Are you looking for the best seafood in Penang to satisfy your cravings? Penang seafood is a thriving industry. Penang itself boasts several seafood restaurants that have been around for generations.
That being said, Penang’s seafood is not always affordable despite being an island with easy access to seafood.
Seafood is prevalent in Penang among locals and even non-locals willing to travel from afar, and this usually ends up in prices of seafood increasing rapidly.
However, I can guarantee you that eating seafood in Penang is going to be worth every penny! Check out our favorite seafood recommendations and treat yourself to the best seafood buffet in Penang.
At A Glance: 13 Restaurants For Best Seafood In Penang
- Dehappy Seafood Restaurant
- Kristal Seafood
- Song River Seafood
- Crab & Lobster Seafood Oyster Bar
- Hai Wei Seafood Restaurant
- Oriental Red Seafood Market
- Ocean Green Restaurant
- Tai Tong Seafood Restaurant
- Hai Boey Seafood
- Medan Ikan Bakar Teluk Tempoyak
- Da Shu Xia Seafood House (Halal)
- Pang Hainan Seafood
- Seafood City Nurul Ikan Bakar (Halal)
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1. Dehappy Seafood Restaurant
Dehappy Seafood Restaurant is located along Jalan Macalister, another charming spot where you can enjoy a wide variety of seafood dishes, including an outstanding assortment of crabs.
It is also a reasonably upscale restaurant with two options for seating. One is in an air-conditioned space and another in an open-air area. The restaurant has an extensive menu, which is ideal for customers who like variety.
There is so much to sample at De Happy Seafood Restaurant, from deep-fried dishes to more healthy steamed dishes. You’re bound to leave with all your seafood cravings satisfied!
Address: 58, Jalan Macalister, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 5 PM – 11 PM
Price: RM 8.00 – RM 30.00 (USD 1.90 – USD 7.10) per dish
2.Kristal Seafood
Kristal Seafood is a seafood restaurant in the heart of Pulau Tikus. They not only serve their customers until 2 a.m. but they also provide delivery services right to your doorstep and they have one of the best seafood in Penang.
Other popular dishes in this quaint restaurant include:-
- Roasted Duck
- Honey Chicken
- Fried Japanese Tofu with Pacific Clams
- Pre-Steam Radish Soup
Address: 224-B Jalan Burmah, 10350 Penang, Malaysia.
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 6 PM – 2 AM
Price: RM 10.00 – RM 30.00 (USD 2.50 – USD 7.10) per dish
3. Song River Seafood
Song River Seafood was founded by Mr Koay Kek Chye in 1948, and his son, Koay Jin See, who now runs it. The place exudes a retro, old-world atmosphere, as it is housed in a pre-war residential bungalow that has now been converted into a food court.
Here they sell spicy, sweet-sour fish stew with a well-tempered spice blend of shallots, galangal, fresh turmeric, belacan (fermented shrimp paste), and lemongrass as the main flavor. Tamarind paste adds a sourish tang to the gravy, which makes it a fairly liquid and almost soup-like dish.
All the dishes here have a distinct flavor and aroma that differs significantly from other seafood restaurants. You can try the dishes below if you happen to go here.
- Stingray Gulai Tumis
- Stir-fried Chicken With Ginger and Scallions
- Steamed Egg Tofu With Seafood Mousse
Enjoy!
Address: 65, Gurney Drive (near the intersection with Birch Road) George Town.
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 7 AM – 3 AM Tues: Closed
Price: RM 6.00 – RM 20.00 (USD 1.50 – USD 4.80) per dish
4. Crab & Lobster Seafood Oyster Bar
Crab & Lobster Seafood Oyster Bar specializes in crabs and lobsters, but it also provides a variety of seafood, including shrimp, mussels, clams, and oysters.
The majority of their products are livestock that is kept in aquariums or refrigerators to ensure that the seafood provided to consumers is the freshest available on the market.
The live oysters are maintained in a refrigerator and an unopened oyster can last between 7-10 days. They are sent to the restaurant directly from the sea, and as a result, they have a somewhat salty flavor. Additionally, you can also find the best crab in Penang at this seafood bar.
It literally is your one-stop seafood escapade!
Address: Seri Tanjung Pinang, Tanjung Tokong, Penang
Operating hours: Mon-Thus: 11 AM – 11 PM, Fri-Sun: 11 AM – 12 PM
Price: RM 30.00 – RM 60.00 (USD 7.10 – USD 14.20)
5. Hai Wei Seafood Restaurant
Hai Wei Seafood Restaurant is conveniently located in Tanjung Tokong’s “Precinct 10” [near Penang’s north-east coast]. The service is excellent, as is the variety of dishes, which includes a good mix of seafood, vegetarian, and other types of meat dishes
Anyone going here will thoroughly enjoy the food. During dinner time, you can bring in your own alcohol without any additional charges.
Some of their best dishes include:
- Black Vinegar Chicken
- Spinach with 3 Different Eggs.
- Butter Squid.
- Fish Curry.
Address: Ground Floor, 7M, Jalan Gottlieb, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 11.30 AM – 2.30 PM, 5.30 AM – 9.30PM
Price: RM 6.00 – RM 20.00 (USD 1.50 – USD 4.80) per dish
6. Oriental Red Seafood Market
Oriental Red Seafood Market is a seafood haven for seafood lovers to rejoice. This is a new spot in town that you will fall in love with and be fascinated by.
Upon entering the premises, you will find that this is a warm and unpretentious restaurant specializing in seafood plates shared as a Malaysian family-style fare.
It is easily spotted as it is located along the Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu Expressway, formerly known as the Jelutong Expressway, and has a rather large size snow crab on the outside. It’s so massive that even from afar, it’ll draw your attention.
These are 4 ways in which you can enjoy your seafood at this restaurant:
- Grilled
- Deep-Fried
- Hot Pot-style
- Sashimi (including sushi)
Make sure you check this popular seafood haunt before you leave Penang. You won’t regret it!
Address: 28, Fortune Park, Jalan Perusahaan Jelutong 2, 11600, Jelutong, Penang
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 10 AM – 12 AM
Price: RM 10.00 – RM 30.00 (USD 2.50 – USD 7.10) per dish
7. Ocean Green Restaurant
Ocean Green Restaurant is something of a little fancy restaurant in Penang. This is definitely the place to go to for the best seafood restaurant in Penang. It is also popular especially for birthday parties and gatherings because it has an open view of the beach and the sea.
While they serve excellent seafood, they have some pretty standout side dishes such as their satay (a dish that has small pieces of meat grilled on a skewer) and popiah (a soft, thin paper-like crepe made from wheat flour filled with spicy vegetable fillings).
Additionally, you should also check out their Hainanese spring rolls, and deep-fried spicy salt and pepper mantis prawns which are just some of the more unique dishes that you will find here.
Ocean Green Restaurant also offers up a wide selection of premium wines and beer for you to really enjoy your seafood dinner.
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Address: Jln Sultan Ahmad Shah, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 12 PM – 3 PM, 6 PM – 10 PM
Price: RM 10.00 – RM 30.00 (USD 2.50 – USD 7.10) per dish
8. Tai Tong Seafood Restaurant
Tai Tong Seafood Restaurant is a dim sum restaurant by day and a renowned seafood restaurant by night.
It may be a little out of the way compared to other seafood restaurants. But it is definitely worth the effort to get there.
If you do indeed decide to visit this restaurant, make sure you get a taste of their signature cheese-baked oysters, Thai-style mixed vegetables, and bamboo shellfish.
Address: 4, Jalan Hassan Abas Penang 11050
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 12 PM – 10.30 PM, Tues: Closed
Price: RM 6.00 – RM 20.00 (USD 1.50 – USD 4.80) per dish
9. Hai Boey Seafood
Hai Boey Seafood is a restaurant that is extremely well-known among seafood enthusiasts and locals as having some of the best seafood in Penang. Hai Boey Seafood is located in Teluk Kumbar, which is a little far from the town center.
Hai Boey is a kampung (village)-style restaurant close to the sea, so the atmosphere is more laid-back and it’s very relaxing. The seafood is prepared fresh, beautifully seasoned, and reasonably priced.
If you go before dusk, you’ll be able to enjoy the views from the stunning sunsets that usually grace Penang’s skies while indulging in some juicy seafood!
Address: MK 9, 29, Jalan Pasir Belanda, Teluk Kumbar, 11920 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang.
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 5.30 PM – 11 PM
Price: RM 10.00 – RM 30.00 (USD 2.50 – USD 7.10) per dish
10. Medan Ikan Bakar Teluk Tempoyak
Medan Ikan Bakar Teluk Tempoyak is a hawker center that serves Malay-style grilled fish. Look for Adnan bin Hassan’s Ikan Bakar stall and thank me later!
There is no air-conditioning or fine ambiance here, but there is a view of the sea and the second Penang bridge.
You should also try their signature sotong goreng tepung (fried squid with flour) while you are there. It will definitely leave you wanting more!
Address: Telok Tempoyak, 11960 Batu Maung, Penang, Malaysia
Operating hours: Tues-Sun: 5.30 PM – 11 PM, Wed: Closed
Price: RM 6.00 – RM 20.00 (USD 1.50 – USD 4.80)
11. Da Shu Xia Seafood House
Da Shu Xia Seafood House is a nature-infused restaurant, which literally translates to “Under the Big Tree”. This seafood house is another established dining favorite in the heart of George Town, Penang.
It is very shady and soothing to sit under the tree and enjoy your food. Also, it has an old alley with overgrown vines that is extremely beautiful to look at.
Their food, too, is a little out of this world. 3-flavored golden threadfin bream, 2-Way spinach, salt-and-pepper slipper lobster, and coconut seafood curry are just a few of the delicacies on the menu.
With its unique selection and flavors, you can expect the food here to be a little more pricey than other seafood restaurants in Penang.
If you’re game to check this restaurant out, some of their signature dishes include:
- Soft Shell crab with salted egg yolk
- Steamed clams with chili
- Prawns in coconut curry
- Deep-fried squid
Address: 177C, Lebuh Victoria, George Town, 10300 George Town, Penang Island
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 11 AM – 10 PM, Wed: Closed
Price: RM 6.00 – RM 20.00 (USD 1.50 – USD 4.80) per dish
12. Pang Hainan Seafood
Pang Hainan Seafood has undergone a series of modifications, and it now offers an outside dining space. As you enter the restaurant, you will find tables neatly set up along the walls. This demonstrates how the number of clients has grown over time and the restaurant has expanded to meet growing demands!
Large aquariums with air pumps loaded with various species of sea creatures are also available on the site for customers to choose from.
The menu is similar to that of other seafood restaurants, but prices are printed on both menus and little posters at the counter for everyone’s convenience.
Crabs are an extremely popular dish at Pang Hainan Seafood and you can choose to have them in 6 different flavors such as:
- Sweet and Sour
- Black Pepper
- Chilli
- Baked
- Steamed
- Spicy and Fragrant Kam Heong crab
Address: 501 K & L, Jalan Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Penang, 11200, Georgetown, Penang
Operating hours: Tues-Sun: 12 PM – 2.30 PM, 6 PM – 10.30 PM, Mon: Closed
Price: RM 10.00 – RM 30.00 (USD 2.50 – USD 7.10) per dish
13. Seafood City Nurul Ikan Bakar
Seafood City Nurul Ikan Bakar is another one of the most popular seafood joints in Penang. The spacious parking area and variety of seafood dishes are just some of the reasons why!
It is also the best halal seafood restaurant in Penang.
There are many dishes that you can choose from and you can rest assured that all your seafood items are the freshest ones possible!
Some of the more popular dishes in this restaurant are their fried squid and sea bass which come in 3 flavors.
Address: 25, Persiaran Bayan Mutiara 3, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 4 PM – 12 AM
Price: RM 10.00 – RM 15.00 (USD 2.50 – USD 4.00) per dish
Where Are The Best Halal Restaurants In Penang?
Islam, being the most prominent religion in Malaysia, requires that all food eaten by Muslims should be halal. As such, most restaurants in Penang serve halal food.
Some of the best halal restaurants in Penang include:
Roti Canai Transfer Road
With its longstanding history as a Muslim enclave, Transfer Road has always been a food destination for Muslim and Indian Muslim food. If you go to Transfer Road in the morning, there are at least 3 roadside roti canai stalls set up along the road.
Nasi Padang Minang Transfer Road
Nasi Kandar dominates Penang’s Muslim food scene. The late Madam Ardaini Sabar, a Padang native who founded the restaurant in 1987, was a stickler for “proper” spicing and cooking methods.
She combined recipes from her grandmother a Minang (a distinct ethnic group in Sumatera) with her husband’s Kedah (Northern Malaysian) culinary heritage and hence this restaurant was born.
Deen Maju Nasi Kandar
This restaurant is also so famous for its nasi kandar menu. There are normally long queues and you have to go early if you do not want to get caught standing in line. It also serves other delicious seafood and vegetable dishes.
Hameed Pata Special Mee Sotong
This restaurant sells spicy mee sotong (squid noodles) and it is one of a kind here with many patrons coming with repeat orders.
Bee Hwa Cafe
This restaurant was established in 1992, selling Chinese-style pork-free food and is a favorite amongst the local hawker foods.
Where Is The Best Chinese Seafood Restaurant In Penang?
Chinese restaurants have long been a part of the Malaysian community when it comes to big feasts among family and friends. These restaurants introduced additional cuisine from various parts of China.
There are now so many Chinese restaurants in Malaysia that you may see plenty within meters of each other. Some of the best Chinese seafood restaurants in Penang are:
- Teoh’s Chinese Seafood
- CRC Restaurant
- Ocean Green Restaurant
- Tai Tong Seafood Restaurant
- Hai Boey Seafood
Where To Find The Best Crab In Penang?
Penang is incredibly famous for its restaurants selling crab dishes. The crabs cooked and served in these restaurants are fresh from the sea and are of good quality.
You can find these delicious dishes at:
- CRC Restaurant
- Ocean Green Restaurant
- Crab & Lobster Seafood Oyster Bar
- Restoran Fishing Village Seafood
- Hakka Village
Where To Find The Cheapest Seafood In Penang?
Penang is quite popular for its seafood, both among locals and non-locals who are eager to visit from other parts of the country given the fact that Penang is surrounded by the sea and fishing communities.
Eating seafood can be pricey in general, but not if you manage to find the nice ones worth your money.
Some restaurants that serve relatively cheap but delicious seafood in Penang are:
- Oriental Red Seafood Market
- Ocean Green Restaurant
- Tai Tong Seafood Restaurant
- Hai Boey Seafood
- Da Shu Xia Seafood House
Conclusion
And there you have it! Everything you need to know about the best seafood in Penang!
You can use this guide as your one-stop resource if you’re ever on a foodie adventure on this stunning island.
There is so much to discover about Penang’s seafood because it has a variety of tastes and plating styles and there is always a reason for a seafood feast!
I hope you find your favorite dishes! And let me know what they are!
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