28 Of The Best Must Eat Food In Penang And Where To Find Them -

Are you planning a visit to Penang and want to know the best must-eat food in Penang? If your answer is yes, I am so glad you are here.

Be prepared for a gastronomical adventure while you explore Penang. There is food here for every taste bud and dietary preference. Mains, sides, desserts, we have it all!

What are you waiting for? Let’s dive in and learn all the best that Penang has to offer for the hungry explorers.

DISCLOSURE

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At A Glance: The 28 Best Must Eat Food In Penang And Where To Find Them

Related Posts on Travel In Malaysia:

What Are The Must-Try Foods In Penang?

1) Char Koay Teow

Char Koay Teow is a dish from Malaysia. Most people like to eat this because they say that the flavor of soy sauce combined with chili paste creates an enjoyable experience for their taste buds!

This Penang must eat dish is made up of noodles and fried in thick brown soy sauce containing fish balls or clams along with other ingredients such as eggs, sausages, beansprouts which all get cooked in garlic and chili paste.

The famous Kimberly Street Char Koay Teow was featured on BBC and the Food Ranger. Reviews are consistently high.

Restaurant Name: Kimberly Street Char Koay Teow

Address: Outside Sin Guat Keong Coffee Shop, 86, Lebuh Kimberley, 10100, Georgetown Penang

Operating Hours: Opens daily from 6 pm to 11 pm

2) Asam Laksa

Asam Laksa is a spicy, tangy fish soup dish from Malaysia. It’s made with fried noodle sheets that are tossed in coconut cream sauce and spices like galangal or kaffir lime leaves when they’re still hot!

The tangy flavor comes from the use of tamarind or asam as it is known in Malay.

The most famous Asam Laksa can be found in Penang Road Famous Laksa. It has an average rating of 4.3 stars with 378 Google Reviews.

Restaurant Name: Penang Road Famous Laksa

Address: 5, Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Operating Hours: Open daily from 9am to 5.30pm except on Wednesdays

3) Tau Sar Piah

The best dish in Penang is not a secret. You can find this savory and tasty dish on every street, roadside stall, or restaurant!

It is also known as Penang Tambun Biscuits. The filling inside is either sweet or savory made with steamed green beans, oil, and sugar. It seems simple but it is a real crowd-pleaser.

You can find the best Tau Sar Piah in Penang from this 72-year-old shop. The queues are mad and they bake fresh daily.

Restaurant Name: Him Heang Sdn Bhd

Address: Him Heang Sdn Bhd (214727-P), 162A, Jalan Burma, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang.

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday from 10.30 am to 2 pm

4) Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak is a Penang must eat dish that people like to eat on special occasions because of its rich, spiced flavor. It is the national dish of Malaysia and a favorite across the board.

It’s made by cooking rice in coconut milk with ginger and lemongrass; then the dish includes fried anchovies which give Nasi Lemak both taste complexity as well as an element of texture (anchovies are normally only used when making sambal).

Nowadays, you can find Nasi Lemak with an assortment of delicious sides such as fried chicken, prawn sambal, fried fish, and more. Nasi Lemak is an absolute must-eat in Penang.

Restaurant Name: Grannie Nasi Lemak

Address: 182, Lebuh Lintang, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Operating Hours: Open daily from 11 am to 7 pm

5) Kueh Pie Tee

If you are looking for a dish that is both unique and refreshing, then Kueh Pie Tee should be your go-to. This is a classic Nyonya dish. Meat and vegetables are assembled in a crunchy dough pastry casing.

These vegetables can be turnips, carrots beans, prawns, chicken, or crab. Then there are toppings of eggs, spices, and cilantro. It does not seem like much, but it is filling and tasty.

You can find the best one at Middle Of No Where. And no, we are not pulling your leg about the name. This is definitely a great place to find tasty food in Penang.

Restaurant Name: Middle Of No Where

Address: 202-B Jalan Sungai Pinang, 11010, Georgetown, Penang

Operating Hours: Opens daily from 9 am to 4 pm

6) Popiah

things to eat in Penang — Photo taken from the Fat Guide

Popiah refers to a thin pancake-like skin and it is a famous Penang food. The filling typically consists of prawns, chicken, or pork along with vegetables such as turnips, cucumbers, carrots, garlic sauce, chili powder paste, and black vinegar.

These are all mixed together before being coated thoroughly in batter then deep-fried until it becomes golden brown crispy. You can probably imagine – it is a mouth-watering delight.

Restaurant Name: Low Eng Hoo Coffee Shop

Address: 84 Lorong Selamat, 10400, Georgetown, Penang

Operating Hours: Open daily from 1 pm to 6 pm except on Tuesday.

7) Oyster Omelet

The oyster omelet is a popular dish in Penang. It’s made of stir-fried tapioca flour with eggs, small shrimps, oysters, mushrooms, and other vegetables mixed into it!

You can find this at any seafood restaurant. This is a crowd-pleaser because it is so easy to make. If you are thinking about delicious food in Penang, this is definitely one to check out!

Restaurant Name: Restoran Bee Hooi

Address: 415, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: Open daily from 6 pm to 12 am except on Tuesday.

8) Otak-Otak

Imagine a spicy grilled fish cake, and that is otak-otak. It is made with shrimp paste, fish, and grilled while it is wrapped in a fragrant banana leaf.

This is an absolute must-have at any Penang BBQ. It is a delightful famous street food in Penang.

Restaurant Name: Mummy Otak-Otak @ Macakister Lane

Address: 100, Lorong Macalister, 11400, George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: Opens daily from 8.30 am to 11 am

9) Wantan Mee

Wantan Mee is a type of dish that originated from China and has been popularized in Penang. It is also a popular type of hawker food in Penang.

It is made with minced meat, eggs, wheat gluten as well as soy sauce & chili paste among other ingredients including vegetables such as mushrooms or leafy greens.

Restaurant Name: Wanton Mee House, Pulau Tikus

Address: Jalan Burma, 10350 Pulau Tikus, Penang, Malaysia

Operating Hours: Open daily from 6 am to 4 pm except on Thursday

10) Nasi Kandar

famous street food in Penang — Photo taken from Recipe Guru

Nasi Kandar is a proud baby of Penang.

It consists of steamed white rice and a large variety of side dishes such as curries, fried meats or seafood, papadam, and vegetables.

This Penang must eat dish is best eaten in a group so that you can share more sides. It is definitely a community affair!

Restaurant Name: Deen’s Maju Nasi Kandar

Address: 170 Jalan Gurwara, George Town, 10300, George Town, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: 12 pm to 10 pm

11) Hokkien Mee

Hokkien mee is a famous food in Penang. It is made of fried noodles mixed with curry sauce and other ingredients. The sauce/broth is made with lots and lots of shrimp heads so that you can extract maximum flavor.

People in Penang love the taste and aroma of Hokkien Mee. It’s made up mostly of beef, though there are also chicken or prawns included to give it more flavor!

Restaurant Name: Famous Penang Hokkien Mee

Address: 151, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10050, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: Open daily from 10 am to 8 pm

12) Rojak

Rojak is a type of salad made with sliced pineapples, cucumbers, turnips, and tofu mixed in a spicy and tangy dark sauce which is made of prawn paste.

However, do not let the term salad fool you. It is not a very healthy dish due to the rich flavors of the sauce. This is Penang street food at its finest and is one of the all-time favorite dishes in Penang and you must try it before you leave.

Name: Hock Seng Rojak

Address: Gat Lebuh Cecil, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Operating Hours: Opens from Wednesday to Sunday from 3 pm to 8.30 pm

13) Tandoori Chicken

If you are still wondering about things to eat in Penang, think about Tandoori Chicken.

This Penang must eat dish is made from chicken pieces cooked with spices, yogurt, and tomatoes for an additional tangy taste that will elevate your meal into something extraordinary!

You are guaranteed to enjoy an aromatic mouth explosion that will leave your taste buds craving for more!

Restaurant Name: d’Tandoor Restaurant Penang

Address: 10-C 22, Precinct 10, Jalan Tanjong Tokong, Tanjong Tokong, 10470 Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: Open daily from 11 am to 10.30 pm

14) Roti Canai

Roti Canai is a dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It’s easy to see why people love this favorite local food, as it contains both sweet and savory flavors.

Roti Canai is a crispy type of Indian pancake made with flour, egg, butter, or ghee. It is a staple for breakfast and has many flavors. This is a Penang must-eat breakfast.

Restaurant Name: Roti Canai Jalan Argyll

Address: Jalan Argyll, George Town, 10050, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: Open daily from 8 am to 12.30 pm

15) Masala Dosa

The masala dosa is a popular Indian dish made with a fermented batter of rice, urad dhal, and fenugreek.

Once the batter is made into a thin and crispy like a pancake, potatoes cooked in onions, chili, garlic, and some Indian spices are added and the dosa is wrapped up.

This flavorful dish is often served at breakfast, brunch, or as an appetizer with chutneys!

Restaurant Name: Woodlands Vegetarian Restaurant

Address: 60 Lebuh Penang, George Town, 10200, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: 8.30 am to 10 pm

16) Economy Rice

delicious food in Penang — Photo taken from Eat Book SG

Economy Rice is a dish that can be found at any street corner in Penang – essentially, this is a meal of rice and various dishes.

The selection of dishes are affordable, filling, and delicious! It is one of the best types of hawker food in Penang.

If you are looking for a healthy and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed at any time of day, then Economy Rice is the perfect choice.

The concept is similar to Nasi Kandar above. However, Economy Rice refers to mainly Chinese side dishes that are accompanied with white rice, while Nasi Kandar refers to Indian side dishes.

Restaurant Name: Ah Boon Economy Rice

Address: Kuantan Road, 10150, Pulau Pinang Malaysia

Operating Hours: Open daily from 9 am to 1.30 pm except on Sunday

17) Satay

The satay dish is a popular food in Penang and other parts of Malaysia. Satay refers to delicious fresh meat grilled on skewers.

It is served with sticky rice known as Ketupat, sliced cucumbers, and a spicy peanut sauce. This is one of the best foods in Penang.

Name: Satay Mama Mieda

Address: 03-1-15, Krystal Point Corporate Park, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: Opens daily from 11am to 8pm

18) Kway Chiap (Duck Soup)

This is a beloved dish for the Chinese community. Kway chiap is made of stir-fried rice noodles topped with vegetables and pork gravy.

However, in Penang, it is also served in a broth made with duck.

Restaurant Name: Restoran Kimberly

Address: 135, Lebuh Kimberley, George Town, 10100, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: Open daily from 5.30 pm to 10 pm except on Thursday

19) Cendol

Cendol is a refreshing dessert dish that is literally worth dying for. It’s made of coconut milk, pandan leaves, and an assortment of toppings such as jellies, red beans, corn, sago pearls and more depending on your preference.

This is the best dessert to have on a hot day, and it will awaken all your senses.

Name: Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul

Location: Jalan Penang, George Town, 10450 Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: Weekdays (10.30 am to 7 pm) Weekends (10.30 am to 7.30 pm)

20) Chee Cheong Fun

The dish is made of steamed rice noodles, dried shrimp, chicken, and vegetables. It tastes good with oyster sauce, soy sauce, or sambal olek which is very popular in Malaysia as dips for foods such as prawn mee.

Restaurant Name: Genting Cafe Chee Cheong Fun

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

Operating Hours: Open daily from 8 am to 4 pm except on Wednesday

21) Char Hor Fun

Char Hor Fun is an easy and delicious meal that is loved by many. This dish is made of pork, chicken, and vegetables in soy sauce. It’s usually eaten for lunch or dinner but you can also find it on the menu if your restaurant serves Chinese food!

The dish name is derived from the Malay word “char” which means fire. This is because of how these crispy roots are cooked over an open flame before being stir-fried with other ingredients such as chili, garlic, and onions.

Restaurant Name: Woh Kee Restaurant

Address: 10, Kampong Malabar, George Town, 10200, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: Open daily from 10.30 am to 9 pm

22) Fish Head Bee Hoon

famous Penang food — Photo taken from Maangchi

When you feel like having something salty and fried, the Fish Head Bee Hoon is perfect for your taste buds. This dish can be found at nearly any restaurant or snack shop in Penang.

It is made with fried or steamed fish head served in rice vermicelli and an aromatic soup. If you are looking for food in Penang that is unique, this would be it.

Restaurant Name: Village Fish Head Bee Hoon

Address: No 107-A, Pengkalan Weld, George Town, 10300 Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: Open daily from 11.30 am to 9 pm

23) Loh Bak

Loh Bak is essentially a 5-spice meat roll and is usually made with pork as the main ingredient.

The pork is marinated in the 5-spices and then rolled inside the fried bean curd skin. It is a delightful side dish and appears at most festive gatherings.

Restaurant Name: Prawn Fritters & Loh Bak

Address: 90-A, Pengkalan Weld, George Town, 10300, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: Open daily from 8am to 6 pm

24) Ikan Bakar

Ikan Bakar is essentially grilled fish. It is a true masterpiece. The marinade is made using simple ingredients such as onions, garlic, turmeric, coriander, candlenuts, chili, and salt.

After that, you wrap it in a banana leaf or just place it directly on the grill. What you get is an amazing and tasty grilled fish that is cooked to perfection.

Restaurant Name: Abg Jit Ikan Bakar HQ

Address: 216, Jalan Ayer Itam, George Town, 10460, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: Open daily from 4 pm to 11 pm

25) Masala Snack

https://www.instagram.com/p/CA5SUrBlJzZ/

This is a fun and spicy Penang must eat snack pack that is handy for you to bring around on your travels across Penang. It contains Indian tidbits such as muruku, fried corn, toasted chickpeas, fried onions, and more.

Restaurant Name: Pop-up stall at Penang Hill

Address: Jalan Stesen Keretapi, Bukit Bendera, Penang Hill, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: Open daily from 9 am to 8 pm

26) Curry Mee

https://www.instagram.com/p/CJvUMOmHT4q/

Curry Mee is made with noodles, vegetables, and meat or seafood soup that has been curried before it’s served on top of these ingredients for added flavor!

Curry mee also contains egg noodles which are thicker than regular spaghetti-type pasta due to their higher protein content.

Restaurant Name: Chulia Street Curry Mee

Address: 1C, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10200, Pulau Pinang,

Operating Hours: Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 4.30 pm to 9.45 pm

27) Mee Goreng

Mee Goreng is a dish that’s originated from Malaysia. It’s made of yellow noodles, prawns, and vegetables fried in a spicy sauce with eggs and bean sprouts.

You can also fry the noodles using chicken or beef slices depending on your preference. It is perfect to be eaten any time of the day.

Restaurant Name: Bangkok Lane Mee Goreng

Address: 102-H-19, New World Park, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10050 Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm

28) Hokkien Prawn Mee

This dish is made of prawns and noodles, which are both popular ingredients in Penang cuisine. Hokkien Prawn Mee is a dish that originated in Penang.

It also contains small shrimps called bakso while some versions include pork ribs too. It can be eaten anytime during the day.

Restaurant Name: Ah Keong Hokkien Mee

Address: Jalan Pasar, Taman Desa Green, 11600, Jelutong, Pulau Pinang

Operating Hours: Open daily from 6.30am to 12pm

Where Is Penang?

Penang is located on the northwest coast of Malaysia. It’s famous for its food, culture, and scenery but most importantly it has great beaches!

How To Get To Penang From Kuala Lumpur And Singapore?

You will be able to reach Penang by any form of transport such as car, bus, plane, or train. It will take you about 50 minutes to fly from Kuala Lumpur and 1 hour and 45 minutes to fly from Singapore.

Driving to Penang from Kuala Lumpur will take about 6 hours and 11 hours from Singapore.

If you take a bus, you can add an extra 2 hours to the time taken to drive as buses will have to go slower.

Where To Stay In Penang?

If you are looking for a place to stay while in Penang, there is no shortage of options. From hostels and hotels all across the city or private homes available with Airbnb; it’s hard not to find something that suits your needs.

1) Penang Hotels In Agoda

2) Penang AirBnB Homes

3) Penang Hostels

Is Penang Expensive?

The cost of living in Penang is not very high. Inexpensive meals range between USD 2 or MYR 10. While fancier meals cost from USD 12 or MYR 60 for 2 pax.

This seems like a pretty affordable location in comparison to more expensive cities such as Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it, folks! This is the most comprehensive and best Penang must eat list. Try to get your hands on each one of these dishes during your time in Penang. I promise you that there is a dish here for every taste bud!

I would like to wish you good luck exploring this exquisite island and don’t forget to eat!