Penang, the Pearl of The Orient is well known for being the food capital of Malaysia. Penang was recognized as having the Best Street Food in Asia by Time Magazine in year 2004, citing that “nowhere else can such great tasting food be so cheap.”, as we know Fried Koay Teow, Penang Laksa and Popiah are quite possibly the few dishes you cannot miss when you’re in Penang.
We’ve summarize the top 10 must-eat Penang local food, specially recommended by the locals . We’ve tried them all, you should too!
1. Char Koay Teow (non-halal)
Address: Jalan Siam, Penang
Operating Hours: 3pm-11pm, closed on Mondays
Char Koay Teow is Penang’s iconic dish. One thing special about this Char Koay Teow stall is that the hawker cooks with charcoal. Unfortunately, you may end up waiting up to 30 minutes for your order, but trust us – the wait really is worth it!
2. Gurney Drive
Address: Persiaran Gurney, Penang
Operating Hours: Evening till late.
Gurney drive is a spot that gathers varieties of food stalls. It’s located right next to Gurney Plaza. Gurney Drive brings together a variety of food from Malay, Mamak, Chinese to Indian cuisine. The best thing to try in Gurney Drive is the delicious passembor, that’s even vouched for by our prime ministers.
Wan Li Jawi Laksa, Taman Mutiara
Wan Li Jawi Laksa, Sungai Bakap
3. Wan Li Jawi Laksa
Address: Taman Mutiara, Bukit Mertajam ; Sungai Bakap
Operating Hours: 12pm till evening
We know that Air Itam Asam Laksa is popular among Asam Laksa addicts, but we have another choice for laksa lovers too. Their self-made laksa noodles and fresh prawn crackers is their main feature of Jawi Laksa, and instead of it being served in bowls, the dish is served in a plate.
4) Bukit Mertajam Popiah
Address: Jalan Pasar, Bukit Mertajam
Operating Hours: 3pm till evening
A non-fried popiah filled with “sengkuang”, bean sprouts, eggs, prawns and a special sauce. The juicy, fresh-cooked “sengkuang” with other ingredients, garnished with deep-fried garlic brings out the aroma. It’s honestly not too dry to consume, but it’s best watered down with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
5. 7 Village Noodle House (non-halal)
Address: Raja Uda & Bayu Mutiara, Bukit Mertajam
Operating Hours: 7am – 5pm
Once you say these words – “Chit Long Koay Teow Th’ng”, Penangites will recommend this restaurant to you. This outlet is not visible from the main road of Raja Uda but your best indication will be the Petronas Station which is quite close to the restaurant. Their most famous food is Koay Teow Th’ng! This is the food that you really must try when you’re in Penang! They also have another branch in Bayu Mutiara.
6. How Kee Seafood Village (non-halal)
Address: Bukit Tambun, Simpang Ampat
Operating hours: 11am-11pm
Tourists will look for a taste of Penang’s seafood once they reached Penang. After all, Penang IS an island! How Kee Seafood Village is located by the shores of Penang’s ocean and they provide freshest seafood all the time. Do not miss out on their delicious giant crabs!
7. That Little Wine Bar
Opening Hours: 17:00 – 24:00 Monday – Thursday; 17:00 – 01:00 Friday – Saturday
Address: 54 Chow Thye Road, Penang
Established in 2009, The Little Wine Bar is run by a German expatriate couple: husband Tommes, who has worked in Michelin-star restaurants as a chef, while his wife Louise, mans the front-of-house. The restaurant is housed in a row of beautifully refurbished terrace houses and features a menu of European-inspired soups, salads, sandwiches and tapas.
8. Little Cottage Café
Address: Burmah Road, Penang
Little Cottage Café is a cozy cafe that takes you back in time. The entire place is exactly how you would imagine a cottage would be like. The space or location may look rather small but once you’re in there, it gives you a very homey feeling. A nice place to go after a long day’s work!
9. QE-II
Opening Hours: 12:00 – late
Address: Church Street Pier, 8A Pengkalan Weld, George Town
QEII fusion restaurant provides an awesome environment facing the sea right nest to Penang Jetty. After your meal, finish off with a dessert with the chocolate volcano – a light, fluffy butter cake with layered white chocolate mousse, fresh strawberries, chopped walnuts and raspberry jam sauce. Also not to be missed is the pear crumble – a classic take on the traditional dessert, with white Anglaise cream and strawberry and raspberry jam.
Xuan Xin Restaurant, Gurney Plaza
10. Xuan Xin Restaurant (non-halal)
Address: 3rd Floor, New Wing, Gurney Plaza ; 2nd Floor, Queensbay Mall
Operating Hours: 10am-10pm
Xuan Xin Restaurant is the fastest growing Chinese cuisine in Penang. We’re able to enjoy the world class Chinese dishes in a great dining environment with reasonable price.
