Best Restaurants in Penang: A Culinary Journey of Flavors and Delights

Penang, also known as the Pearl of the Orient, is a food lover’s paradise. Its street food, hawker centers, and restaurants offer a diverse range of dishes that reflect the island’s multicultural heritage. From Chinese, Malay, and Indian to Western and fusion cuisines, Penang has it all.

Why Penang is a Foodie’s Haven

🍴 World-renowned street food

🍴 Multicultural cuisine

🍴 Affordable prices

🍴 Fresh seafood

🍴 Unique and innovative dishes

🍴 Award-winning restaurants

Penang’s Top Restaurants

🍽️ The Dining Room

🍽️ Feringgi Grill

🍽️ David Brown’s Restaurant and Tea Terraces

🍽️ Suffolk House Restaurant

🍽️ The Bungalow at Lone Pine Hotel

🍽️ Salsas Restaurant

🍽️ China House

🍽️ Gēn 根

🍽️ Spices Restaurant and Wine Bar

🍽️ Bao Zhou Po Claypot Rice

🍽️ Tek Sen Restaurant

🍽️ Red Garden Food Paradise

🍽️ Kim Tavern

Introduction

Penang’s culinary scene is a melting pot of flavors, cultures, and aromas. The island’s rich history has influenced its food, resulting in a unique blend of traditional and modern cuisine.

From street food to fine dining, Penang has something for every palate. In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey of the island’s best restaurants, where you can savor the flavors and delights of Penang’s cuisine.

1. The Dining Room

The Dining Room, located in the historic Eastern and Oriental Hotel, is one of the island’s most luxurious restaurants. The restaurant’s opulent interior, with its high ceilings, chandeliers, and grand piano, creates a sophisticated ambiance.

The Dining Room’s menu is a fusion of Western and Asian cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh seafood. Signature dishes include the Oyster and Caviar Tartare, Lobster Bisque, and the Grilled Wagyu Beef Tenderloin.

2. Feringgi Grill

Feringgi Grill, located in the Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, is a fine-dining restaurant that offers breathtaking views of Batu Ferringhi Beach. The restaurant’s elegant decor, with its white tablecloths, crystal glasses, and silver cutlery, is perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion.

The Feringgi Grill’s menu features a range of steak and seafood dishes, including the Australian Wagyu Beef Tenderloin, Lobster Thermidor, and Grilled Wild-Caught Barramundi.

3. David Brown’s Restaurant and Tea Terraces

David Brown’s Restaurant and Tea Terraces, located on Penang Hill, offers stunning views of Georgetown and the surrounding area. The restaurant’s colonial-style architecture and lush gardens create a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

The menu at David Brown’s features classic British cuisine, such as Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, and Beef Wellington. Afternoon tea is also available, with a selection of sandwiches, scones, and pastries.

4. Suffolk House Restaurant

Suffolk House Restaurant, located in a restored 200-year-old mansion, is a fine-dining restaurant that offers a mix of Western and Asian cuisine. The restaurant’s elegant interior, with its chandeliers, antiques, and paintings, creates a charming and romantic ambiance.

The menu at Suffolk House features a range of dishes, including the Pan-Seared Foie Gras, Wagyu Beef Cheeks, and the Slow-Cooked Lamb Shank.

5. The Bungalow at Lone Pine Hotel

The Bungalow, located in the Lone Pine Hotel, is a colonial-style restaurant that offers a relaxed and casual dining experience. The restaurant’s outdoor terrace, with its views of the sea and gardens, is perfect for a lazy afternoon or evening.

The menu at The Bungalow features a range of Western and Asian dishes, including the Grilled Ribeye Steak, Thai Green Curry, and the Nasi Goreng.

6. Salsas Restaurant

Salsas Restaurant, located in the Hard Rock Hotel, is a Latin-inspired restaurant that offers a lively and vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant’s colorful decor, with its murals and neon lights, creates a festive ambiance.

The menu at Salsas features a range of Latin-American dishes, including the Tacos al Pastor, Empanadas, and the Churrasco Steak.

7. China House

China House, located in a heritage building in Georgetown, is a cafe, bakery, and restaurant that offers a unique and eclectic experience. The building’s interior, with its maze-like layout and vintage decor, creates a bohemian and artistic atmosphere.

The menu at China House features a range of dishes, including the Grilled Pork Belly, Roast Beef Sandwich, and the Vegetarian Curry.

8. Gēn 根

Gēn 根, located in the Seven Terraces Hotel, is a modern Chinese restaurant that offers a refined and elegant dining experience. The restaurant’s minimalist decor, with its dark wood and subdued lighting, creates a serene and intimate ambiance.

The menu at Gēn 根 features a range of authentic Chinese dishes, including the Peking Duck, Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallions, and the Braised Abalone.

9. Spices Restaurant and Wine Bar

Spices Restaurant and Wine Bar, located in the luxurious Hotel Equatorial, is a fine-dining restaurant that offers a blend of Western and Asian cuisine. The restaurant’s contemporary decor, with its glass walls and open kitchen, creates a modern and stylish atmosphere.

The menu at Spices features a range of dishes, including the Pan-Seared Foie Gras, Lobster Ravioli, and the Grilled Lamb Chops.

10. Bao Zhou Po Claypot Rice

Bao Zhou Po Claypot Rice, located in a hawker center in Georgetown, is a local favorite that offers a simple and satisfying meal. The restaurant’s clay pots, with their fragrant rice and savory toppings, create a comforting and homely atmosphere.

The menu at Bao Zhou Po features a range of claypot rice dishes, including the Pork Ribs with Black Bean Sauce, Chicken with Chinese Sausage, and the Seafood with Beancurd Skin.

11. Tek Sen Restaurant

Tek Sen Restaurant, located in a shophouse in Georgetown, is a traditional Chinese restaurant that offers a casual and authentic experience. The restaurant’s simple decor, with its wooden tables and chairs, creates a homely and welcoming atmosphere.

The menu at Tek Sen features a range of dishes, including the Stir-Fried Pork with Salted Fish, Sambal Prawns, and the Braised Duck with Yam.

12. Red Garden Food Paradise

Red Garden Food Paradise, located in a hawker center in Georgetown, is a food court that offers a wide range of local and international cuisine. The food court’s lively atmosphere, with its neon lights and live music, creates a festive and fun ambiance.

The menu at Red Garden features a range of dishes, including the Char Kuey Teow, Satay, and the Chicken Rice.

13. Kim Tavern

Kim Tavern, located in a shophouse in Georgetown, is a Korean restaurant that offers an authentic and flavorful experience. The restaurant’s simple decor, with its wooden tables and Korean posters, creates a cozy and comfortable atmosphere.

The menu at Kim Tavern features a range of Korean dishes, including the Kimchi Fried Rice, Steamed Dumplings, and the Beef Bulgogi.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best time to visit Penang for food?

Penang is a year-round destination for food lovers. However, the best time to visit for food is during the Penang Food Festival in April, which celebrates the island’s culinary heritage.

2. What is the most famous dish in Penang?

The most famous dish in Penang is the Char Kuey Teow, a stir-fried noodle dish with prawns, bean sprouts, and eggs.

3. What is the best way to experience Penang’s street food?

The best way to experience Penang’s street food is to explore the island’s hawker centers, such as Gurney Drive Hawker Center and New Lane Hawker Center