The rich cultural past of Penang is reflected in its colorful cuisine. Malay, Chinese, Thai and Indian influences combine to provide a unique culinary character. Penang's cuisine is a tribute to its cosmopolitan past, ranging from delicate noodle dishes with Chinese roots to hot curries inspired by India. The island's advantageous position as a commerce hub has further enhanced its gourmet offerings, creating a unique and varied dining experience.

5 Best Food In Penang

Penang is heaven for foodies! Savor the flavorful stir-fried noodle dish, Char Kway Teow, which is spicy. Taste the zesty Asam Laksa, a fiery soup with a fish base that will entice your palate. Savor the fragrant Nasi Lemak, an endlessly versatile coconut rice dish. Discover the vibrant hawker centers for a genuinely authentic experience, where you can eat a variety of delectable street foods like Satay And Hokkien Mee.

1. Char Kway Teow

A popular delicacy in Penang is Char Kway Teow, which is stir-fried flat rice noodles.

Here are the best spots to try Char Kway Teow in Penang:

Kafe Heng Huat

• Location: 102, Lorong Selamat, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
• Operating hours: 10 am–5:30 pm (Daily)

Ah Leng Char Koay Teow

• Location: 343, Jalan Dato Keramat, George Town, 10150 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
• Operating Hours: 10:30 am–4 pm (Friday to Wednesday, Thursday - Closed)

2. Asam Laksa

Mackerel is used to make the soup, but what makes it unique is the asam, or tamarind, which gives it a sour and delicious flavor. After being poached, the fish is flaked.

The best spots to try Asam Laksa are:

Penang Air Itam Laksa

Also known as Ayer Itam Penang Assam Laksa, is MICHELIN approved, and one of the best food in Georgetown Penang . Following his grandparents' 50-year-old recipe, the third-generation owner prepares his well-known laksa noodle soup.

• Location: Jalan Pasar, Paya Terubong, 11500 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
• Operating hours: Weekends only - 3 weekends per month

3. Nasi Kandar

A fragrant rice dish made with coconut and served on pandan leaf and a variety of side dishes.

The best spots to try Nasi Lemak:

Ali Nasi Lemak Daun Pisang

• Location: Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
• Operating Hours: Monday to Friday - 7 AM to 2 PM; Saturday - 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM ; Sunday - Closed

4. Hokkien Mee

The main ingredients in Penang Hokkien Mee variant are thicker yellow egg noodles, rice vermicelli, while the broth is created with pork ribs and distinctive spicy prawn heads and shells. Hard-boiled eggs, pork slices, kangkung, and sliced prawns or shrimp are also added to the dish.

The best place for a true taste of Hokkien Mee:

Restoran Deen Maju

• Location: 170, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
• Operating Hours: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Saturday - Thursday), Friday - Closed

5. Chendol

The fundamental components of the dessert include shaved ice, palm sugar, coconut milk, and jelly noodles prepared from rice flour and green food coloring (sometimes from pandan leaves).

Best spot to try Chendol, Chendul or Cendol in Penang is:

Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul

• Location: 27-29, Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
• Operating Hours: 9 am–6:30 pm

You can enjoy every nook and corner without missing the above mentioned food by booking your slot at “Eat Street Food in Georgetown & History Walking Tour” from redBus. Book now to get instant confirmation with discounts.

Top Fine Dining in Penang

1. Orinea Restaurant

Contemporary European food with an emphasis on locally sourced, fresh ingredients.

• Location: 68-18-1, Sunrise Gurney, Gurney Dr, 10250 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

2. Restaurant Blanc

The elegantly ambiance Restaurant Blanc offers a modern take on French cuisine.

• Location: 228, Jln Macalister, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

3. The Blue Mansion's Indigo Restaurant

This fine dining offers Asian fusion cuisine in a historic setting.

• Location: Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, 14, Lebuh Leith, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

4. Kebaya Dining Room

Fine Indochinese food served in an opulent, fashionable setting.

• Location: 14A, Stewart Ln, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

5. Restaurant du Jardin

French-inspired cuisine in an exquisite garden setting can be found at Restaurant du Jardin.

• Location: 125, Jalan Timah, 10150 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

2 Best Restaurants in Penang

1. Clear Line Laksa Assam

Though it's best renowned for its signature Assam Laksa, a zesty noodle soup made with fish, Line Clear also serves other regional specialties. As it's one of the must-visit restaurants in Penang you will always see lengthy lines as an evidence of its mouthwatering menu. 

2. Gurney Drive Hawker Center

This crowded eatery is a foodie's dream come true. You can taste real Penang street food here, with a wide variety of vendors serving anything from satay to char kway teow.

5 Tips You Need to Know Before Dining in Penang

1. Embrace Street Food

Penang is known for its amazing street food offerings. Try the meals from roadside vendors and hawker stalls without hesitation.

2. Take a chance

Penang food has a lot of strong flavors. Try new foods and ingredients with an open mind.

3. Haggle at Hawker Centers

Prices are subject to change, so always feel free to haggle, particularly in hawker centers.

4. Come Hungry

Penang's cuisine is so delicious you'll want to sample it all!

5. Try Local Drinks

To go for dinner, try some cool local beverages like Ais Kacang (shaved ice dessert) or Teh Tarik (pulled tea).