Discover the Best Food in Penang Town

Experience the Flavors of Penang with These Must-Try Dishes

Penang is known for its diverse food scene, blending Chinese, Malay, and Indian flavors to create unique and delicious dishes. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to try something new, Penang has no shortage of delightful culinary experiences to offer. In this article, we’ll explore the best food in Penang Town, from local street food to high-end restaurants. Get ready to whet your appetite and discover the hidden gems of Penang’s food culture.

Curry Mee 🍛

One of the most iconic dishes in Penang, curry mee is a spicy coconut curry soup with noodles, tofu puffs, cockles, and shrimp. The broth is infused with lemongrass, galangal, and chili, creating a rich and flavorful base. This dish is perfect for spice-lovers and is widely available at hawker centers and local restaurants.

Lor Bak 🍢

Lor bak is a popular snack in Penang, consisting of marinated pork wrapped in tofu skin and deep-fried to crispy perfection. It’s typically served with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce, making it a satisfying and flavorful treat. Look for lor bak stalls at night markets or street food vendors.

Char Kway Teow 🍜

A stir-fried noodle dish made with flat rice noodles, bean sprouts, shrimp, egg, and Chinese sausage, char kway teow is a must-try in Penang. The noodles are cooked over high heat with soy sauce and chili paste, creating a smoky and savory flavor. You can find this dish at many hawker centers and restaurants throughout Penang.

Assam Laksa 🍲

Assam laksa is a sour and spicy fish soup with rice noodles, cucumbers, onions, and mint. The broth is made with tamarind, lemongrass, and chili, giving it a tangy and refreshing taste. This dish is a favorite among locals and is a must-try for seafood lovers.

Roast Pork 🍖

Penang’s roast pork, or siu yuk, is a crispy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for meat-lovers. The pork is marinated in a blend of herbs and spices, then roasted until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender. It’s typically served with a side of mustard or chili sauce and can be found at many street food vendors and restaurants.

Cendol 🍧

No meal in Penang is complete without a refreshing bowl of cendol. This dessert is made with shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar, and green jelly noodles made from rice flour. It’s a sweet and cooling treat that’s perfect for hot days. You can find cendol at many hawker centers and dessert shops in Penang.

Nasi Kandar 🍛

Nasi kandar is a popular Indian-Muslim dish in Penang, consisting of steamed rice served with an array of curries and sides. It’s known for its bold and spicy flavors, and is a filling and satisfying meal. Look for nasi kandar restaurants in Little India or along Penang Road.

Roti Canai 🥞

Roti canai is a crispy and flaky flatbread that’s typically served with curry or dhal for dipping. It’s a popular breakfast and snack item in Penang, and can be found at many street food stalls and local restaurants. Try it with a side of teh tarik, a sweet and milky tea that’s a popular drink in Malaysia.

Wantan Mee 🍜

A simple yet satisfying dish, wantan mee is a noodle dish served with pork dumplings, char siu (barbecued pork), and vegetables. The noodles are typically thin and springy, and the dish is seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil. You can find wantan mee at many hawker centers and local restaurants in Penang.

Hokkien Mee 🍲

Hokkien mee is a noodle dish made with thick yellow noodles, prawns, squid, pork, and vegetables. The broth is made with a blend of soy sauce and prawn stock, giving it a rich and savory flavor. This dish is a favorite among locals and can be found at many hawker centers and restaurants in Penang.

Nasi Lemak 🍚

A beloved Malaysian dish, nasi lemak is a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves. It’s typically served with sides such as fried chicken, sambal (spicy chili sauce), peanuts, and cucumber. This dish is a staple of Malaysian cuisine and can be found at many local restaurants and hawker centers in Penang.

Mee Goreng 🍝

Mee goreng is a spicy fried noodle dish made with egg, vegetables, and shrimp or chicken. The noodles are stir-fried with chili paste, soy sauce, and tomato sauce, creating a tangy and savory flavor. This dish is a popular street food item in Penang, and can be found at many hawker centers and stalls.

Rojak 🥗

Rojak is a sweet and savory fruit salad made with a mix of tropical fruits, vegetables, and shrimp paste. The sauce is made with a blend of tamarind, chili, and palm sugar, giving it a unique and tangy flavor. This dish is a refreshing and healthy option for those looking to explore Penang’s food scene.

FAQs

1. What is Penang famous for?

Penang is famous for its food scene, street art, and historic architecture. It’s known as the food capital of Malaysia, with a diverse range of local and international cuisines.

2. Where can I find the best food in Penang?

You can find the best food in Penang at hawker centers, street food stalls, and local restaurants. Some popular spots include Gurney Drive Hawker Centre, New Lane Hawker Centre, and Kimberley Street.

3. What are some must-try dishes in Penang?

Some must-try dishes in Penang include curry mee, char kway teow, assam laksa, lor bak, and nasi kandar.

4. Is Penang food spicy?

Many Penang dishes are spicy, but you can always ask for less spice if you prefer milder flavors. Be sure to try some of the local chili sauces, such as sambal belacan or cili padi, to add some heat to your meals.

5. What is cendol?

Cendol is a dessert made with shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar, and green jelly noodles made from rice flour. It’s a popular treat in Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries.

6. Where can I find vegetarian or halal food in Penang?

Many hawker centers and restaurants in Penang offer vegetarian and halal options. Look for restaurants with a v for vegetarian or h for halal on their signs.

7. What is teh tarik?

Teh tarik is a sweet and milky tea that’s a popular drink in Malaysia. It’s made by pouring hot tea between two cups to create a frothy texture, then adding condensed milk and sugar.

8. What is nasi lemak?

Nasi lemak is a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves. It’s typically served with sides such as fried chicken, sambal, peanuts, and cucumber.

9. What is lor bak?

Lor bak is a popular snack in Penang, consisting of marinated pork wrapped in tofu skin and deep-fried to crispy perfection. It’s typically served with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce.

10. What is char kway teow?

Char kway teow is a stir-fried noodle dish made with flat rice noodles, bean sprouts, shrimp, egg, and Chinese sausage. The noodles are cooked over high heat with soy sauce and chili paste, creating a smoky and savory flavor.

11. What is assam laksa?

Assam laksa is a sour and spicy fish soup with rice noodles, cucumbers, onions, and mint. The broth is made with tamarind, lemongrass, and chili, giving it a tangy and refreshing taste.

12. What is rojak?

Rojak is a sweet and savory fruit salad made with a mix of tropical fruits, vegetables, and shrimp paste. The sauce is made with a blend of tamarind, chili, and palm sugar, giving it a unique and tangy flavor.