Best Food Spots In Penang

Discovering the Taste of Penang

Penang is known to be Malaysia’s food paradise, and for a good reason. It is a melting pot of cultures, blending flavors and traditions from Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan communities. From street food hawkers to upscale restaurants, Penang offers a diverse range of dishes that will leave your taste buds tingling with excitement. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for some amazing culinary experiences, Penang is the place to be. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best food spots in Penang that you must visit. So, let’s get started!

The Best Food Spots in Penang

🍲Assam Laksa: A dish that is synonymous with Penang, assam laksa is a sour and spicy noodle soup made with fish, tamarind, and a variety of herbs and spices. The best place to try this dish is at Air Itam Market, the birthplace of assam laksa in Penang.

🍜Char Kuey Teow: A stir-fried noodle dish that is a must-try in Penang. It is made with flat rice noodles, prawns, cockles, bean sprouts, and eggs, all cooked together in a wok with soy sauce, chili, and other spices. The best place to try this dish is at Siam Road Char Kuey Teow, where the noodles are cooked with charcoal fire for that extra smoky flavor.

🍛Nasi Kandar: A popular Malaysian dish that originated in Penang, nasi kandar is a rice-based meal that is served with a variety of curries and side dishes. The best place to try this dish is at Line Clear Nasi Kandar, a street-side stall that has been serving nasi kandar for over 70 years.

🍲Curry Mee: A spicy noodle soup made with coconut milk, curry spices, and a variety of toppings such as tofu puffs, prawns, and cockles. The best place to try this dish is at Hot Bowl White Curry Mee, a small stall in Penang that serves one of the best bowls of curry mee in town.

🍛Loh Bak: A Hokkien dish that is made with marinated pork, prawn fritters, and tofu, all wrapped in bean curd skin and deep-fried to perfection. The best place to try this dish is at Kheng Pin Café, where they serve crispy and flavorful loh bak.

🍜Hokkien Mee: A popular noodle dish that is made with yellow noodles and bee hoon, cooked in a flavorful prawn and pork broth and topped with pork slices, prawns, and vegetables. The best place to try this dish is at 888 Hokkien Mee, a stall located in Lebuh Presgrave that is famous for its delicious Hokkien mee.

🍛Mee Goreng Mamak: A spicy fried noodle dish that is a favorite among Malaysians. It is made with yellow noodles, shrimp, tofu, and a variety of vegetables, all stir-fried together with a spicy tomato-based sauce. The best place to try this dish is at Padang Brown Food Court, where they serve one of the best mee goreng mamak in Penang.

🍲Oh Chien: A crispy oyster omelet that is a specialty in Penang. It is made with fresh oysters, eggs, and tapioca flour, all fried to perfection. The best place to try this dish is at Seng Thor Coffee Shop, a street-side stall that serves one of the best oyster omelets in town.

🍜Wantan Mee: A popular Chinese noodle dish that is made with thin egg noodles, wantan dumplings, and a savory soy sauce-based gravy. The best place to try this dish is at Lebuh Kimberley, where you’ll find a row of wantan mee stalls that serve delicious and affordable bowls of wantan mee.

🍛Roti Canai: A flaky and crispy Indian flatbread that is a staple in Malaysian breakfasts. It is served with a variety of curries and dips, making it a perfect snack or meal any time of the day. The best place to try this dish is at Transfer Road Roti Canai, where they serve one of the flakiest and most delicious roti canai in Penang.

🍜Penang Prawn Noodle: A noodle dish that is made with a sweet and savory prawn broth, topped with prawns, pork slices, and vegetables. The best place to try this dish is at Siam Road Prawn Mee, a small stall that has been serving one of the best prawn mee in town for over 60 years.

🍛Laksa Lemak: A creamy and spicy noodle soup that is made with coconut milk, lemongrass, and a variety of herbs and spices. The best place to try this dish is at Joo Hooi Café, a popular food spot in Penang that serves some of the best laksa lemak in town.

🍲Penang Hokkien Char: A wok-fried noodle dish that is made with thick yellow noodles, pork slices, prawns, and vegetables, all stir-fried together with a dark soy sauce. The best place to try this dish is at Kedai Kopi Seng Thor, a coffee shop that serves tasty and affordable Hokkien char.

What Makes Penang Food So Special?

Penang food is unique because it combines different flavors and culinary traditions from various communities. The Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan communities have all contributed to the diverse range of dishes that you’ll find in Penang. From spicy curries to delicate noodle dishes, Penang food offers something for every palate. Each dish is prepared with care and attention to detail, using fresh ingredients and a blend of herbs and spices to create complex and well-balanced flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Penang food famous for?

Penang food is famous for its diverse range of dishes that blend Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan culinary traditions. Some of the must-try dishes include assam laksa, char kuey teow, nasi kandar, curry mee, and hokkien mee.

2. Is Penang food spicy?

Yes, Penang food is known for its spiciness. Many of the popular dishes in Penang are spicy, such as assam laksa, curry mee, mee goreng mamak, and laksa lemak. However, you can always ask for less spice if you’re not a fan of spicy food.

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

The best time to visit Penang for food is during the annual Penang Food Festival, which usually takes place in April. However, Penang is a food paradise all year round, so you can visit any time and still enjoy some of the best food in Malaysia.

4. Where can I find the best street food in Penang?

The best street food in Penang can be found at places like Gurney Drive Hawker Centre, New Lane Hawker Centre, and Kimberley Street. These places are known for their great variety of street food, from hawker stalls selling char kuey teow to vendors selling oyster omelets.

5. What are some of the best seafood restaurants in Penang?

Penang is known for its fresh and delicious seafood. Some of the best seafood restaurants in Penang include Ocean Green Seafood, Crab Village, and Ah Hai Seafood.

6. What is the cost of food in Penang?

The cost of food in Penang is generally affordable. You can find street food for as low as RM5 ($1.2), while a meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost between RM20 ($4.8) to RM50 ($12).

7. What is the best way to explore Penang food?

The best way to explore Penang food is by taking a food tour or joining a food trail. These tours will take you to some of the best food spots in Penang and give you an opportunity to try a variety of dishes.

8. Is it safe to eat street food in Penang?

Yes, it is generally safe to eat street food in Penang. The vendors take great care in preparing their food, and the local authorities conduct regular inspections to ensure food safety and hygiene standards are maintained.

9. What drinks should I try in Penang?

Some of the popular drinks in Penang include teh tarik (pulled tea), coconut water, and air bandung (a rose-flavored milk drink). You can also try a variety of fruit juices and smoothies made from fresh tropical fruits.

10. What are some vegetarian options in Penang?

There are plenty of vegetarian