Hey foodies! Penang is still winning the hearts of all you Singaporeans, and you know why? It's those street food stalls that have been serving up iconic goodies for over three decades – and some, even longer.
Whether it's on a stick, in a bowl, or on a plate, Penang's street food is this amazing mix of Chinese, Malaysian, British, and Indian flavors. It's a food fusion party! So, thinking about diving into the food scene? Here are some of the absolute best street food gems waiting for you in Penang.
Penang Char Koay Teow
No doubt, the real MVP in Penang's street food orchestra is the wok, and it takes the leading role in the iconic Char Koay Teow. Picture this: stir-fried rice noodles jazzed up with sweet black sauce, prawns, cockles, eggs, and sprouts. It's a symphony of flavors! And what makes it extra special? That one-of-a-kind aroma locals lovingly call "Wok Hei."
This isn't just a dish; it's a foodie's dream, an absolute essential in the world of Penang street food. Trust us; you don't want to miss out on the magic of the Char Koay Teow!
Where to eat:
Siam Road Charcoal Char Kuey Teow
Opening Hours: 12:00-18:00 (Tuesday-Saturday, closed on Sunday and Monday)
Address: 82, Jalan Siam, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Tiger Char Kuey Teow
Opening Hours: 07:30-14:00 (Monday-Sunday)
Address: 179, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang
BM Duck Egg Char Kuey Teow
Opening Hours: 17:00-00:00 (Monday-Saturday, closed on Sundays)
Address: 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Penang
Assam Laksa
Introducing Penang's Assam Laksa – a glass noodle street food that's about to blow your taste buds away.
Get ready for the unique taste of mackerel fish with a tangy twist. Here's the magic recipe: poached mackerel meets tamarind juice, shrimp paste adds a sour punch, cucumber slivers join the party, and a hint of lemongrass elevates it to pure delight. The perfect blend between sweet and savory, Penang’s Assam Laksa is an experience on its own!
Where to eat:
Penang Air Itam Laksa
Opening Hours: 10:30-19:00 (Thursday-Monday, closed on Tuesday and Wednesday)
Address: Jalan Pasar, Paya Terubong, 11500 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Penang Road Famous Laksa
Opening Hours: 09:00-17:30 (Thursday-Tuesday, closed on Wednesday)
Address: 5-7, Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Kim Laksa Balik Pulau
Opening Hours: 09:30-17:00 (Wednesday-Thursday, closed on Monday and Tuesday)
Address: Nan guang kopitiam, 67 main road, 11000 Balik Pulau, Pulau Pinang
Hokkien Mee
Ready for a twist on the classic "Hokkien Mee" in Malaysia? Let's dive into the details! So, in Singapore, "Hokkien Mee" is all about light-colored noodles and seafood broth, topped with a splash of calamansi juice. Now, let's hop over to Malaysia, and in Penang, brace yourself for a zi char treat! Here, Hokkien Mee takes on a new persona – think flat yellow noodles luxuriating in a thick brown gravy with a generous dose of corn starch.
A must-try for seafood enthusiasts exploring Penang's street food scene! You'll find it everywhere, and the best part? The taste stays consistently delicious - with subtle savory notes and a touch of sweetness no matter where you go!
Where to eat:
888 Hokkien Mee
Opening Hours: 15:00-21:30 (Friday-Wednesday, closed on Thursdays)
Address: 67-A, Lebuh Presgrave, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Mu Tong Hokkien Mee
Opening Hours: 07:00-13:00 (Tuesday-Sunday, closed on Monday)
Address: 192, Jalan Burma, Kampung Syed, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang
T&T Prawn Mee Shop
Opening Hours: 07:30-14:30 (Thursday-Tuesday, closed on Wednesday)
Address: 127, Lorong Selamat, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Nasi Kandar
Selecting the best nasi kandar in Penang can be quite a task, but fret not! Each option offers a unique taste and experience just for you. Nasi kandar, a cherished dish among Indian Muslims in Malaysia, translates to "rice on the shoulder." Now, imagine this: your plate filled with rice embracing an array of curries and side dishes, delivering a spicy and delightful culinary adventure curated just for your palate.
Nasi kandar in Penang isn't just a meal; it's a personal journey through flavors. The challenge is exciting – which one will be your perfect match?
Where to eat:
Deen’s Maju
Opening Hours: 12:00-22:00 (Saturday-Thursday, closed on Fridays)
Address: 170, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Restoran Nasi Kandar Line Clear
Opening Hours: 08:00-00:00 (Monday-Sunday)
Address: Beside 161 & 177 Penang Road, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Hameediyah Nasi Kandar
Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00 (Monday-Sunday)
Address: 164 A, Lebuh Campbell, street, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Wanton Mee
The term 'Wanton' signifies a dumpling, and 'Mee' translates to noodles, creating a mouthwatering Chinese-inspired noodle dish that's a must-try on your food tour in Penang. This special egg noodle dish is cooked to perfection with a sweet-sour dark sauce, complemented by slices of lean char siew and scrumptious pork wontons.
And here's the best part – you have options! Whether you prefer it as a dry dish with oyster sauce or in a soupy version with a piping hot broth, Wanton Mee promises a burst of flavors tailored just the way you like it!
Where to eat:
Chulia St. Night Hawker Stalls
Opening Hours: 04:30-22:30 (Monday-Sunday)
Address: Chulia St, Georgetown, 10450 George Town, Penang
Lye Lye Food Court
Opening Hours: 08:00-23:00 (Monday-Sunday)
Address: Jalan Terengganu, 10460 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
Chee Meng Cafe
Opening Hours: 07:00-14:00 (Friday-Monday, closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays)
Address: 100, Jalan Argyll, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Penang Rojak
In Malay, 'Rojak' means 'mixture,' and Penang Rojak is the embodiment of a traditional Asian fruit and vegetable salad. Imagine yourself on the streets of Penang, encountering a salad that defies the ordinary. It features the usual suspects – cucumbers, pineapples, cuttlefish, and turnip – but wait, there's more! Penang Rojak introduces a twist with unique additions like jambu air, guava, squid pancakes, honey, and the occasional surprise of raw mango and green apples.
And here's what makes it truly special – the generous toss with a rich prawn sauce. A tantalizing experience that will leave you craving for more!
Where to eat:
Passembur King (Hussain)
Opening Hours: 12:00-00:00 (Sunday-Thursday) 12:00-00:15 (Saturdays) 14:00-00:00 (Fridays)
Address: Medan Renong, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Lucky Eatery Food Court Centre
Opening Hours: 09:00-00:00 (Monday-Sunday)
Address: 11900, Medan Bayan, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Hock Seng Rojak
Opening Hours: 17:00-21:00 (Friday-Monday, closed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday)
Address: Gat Lebuh Cecil, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Cendol
Cendol, a traditional South Asian dessert, is not just a treat for your taste buds; it's a symphony of flavors served either in a plate or cup. Picture this: the cool embrace of coconut milk, the playful textures of jelly noodles and red beans, a satisfying crunch from generous shaved ice, and the sweetness from palm sugar. But that's not all – dive into the layers of goodness with glutinous rice, grass jelly, and creamed corn.
Plus, did you also know that Cendol is a nutritional powerhouse? With a well-balanced sweetness, it transforms into a guilt-free indulgence suitable for diabetics and children alike. So, get ready to relish the perfect blend of flavors and health benefits with every spoon you take!
Where to eat:
Penang Road Famous Teochew Cendul
Opening Hours: 10:30-19:00 (Monday-Friday) 10:30-19:30 (Saturday and Sunday)
Address: Jalan Penang, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Kulim Road Best Cendul
Opening Hours: 11:00-17:00 (Tuesday-Thursday) 11:00-17:30 (Saturday and Sunday, closed on Mondays)
Address: 11, Tingkat Tenang, Taman Tenang, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
Gerai Minum Weng Kee
Opening Hours: 08:00-17:00 (Wednesday-Monday, closed on Tuesdays)
Address: Medan Selera, Jln Othman, Pj Old Town, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Chee Cheong Fun
Known as 'Pig Intestine Noodles' in Cantonese, Chee Cheong Fun has a name that might deceive you. Spoiler alert – there are no actual pig intestines in this dish! Instead, it features rolled-up flat rice noodles, playfully resembling pig intestines, giving it its unique name. Imagine the fun twist!
Now, let's talk about the star of the show – the trio of sauces. Prawn paste, chili sauce, and a dark red sweet sauce poured over the noodles create a delightful flavor explosion. Topped with shrimp paste for that extra thickness, this combination guarantees a burst of flavors in every bite you take. More than just a street food, Chee Cheong Fun is a must when in Penang and best paired with other favorite dishes!
Where to eat:
Genting Cafe
Opening Hours: 07:00-16:00 (Thursday-Tuesday, closed on Wednesdays)
Address: Lorong Delima 3, Taman Island Glades, 11700 Jelutong, Pulau Pinang
Seow Fong Lye Cafe
Opening Hours: 07:30-00:30 (Monday-Sunday)
Address: 94c, Lorong Macalister, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Sing Guat Keong Coffee Shop
Opening Hours: 08:00-22:30 (Monday-Sunday)
Address: 86, Lebuh Kimberley, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Lok Lok
Lok Lok steamboat dinner is a must-try when you're in Penang. Here's the deal: you become the chef, choosing your preferred sauce and handpicking from an array of freshly skewered items. Picture this diverse selection – oysters, mushrooms, vegetables, shrimps, crabs, fish/meatballs, and more – all cooking to perfection in a communal boiler. An experience that truly brings you and your loved ones together in the heart of Penang.
After you've made your ingredient choices, they take a dip in a shared pot of boiling soup, and the magic happens. But wait, there's an extra layer of excitement – choosing the perfect sauce to accompany your culinary creation. Street hawkers are right there with recommendations to elevate your Lok Lok experience.
Where to eat:
Peng Hwa Lok Lok
Opening Hours: 16:00-22:00 (Thursday-Tuesday, closed on Wednesday)
Address: Jalan Pasar, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Pantai Lok Lok
Opening Hours: 18:00-23:30 (Tuesday-Sunday, closed on Mondays)
Address: 2, Lebuh Kurau 5, Taman Chai Leng, 13700 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang
Chulia Street Lok Lok
Opening Hours: 15:30-23:00 (Tuesday-Sunday, closed on Mondays)
Address: 313, Chulia St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Curry Mee
Get ready to treat your taste buds to a unique experience with Penang's Curry Mee! This isn't your typical curry dish; it's a delightful creation that stands out in a crowd. Imagine a fragrant broth, kissed with a hint of mild coconut milk, featuring a medley of pig blood, cockles, taufu pok, and cuttlefish - it's a culinary adventure waiting to unfold.
What’s our favorite part of the dish? The chili paste! You’ll find that every stall puts a special touch, infusing the soup base with a unique flavor.
Where to eat:
Lorong Seratus Tahun Curry Mee
Opening Hours: 07:30-14:30 (Friday-Wednesday, closed on Thursdays)
Address: 34, Lorong Seratus Tahun, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Hot Bowl White Curry Mee
Opening Hours: 08:00-15:00 (Tuesday-Sunday, closed on Monday)
Address: 58C, Jalan Rangoon, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Chulia Street Curry Mee
Opening Hours: 16:15-22:00 (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday) 16:15-20:00 (Thursday, closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Address: 1C, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Tell us more about your foodie adventures
Calling all food enthusiasts! If you've explored the vibrant street food scene in Penang and have delightful tales to share, we want to hear from you. Whether it's about the best Char Koay Teow or the most refreshing Cendol, your culinary experiences can inspire fellow foodies. Be part of our community by sending your street food escapades to gomalaysia@uee.com.sg. Don't miss out on the latest gastronomic insights, foodie discoveries, and updates – subscribe to our blog for a flavorful journey!
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