If there’s one thing my partner and I can’t get enough of in Penang, it’s the food. Each visit to this island is like a new adventure for our taste buds, exploring flavors and dishes that are as diverse as the culture here. So much so that we eventually moved here!
From street corners to seaside eateries, Penang food offers a culinary journey that’s rich, vibrant, and utterly delicious.
So, let’s dive into the top 15 foods you’ve got to try in Penang, each with its own story and a special place in our hearts and as a bonus we then have some more familiar places to eat if you are missing a taste of home!
So our advice is if you find yourself easting your way through Penang is to try some of our tips, but also make your own favorites, and then tell us in the comments below. 😊
However to get you started here are the Bucket list foods you should try in Penang we also have this on our 25 must do things in Penang article as well.
1. Char Kway Teow
A must-try street food, Char Kway Teow packs a punch with its mix of flat rice noodles stir-fried with prawns, cockles, and crisp bean sprouts in a deliciously dark soy sauce.
It’s the wok hei, or breath of the wok, that gives this dish its unique smoky flavor. Potentially the most famous is the Ah Leng Koay Teow near / in Restaurant Tong Hoo on Jalan Dato Keramat.
2. Assam Laksa
Penang’s take on laksa is a tangy fish-based noodle soup that’s both spicy and refreshing. Tamarind, fish, and a blend of aromatic herbs give Assam Laksa its distinctive sour taste, making it a perfect pick-me-up on a hot day.
Penang Road Famous laksa (Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town ) is where to try this if the Air Itam one is still closed.
3. Nasi Kandar
This is Penang’s version of a build-your-own meal with steamed rice accompanied by a variety of curries, meats, and veggies.
It’s the mixing of the curry sauces over the rice that creates a flavor bomb you won’t forget. Basically all of these are good, but as you are likely in and around Georgtown then this one on Campbell street is gonna get your mouth watering. Hameediyah Restaurant
4. Penang Hokkien Mee
A beloved breakfast dish, Penang Hokkien Mee features a spicy broth made from prawn and pork, served with noodles, boiled eggs, shrimp, and a side of spicy chili paste.
It’s hearty, comforting, and utterly satisfying. Mu Tong Hokkien Mee @ The Shark Food Court Go here and thank us later.
5. Roti Canai
This Indian-influenced dish is a breakfast favorite: fluffy, buttery flatbread served with rich curry sauce for dipping. It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it’s absolutely unmissable for a true taste of Penang’s diverse food scene.
With Roti Canai we are going to choose a very personal one as they also do Tosai, curry and more for the most incredible prices. Its on the North Coast road opposite The Cove Condo. Check the photo for the menu, then work out how much that costs…
6. Chendol
Beat the heat with Chendol, an icy dessert made with shaved ice, coconut milk, green jelly noodles, and sweetened with palm sugar syrup.
It’s refreshing, sweet, and a great way to cool down. Swatow Lane Ice Kacang and despite living here it was Dale Philips who managed to spot this one that we then tried next time we were in town.
7. Mee Goreng Mamak
A spicy fried noodle dish with a tangy twist, thanks to the addition of tomato sauce and lime.
Served with tofu, potatoes, and sometimes seafood or chicken, Mee Goreng Mamak is a flavor-packed dish that satisfies with every bite.
8. Penang Rojak
This fruit and vegetable salad drizzled with a thick, spicy peanut sauce is a harmony of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. It’s a snack that truly showcases the multicultural influences of Penang.
9. Nasi Lemak
A Malaysian Staple of Rich cucumber, anchovies, boiled egg, peanuts, sambal and fried or curried chicken. Great for breakfast, great for lunch and great for dinner! Every major food group covered in one meal!
This is ever popular in Malaysia and you cant really visit without trying this!
10. Ayam Kapitan
A Nyonya cuisine staple, Ayam Kapitan is a type of chicken curry that’s rich, slightly tangy, and aromatic, cooked with a blend of traditional spices and coconut milk. It’s comfort food at its best.
We love this type of Malaysian chicken curry, so rich and tasty!
11. Curry Mee
This noodle soup combines creamy coconut milk-based curry with noodles, shrimp, cuttlefish, and blood tofu.
The spice level in Curry Mee can be adjusted, but it’s the mix of textures and flavors that really makes it stand out.
12. Beef Redang
We found this spicy tangy curry all over Malaysia, but in the spirt of Penang the best one we have had is in the Gurney Plaza shopping center ground floor in the Penang road restaurant.
Always busy and for good reason.
13. Popiah
Fresh spring rolls filled with a savory mix of stir-fried vegetables and sometimes meat, wrapped in a soft, thin crepe.
Popiah is a light, healthy snack that’s packed with flavor.
14. Kaya Toast
A simple yet beloved snack, kaya toast involves slices of toast spread with kaya, a sweet jam made from coconut and eggs, served with a side of soft-boiled eggs.
It’s a traditional breakfast or teatime treat.
15. Durian
No list about Penang food is complete without mentioning durian. This fruit divides opinion with its strong aroma and creamy texture, but for those who love it, Penang offers some of the best varieties to try.
There is no real place for this, though you will fine many in Balik Pulau and in season there will plenty out side food courts to try and buy.
Now Malaysian foods in Penang is of course awesome, and one of the main reasons we turned travel here into basing ourselves here. But some times the taste of home, wherever that may be, calls out loud.
So we have a few none Asian options that we have grown to love and cherish here in Penang.
Some Other Options for Food in Penang
Blue Reef Fish & Chips
Blue Reef serves up a taste of the sea with its crispy, golden fish and chips, accompanied by homemade tartar sauce. It’s a cozy spot where seafood lovers can indulge in freshly prepared dishes while enjoying the marina view.
La Chica Mexican
La Chica Mexican offers a vibrant escape to the flavors of Mexico right in the heart of Straits Quay. Known for its colorful decor and lively atmosphere, it’s the place to go for authentic Mexican cuisine.
From tangy tacos to hearty burritos and refreshing margaritas, every item on the menu is a celebration of rich, spicy flavors. It’s an ideal spot for anyone looking to add a little zest to their dining experience, whether it’s for a casual lunch or a fun evening out with friends.
Rockafellas Bar & Grill
Rockafellas offers a lively spot where the menu is as diverse as the playlist. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, it’s a go-to for anyone looking to enjoy a good meal and maybe catch some live music.
From juicy burgers to refreshing salads, there’s something for every palate. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind after a day of exploring, enjoying the view of Straits Quay with a cold drink in hand.
Emilie’s Steak House
Emilie’s Steak House is a haven for meat lovers, offering a selection of prime cuts that are cooked to perfection.
With its classic yet cozy ambiance, it’s the perfect spot for a special dinner or a hearty meal. The attention to detail in every dish, from the appetizers to the desserts, ensures a dining experience that’s both satisfying and sophisticated.
Palace D’India
Palace D’India brings the rich flavors and aromas of Indian cuisine to Georgetown. Guests can explore a menu full of traditional dishes, each prepared with a blend of authentic spices that promise to transport your senses to the heart of India.
The restaurant’s elegant setting, combined with warm hospitality, makes every meal feel like a royal feast.
Conclusion
Exploring Penang through its food has been one of the highlights of our travels. Each dish tells a story of tradition, innovation, and the melting pot of cultures that Penang represents.
Whether you’re diving into a bowl of spicy noodles or cooling off with a sweet dessert, the flavors of Penang are sure to leave a lasting impression. We hope this list inspires you to explore and enjoy the rich culinary landscape of this amazing island just as much as we have.
