Planning for a trip to Penang? One of the best ways to learn about a country is through its food, as food speaks of its people. Thanks to the roadside food stalls and endless array of inexpensive, tasty street fare that operate 24/7, Penang is now known as Malaysia’s food capital and one of Asia’s most sought-after food havens. Penang cuisine is multicultural, reflecting the island’s blend of cultures — from Chinese, Malay, and Indian to Peranakan and Thai.
Here are a few must-visit eateries where you can enjoy classic and authentic street foods of Penang!
Assam Laksa
1. Pasar Air itam Laksa
This famous eatery has been selling Asam Laksa for nearly 61 years, and the family-run business is now operated by its second generation. Their Laksa is authentic and spicy with ingredients that are served in generous portions, including mackerel and lots of fresh vegetables. Despite being busy preparing the bowls of laksa, the friendly operators make time to gesture to their customers to have a seat at any empty table.
2. Penang Road Famous Laksa @ Jalan Penang (Joo Hooi Cafe)
This popular coffeeshop is hard to miss if you happen to be wandering along Jalan Penang. Be prepared to wait for a table if you are here on the weekends or public holidays, because the shop is always packed with customers. The broth of their signature Asam Laksa is thick and fragrant, as lots of shredded fish is used to prepare the broth.
More Assam Laksa stalls: Penang’s Top 5 Asam Laksas
Curry Mee
3. Lorong Seratus Tahun
Looking for the best Curry Mee in Penang? Head to this stall in Lorong Seratus Tahun, which is famous for this very dish. The fragrant broth is rich enough on its own, without the need for additional chilli paste. Together with the mound of noodles is a generous serving of toppings, such as peeled prawns, cockles, squids, pork blood and tofu pok.
4. Sister’s Curry Laksa @ Air Itam
This legendary Curry Mee stall in Air Itam Pasar has been around for more than 60 years. It is run by two sisters who still stick to the same practices as in the past. From carrying all the utensils and materials to the wet market using a shoulder pole, to sitting on a small stool when preparing the noodles. Visit them to enjoy a bowl of mouth-watering Curry Mee with a traditional twist.
More Curry Mee stalls: Top 6 Curry Mee in Penang
Cendol
5. Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul
As one of the most popular cendol stalls around, this family-run business in Lebuh Keng Kwee attracts both locals and tourists. With no seats in sight, customers are usually seen standing beside the stall or seeking shade nearby while enjoying this traditional dessert. They also have the options of eating it at Joo Hooi Café by paying a surcharge or enjoying it without the extra cost at another coffee shop down the road. Each bowl is packed with pandan-flavoured palm flour noodles, coconut milk, gula melaka and kidney beans.
6. Cendol @ Lorong Macalister
This cendol stall operator can be seen relentlessly pushing his stall to his usual business location opposite the Hong Leong Bank in Lorong Macalister. Motorists hoping to quench their thirst would show up as soon as the stall is open for business. Served in a light metal bowl, the delightfully brownish dessert can be finished off in a jiffy. Besides cendol, he also sells ais kacang and various drinks perfect for a hot day.
More Cendol stalls: 8 Best Places for Cendol in Penang
Char Kueh Teow
7. Jalan Siam @ George Town
It is not difficult to spot this famous Char Kueh Teow stall at Jalan Siam, due to the visible queue in front of the stall, lined with hungry customers. Upon arriving at the stall, which is near the junction at Jalan Anson, you’ll see a grey-haired uncle relentlessly fanning the charcoal fire to prepare his famed dish. Expect nothing but a wok-hei heavy Char Kueh Teow with lots of ingredients, such as prawns, cockles, Chinese sausages, bean sprout, chive and egg.
8. Ah Leng @ George Town
This stall in Khoon Hiang Café on Jalan Dato Keramat is regarded by many Char Kueh Teow lovers as one of the best in Penang. Two types are available here: normal and special. If you like your Char Kueh Teow loaded with a whole lot more ingredients, opt for the special, which is stir-fried with both large prawns and mantis prawns. Pay an additional 50 cents if you would like a duck egg instead of a chicken egg.
More Char Kuey Teow stalls: Penang's 6 Best Char Kueh Teows
Nasi Kandar
9. Line Clear
Established in 1930, Line Clear Restaurant in Jalan Penang is one of the oldest and most famous nasi kandar outlets on Penang island. The simple dish comprises rice, curry chicken, cabbage and fried omelette, which is then doused with various gravy choices. Don't forget to add the poppadom (thin, crisp wafer) to complete that satisfying meal!
10. Nasi Kandar Beratur
Even though this restaurant only opens at 10pm, you'll probably see a line forming up in front of it at Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling at least half an hour before business starts. What rewards the long wait is an array of more than 20 dishes to choose from. Take your pick from the different curries available to go with your rice, meat and vegetables.
More Nasi Kandar stalls: Penang’s Top 5 Nasi Kandar Outlets
Lebuh Kimberley
11. Koay Chap
As always, try to arrive early and trust the long line of customers waiting patiently in turn at this koay chap stall. The dish literally translates to "stir-fried ricecake strips" and consists of stewed duck’s meat, hard-boiled egg and various pig intestines. The ingredients are fresh and the soup is fragrant and rich in taste.
12. Chicken Feet
Visit this popular stall at Lebuh Kimberley for mouth-watering braised chicken feet in soy sauce, which is usually ordered with koay teow thng. A dim sum classic, the chicken feet are soft and dark in color due to the soy sauce essence, while the koay teow thng makes a perfect accompaniment with koay teow, lean pork, chicken’s liver, fish balls, fried shallots and chopped spring onions.
More stalls in Lebuh Kimberley: 8 Must-Eats @ Lebuh Kimberley, Penang
Enjoy your food hunt in Penang island!
