27 Food In Penang [Mouthwatering and Tested Personally!]

Are you wondering, where is the best food in Penang ?

I vividly remember my first trip to Penang Island. It was my first ever trip to this island with my family. The first thing we did back then was to google where to get the best Penang Street Food.

That was a decade ago, and I vowed to myself that I will come again and visit Penang to explore other delicacies that make Penang one of the best places to eat in Asia. 

Penang, renowned as the Pearl of the Orient, is one of the most developed and urbanized cities in Malaysia. With its richness of cultural diversity, no wonder Penang is unique in its way. 

Without further adieu, the WWB Guest Poster Nadiah N will take you on the trip that makes her fall in love with Penang Street Food all over again. Below is her recommendation list for you to try.

27 Delicious Food In Penang 

1. Laksa Penang 

2. Pulut Tai Tai

3. Cendol

4. Roti Kawin

5. Nasi Kandar 

6. Nasi Lemak

7. Rojak Buah

8. Claypot Apom Manis

9. Roti Canai

10. Oyster-filled Omelette 

11. Lok Lok

12. Durian

13. Char Koay Teow

14. Ice Kacang

15. Pasembor

16. Mee Goreng

17. Nasi Biryani

18. Serabai

19. Air Sarbat

20. Sup Hameed

21. Seafood Popiah

22. Mee Sotong

23. Penang Char Koay Kak

24. Curry Mee

25. Radzidah Hokkien Mee

26. Koay Teow Th’ng

27. Ayu Mee Udang

Disclosure:

Some of the links here are affiliate links, and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. I hope you find the information here useful! Thanks!

Related posts On Penang

1. Laksa Penang

Did you know that Penang Laksa is no #7 world’s famously delicious food by CNN? 

It is a must-try food to eat in Penang! Penang Laksa is a Peranakan Nyonya fish-broth soup. It has all the right combination of tastes that makes it unique. 

With fish-tamarind base soup combined with silky smooth rice noodles, pineapple, cucumber, onion, and sweetened shrimp paste gives the soup the right marriage combination of every one of the five basic tastes – sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. 

Result – the perfect harmonious taste that will leave you wanting more. 

Address: Penang Air Itam Laksa, Jalan Pasar, Paya Terubong, 11500 George Town

Operating hours: 11 am until 5 pm (Only open during weekends)

Average price: RM 5 (USD $1.10)

How to get there: google map

2. Pulut Tai Tai

Are you a sweet tooth? Then this sweet-savory dessert by Nyonya Peranakan is a must-try “kuih” (dessert) for you. 

Historically, Pulut Tai Tai was served only to a rich man’s wife hence the name Tai Tai. Its flavourful glutinous rice is cooked in coconut milk with butterfly pea extract that gives the soft blue hue. 

To enhance taste, eating with a rich and creamy kaya jam is a must! 

Address: Sri Weld Food Court, Beach St, 10300 George Town.

Operating hours: 7.30am – 2.00pm 

Average price: RM3.60 1 box (USD $0.80)

How to get there: google map

3. Cendol

Penang is also known for its street art. Most iconic murals in Penang are drawn by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevich.

Penang street art food is a tourist attraction.  If you see the iconic mural “a kid eating cendol”, you have arrived at the most arguably Penang’s famous cendol at Penang Road. 

Do not be alarmed by the large crowd who queue up for the Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul.

To make Cendol, it must possess 5 basic ingredients – shaved ice, gula Melaka, coconut milk, cendol green jelly, and red beans. 

This sweet-savory dessert will help to quench your thirst and boost your energy to walk and admire Penang street art. 

Address: Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul, 27 & 29, Lebuh Keng Kwee, 10100 George Town

Operating hours: 10.30 am – 7 pm

Average price: RM 2 (USD $0.44)

How to get there: google map

4. Roti Kawin

One of Penang’s hidden gems. Passed down homemade kaya jam recipe, using pandan leaf, coconut milk, sugar, and eggs. This sweet taste kaya jam is a wake-up call for energy in the morning.

The toasted bread aromas and kaya jam spread and butter on each side are made from heaven. The secret to making the roti kawin taste even better, half dipped it with a half-boiled egg.

Complete your breakfast with a cup of black coffee. One of the best street food restaurants for your breakfast.

Address: Ah Wang Cafe, J-6 Jalan Tanjung Bungah, Tanjung Tokong, 10470 Tanjung Bungah 

Operating hours: 11.30 am until 6.00 pm

Average price: RM 4.00 (USD $1.00)

How to get there: google map

5. Nasi Kandar

One of Campbell’s famous street foods that you must try in Penang is Nasi Kandar Hameediyah. 

This is the oldest Nasi Kandar Shop in Penang. For 115 years, this Nasi Kandar shop has been running since the founding father M.Mohamed Thamby Rawther come to Penang from Chittarkottai in the district of Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu in India.

Against all odds, enduring war after war. 

You mustn’t miss this Penang famous street food. This dish is made of a base of rice, commonly use white rice, and topped with your choices of ingredients and spicy curries. 

Some of the must-try would be ayam kapitan, mutton kurma, and beef rendang. 

Address: 164A, Lebuh Campbell, 10200, George Town

Operating hours: 10 am until 10 pm

Average price: RM35 (USD $7.77) 

*Prices vary with your choices of topping. 

How to get there: google map

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6. Nasi Lemak 

Nasi lemak is one of the breakfast staple dishes in Malaysia. If you come to Penang, you should try Ali Nasi Lemak Daun Pisang, one of the best hawker street foods in Penang. 

Nasi Lemak consists of its signature fragrant coconut rice and delicious anchovies sambal. Without these two main ingredients, you cannot enjoy Nasi Lemak wholeheartedly.  

As the anchovies are deep fried before being put into the sambal paste, the crunchiness helps to add extra flavor to the sambal. 

This rice dish is also topped with hard-boiled eggs and peanuts. Furthermore, you also can choose your sambal. 

I would recommend either sambal sotong (squid) or sambal udang (shrimp). 

Address: Sri Weld Food Court, Beach st, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Operating hours: 7.30am – 2pm

Average price: RM4.00 (USD $0.89)

How to get there: google map

7. Rojak buah

Calling dessert lover! You should try one of the best street food in Penang located near the Penang Road Famous Teochew Cendol. 

It is not hard to spot any rojak stall in Penang, just look for the hanging mangoes! Rojak buah is what locals called it, but for the foreign eyes, rojak buah is a mix of fruit salad such as cucumber, pineapple, bean sprouts, deep-fried tofu, unripe mangoes, green apples, and fritters.  

But what makes it different than any other fruit salad that you can find out there, it’s the dressing. Instead of mayonnaise or thousand islands, rojak buah has its dressing consisting of sugar, chili, belacan, and lime juice. 

This sweet-sour savory dessert is one of the dishes that you should try after eating Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul. 

Address: Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul, 27 & 29, Lebuh Keng Kwee, 10100 George Town

Operating hours: 10 am until 6.30 pm 

Average price: RM5.00 (USD $1.11)

How to get there: google map

8. Claypot Apom Manis

Did you know, rumors had it that The Sultan of Pahang flies the makers to his palace once a month to make this delicious dessert? 

This tasty sweet dessert has been using the same recipe and technique since 1920. For the past 80 years, this family-run business has been in the same spot at Swee Kong Coffee Shop. 

There are two choices of clay pot apom manis, plain or with an added egg. If you like sweeter and crispier tastes opt for plain apom because the added egg even though, will make you feel fuller, has a more soft texture, and is less sweet. 

Address: Kedai Kopi Swee Kong, Solok Moulmein, Pulau Tikus

Operating hours: 6 am until 9 am, closed on Monday

Average price: RM1.00 (USD $0.22)

How to get there: google map

9. Roti Canai

Roti Canai or Indian flatbread is a popular breakfast and snack that is usually served with dal or other types of curry. 

You can choose between the plain Roti Canai or Roti Canai Telur with added eggs. This circular, flat and crunchy bread is best paired with teh tarik, another staple drink in Malaysia. 

Address:164A, Lebuh Campbell, 10200, George Town

Operating hours: 10 am until 10 pm

Average price: RM1.20 (USD $0.27)

How to get there: google map

10. Oyster-filled Omelette

One of the many dishes at Macalister Road Penang Street Food that you should try is the oyster-filled omelette. 

The combination of fresh succulent oysters, omelette, starch, chili sauce, and coriander blend harmoniously to create a heavenly delicious taste. Paired with sour yet spicy chili sauce, this delicacy will guarantee to please your taste bud. 

Address: Yi Garden, 150-152, Jalan Macalister, 10300 George Town. 

Operating hours: 5.30pm until 11pm

Average Price: RM7 (USD $1.55)

How to get there: google map

11. Lok Lok

Another local common Penang road food that you should try is Lok Lok. Lok Lok consists of various ingredients such as meats and vegetables that are served on a skewer. 

To enhance the taste, I would suggest dipping the skewered food in satay or chili sauce. 

Address: Gurney Drive Hawker Centre, 172, Solok Gurney 1, Pulau Tikus, 10250 Jelutong

Operating hours: 4.30 pm until 11 pm

Average Price: RM4 (USD $0.89)

How to get there: google map

12. Durian

Do not be deceived by the smell of durian, the king of fruit. Described as the most foul-smelling fruit in the world. It has a sweet and creamy savory taste. 

If you like the hands-on experience of plucking durian from their tree, then you should visit Bao Sheng durian. They also offer homestays.    

Address: 150 Mk2 Sungai Pinang, Balik Pulau, 11000 Penang

Opening hours: 24H

Average price: RM18 – RM25 (USD $4 – $5.55)

How to get there: google map

13. Char Koay Teow

Char Koay Teow is perhaps the most iconic street food in Penang. Using flat rice noodles called “Koay Teow”, the noodle is stir-fried with cockles, fish balls, crab sticks, prawns, garlic chives, bean sprouts, and chili paste. 

Also, opt for duck eggs to give a richer taste to each mouthful of noodles. This noodle is best to eat when the dish is steaming hot from the wok. 

Address: Bee Hwa Cafe, 10, Lebuh Dickens, 10500 George Town

Operating hours: 7.00 am until 3.00 pm, closed on Sunday.

Average price: RM6.00 (USD $1.33)

How to get there: google map

14. Ice Kacang

Another Penang famous food street dessert that you must try is ice kacang. It is a combination of shaved ice with a mixture of grass jelly, sweet corn, red beans, assorted fruits and generously drizzled condensed milk with rose syrup.

Ice Kacang in Kek Seng has additional toppings of agar-agar (jelly) and durian ice cream, hence these multifarious ingredients could result in a wonderful explosion of flavor in your mouth. 

Address : Ais Kacang Restoran Kek Seng, Jalan Penang, 10450 Penang. 

Operating hours: 9 am until 5 pm

Average price: RM5.20 (USD $1.15)

How to get there: google map

15. Pasembor 

Penang pasembor is also known as “Indian rojak”. It is different than rojak buah, as it is often served along with the mamak mee goreng as a sort of appetizer.

The main difference between rojak buah and pasembor – has cut vegetables that are mixed with the sweet and sour flavors of the black prawn paste sauce.

The pasembor is also packed with deep-fried bean curd, crispy fritters, boiled potatoes, and hard-boiled eggs. This creates a delicious and mouth-watering combination of foods. 

On top of that, the dish is drizzled with a thick rich gravy made out of sweet potatoes, chilies, and ground roasted peanuts that completes the whole dish. 

If you’re lucky, you might just catch a glimpse performance of the owner’s song-and-dance routine.

Address: Disko Pasembur, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 George Town

Operating hours: 4.00 pm until 11.30 pm

Average price: RM 1 (USD $0.22)

How to get there: google map

16. Mee Goreng

Did you know mee goreng Bangkok Lane has been around for more than 80 years? The mee goreng recipe has been passed down from generation to generation. 

The aroma and distinguished taste are made from their secret sauce. Using only the freshest ingredients their mee goreng consists of yellow noodles, squid, eggs, and secret sauce. 

They have relocated their stall at Bangkok Lane to New World Park. 

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

Operating hours: 9 am until 6 pm

Average Prices: RM7 (USD $1.55)

How to get there: google map

17. Nasi briyani

The secret of a delicious, mouth-watering fragrant nasi briyani is in the ingredients. There are so many varieties of Briyani. What makes each of them different are the method of cooking and ingredients that are used by different places. 

In general, biryani is basmati rice cooked together with beef, mutton, or chicken and seasoned with different types of spices and butter. 

One of the Penang food you should try is Nasi Briyani

Address: Hameediyah, 164A, Lebuh Campbell, 10200, George Town

Operating hours: 10 am until 10 pm

Average price: RM25 (USD $5.53) 

How to get there: google map

18. Serabai

Serabai is also known as “Kuih Mayat” or corpse dessert as it is usually served during a prayer gathering for the deceased (kenduri arwah).

This dessert resembles a pancake and its cousin apom manis. It is usually served with pengat durian or pengat pisang (pengat is a local custard like-dish made with coconut milk) or serawa (sweet paste). 

For dessert lovers, this is one of the Penang food roads that you must include in your list to try. 

Address: Astaka Taman Tun Sardon, 11700 Gelugor, Penang

Opening hours: 6 am until 10 pm

Average prices: RM 1 (USD $0.47)

How to get there: google map

19. Air Sarbat

Air Sarbat or Air Tingkap mark’s 100th year this year. Since 1919, the Air Sarbat or known as “Window Sorbet” during the British colonial era, have used the same recipes they inherited. 

Using more than 23 types of herbs, a secret Sarbat recipe, and coconut water, these drinks will be sure to quench your thirst on a hot sunny day. Expect a large crowd every day. 

Address: Ais Tingkap, 2, Lebuh Tamil, 10100 George Town

Operating hours: 11 am until 7 pm

Average prices: RM2.50 (USD $0.55)

How to get there: google map

20. Sup Hameed

You should try their famous mutton soup. It is so refreshing and flavourful. Each bowl of soup here is served with a side of two slices of bread but you can ask for rice if you feel a bit peckish. 

They are also famous for Sup Torpedo. This soup is made from a bull’s penis and rumors had it can cause aphrodisiacs.

 Honestly, I haven’t tasted this soup. But maybe you might want to give it a try. 

Address: 48, Jalan Penang, George Town

Operating hours: 8 am until 12 MN

Average prices: RM7.80 (USD $1.72)

How to get there: google map

21. Seafood popiah

Popiah aka Malaysian spring rolls. It’s a flavorful, fragrant, savory roll that is usually enjoyed as a side dish. 

Popiah is made using thin spring roll skin and stuffed with various types of filling such as vegetables, meat, seafood, and omelette depending on which region they’re from.

Seafood popiah at Gerai Padang Besar or Dato Keramat stalls perhaps one of the oldest in Penang, operating since 1966. 

You must try uncle Ong’s seafood popiah as it could be the only popiah stall that are using real crab meat as one filling. 

Address: Gerai Padang Besar, 17, Jalan Dato Keramat, 10400 George Town

Operating hours: 1 pm until 7 pm

Average price: RM2.80 (USD $0.62)

How to get there:  google map

22. Mee Sotong

The mixtures and flavors of this mee sotong (squid) are spot-on and perfect every time. The taste, texture, aroma, and appearance are cut above the rest. 

However, be prepared to queue for your food. This is one of the best hawker food in Penang. 

Address: Hameed Pata Mee Sotong Penang, Esplanade Food Court, Tun Syed Sheh Barakhah Road, 10200 Penang

Average prices: RM 5 (USD $1.10)

How to get there: google map

23. Penang Char Koay Kak

The cousin dish of Char Koay Teow. This Penang Char Koay Kak is another must-try food to eat in Penang. As it is not easy to find a halal Char Koay Kak, our next destination is a match from heaven!

The aroma of eggs, Char Por, rice cubes, and taugeh being fried in a large pan is just intoxicating. This is the most aromatic, and soy-infused delicious treat!

You just had to try it!

Address: Astaka Taman Tun Sardon, 11700 Gelugor, Penang

Opening hours: 6 am until 10 pm

Average prices: RM 15 (USD $3.31)

How to get there: google map

24. Curry Mee

A classic delicious curry mee must come with springy noodles bathed in a thick curry and creamy coconut milk broth. Eat with chilies, it will enhance the soup flavor and satiate your hunger. 

Address: Bee Hwa Cafe, 10, Lebuh Dickens, 10050 George Town

Operating hours: 7 am until 3 pm

Average price: RM 6 (USD $1.33)

How to get there: google map

25. Radzidah Hokkien Mee

What sets the Penang Hokkien mee apart from other variants is its prawn-based broth. 

Typically consists of seafood or meats with egg-based wheat noodles and is generously coated with thick and dark soy sauce. 

It is also served with chilli or shrimp paste and sliced scallion on the side.

 If you love Hokkien mee and don’t know where to eat halal Hokkien mee, this is the food to eat in Penang that you must try!

Address: Radzidah Hokkien Mee, Jalan Rumbia, 11900 Bayan Lepas

Operating hours: 4.30 pm until 11 pm (closed on Wednesday)

Average price: RM 5 (USD $1.10)

How to get there: google map

26. Koay Teow Th’ng

This is one of my “comfort foods”, especially on a rainy day. The warm concoction of flat rice noodles, a mixture of seafood, beef, and slow-simmered broth. And with one bite, will tantalize your taste bud to another level. 

Address: Bee Hwa Cafe, 10, Lebuh Dickens, 10050 George Town

Operating hours: 7 am until 3 pm

Average price: RM 6 (USD $1.33)

How to get there: google map

27. Ayu Mee Udang

Another Penang famous street food in Penang that you must try is Ayu Mee Udang. This Malay Seafood stall specializes in mee udang (prawn noodles). You can choose to get their mee udang in dry or wet (mee udang rebus). All their prawns are huge, juicy, and fresh.

Besides mee, you can also try their nasi goreng udang. (Prawn fried rice). It is one of the hidden gems in Penang that you should visit. 

Address: 936 B, Lengkok Kampung Masjid 1, 11920 Teluk Kumbar.

Operating hours: 1.30 pm until 10 pm (Closed on Monday) 

Average price: RM21.80 (USD $4.82)

How to get there: google map

FAQs on Penang Street Food

What Is The Most Popular Street Food In Penang?

• Char Koay Teow – Bee Hwa Cafe
• Nasi Kandar – Hameediyah
• Hokkien prawn noodles – Radzidah Hokkien Mee
• Penang laksa – Penang Air Itam Laksa
• Cendol – Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul
• Pasembur – Disko Pasembur
• Mee Goreng – Mee Goreng Bangkok Lane
• Air Sarbat – Air Tingkap

Halal Penang Street Food 

• Char Koay Teow – Bee Hwa Cafe
• Nasi Kandar – Hameediyah
• Hokkien prawn noodles – Radzidah Hokkien Mee
• Penang laksa – Penang Air Itam Laksa
• Cendol – Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul
• Pasembur – Disko Pasembur
• Mee Goreng – Mee Goreng Bangkok Lane
• Air Sarbat – Air Tingkap

George Town, Penang was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Hence, Penang is special with its multicultural diversity, food haven, and above all the stories behind each food. 

Ask the locals, you will learn that it is not all about food but so much more. The vibrant street food scene is born of Chinese, Malay, and Indian cultures, ingredients, and techniques blended thus giving birth to harmoniously delicious food. 

There is the very reason why you should come and explore Penang. 

I know it can be overwhelming not to know which food to choose and eat first, hence I think joining food tours on klook or aviator might be the best solution especially if you have time constraints. 

Nevertheless, are you ready to explore Penang delicacies? Let me know which food in Penang you will try first and what are your personal favorites. I would love to hear from you soon.