Best Food To Try in Penang: A Gastronomic Adventure

Penang, located in the northwest of Malaysia, is a foodie’s paradise. The city is renowned for its multiculturalism, which is reflected in its cuisine. It is a melting pot of different cultures, including Malay, Indian, and Chinese, which have all contributed to the unique flavors that make up Penang’s food scene. If you’re planning to visit Penang, you must try these top-rated foods that will tantalize your taste buds.

The Top Food Must-Tries in Penang

1. Char Koay Teow

Char Koay Teow is undeniably one of Penang’s most famous dishes. This savory stir-fried noodle dish is made with flat rice noodles, shrimp, bean sprouts, Chinese sausage, and soy sauce. The dish is served with a squeeze of lime and small pieces of chili that add a spicy kick. It is a must-try for anyone visiting Penang.

2. Assam Laksa

Assam Laksa is a sour and spicy fish-based noodle soup that is packed with flavor. This dish is made with mackerel, tamarind, and lemongrass, which gives it a sour taste. It is served with a garnish of sliced cucumber, onions, and chilies to add an extra crunch. If you love sour and spicy food, then this dish is a must-try.

3. Hokkien Mee

Hokkien Mee is a hearty noodle dish made with thick yellow noodles, prawns, squid, and pork. The dish is flavored with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of dark soy sauce, giving it a sweet and savory taste. Hokkien Mee is a perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly evening in Penang.

4. Nasi Kandar

Nasi Kandar is a popular Malaysian dish that originated from Penang. It is a meal of steamed rice served with a variety of curries and side dishes. The dish is a real treat for spice lovers, as the curries are usually spicy and flavorful. Make sure to try Nasi Kandar while you’re in Penang.

5. Cendol

Cendol is a refreshing dessert that is perfect for hot days in Penang. The dish is made with shaved ice, green jelly noodles, red beans, and coconut milk. It is a sweet, creamy dessert that is loved by locals and tourists alike.

6. Rojak

Rojak is a traditional Malay salad that is a mix of fruits and vegetables, such as sliced cucumber, pineapple, and bean sprouts. It is a refreshing and healthy dish that is served with a thick, sweet peanut sauce. Rojak is a perfect dish to enjoy as a light snack while exploring the streets of Penang.

7. Apom Balik

Apom Balik is a delicious pancake-like snack that is made with flour, sugar, and coconut milk. It is served with a mixture of sweet corn, peanuts, and sugar. The snack is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it a perfect snack to munch on while walking around Penang.

8. Mee Goreng

Mee Goreng is a spicy and flavorful dish made with yellow noodles stir-fried with a variety of ingredients, including shrimp, egg, bean sprouts, and tofu. The dish is flavored with a special blend of spices, which gives it a unique taste. Mee Goreng is a perfect dish to try for anyone who loves spicy food.

9. Curry Mee

Curry Mee is a spicy and creamy noodle soup that is a staple breakfast dish in Penang. It is made with a special curry paste that is flavored with coconut milk and a variety of spices. The dish is usually served with yellow noodles, prawns, tofu, and cockles, which adds an extra depth of flavor.

10. Satay

Satay is a favorite Malaysian dish made with skewered, grilled meat, usually chicken or beef. The meat is marinated in a special blend of spices and then grilled to perfection. The dish is usually served with a sweet and spicy peanut sauce, which complements the smoky flavor of the meat.

11. Oyster Omelet

Oyster Omelet is a popular street food in Penang. It is made with a mixture of eggs, flour, and fresh oysters, which are fried to create a crispy texture. The dish is usually served with a sweet and spicy sauce, which complements the omelet’s savory flavor.

12. Kuih

Kuih is a type of Malaysian dessert made from glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar. The dessert comes in a variety of shapes and colors, and each has a unique flavor. Kuih is usually served as a snack or as a dessert after a meal.

13. Ice Kacang

Ice Kacang is a popular Malaysian dessert that is perfect for hot days in Penang. The dessert is made with shaved ice, red beans, sweet corn, and syrup. It is then topped with evaporated milk or condensed milk, which gives it a creamy texture. Ice Kacang is a refreshing dessert that is loved by both locals and tourists.

Best Food to Try Penang: A Complete Guide

Penang is a food lover’s paradise, and with so many delicious foods to try, it can be overwhelming. Here is a complete guide to the best food to try in Penang:

Food
Description

Char Koay Teow
A savory stir-fried noodle dish made with flat rice noodles, shrimp, bean sprouts, Chinese sausage, and soy sauce.

Assam Laksa
A sour and spicy fish-based noodle soup that is packed with flavor.

Hokkien Mee
A hearty noodle dish made with thick yellow noodles, prawns, squid, and pork flavored with soy sauce and oyster sauce.

Nasi Kandar
A meal of steamed rice served with a variety of curries and side dishes, perfect for spice lovers.

Cendol
A refreshing dessert that is made with shaved ice, green jelly noodles, red beans, and coconut milk.

Rojak
A traditional Malay salad that is a mix of fruits and vegetables, such as sliced cucumber, pineapple, and bean sprouts, served with a thick, sweet peanut sauce.

Apom Balik
A delicious pancake-like snack that is made with flour, sugar, and coconut milk, served with a mixture of sweet corn, peanuts, and sugar.

Mee Goreng
A spicy and flavorful dish made with yellow noodles stir-fried with a variety of ingredients, including shrimp, egg, bean sprouts, and tofu.

Curry Mee
A spicy and creamy noodle soup made with a special curry paste that is flavored with coconut milk and a variety of spices.

Satay
A favorite Malaysian dish made with skewered, grilled meat, usually chicken or beef, served with a sweet and spicy peanut sauce.

Oyster Omelet
A popular street food in Penang made with a mixture of eggs, flour, and fresh oysters, served with a sweet and spicy sauce.

Kuih
A type of Malaysian dessert made from glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, served in various shapes and colors.

Ice Kacang
A popular Malaysian dessert made with shaved ice, red beans, sweet corn, and syrup, topped with evaporated milk or condensed milk.