Hai Boey Seafood Penang – Live Blue Crab, Beachside Dining & A Sunset Seafood Experience
When it comes to seafood in Penang, freshness is everything. And some places don’t just serve seafood — they show it to you, swimming live in tanks before it reaches your table. Hai Boey Seafood Penang is one of those restaurants that turns dinner into a full coastal experience, combining live seafood, generous space, and a relaxing sunset-by-the-beach atmosphere.
This is the kind of place where you come hungry, leave happy, and linger longer than planned.
Live Seafood Selection – From Lobster to Rare Blue Crab
One of the strongest highlights of Hai Boey Seafood is its live seafood tanks. You’ll find a wide selection, including:
- Live crabs
- Lobsters
- Fresh fish
- Prawns
- And even live blue crab, which is not commonly available everywhere
Seeing live blue crab was especially exciting. Blue crab is known for its naturally sweet, delicate meat, and freshness makes a huge difference. Being able to choose it live adds confidence and elevates the dining experience.
This transparency — seeing what you’re about to eat — is something seafood lovers truly appreciate.
What We Ordered & Honest Food Experience
🦀 Live Blue Crab – Freshness You Can Taste
The blue crab delivered exactly what you’d hope for: sweet, clean-tasting meat with a soft texture. It wasn’t overly seasoned, allowing the natural flavour of the crab to shine. A solid choice for anyone who enjoys appreciating seafood in its purest form.
🍖 BBQ Lamb – Unexpectedly Excellent
The BBQ lamb was a pleasant surprise. Juicy, well-marinated, and nicely grilled, it had a smoky aroma and tender bite without being gamey. This ended up being one of the most memorable dishes of the meal — proof that Hai Boey Seafood doesn’t only do seafood well.
🦑 Squid – Simple & Enjoyable
The squid was cooked just right — tender, not rubbery, and easy to enjoy. A safe and classic seafood dish that balanced the table nicely.
🍚 Fried Rice – Comfort Food That Works
The fried rice was fragrant, not greasy, and perfect for sharing. It complemented the stronger flavours from the grilled and seafood dishes very well.
🍜 Fried Noodles – Chopsticks Standing Upright
This dish deserves special mention. The fried noodles were so well-cooked that the chopsticks could stand upright — which was genuinely impressive. It showed good wok control, proper texture, and experience. Not soggy, not dry — just right.
Atmosphere & Setting – Big Space, Beach & Sunset Views
Another big reason people enjoy Hai Boey Seafood is the setting.
- Large, spacious dining area
- Open, breezy environment
- A small beach area nearby
- Playground for kids, making it family-friendly
As evening approaches, the sunset view becomes part of the dining experience. Watching the sky change colours while enjoying fresh seafood adds a relaxed, holiday-like feeling that’s hard to replicate in city restaurants.
Location & Accessibility
Hai Boey Seafood is located in Penang, slightly away from the busy inner-city areas, making it more suitable for visitors who are driving.
🚗 Best way to visit:
Drive or take a ride-hailing service
Convenient for families and groups
Because of its spacious layout, it’s also a popular choice for group dinners and family gatherings.
Opening Hours (What to Expect)
Seafood restaurants like Hai Boey typically operate during:
Late afternoon to evening
Dinner hours are the most popular
⏰ Tip:
Go earlier in the evening if you want better seafood selection, especially for live crab and lobster.
Price Range – Is It Expensive?
Prices at Hai Boey Seafood generally follow market price for live seafood, which is standard in Penang.
You can expect:
Live seafood priced by weight
Non-seafood dishes (like BBQ lamb, noodles, rice) to be more affordable
Better value when dining in a group
For the freshness, portion size, and beachside atmosphere, the overall value feels reasonable.
Practical Tips Before You Go
🦀 Check live seafood prices before confirming your order
🌅 Visit around sunset for the best experience
👨👩👧👦 Very suitable for families with children
🍽 Come with friends to try more dishes
📞 If you’re targeting blue crab, consider going earlier
Final Verdict: Worth Visiting for Seafood, Space & Sunset
Hai Boey Seafood Penang offers more than just a meal — it’s a relaxed coastal dining experience. From live blue crab and impressive wok dishes to BBQ lamb and sunset views by the beach, it’s a place where food and atmosphere come together beautifully.
If you’re looking for fresh live seafood in Penang with a family-friendly setting, this is a spot well worth considering.
