enduring presence in Seberang Perai. It is one of the longest standing Western food restaurants in Penang and has been my family’s favorite place to go for good yet affordable chops. Also, this place is halal-certified so everyone can enjoy a meal here.
Richard is a self-taught chef who learnt to cook from books and video tapes. His first venture into food business was back in 1987 where he started a Western food stall by Pantai Bersih beach.
His popularity grew and the stall eventually evolved into a full fledged restaurant business. Today, you can still see him cooking in the kitchen assisted by his son Billy.
If there’s only one thing you can try, pick their signature Sizzling Chicken @ RM22.90. Served on a cast iron cow-shaped pan, this old school dish will certainly bring back fond memories. It features a whole chicken thigh topped with prawn, fish fillet and mussel with mashed potato and a nice brown sauce as the gravy.
The Chicken Cordon Bleu @ RM24.90 is another recommended dish here. While it’s easily available in most places that serve Western food, not many are able to get it right like Richard’s.
From the cross section, you can see that the breaded chicken breast is stuffed with chicken ham, filament stick and cheese. It’s crunchy on the outside, moist and savory inside. For extra flavor, Lady’s Choice’s creamy mayonnaise is provided at the side.
To balance up the meaty meal, we also had the Prawn Cocktail @ RM14.90 which came with plenty of mixed green and fruits. The prawns were fresh and succulent and tasted wonderful with Lady’s Choice Thousand Island dressing.
Dessert wise the choice is pretty much a no-brainer, at least for me. I have a soft spot for Banana Split and I always order it especially at Richard’s, because they never fail to disappoint. Despite being a simple dessert, it’s well made and presented.
Lastly, for those who spend above a certain amount, you will receive vouchers that let you redeem a cup of white coffee or ice-lime tea with every purchase of a meal. Believe it or not, my sister has a stack of it – that’s how often we come to eat at Richard’s.
Richard’s Top Taste Cafe
3 & 5 Taman Inderawasih, 13600 Perai, Penang
Tel: 04-3994 342
Business hours: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
