Foodie Guide Of Penang
Penang has some of the best food in Malaysia and packs a punch in South East Asia. The island itself is a bustling metropolis of restaurants, cafes, and bars that comes alive at night. If you’ve never been to Penang before, make sure you pay a visit you’ll be surprised at how different the cuisine variety is here compared to other countries in the area. I’m Ian, a Travel Blogger from the UK who’s fascinated with culture, food and how other people live.
In 2014 Penang was voted the number one food destination in the world by lonely planet and for a good reason. Penang has a lot of diversity with a multi-ethnic past with Malay, Indian and Chinese citizens settling here in the late 1700’s. The number of different dishes exploded on the island, and in later years western food has been added to the menu. The amount of different tastes is incredible, and even if you head south of the island, you get even more different dishes.
Below is my complete foodie guide- Keeping reading for extra info
Penang’s Best Foodie Dishes (George Town)
You have the option of taking the foodie guide tour of Penang that will give you a great introduction to the local dishes, but you can also read my guide, which will help you decide the food you want and where to get it, But you may need a napkin as your mouth will be drooling.
Nasi Kandar
Nasi Kander originates from India and is a curry-based dish served with steamed rice and usually served in canteens or all-you-can-eat buffets. You usually get some side dishes with Nasi like fried chicken, chopped beef, beef spleen, diced lamb, fish, and prawns.
If you decide to have the vegetarian option, you would have something like aubergine or okra ( green beans) to accompany the dish. Different curry sauces will be added to the dish( “banjir”), making the dish moist and magnificent.
As stated before, you usually get this dish at buffets, so grab a plate, get your rice and pick what type of Nasi Kander dish you like. Depending on the variety of dishes you choose, that will contribute to the final bill, especially if you have meat. But theirs no need to worry about the price as it is cheap overall.
Deen Maju-Restaurant
If you want authentic Nasi kandar then this local spot is worth a look. You can find Deen Maju on Gurdwara Road and give you a clue how good Deen Maju is; the queues never stop. Sometimes you might even have 100 people outside in the hot sun waiting for some Nasi Kandar.
Address: 170, Jalan C.Y. Choy (Jalan Gurdwara), 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 12-425 2421
Social Media: Facebook
Opening Hours
Mon-Sun 11am-7pm
Nasi Lemak
One of the most popular dishes in Malaysia is Nasi Lemak, and I’m going to explain why this stunning dish flies the flag in Malaysia.
If you’re starting your day, a Nasi Lemak will put you on the right foot with delicious creamy rice heated in fresh coconut milk. You find this dish all around the regions close by with different ingredients and abbreviations.
In Malaysia the dish typically comes with sambal, which is a spicy sauce with anchovies, peanuts, and sometimes a boiled egg. But there are many different variations. Some street vendors will even give you fried chicken.
You can find this dish all over Penang, but I will give you the best place for all you food lovers out there.
Ali Nasi Lemak- Restaurant
The number one destination for Nasi Lemak, and this is for an excellent reason. The place is packed from the very first moment it opens with a mass operation of freshly made Nasi Lemak happening before your eyes.
You have many different varieties of Nasi Lemak to choose from. I recommend going with the traditional option with chicken as it is delicious.
Address: Sri Weld Food Court, Beach St, 10200 George Town, Penang
Phone: +60 16-407 0717
Social Media: Click here
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri 7am-3pm
Sat-Sun Closed
Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori chicken is one of my favorite dishes in the UK, with beautiful succulent chicken marinated in yogurt and spices. The dish originates from northern India, which is a part of the Indian influence migration to Penang in the 1700s
For the most part, the dish comes with some fresh naan bread, and you can make a sandwich out of it if you like. Also, some breads will come with cheese making it tasty with the curry sauce.
I find tandoori chicken not too spicy, and I don’t eat a lot of spicy food, so don’t be put off by its fiery color and enjoy the dish’s exceptional tastes.
Restoran Kapitan- Restaurant
The locals approach Restoran Kapitan without hesitation because of its prestige and fantastic tandoori chicken. The Tandoori is usually served on a platter, and while you’re waiting, your taste buds will be in OverDrive thinking about the scent coming from the charcoal grills. The tandoori typically comes with some fresh onions, dill, lime, and mint sauce topping off this wonderful dish.
Address: 93, Chulia Street, 10200, Georgetown, Penang
Phone: 042641191
Website: Click here
Opening Hours
Mon-Sun 24/7
Penang Hokkien Mee
This dish has a sour, tangy taste and is served with freshly caught prawns, black sauce, and noodles. Hokkien Mee is a popular dish and served all over Malaysia.
The dish’s broth is prawns, shells, shrimps, and pork bones. It has a dark red color that gives it its magnitude and wonder.
There are two types of noodles: One is rice, the other is yellow egg noodles, and the noodles are tender chunks of pork with snapping crackling.
Famous Penang Hokkien Mee
Address: 151, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Social Media: Click here
Top Restaurants in Penang
Here’s my list of the top 10 restaurants in Penang. You will find most restaurants are in Georgetown. Like I said earlier in the post, you have a massive variety of top-quality restaurants here.
Top 10 below
[table “” not found /]
Penang Food Corts
Food courts have been around Malaysia for many years and are great for a quick bite to eat and great prices. You have many great options, from Char Koay Teow to Wan tan Mee.
So if you’re lost, and looking for something to eat for a reasonable price, keep reading.
Sri Weld Food Court
This food court is famous for producing some of the best nasi lemak in Penang and other dishes like white curry mee. The food court location is in a buzzing area with loads of other things going on.
The food court is a little more expensive than other food courts, but you pay for what you get.
If you come to Sri Weld you will have a fantastic experience every time!
Address: 21, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Website: Click here
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri 9am-3pm
Sat/Sun Closed
CF Food Court
Quite simply, the largest food court in Georgetown offering a fantastic selection of food at local prices. When you arrive at the food court, take a seat, and you will be served in no time.
Address: 49-F, Pengkalan Weld, George Town, 10300 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 11-1143 7178
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun 10am-12am
Best Breakfast Spots In Penang
Urban Daybreak
If you’re after a great start to your day, Urban Daybreak offers amazing dishes such as chicken waffle and pancakes and an all-day breakfast brunch menu with big breakfasts, porridge, and smoothie bowls.
Address: 338, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 4-262 9693
Website: Click here
Opening Hours:
Monday-Sunday 7:30am 5:30pm
Best Lunch Options In Penang
Diable Pasta
If you like pasta, then this place is a must-do for lunch with great prices and every type of pasta under the sun. A lot of the sources are creamy that melt in your mouth, but you can also get spicy dishes like Tom Yam Soup if your’re that way inclined
Most of the meals include a drink and two other courses for just RM 5.30 ($2), but beware, you may get your’re pasta presented in a trash can- but the food is still delicious, so its all good.
Delicious Night Dishes
Abu Mamak
Abu Mamak is one of the happiest people globally, and the best experience is when you pay your bill at the end as his warm charm leaves you in a happy state.
The cuisine is Malaysian with rice, noodles, and meat dishes back go down the hatch nicely, especially after a few beers.
If Abu likes you may get some discount, but then he may hate you, and you won’t get anything (Joke,lol)
Penang Foodie Tour
4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour
Having a food tour ticks many boxes because you’ll get to try some of the best dishes in Georgetown
Usually, the tours start in the early evening before it gets too crowded. That way, you get to try a ton of dishes at some of George Tow’s’ best restaurants.
Tours start at RM (310) $75
To book, click here
