25 Best Breakfasts In Penang [Satisfying Guide!] -

Looking for the best breakfast in Penang?

Penang is famous for its food, especially for its breakfasts. If you go to Penang and you sample many of the best breakfasts you will have a delightful culinary experience that is also Instagram worthy.

Breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day.

There’s a well-known expression, “dine like a pauper, breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince.”

So, allow us to help you breakfast like a king with this guide!

There are quite a few famous breakfasts in Penang, from nasi lemak to egg and toast to Western big breakfasts, there is a diverse list that Penang has to offer.

25 Best Breakfast In Penang

DISCLOSURE

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Feast your senses on the sights and smells of George Town on a half-day culinary tour, ideal for food lovers with limited time in Penang

Or you can eat like a local, feel like a local with this street food tour

You can escape to the countryside of Penang without the risk of getting lost on the way out of George Town on this action-packed half-day cycling tour

Or you can avoid canned tours with itineraries that are set in stone with this customizable highlights tour of Penang. You can pick 7 attractions of your choice!

25 Best Breakfast In Penang

1.Nasi Lemak

Nasi lemak is a fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, served with a side dish of sambal (a spicy sauce), eggs, and anchovies. These are the ingredients that make it the best breakfast in Penang.

It was previously a basic breakfast dish folded in banana leaves.

It is now known as the national food. Nowadays, it is served with a side of rendang (beef curry), curry chicken, fried chicken, and other meat dishes.

Malaysians clearly enjoy their nasi lemak, since stalls can be found all throughout the country and it remains a fixture on most local menus.

top breakfast in Penang — Photo credit: Ali Nasi Lemak Daun Pisang by crispoflife.com

Address: Sri Weld Food Court 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operating hours: Mon-Sat: 7 AM – 4 PM (Closed On Sundays)

Price: RM1.80 (USD 0.60), as of August 2015

2.Roti Canai

Roti canai is a Malaysian pan-fried flatbread made from flour, water, eggs, and fat. The dough for roti canai is folded repeatedly, resulting in a layered texture, a soft interior, and a crispy outer layer.

Ghee, the traditional Indian clarified butter, is the most commonly used fat in roti canai. Also, it is Penang famous breakfast,

It can be served on the side or shredded and mixed into the curry.

However, roti canai is frequently served as the main course, accompanied by a variety of savoury and sweet fillings and ingredients. If additional fillings are used, roti canai is usually cut into rectangles.

The dish is thought to have originated in India when Indian labourers who migrated to Malaysia brought the recipe and the tradition of preparing this crispy pastry with them. It is usually served plain, in its traditional round shape, as an accompaniment to curries.

Penang famous breakfast — Photo credit: Gemas Road Roti Canai by penangfoodie.com

Address: 51, 29, Jalan Gemas, Taman Kampar, 10460 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Operating Hours: 7AM – 9 PM (closed on Mondays)

Price: RM1.00 each (USD 0.50)

3.Chee Chong Fun

Chee chong fun is a dish consisting of a thin layer of flour batter cooked with steam and typically filled with savoury prawn or pork meat, vegetables, and other ingredients.

When it comes to making a good plate of chee cheong fun, the texture of the rice noodles is critical.

With the addition of the peanut-infused dark prawn paste drizzled with chilli, a happy stomach is guaranteed! It is an ideal penang breakfast place.

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Address: Lorong Delima 3, Taman Island Glades, 11700 Jelutong, Pulau Pinang.

Operating Hours: 8 AM – 4 PM (closed on Wednesdays)

Price: RM4.00 (USD 1)

4.Dosa/Tosai

penang foodie breakfast — Photo credit: Dosa by recipes.timesofindia.com

Dosa/tosai is a thin pancake or crepe that originated from South India and is made from a fermented batter primarily composed of lentils and rice.

Dosas are traditionally served hot with chutney and, more recently, sambar. Chutney powder is another option for a side dish (a fine groundnut and lentil powder).

Dosa is a healthy breakfast option for people who need to limit their fat intake.

A high intake of saturated fat raises the risk of heart disease and a variety of other health issues. Dosas have a low saturated fat content, making them a healthy and safe breakfast option.

Address: 35, Lebuh Penang, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: 8.30 AM – 10 PM (opened daily)

Price: RM1.50 each (USD 0.65)

5.Nasi Kandar Kampung Melayu

Nasi kandar is Penang’s traditional Malaysian dish. “Rice on the shoulder” is the literal translation.

A large pot in a basket dangling from each end of the pole has simple white rice, and another pot on the other end contains one curry dish such as meat curry or fish curry.

The plan was to make a one-dish meal consisting of pork or fish with gravy on a bed of rice. It was also incredibly inexpensive for a plate.

Since then, nasi kandar has come a long way.

As one of Penang’s most well-known dishes, it is now available across Malaysia. A typical restaurant no longer serves plain white rice with a single curry dish; instead, a wide range of curries and cuisine types are served.

Address: A-29, Jalan Kampung Melayu, Kampung Melayu, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang.

Operating Hours: 6.30 AM – 10 PM (opened daily)

Price: RM15.00 (USD 4.50)

6.Dim Sum

Dim sum is a traditional Chinese meal consisting of small plates of dumplings and other snack dishes that is usually served with tea. The dishes are shared among family and friends in the same way that the Spanish do with tapas.

Dim sum’s most popular varieties include dumplings, buns, wraps, and noodle rolls (often filled with a combination of fresh seafood, meat, and vegetables) as well as puffs, tarts, and puddings. It is also a best breakfast penang choice.

Address: Yong Pin Restaurant, 59A, Lebuh Kimberley, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: 7AM – 2.30 PM (opened daily)

Price: RM8.00 (USD 2)

7. Soft Boiled Eggs

Soft boiled eggs are a popular old-school breakfast in Penang. For those curious about how soft boiled eggs are done, continue reading below.

It is a process where only fresh (non-chilled) eggs are used by boiling water and submerging the eggs in the pot. The eggs size should be around 55 grams per egg, which will work perfectly with this timing of approximately 3-4 minutes. After this, it yields the best result for a perfect soft boiled egg.

Address: Yong Pin Restaurant, 59A, Lebuh Kimberley, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: 7AM – 2.30 PM (opened daily)Price: RM2.50(USD 0.65)

8.Curry Puffs

Curry puffs are a popular ‘savoury delicacy’ in Southeast Asia. The crispy pastry, also known as karipap, is stuffed with a variety of savoury fillings such as potatoes, sardine, or a combination of curry potatoes and minced meat.

It may appear to be just another puff pastry or savoury pie, but it is the unofficial king of kuih for many Malaysians, Singaporeans, and others in the region.

Curry puffs, also known as ‘epok-epok’ in these countries. It is also one of the best breakfast in Penang tea time snacks.

Freshly made, crispy and flaky deep-fried curry puffs are best eaten while the filling is still warm with a glass of sweet tea ‘Teh Tarik.’ It is a top breakfast in Penang.

9.Apam Balik

Apam balik is a popular dish in my home country of Malaysia.

It is also popular in neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, and Brunei. This penang foodie breakfast is a pancake turnover with a variety of fillings inside.

Address: Mak Ee, 122 F, Hutton Ln, 10050 George Town, Penang

Operating Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM (closed on Sundays)

Price: RM1.50 each (USD 0.65)

10.Nasi Kunyit

Nasi kunyit is a celebratory rice dish that is served at weddings and other special occasions. It’s glutinous rice that’s been cooked with coconut milk and turmeric.

In Malaysia, both Malays and Chinese serve nasi kunyit on special occasions.

This yellow rice dish is made with glutinous (sweet/sticky) rice, coconut milk, and turmeric. Yellow represents good fortune, wealth, and royalty.

Address: Tree Monkey Restaurant, 595, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, 11000, Batu Ferringhi, Penang

Operating Hours: 9 AM – 10.30 PM (daily)

Price: RM10 each (USD 2.50)

11.Wonton Mee

Wonton Mee is a springy egg noodle with a savoury dark sauce.

These wonton noodles are authentic and the best.

This Malaysian wonton noodle (wantan mee) tastes exactly like what you’d find at the best restaurants and street hawkers in Malaysia.

This is one of the best breakfasts in Penang and is so famous for its light-weight on your tummy.

Address: Wan Tan Mee House, 321, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: 6 AM – 4 PM (daily)

Price: RM 5 each (USD 1.30)

12.Kaya Toast

Kaya toast is a dish that consists of two slices of toast with butter and kaya (coconut jam), typically served with coffee and soft-boiled eggs.

It is thought that Hainanese immigrants developed the kaya toast meal by modifying what they had previously prepared while serving on British ships docked at ports during the Straits Settlements period.

The kaya spread was thought to be a good substitute for western fruit jams.

Address: Toh Soon Cafe, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: 8 AM – 5.30 PM (daily)

Price: RM3 each (USD 1.00)

13.Steamed White Bread (Kaya + Butter)

Steamed White Bread (Kaya + Butter) is a traditional kaya toast, an irresistible combination of a thick slab of butter and the rich and creamy kaya. Kaya is a sweet creamy coconut spread made from coconut milk, sugar and eggs.

It is Malaysia’s favourite breakfast, made popular by coffee joints such as Ya Kun Toast Box serving these lovely oldies in our modern, fast-paced society.

Ultimately, what appeals most about making kaya is that it is made of all natural ingredients without preservatives, flavourings, or colorings, and you can adjust the sweetness to your taste.

Address: Toh Soon Cafe, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: 8 AM – 5.30 PM (daily)

Price: RM1.50 each (USD 0.65)

14.Idli

Idli or idly (pronunciation (helpinfo)) (/dli/) are savoury rice cakes from the Indian subcontinent that are popular as breakfast foods in Southern India and Sri Lanka.

The cakes are made by steaming a batter of fermented (de-husked) black lentils and rice. The fermentation process breaks down the starches so that they can be metabolised more easily by the body.

Address: Chettiar Tiffin Cafe, 35, Lebuh Penang, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: 8.30 AM – 10 PM (opened daily)

Price: RM1.50 each (USD 0.65)

15.Curry Mee

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuxFxW8gvqD/

Curry Mee is a thin yellow noodle or rice vermicelli immersed in a spiced broth enriched with coconut milk and served with chilli or sambal relish in a typical Malaysian-style curry mee preparation.

Chicken, prawns, cuttlefish, cockles, boiled eggs, pieces of deep fried tofu puffs, fried foo chuk, green beans, bean sprouts, and mint leaves are all possible curry mee toppings.

Pork products, such as fried lard croutons and cubes of pig blood curd, are frequently used in Chinese-style preparations in Malaysia. In accordance with halal dietary laws, curry mee prepared for Muslim customers excludes pork products.

Address: Toh Soon Cafe, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: 8 AM – 5.30 PM (daily)

Price: RM1.50 each (USD 0.65)

16.Nasi Kerabu

Nasi kerabu is a Malaysian rice dish, similar to nasi ulam, in which blue-colored rice is served with dried fish or fried chicken, crackers, pickles, and salads. The blue colour of the rice comes from the petals of Clitoria ternatea flowers, which are used in cooking as a natural food colouring.

Nasi kerabu is popular in Peninsular Malaysia’s east coast states of Kelantan and Terengganu, and it is now available throughout Malaysia as well as in southern Thailand, where it is known as khao yam.

Address: Nasi Kerabu Wanina, 19, Lorong Cempaka 5, Taman Mutiara Cempaka, 14100 Simpang Ampat, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: 12.30 PM – 6 PM (closed on Sundays)

Price: RM6 (USD 1.50)

17.Classic Combination (Kaya + Toast + Half-Boiled Egg + Coffee)

Despite the constant stream of bagels, croissants, and French toasts mingling among the bread offerings these days, a perfectly prepared “Roti Bakar” takes the cake. This delicate dish is a childhood comfort that has endured despite the passage of time and the introduction of bold new combinations.

Classics are unrivalled; a thick slab of bread speckled with chars, smeared with melting butter and rich kaya (coconut jam) spread, paired with a cup of half-boiled eggs, is a match made in heaven.

Penang is brimming with toasty and tasty temptations, whether it’s a staple breakfast, a quick snack on the go, or a hearty supper.

Address: Yong Tau Foo @Goodall Cafe, , Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: 8 AM – 5.30 PM (daily)

Price: RM5 (USD 1.25)

18.Yong Tow Foo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CUI3fOSsnQ2/

Yong tow foo is a Hakka Chinese dish that primarily consists of tofu filled with ground meat mixture or fish paste.

Vegetables and mushrooms stuffed with ground meat or surimi are examples of variations on this food. Yong tau foo can be eaten in a variety of ways, including dry with a sauce or as a soup dish.

It is common in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, as well as in cities with large Hakka, Teochew, and Hokkien populations.

Address: Toh Soon Cafe, Jalan Gottlieb, Georgetown 10350

Operating Hours: 8 AM – 5.30 PM (daily)

Price: RM5 (USD 1.25)

19.Noodle Soup

Noodle soup is a variety of soups with noodles and other ingredients served in a light broth that are referred to as noodle soup.

Noodle soup is a popular dish in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia’s Himalayan states. Noodles of various types are used, including rice noodles, wheat noodles, and egg noodles.

Address: Tong Lek 8 Cafe, 156, Jalan Macalister, George Town, 11400 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: 8 AM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 8 PM (daily)

Price: RM5 (USD 1.25)

20.Penang Laksa

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAM7381j7iJ/

Penang laksa is the island’s famous cuisine!

It’s always on every list of the best food in Penang. Despite the fact that this distinct dish can be found throughout Malaysia, it is Penang’s famous assam laksa that has put this iconic Malaysian dish on the global map.

When you arrive in Penang, you’ll realise that there isn’t just one place that does this dish justice.

Address: Penang Road Famous Laksa, 5, Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town, 10100 George Town, Penang Island

Operating Hours: 9 AM – 5.30 PM (daily)

Price: RM5 (USD 1.25)

21.Penang Char Kuey Teow

Char kuey teow is essentially flat rice noodles stir-fried in soy sauce with shrimp, bloody cockles, Chinese lap cheong (sausage), eggs, bean sprouts, and chives.

Developed and catered to overseas-born Chinese labourers in Southeast Asia, the dish has gained widespread popularity in the region since the late twentieth century, particularly in Malaysia and Singapore.

Address: Abang Is Char Kuey Teow, Jalan Arumugan Pillai, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: 9 AM – 8 PM (daily)

Price: RM5 (USD 1.25)

22.Yau Char Kwai

Yau Char Kwai also known as Chinese fried dough or Chinese crullers, is a popular Chinese breakfast item.

The Cantonese dialect has a better name which translates to “oil-fried-devil” (or ghost).

Address: Tong Lek 8 Cafe, 156, Jalan Macalister, George Town, 11400 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: 8 AM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 8 PM (daily)

Price: RM1.50 each (USD 0.65)

23.Porridge

Porridge in Malaysia is actually made out of rice. It is usually accompanied by side dishes like salted fish. It is also a popular breakfast among Malaysians. Depending on its consistency, it is usually served hot in a bowl.

Porridge is used medicinally to enhance good health and robust digestion. It harmonises digestion and replenishes blood because it is easily eaten and assimilated (life energy). Porridge has the ability to reduce inflammation while also nourishing the immune system.

Address: Tong Lek 8 Cafe, 156, Jalan Macalister, George Town, 11400 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: 8 AM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 8 PM (daily)

Price: RM3.50 each (USD 1)

24.Big Breakfast Western Style

Big Breakfast Western Style is a set of bagels, waffles, bacon, sausage, ham, various types of eggs (scrambled, poached, omelette, fried, etc.), cereal, muesli, cinnamon rolls, muffin, french toast, pancakes, fruits, green leaves, potatoes, roasted meats, smoked salmon and soup.

Here is the best place to get a delicious big western breakfast :

Address: Big Ben Breakfast And Western Cafe, Lot 2652, Jalan Kebun Bunga, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: 8AM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM (daily)

Price: RM10 each (USD 4)

25.Stir-fried Noodles (Chinese & Malay Style)

If your childhood experiences with Asian food were similar to mine (mall food courts and the takeout section of our Kansas grocery store), stir fry noodles may have meant noodles cooked in oil (usually a lot of oil), with a sugary sauce and very few vegetables.

These consist of 2 styles, both Chinese and Malay style!

While Asian street food chefs may not have a full kitchen, they always have a solid cooking vessel and plenty of heat.

Address: Abang Is Char Kuey Teow, Jalan Arumugam Pillai, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: 9 AM – 8 PM (daily)

Price: RM5 (USD 1.25)

Best Halal Breakfast In Penang

Best Chinese Breakfast In Penang

How To Get To Penang?

By Plane

Penang International Airport, located in Bayan Lepas, receives direct flights from major regional capitals. Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has over 20 flights per day to and from Penang. Budget airlines such as AirAsia offer low-cost flights to and from this island.

To get to any point on the island, you can take taxis or buses from the airport.

Traveling by Car

The North-South Highway connects Penang to major cities on Peninsular Malaysia’s west coast. Traveling by highway can take up to 4-5 hours, with tolls in between.

Once you arrive in Butterworth, the island’s main entry point from the mainland, you can take the Penang Bridge or the ferry to the island, which still runs from Butterworth to Weld Quay and will transport your vehicle for a small fee.

The bridge provides free return trips from Penang.

By Train

KTMB, the national train company, operates a daily route from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth, which takes approximately 6 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train from Kedah’s Alor Setar. Visit the website for train schedules and more information.

What Are The Best Times To Visit?

November to January: This is the best time to visit Penang because the weather is mild and ideal for sightseeing.

From February to April, Penang is less crowded because many tourists have left after the New Year’s celebrations.

When planning a trip to Malaysia, it is almost mandatory to spend at least three days in Penang. Although the bustling Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur is ideal for a quick stopover, embarking on a Penang itinerary is where you’ll really fall in love with this often overlooked Southeast Asian country.

Where To Stay In Penang?

Penang is brimming with excitement and good times. It has beautiful beaches, a vibrant nightlife, delicious food, and tropical drinks, all at a ridiculously low cost.

With so many neighbourhoods to choose from, deciding where to stay in Penang can be difficult. That’s why we’ve put together this guide, to give you the lowdown on the best places to stay in this amazing city.

We’ve also included the best places to stay and things to do in each area so you can find the perfect fit for your travel style and budget.

Mid-Range Hotel in Penang

Central Apartment – Great for City – Breakers

Luxury Hotel in Penang

Budget Hotel in Penang

Conclusion

Penang is a wonderful place, it is also known as the “Pearl of the Orient.”

Once upon a time, Sir Francis Light, a British resident, founded Penang as a strategic location and named it Prince of Wales Island before Malaysia became an independent country.

Hunting for the best breakfast in Penang is definitely the main reason that anyone should make a plan to visit in the near future.

25 Best Breakfast In Penang

25 Best Breakfast In Penang

2.Roti Canai

3.Chee Chong Fun

4.Dosa/Tosai

5.Nasi Kandar Kampung Melayu

8.Curry Puffs

9.Apam Balik

10.Nasi Kunyit

11.Wonton Mee

12.Kaya Toast

13.Steamed White Bread (Kaya + Butter)

14.Idli

15.Curry Mee

16.Nasi Kerabu

17.Classic Combination (Kaya + Toast + Half-Boiled Egg + Coffee)

18.Yong Tow Foo

19.Noodle Soup

20.Penang Laksa

21.Penang Char Kuey Teow

22.Yau Char Kwai

23.Porridge

24.Big Breakfast Western Style

25.Stir-fried Noodles (Chinese & Malay Style)

Best Halal Breakfast In Penang

Best Chinese Breakfast In Penang

How To Get To Penang?

By Plane

Traveling by Car

By Train

What Are The Best Times To Visit?

Where To Stay In Penang?

Mid-Range Hotel in Penang

Luxury Hotel in Penang

Budget Hotel in Penang

Conclusion

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