Penang Food is renowned for its multi-ethnicity, where there is no lack of food options that fall short of being anything but “delicious.”
The most sought-after food in Penang is the celebrated hawkers or street food.
Penang food is the biggest draw for visitors armed to the teeth with an eating list – well-researched before they arrive.
Malaysians from other states and Singaporeans love the food in Penang.
Walking the beat in downtown George Town for the must-eat local street foods and signature dishes would be best.
Most Penang food is hawker fare and is usually sold by Chinese immigrants, particularly the Hokkien people, with the food displaying Teochew, Hakka, and Cantonese influences.
Here’s a list of the famous stalls of the Best Penang Food On Penang Island that you can locate on Google Maps.
You have to try it on your 3D 2N Trip. I’m not vouching for any particular food stalls, but I will put a discreet* next to my favorites.
I’ve included desserts in the Penang Food Guide for those with a sweet tooth to try.
Travel Stylus Penang Food Guide
Penang Food Guide List Of Street Food
Ais Kacang
Ais Kacang may be the just iced bowl if you don’t fancy coconut milk dessert.
Ais Kacang combines shaved ice, red kidney beans, grass jelly, sweet corn, and assorted fruits generously drizzled with Sarsi and rose syrup and topped with condensed milk.
The iconic Malaysian Ais Kacang
Recommended Stalls:
- Ais Kacang Restoren Kek Seng: Jalan Penang, 10450 Penang
- Swatow Lane Ice Kacang @ New World Park: Jalan Burmah, 10050 Penang
Almond Tea (Heng Jin Teh)
Almond Tea (Heng Jin Teh) with Eu Char Koay
Recommended Stalls:
- New Lane Street Food stalls: Lorong Baru, 10050 Penang
- 汕頭街四果湯 Traditional Home of Dessert: Lebuh Kimberley, 10100 Penang
Apom Manis
Apom is a sweet, thin, crepe-like snack with a soft flour center.
Each crepe is freshly made in a pan using traditional methods over a charcoal fire.
They are usually sold as street snacks by both Chinese and Indian vendors.
There are variations of Apom, with an egg, bananas, coconut shreds, or brown sugar in the flour center.
Chinese and Indian vendors sell these stacks of pancakes called Apom
Recommended Stalls:
- Indian Apom Manis @ Kedai Kopi New Cathay: No 317E, Jalan Burma, 10050 Penang.
Assam Laksa (Penang Assam Laksa)
The Penang Asam Laksa is a spicy fish broth made with mackerel/sardine flakes.
It is a rich, tangy, and sour soup noodle soup from the Assam Gelugor, and some may find the taste too overpowering.
Penang Asam Laksa is an acquired taste.
The Hare Koh (prawn paste) taste is akin to a preference for Budu or Cincalok. You either love it, or you don’t appreciate the fishy broth.
It was served with soft rice noodles and a bouquet of raw julienned cucumber, pineapple, and lettuce and topped with ginger torch flower buds.
Rich, tangy, and sour fish soup noodle soup – the Penang Assam Laksa
Recommended stalls:
- Air Itam Asam Laksa: Jalan Pasar, 11500 Ayer Itam, Penang (Beside Air Itam Market, Closed on Tuesdays)
- Jelutong Food Truck: 93, Lorong Ipoh, Taman Jelutong, 11600 Penang (A food truck behind the Jelutong Post Office)
- Laksalicious: 123 Hutton Lane, 10050 Penang
Ban Chang Kuih
In Hokkien cuisine, ban chien kuih translates to “slow-fried cake.”
It is a delightful sweet pancake filled with a mixture of sugar, creamed corn, and generously sprinkled with crushed peanuts.
Ban Chang Kuih is popular. Malaysian street food that is filling, warm and tasty!
Banana Leaf Rice
An Indian Banana Leaf Rice meal is not only a novelty; you eat directly off a banana leaf used as a leaf. It is a finger-licking, tasty meal that is loved by all communities in Malaysia.
Banana Leaf Rice
Recommended stalls:
- Shusi Banana Leaf Restaurant: 71, Penang St, 10200 PenangPassions of Kerala Restaurant, New World Park, 40, Jalan Burma, 10050 Penang.
- The Garden Banana Leaf: 50, Jalan Free School, 10460 Penang.
- Muthu Banana Leaf Restaurant: 143, Lebuh Acheen, 10200 Penang.
- Restaurant Veloo Villas: 28, Lebuh Penang, 10200 Penang
Bak Chang (Zongzi)
Bak Chang, also known as Chang, is a traditional Chinese rice dumpling made from glutinous rice stuffed with various fillings and wrapped in bamboo leaves.
Sometimes, reeds or large flat leaves are used for wrapping before boiling.
Traditionally, rice dumplings are consumed during celebrations like the Mid-Autumn or Dragon Boat Festival (端午节), observed on the fifth lunar month’s fifth day.
In the West, Bak Chang is also called sticky rice dumplings.
Distinctive to Hokkien cuisine, Hokkien Bak Chang is easily recognizable by its brown-colored glutinous rice grains, achieved through stir-frying with five-spice powder and dark soy sauce.
Filled with a flavorful combination of pork belly, mushrooms, dried shrimp, and chestnuts, it is wrapped in bamboo leaves and boiled until fragrant and tender.
This cherished dish is savored for its rich flavors and cultural significance, often enjoyed during festive occasions or as a delectable treat throughout the year.
Bak Chang are tied in bundles of 10 for easy counting and cooking
Recommended stalls:
- Burmah Road A1 Bak Chang (van) Junction of Jalan Burmah and Jalan Tavoy, 10050 Penang
- Fengyi Dumplings, Wisma KGN, 123-G-04, Taman Harbour View, Pengkalan Weld, 10300 Penang.
- Gurney Food Hall: Gurney Plaza, Penang
Chai Kueh (Steamed Vegetable Dumplings)
Chai Kueh, a popular Hokkien snack, are savory dumplings filled with julienned vegetables and sometimes dried shrimp.
They are steamed from rice flour to a soft, chewy texture.
Served with a spicy dipping sauce, they make for a flavorful and satisfying snack or appetizer.
Soft, chewy skin and slightly crunchy vegetables make it an irresistible snack any time of the day.
Fillings for Chai Kueh include Yam Bean and Chives.
Savor the flavors of delectable Chai Kueh dumplings, bursting with colorful vegetables and savory goodness.
Recommended Stalls:
- Yam Cake, One Corner Cafe 和喜茶室:12, Jalan Bawasah, 10050 Penang
- Orh Kuih (Yam Cake): Padang Brown Food Court, 130, Jalaln Perak, Jelutong, 11600 Penang
- Yam Cake: New World Park, 102, Jalan Burma, 10050 George Town, Penang
- Gurney Food Hall: Gurney Plaza, Penang
Char Kway Teow 炒粿條
Ask a Penangite, and they will point you to their favorite stalls off the tourist belt.
But if you want to try the tested and proven stalls, the famous ones are well known for their elusive “wok hey” and fresh ingredients.
Other options to look out for include Duck Eggs, which add a richer taste to each mouthful of the Char Koay Teow.
Indulge in the rich flavors of Char Kway Teow, a beloved Malaysian stir-fried noodle dish packed with savory delights.
Recommended stalls:
- Ah Leng Char Teow @ Restoran Tong Hooi: Jalan Dato Keramat, Kampung Makam, 10150 Penang
- Char Koay Teow @ Yi Garden 怡园茶室: 150-152, Jalan Macalister, 10400 Penang
- Tiger Char Koay Teow @ Kafe Ping Hooi: 181 Lebuh Carnarvon, 10200 Penang
Char Koay Kak (Fried Rice Cake)
Char Koay Kak is fried squares of rice cake.
The texture of the rice cake can range from soft to firm and springy.
A popular Penang breakfast or supper street food is fried with preserved radish, bean sprouts, chives, and eggs.
Char Koay Kak, a traditional Penang street food made with stir-fried radish cakes, eggs, and savory sauces!
Recommended Stalls:
- Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak, Lorong Macalister, 11400 Penang
- Burma Road Char Koay Kak, Jalan Burma, 10050 Penang
- Pasar Malam Seafood Char Koay Kak,63, Lebuh Presgrave, 10300 Penang
Chee Cheong Fun
The famous and much-favored Chee Cheong Fun is a steamed rice sheet roll with a smooth, silky texture.
When they nailed it perfectly, a good plate of Chee Cheong Fun is divine with a drizzle of shallot-infused peanut oil, sweet sauces, dark prawn paste, red chili paste, and a sprinkle of sesame.
Chee Cheong Fun, a beloved Cantonese rice noodle roll dish, is typically served with a delectable sweet sauce or savory soy sauce.
Recommended Stalls:
- Genting Cafe: Lorong Delima 3, Taman Island Glades, 11700 Jelutong, Penang.Lorong Baru
- Food Junction: Lorong Baru, George Town, 10450 Penang
- Seow Fong Lye Cafe: 94, Lorong Macalister, George Town, 11400 Penang
Chee Cheong Chok
Chee Cheong Chok is a thick, flavourful congee cooked with pig innards and pig blood cubes and topped with crispy, deep-fried pig intestines.
Many Chee Cheong Chok street food stalls have closed as the elderly hawkers have retired or died, and the remaining few famous ones have stood the test of time.
Chee Cheong Chok is often enjoyed as breakfast, dinner, or supper.
The New Lane Chee Cheong Chok is famous and easily spotted by the rows of pig intestines hanging at the stall.
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Chee Cheong Chok, a classic Cantonese rice porridge dish filled with savory ingredients. It’s warming and delightful, especially if you enjoy innards.
The remaining stalls are:
- Chok Kee Porridge Cafe: 188, Lebuh Kimberley, 10200 Penang
- Hing Kee Restaurant: 60, Lebuh China,10200 Penang
- New Lane Chee Cheong Chok: Lorong Baru, 10000 Penang.
Chendol (Penang Chendol)
While tourists queue for the famous Penang Teowchew Chedol, the locals go for the Nyonya Chedol opposite Kopitiam Keng Kwee Street.
Is there a difference?
Ask the locals. They prefer the Nyonya Chendol, where the quality of the santan is always consistent.
A bowl of shaved ice-cold dessert with chewy green rice flour jelly (chendol), cooked red beans, fresh coconut milk, and a splash of gula Melaka (brown sugar) syrup.
Nyonya Chendol
Recommended Stalls:
- Nyonya Chendol, Lebuh Keng Kwee, 10000 Penang.
- Swatow Lane Ice Kacang, New World Park, Burma Road, Penang
Coconut Water
While doctors say there is no evidence that drinking coconut water eases vaccination side effects such as fever – Fresh coconut water is always a popular drink in the tropical heat.
Besides fresh coconut water, some stalls sell coconut jelly and the famous coconut shake, a blended drink made with coconut water, coconut flesh, and ice cream.
Coconut Water
Recommended Stalls:
- Anba Coconut: Lorong Abu Siti, 10400 Penang
- Penang Coconut Jelly: 201, Jalan Dato Keramat, 10150
- Penang Tropical Coconut Cafe: 29-D, Jalan Dato Keramat, 10150 Penang
Coconut Shake
Coconut Shake
Recommended Stalls:
- Anba Coconut: Lorong Abu Siti, 10400 Penang
- Penang Coconut Jelly: 201, Jalan Dato Keramat, 10150
- Penang Tropical Coconut Cafe: 29-D, Jalan Dato Keramat, 10150 Penang
- Jalil Special Ais Kacang & Coconut Shake (Esplanade Park)
Char Hor Fun
Back in the day, Penang Char Hor Fun is ‘comfort food.’
When daughters go dating, they take away a packet home for their parents.
At its best, it is a dish that personifies the essence of Chinese cuisine’ Wok Hei.
‘Wide Flat Rice Noodles and Bee Hoon are fried with a slight char and gravy.
Wat Tan Hor is Silky Egg Hor Fun with an egg knocked in for extra creaminess.
Ingredients include pork, chicken, fish slices, pork liver, innards, and mustard greens.
Beef Fried Dry Hor Fun is flavourful, robust, and good.
The two places that sell this, Kang Beef House and the stall at Kopitiam Malabar at night, have permanently closed.
Wet Char Hor Fun is renowned for its rich sauce, velvety noodles, and harmonious blend of savory flavors, making it a beloved favorite among noodle enthusiasts.
The dry Char Hor Fun is full of ‘wok hey’ minus the wet gravy.
Recommended Stalls:
- Gou Lou Hong Kee Chao Sar Hor Fun & Noodles, 89, Lebuh Campbell, Penang
- 361 Char Hor Fun/Hokkien Char@Lebuh Pantai
- Tai Tong Restaurant, 45, Lebuh Cintra, 10100 Penang
Char Tang Hoon (Glass Noodle)
Char Tang Hoon (Glass Noodle)
Curry Mee
Curry mee is very popular in Penang, with many stalls offering their version of the curry noodle dish.
Most basic curry mee share similar main ingredients: a mix of yellow egg noodles and bee hoon (vermicelli), boiled, peeled prawns, cockles, cuttlefish, tofu balls, and pork blood cubes in curry gravy.
The accompanying curry chili is critical in adding spiciness and an addictive kick with every sip of curry sauce.
Penang White Curry Mee variation uses milk and coconut milk mix for a lighter, slightly sweeter flavor.
Penang Curry Mee
Recommended Stalls:
- Ah Ban Curry Mee, 58, Jalan Kuantan, George Town, 10150 Penang
- Air Itam Sister Curry Mee, 612 T, Jalan Air Itam, Pekan Ayer Itam, 11500 Ayer Itam, Penang
Chulia Street Curry Mee, 1C, Lebuh Carnarvon, 10200 George Town, - Penang Curry Mee @ Kedai Kopi New Cathay: 425, Jalan Burma, 10050
- Penang Push Cart Curry Mee @ Kedai Kopi Malabar, 55, Kampong Malabar, 10100 Penang
- Tua Pui Curry Mee大肥咖哩面, 23, Lebuh Kimberley, 10100 Penang
- 鸭血咖喱面 Duck Blood Curry Mee, 223B, Jalan Burma, 10050 Penang
Halal Curry Mee
- Bee Hwa Cafe, 10, Lebuh Dickens, George Town, Penang
Dim Sum Restaurant
You can find several Dim Sum Restaurants in Chinatown.
Other famous and cheap Dim Sum Restaurants are scattered around Penang Island, as the locals love a good breakfast.
For a lazy weekend meal, jostle for a table with the locals.
Dim Sum
Recommended stalls:
- Tai Tong Restaurant, 45, Lebuh Cintra, 10100 Penang
- Yong Pin Restaurant, 59A, Lebuh Kimberley, 10100 Penang
- Tho Yuen Restaurant (桃園茶樓), 92 Campbell Street, 10100 Penang
Halal Dim Sum
- Canning Dim Sum Express , 70-1-60, D’Piazza Mall, Jalan Mahsuri, Bandar Bayan Baru, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang
- Dim Sum Valet, 16, Lebuh Keng Kwee, 10000 Penang
Duck Rice
Duck Rice is a Penang food that the locals eat for breakfast. Seriously, some of the stalls start selling in from morning until late.
The rice is plain white rice, but when paired with the right proportion of lean and tender duck meat, pieces of braised Tofu, and sweet gravy.
Once you taste this, you’ll understand why Penangites can eat this as a staple.
Duck Rice
Recommended stalls:
- Air Itam Market Duck Rice, Air Itam Wet Market, Jalan Pasar, Pekan Ayer Itam, 11500 Penang
- Jit Seng Roasted Duck Rice, 246, Lebuh Carnarvon, 10350 Penang ( In Star Hotel Coffee Shop)
- Lee Lam Huat Roasted Chicken And Duck Rice 李南發燒臘雞鴨飯店, 144-I, Jalan Burma, 10350
- Penang Roasted & Pipa Duck Halal Duck Rice, 33A, Jalan Thean Teik, Kampung Melayu, 11500 Ayer Itam, Penang
- Sin Nam Huat Roasted Chicken And Duck Rice, No. 388, Wayton Court, Jalan Burma, 10350 Penang
Ee Fu Mee
“Ee Fu Mee” is aromatic, pre-deep-fried yellow noodles that are blanched before cooking.
The non-spicy braised egg noodle dish has a spongy texture.
Cooked with gravy that contains pork, chicken, fish, and fish cakes, the flavoring is dark and light soy sauce and sesame oil.
Yee Foo Mee (longevity noodles) can be purchased from supermarkets sold pre-deep fried. The chewy noodles are made from wheat flour and egg.
Braised Ee Fu Mee
Recommended stalls:
- Kafe 2828 Chu Char, Taman Lalulintas, 10450 George Town, Penang
- Gou Lou Hong Kee Chao Sar Hor Fun & Noodles, 89, Lebuh Campbell, Penang
Chinese Roast Pork Belly
The wet markets in Penang are where you can find freshly roasted pork. Butchers and Pork Shops abound along Jalan Kuala Kangsar, near Chowrasta Market.
You can find whole roasted pig instead of slabs of roasted pork belly.
Cecil Street Market is where you can find some of the most famous Roast Pork, BBQ Pork, and Meat Floss stalls in George Town.
Chinese Roast Pork Belly
Recommended Stalls:
- Khow Lee Pork SHOP (SY NG holdings Sdn Bhd), No. 22&24, Jalan Kuala Kangsar, 10100 Penang
- Kuantan Road Market 林国祥烧腊烧肉 Roasted Pork, 25, Jalan Kuantan, 10150 Penang
- Seang Kee Roast Pork Dealer, Lorong Pulau Tikus, Pulau Tikus, 10350 Penang
- Soo Kay Hong Kong Style Roasted Pork, Stall 42, Pulau Tikus Market, 10350 Penang
Duck Kway Chap
Duck Kway Chap or Kuay Chap is a Teochew noodle soup with smooth white springy rice noodles rolLs (Kway) in a dark soy-based soup.
The garnish includes mixed fatty pork, pig intestine, duck meat, innards, coagulated duck blood, liver, braised hard-boiled duck egg, various kinds of beancurd, and preserved salted vegetables.
You can order extra duck meat to accompany your bowl of noodles and request an extra plate of Teochew-style duck to accompany the noodles.
A must-try, this unique soup noodle is seldom available.
Duck Kway Chap, a flavorful Teochew delicacy featuring tender duck and wide rice sheets soaked in a fragrant herbal broth.
Recommended stalls:
- Loh Duck Koay Chap, 612a, Jalan Air Itam, Pekan Ayer Itam, 11500 Penang.
Economy Bee Hoon, Char Mee
Economy Bee Hoon, or Char Mee, is a beloved Malaysian dish celebrating simplicity and flavor.
This humble yet satisfying dish features vermicelli noodles stir-fried with fragrant soy sauce, creating a deliciously savory base.
Complemented by crunchy bean sprouts, chewy beancurd sticks, and aromatic spring onions, each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
It’s often garnished with tangy pickled green chilies for an extra kick, adding a burst of zesty freshness to the dish.
Whether enjoyed as a quick street food snack or a comforting home-cooked meal, Economy Bee Hoon never fails to satisfy cravings and bring joy to the taste buds.
Its straightforward preparation and irresistible taste make it a perennial favorite among Malaysians and visitors.
Economy Bee Hoon is commonly served as a convenient takeaway option, neatly packed in paper parcels.
Recommended Stalls:
- Kuantan Road Char Beehoon, 2-36, Jalan Kuantan, 10150 George Town, Penang
- Economy Bee Hoon, Lebuh Tye Sin, 10300 George Town, Penang
Eu Char Koay (You Tiou)
For the crispiest Eu Char Koay, head to the nameless Shop at 76 Cintra Street.
Enjoy these Chinese fried crullers, You Char Kwai, dunked in Kopi O or paired with Bak Kut Teh Soup.
They’re also perfect alongside Heng Jin, an almond milk dessert.
Eu Char Koay (You Tiou)
Recommended Stalls:
- Nameless Shop, 76, Cintra Street, 10100 Penang
- Te Chang You Tiao Wang Enterprise, 1228 Q, Jalan Paya Terubong, 11500 Penang
Fish Head Bee Hoon Soup
Fish Head Bee Hoon Soup is a beloved Malaysian dish featuring fragrant broth made from simmered fish bones, tender fish heads, silky rice vermicelli noodles, and fresh vegetables.
Often enjoyed with condiments like cut chilis, it’s a comforting and flavorful meal in Penang.
Fish Head Bee Hoon Soup
Fried Fish Bee Hoon Mee
In Penang, you can find Economy Fried Bee Hoon at stalls in the morning market and some hawker street stalls at night.
But the Fish Head Bee Hoon elevates the simple Bee Hoon to a luxurious meal.
Fried Fish Bee Hoon Mee
Recommended Stalls:
- Fried Fish Bee Hoon Mee @ Kedai Kopi Goh Chew 五洲茶室 (Non-Halal) 45, Lorong Baru, (New Lane) 10450 Penang
- Perak Lane Fish Head Bee Hoon, Lorong Perak, 11600 Penang
Ham Chim Peng
Ham Chim Peng is a deep-fried hollow doughnut of Chinese origin.
Commonly eaten as a breakfast food, it is sometimes fried with a coating of sesame seeds
Ham Chim Peng
Recommended Stalls:
Pak Tong Kou & Ham Chin Peng @ Lebuh Cintra, Street Stall, Lebuh Cintra, 10100 George Town, Penang
Hokkien Mee (Penang Hokkien Mee)
Penang Hokkien Mee, or as KLites call it, Hae Mee (Prawn Noodles), is a spicy shrimp and pork noodle soup.
In Penang, Hokkien mee is a steaming bowl of noodles in a rich shrimp broth studded with sliced pork, vegetables, and red chili paste.
Some stalls have a mix of “Lor” starchy gravy and “Th’ng” Prawn broth—some vinegared garlicky paste to add to your bowl of noodles for more oomph.
Penang Hokkien Mee
Recommended Stalls:
- Ah Koo’s Hokkien Mee, 126 Jln Perak, 10450 Penang
- Super Hokkien Mee @ One Corner Café, 12, Jalan Bawasah, 10050 Penang
- T&T Prawn Mee Shop, 127, Lorong Selamat, 10400 Penang
Ikan Bakar (Grilled Fish)
Teluk Tempoyak is a coastal village located on the Southwest side of Penang Island.
It is also a paradise for Ikan Bakar.
Here, you can enjoy a seafood feast overlooking the scenic sea and sunset view.
You can pick your favorite fresh fish and shellfish, which will be perfectly grilled upon order.
The best part of your Ikan Bakar feast is dipping the tasty morsels in homemade Air Asam dipping sauce.
Perfect.
Ikan Bakar (Grilled Fish)
Recommended Stalls:
- D’Seafood Paradise, Jalan Teluk Tempoyak, 11960 Batu Maung, Penang
- Song River Ikan Bakar, 65, Gurney Drive, 10350 Penang
Jiu Hu Eng Chai (Cuttlefish Salad with Water Spinach)
Jiu Hu Eng Chai (Cuttlefish Salad with Water Convolvulus) is an easy salad to prepare but requires immediate blanching of the Kankong.
It is served with a sweet, tangy sauce and pounded groundnuts!
Jiu Hu Eng Chai
Koay Teow Th’ng 粿条汤
There are two versions of Penang Koay Teow Th’ng and Koay Teow Soup.
For a deep, robust flavor, a traditional KTT with a broth made from chicken, pork bones, and duck.
You can have the KTT soup or the dry version.
Some versions have duck meat instead of pork.
The garnish is sliced pork, fish balls, duck meat, duck blood, shredded chicken meat, and pork innards.
The noodle soup is served with a condiment of sliced fresh red chilies in garlic, soy-vinegar, or lime for extra zest to complement the more straightforward-tasting ingredients.
Some people prefer a mix of Yellow Noodles and Koay Teow.
Koay Teow Th’ng
Recommended stalls:
- Koay Teow Th’ng with Duck Meat @ Cecil Street Market, 10300 Penang
- Ah Boy Koay Teow Th’ng, Lebuh Clarke, 10050 Penang
- Pitt Street Kway Today Th’ng: 183 Lebuh Carnarvon, 10100 Penang
Koay Pai Ti
Koay Pai Ti
See Nyonya Koay
Lor Bak 卤肉
Penang Lor Bak is sweeter with the unique aroma of “five-spice powder” strips of pork loin and pork fat wrapped in beancurd skin and deep-fried.
Other Lor Bak selections include prawn fritters, Tofu, Octopus, Chinese sausage, fishcake, and Century Egg.
You eat a variety of deep-fried items dipped in a bowl of starchy braised sauce (Lor 卤) and chili sauce.
Generally eaten as a sharing dish, an order of Lor Bak is a good choice for an appetizer at Penang Kopitiam.
Lor Bak
Recommended stalls:
- Loh Bak @ Kheng Pin Cafe: Jalan Penang, 10000 Penang (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Lok Lok Steamboat
In a Penang style communal steamboat, you can eat in a group or share a table with strangers.
Each ingredient is skewered on a bamboo stick, which you cook by dunking into the pot of boiling water in the middle of the table.
Grab your stick out of the water once it’s cooked.
The owner will periodically refill the hot water, ingredients, and dipping sauces.
The sticks are color-coded for different prices, and the owner will tally up your bill at the end of the meal.
Lok Lok Steamboat
Recommend Stalls:
- Lok Lok@ Padang Brown Food Complex: Jalan Johor, Tapak No. 9, 10400 Penang
- Ping Hwa Lok Lok, Pulau Tikus Market, Jalan Pasar, Penang
Lor Mee
Penang Lor Mee is a noodle dish with braised pork.
Thickened dark gravy served with minced garlic in vinegar and chili sauce.
The noodle dish is a slurpy, messy bowl and perfectly warming on a cold, cloudy day.
The thick, spiced, flavorsome broth is ladled over yellow noodles and topped with braised meats, eggs, and a sprinkle of fried scallions.
Penang Lor Mee
Recommended Stalls:
- Kedai Kopi Seng Thor,160, Lebuh Carnarvon, 10100 Penang
- Lor Mee @ Kedai Kopi Lean Thye, 4, Lebuh Ah Quee, 10200 Penang.
- Lor Mee (Hai Beng Coffee Shop), 32, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, 10200 Penang
- Kim Leng Loh Mee @ Joo Huat Coffee Shop, 336-G1 Lintang Slim, off Jalan Perak, 11600 Penang.
Mamak Mee Goreng
Fans of Mee Mamak love these yellow noodles fried with a generous portion of cuttlefish, potatoes, Tofu, and beansprouts.
The secret lies in the tomatoey, squid-based, tangy gravy of tomato, chili, and soy sauce.
Recommended Stalls:
- Hameed Pata Mee Sotong, 5, Esplanade Park, Lebuh Light, 10300 Penang
Nasi Kandar
The best part about Penang food is eating Nasi Kandar at all hours of the day and night!
The heady mix of curries that the seller heaps on your plate of rice.
The similar fiery-red orangy-looking gravy is hot and heavily spiced, not for the faint-hearted.
The best Nasi Kandar restaurants are located around Little India along Jalan Penang, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, Lebuh Queen, and Lebuh Chulia.
Recommended Stalls:
- Deens Maju Nasi Kandar, 170, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 Penang
- Hameediyah Restaurant: 164, Lebuh Campbell, 10200 Penang
- Nasi Kandar Merlin, 1A Union Street, 10200 Penang
- Tajuddin Hussain Nasi Kandar, 45-63, Queen Street, 10200 Penang
Nyonya Kuih
While the Malays have their Kuih Muih, the Chinese have their Nyonya Koay.
Small bite-sized pieces of santan-infused traditional mini cakes are popular as snacks.
You can try some of the pretty and unusual cakes.
Most are about two bites each.
Recommended Stalls:
- Kheng Kaya and Nonya Kuih @ Batu Lanchang Market, 25, Lintang Batu Lancang, Jelutong, 11600 Penang
- Li Er Cafe 莉儿, 349, Jalan Burma, 10350 Penang
- Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay, Jalan Masjid Off Lebuh Chulia, 10200 Penang
- Nyonya Kuih @ Cecil Street Market, Lebuh Cecil, 10300 Penang
Nyonya Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak is a traditional Malay rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan (screwpine) leaves.
The Nyonya version is traditionally served with hard-boiled eggs, sambal fish, sambal prawns, and sambal belacan.
In Penang, you can often find the locals eating rice for breakfast – Nasi Lemak is a choice favourite.
Recommended Stalls:
- Johnny Junior Nasi Lemak @ Jin Hoe Cafe, 48, Jalan Cantonment, Pulau Tikus, 10350 Penang
- Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay, Jalan Masjid Off Lebuh Chulia, 10200 Penang
- PANG Hainan Coffee & Nasi Lemak (morning), 501 K & L, Jalan Tanjung Bungah, Tanjung Tokong, 10470 Penang
Oyster Omelette / Oh Chien 蚝煎
Known as Oh Chien in Hokkien, this Fried Oyster Omelette uses fresh, plump oysters fried with fried rice flour batter and eggs.
The best Oh Chien is the lighter, crispy version rather than the gooey and heavy doughy types.
The dipping chili is on the sweet side.
Oyster omelet is a popular dish with juicy oysters, crisp vegetables, and savory egg goodness.
Recommended Stalls:
- Oyster Omelette @ New Lane Hawker Centre: Lorong Baru, 10450 Penang
- Oyster Omelette @ Yi Garden 怡园茶室: 150-152, Jalan Macalister, 10400 Penang
Rojak (Penang Rojak)
The Malaysian salad, Rojak, is full of fresh-cut fruit and vegetables for variety and texture.
Ingredients include fried bean curds, fritters (you tiao), bean sprouts, cuttlefish, and various fruits, yam bean, cucumber, and pineapple.
The mixture is covered in a thick syrupy peanut sauce and sprinkled with Belacan powder and more crushed peanuts.
Savory, sweet, and spicy – Penang Rojak offers a delightful fusion of flavors that tantalize the taste buds, making it a favorite way to enjoy fruits.
Recommended Stalls:
- Penang Famous Hock Seng Rojak At MacCallum Street
- Gurney Drive Hawker Centre
- Tan Swee Hoe Rojak (Stall #52)
- G.P. Soon (Stall #39)
- New World Park
Roti Canai
One of the favorite Penang foods is Roti Canai, which is simple and tasty; a breakfast meal consists of grilled dough with dhal curry.
Other variations include Roti Telur (Egg) and Roti Bawang (Onion).
Side dishes are chicken curry, beef curry, sunny side eggs, cheese, and raw onion slivers.
Some viral roti include the Roti Canai Sarang Burung (Bird’s Nest) with Eggs, Beef, and Mozzarella.
Roti Canai, a beloved Malaysian flatbread served with flavorful curries or sweet condiments, is perfect for any meal of the day.
Recommended stalls:
- Penang Famous Transfer Road Roti Canai & Sarang Burung Viral, Taman Melati, 112, Halaman Mahsuri, Bayan Baru, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang
- Roti Canai Gemas Road, 51, 29, Jalan Gemas, Taman Kampar, 10460 Penang.
- Roti Canai Jalan Argyll, Jalan Argyll, 10050 Penang.
- Roti Canai Queen Street, 41, Queen Street, 10200 Penang
- Roti Canai Transfer Road, Transfer Road, 10050 Penang
Tau Sar Piah
Tau Sar Piah is a bite-size Chinese fluffy-crust pastry with Mung (green) bean paste filling popular as a take-home souvenir for visitors.
Mung bean paste pastry is a traditional Teochew favorite, made by first steaming the Mung beans.
The cooked bean paste is fried with oil, sugar, and shallots before being wrapped in a thin, flaky crust.
Head to the iconic Chowrasta Market to buy your favorite Tau Sar Piah.
The souvenir stalls carry all this savory pastry’s famous and minor brands.
Tau Sar Piah
Recommended Shop: (Please call ahead to book)
- Ghee Hiang, 216, Jalan Macalister, 10400 PenangGhee Hiang Beach St., 95, Beach St, 10300 Penang
- Him Heang Sdn Bhd, 162A, Jalan Burma, 10050 Penang
Wantan Mee 云吞面
Penang food Wantan Mee has a firmer, springier egg noodle tossed in a sweet-savory dark sauce.
Wantan Mee’s garnishes are red char siew slices, mustard green, shredded chicken, and fried wonton.
Some stalls will give you a small bowl of soup with a boiled wanton.
You can have a soupy version if you like, and I only want the dry version tossed without any water or soup to savor the taste of soy sauce and lard oil.
The quality and springiness of the noodles, the sauce, and the quality of the wantons is the deciding factor – with the pickled green chili (so hard to get good ones)
Wantan Mee 云吞面
Recommended Stalls:
- Wanton Mee @ Tai Wah Coffee House: 86, Jalan Argyll, 10050 Penang
- Wanton Mee @ Sin Yin Nam Cafe 新映南餐室: Jalan Macalister (New Lane/ Lorong Baru), 10400 Georgetown, Penang
- Pushcart Wanton Mee @ Kedai Kopi Malabar, 55, Kampong Malabar, 10100 Penang
- Wantan Mee House, 321, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10350 Penang
Yam Cake (Or Kuih)
Taro cake (yam cake, wu tao gou,芋头糕, 芋頭糕) is a popular Chinese dessert for breakfast and tea breaks.
Steamed Yam Cake is one of the famous savory delicacies in ‘dim sum’ that is delicious and healthy.
The Cantonese-style taro cake is made with rice flour and taro, garnished with crispy fried shallots, spring onions, red chili slices, and fried dried shrimp.
Homemade versions may sometimes include cured Chinese Ham, Chinese Sausages, and minced pork (depending on the cook).
Sometimes, you will find the same stall selling Yam Cake (Or Kuih), Chai Kuih, and Bak Chang.
Yam Cake (Or Kuih)
Recommended Stalls:
- Yam Cake, One Corner Cafe 和喜茶室, 12, Jalan Bawasah, 10050 Penang
- Orh Kuih (Yam Cake), Padang Brown Food Court, 130, Jalaln Perak, Jelutong, 11600 Penang
- Yam Cake, New World Park, 102, Jalan Burma, 10050 George Town, Penang
Tell us which dish you have tried and what your favorite dishes are at the hawker stalls or food courts.
Was Google Maps helpful in locating the stalls?
[Updated 21 March 2024}
Some stalls have closed, and those that have deteriorated in quality have been removed from the list.
Thanks for your recommendation of Penang famous local food and how to cook Indian styled mee goreng.
Hi Henry,
Thanks for stopping by and for your positive comments.
It means a lot to me.
Feel free to share with your family and friend from overseas.
We wish everyone the best holiday experience in Malaysia.
Stylus
Your post keeps the user’s perspective in mind, ensuring the information is clear and easy to understand. Therefore, I find this Penang Food Guide outstanding. Thanks!
Hi Yong Kei Suckling Pig,
Thanks for stopping by.
Best regards,
Stylus