Discover the Best Food to Buy in Penang

Penang, a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, is widely regarded as the food capital of Malaysia. With so many restaurants and street food vendors serving a variety of dishes, it can be overwhelming for visitors to decide what to eat. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best food to buy in Penang so you can indulge in some of the most mouth-watering and iconic dishes this vibrant island has to offer.

The Best Food to Buy in Penang

🍜 Char Kuey Teow

🍲 Assam Laksa

🍛 Nasi Kandar

🌭 Penang Rojak

🥘 Hokkien Mee

🍢 Satay

🍛 Curry Mee

🍜 Wantan Mee

🥟 Dim Sum

🍲 Mee Goreng Mamak

Prologue

Penang is a food lover’s paradise, with an abundance of dishes influenced by the island’s multicultural heritage. You can find a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan cuisine, each with its unique flavor and ingredients. From street food to high-end restaurants, Penang has something for everyone. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best food to buy in Penang, so you can experience the island’s culinary delights to the fullest.

Introduction

Penang is one of Malaysia’s most popular tourist destinations, and it’s easy to see why. The island is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning beaches. However, one of the main reasons visitors flock to Penang is for its food. With a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan cuisine, Penang’s food scene is a melting pot of flavors and ingredients. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best food to buy in Penang so you can eat like a local and experience the island’s culinary delights.

Char Kuey Teow

🍜 Char Kuey Teow is a must-try dish when in Penang. This iconic dish consists of flat rice noodles stir-fried with soy sauce, chili, prawns, cockles, bean sprouts, and Chinese chives. The dish is cooked over high heat in a wok, giving it a smoky flavor. You can find this dish in almost every hawker center and food court in Penang.

Assam Laksa

🍲 Assam Laksa is a sour and spicy noodle soup that is a staple in Penang. This dish is made with tamarind, mackerel, chili, lemongrass, and galangal. The soup is served with thick rice noodles, shredded cucumber, onions, and mint leaves. The combination of sour and spicy flavors is what makes Assam Laksa a unique and delicious dish.

Nasi Kandar

🍛 Nasi Kandar is a popular Malaysian dish that originated in Penang. It consists of steamed rice served with a variety of curries and side dishes. The dish is typically eaten with your hands and is known for its bold and spicy flavors. Some popular side dishes to accompany Nasi Kandar include chicken curry, fish curry, and fried chicken.

Penang Rojak

🌭 Penang Rojak is a fruit and vegetable salad that is a popular snack in Penang. The dish consists of a mix of fruits and vegetables, such as cucumber, pineapple, jicama, and bean sprouts. The salad is then dressed with a sweet and spicy sauce made with shrimp paste, chili, sugar, and lime juice. This dish is a great way to cool down on a hot day in Penang.

Hokkien Mee

🥘 Hokkien Mee is a noodle dish that originated from the Hokkien-speaking community in Penang. The dish consists of thick yellow noodles stir-fried with pork, prawns, squid, and vegetables. The dish is then topped with crispy fried shallots and served with sambal chili sauce. Hokkien Mee is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a rainy day in Penang.

Satay

🍢 Satay is a popular Malaysian street food that consists of marinated meat skewered and grilled over charcoal fire. The meat is usually chicken, beef, or lamb, and it’s served with a peanut dipping sauce. Satay is a great snack or appetizer to share with friends and family when exploring Penang’s street food scene.

Curry Mee

🍛 Curry Mee is a spicy noodle soup that is popular in Penang. The dish is made with a coconut milk-based curry soup, yellow noodles, and vermicelli rice noodles. The soup is then topped with prawns, cuttlefish, tofu puffs, and cockles. The dish is typically served with a side of sambal chili paste and lime wedges. Curry Mee is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a chilly night in Penang.

Wantan Mee

🍜 Wantan Mee is a Cantonese-style noodle dish that is popular in Penang. The dish consists of thin egg noodles, barbecued pork, and wanton dumplings in a savory broth made with soy sauce and oyster sauce. The dish is typically served with a side of chili sauce and pickled green chilies. Wantan Mee is a simple yet delicious dish that is perfect for a quick lunch in Penang.

Dim Sum

🥟 Dim Sum is a Cantonese-style cuisine that is popular in Penang. Dim Sum consists of small dishes that are typically served in bamboo steamers. Some popular Dim Sum dishes include Har Gow (shrimp dumplings), Siu Mai (pork dumplings), and Char Siu Bao (barbecued pork buns). Dim Sum is usually enjoyed as a brunch or lunch with friends and family.

Mee Goreng Mamak

🍲 Mee Goreng Mamak is a spicy fried noodle dish that is popular in Penang. The dish is made with yellow noodles stir-fried with vegetables, egg, and shrimp. The dish is then flavored with a spicy and tangy sauce made with tomato ketchup, chili sauce, and soy sauce. Mee Goreng Mamak is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a late-night snack in Penang.

FAQs

Q1: What is Penang famous for?

Penang is famous for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning beaches. But one of the main reasons visitors flock to Penang is for its food. The island is known for its mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan cuisine, each with its unique flavor and ingredients.

Q2: What is the best time to go to Penang?

The best time to visit Penang is between November and February, when the weather is cool and dry. It’s also a great time to experience some of the island’s festivals and events, such as the George Town Literary Festival and the Penang International Food Festival.

Q3: What is the currency used in Penang?

The currency used in Penang is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).

Q4: What is the most popular food in Penang?

Char Kuey Teow, Assam Laksa, and Nasi Kandar are some of the most popular dishes in Penang. These dishes are must-tries when visiting the island.

Q5: What are the top attractions in Penang?

Some of the top attractions in Penang include the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site, Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple, and Batu Ferringhi Beach.

Q6: What is the weather like in Penang?

Penang has a tropical climate with high humidity and temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C throughout the year. The island experiences two monsoon seasons, from April to September and from October to March, which can bring heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Q7: What is the best way to get around Penang?

The best way to get around Penang is by car, taxi, or public transport. You can also rent a bike or scooter to explore the island at your own pace.

Q8: What is the local language spoken in Penang?

The local language spoken in Penang is Hokkien, but English, Malay, and Mandarin are also widely spoken.

Q9: What is the cost of food in Penang?

The cost of food in Penang can vary depending on where you eat. Street food and hawker centers are generally cheaper than restaurants and cafes. A meal at a haw