Penang (Pulau Pinang) is a state in Malaysia known for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and delicious street food. Penang street food is famous throughout Malaysia and beyond, with foodies flocking to the island to sample its unique flavors. From savory dishes like char kway teow and nasi kandar to sweet treats like cendol and apom manis, Penang's street food scene has something for everyone.
One of the most popular dishes in Penang is char kway teow, a stir-fried noodle dish made with flat rice noodles, prawns, bean sprouts, and Chinese sausage. Another must-try dish is nasi kandar, a meal of steamed rice served with a variety of curries and side dishes. For those with a sweet tooth, Penang offers a range of desserts, including cendol, a shaved ice dessert topped with coconut milk, palm sugar, and green jelly noodles, and apom manis, a pancake-like treat made with coconut milk and sugar.
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Whether you're a foodie looking to explore Penang's street food scene or a traveler seeking to experience the local culture, Penang's street food is not to be missed. With its unique blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian flavors, Penang offers a culinary experience like no other. So why not grab a plate of char kway teow or a bowl of cendol and discover the delicious flavors of Penang's street food for yourself?
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Exploring Penang Street Food
Penang is a food lover's paradise, and its street food scene is one of the best in Malaysia and Asia. The island's capital, Georgetown, is a melting pot of cultures, and this is reflected in its cuisine. The city's hawker stalls and food courts are where locals and tourists alike come to sample the best of Penang's street food.
One of the best places to experience Penang street food is at the Gurney Drive Hawker Centre. This food court is located in the heart of Georgetown and is home to over 100 stalls selling a variety of dishes. Some of the must-try dishes here include Char Koay Teow, Hokkien Mee, and Satay.
Another popular spot for street food in Georgetown is New Lane. This narrow alleyway is lined with hawker stalls selling a range of local dishes. Some of the highlights here include the oyster omelette, fried kuey teow, and curry mee.
For those looking for a more traditional experience, Kheng Pin Cafe is a must-visit. This old-school coffee shop is located in the heart of Georgetown and is famous for its Hainanese chicken rice. Other popular dishes here include the roti babi and the kaya toast.
Overall, Penang street food is a unique and delicious experience that should not be missed. From the hawker stalls to the food courts, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So, grab a seat, order a plate of your favorite dish, and savor the flavors of Penang street food.
The Locals' Favorites
When it comes to Penang street food, the locals know best. Here are some of their favorite dishes that you should definitely try:
Char Koay Teow
Char Koay Teow is a stir-fried noodle dish that is a staple in Penang. It is made with flat rice noodles, prawns, bean sprouts, eggs, and Chinese sausage. The dish is cooked over high heat with soy sauce and chili paste, giving it a smoky and slightly sweet flavor. One of the best places to try this dish is at Siam Road Char Koay Teow.
Nasi Lemak (Banana Leaf Rice)
Nasi Lemak is a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan or banana leaf. It is typically served with sambal, fried anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, and a hard-boiled egg. The dish is a popular breakfast option and can be found at most hawker food centers. One of the best places to try this dish is at Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa.
Nasi Kandar
Nasi Kandar is a rice dish that is typically served with a variety of curries and side dishes. The dish originated in Penang and is now popular throughout Malaysia. One of the best places to try this dish is Line Clear Nasi Kandar.
Laksa
Laksa is a spicy noodle soup that is made with fish or chicken broth, rice noodles, and a variety of herbs and spices. The dish is typically topped with shrimp paste, sliced chili, and lime. One of the best places to try this dish is at Joo Hooi Cafe.
Lok Lok
Lok Lok is a popular street food in Penang that consists of skewered meat, seafood, and vegetables that are dipped in a boiling pot of water or broth. The dish is typically served with a variety of dipping sauces. One of the best places to try this dish is at Jalan Penang Lok Lok.
Rojak
Rojak is a fruit and vegetable salad that is typically made with cucumber, pineapple, jicama, and bean sprouts. The dish is topped with a sweet and spicy sauce made with shrimp paste, sugar, and chili. One of the best places to try this dish is at Gurney Drive Hawker Centre.
Hokkien Mee
Hokkien Mee is a noodle dish that is made with thick yellow noodles and rice vermicelli. The dish is cooked in a prawn and pork broth and is typically served with prawns, pork slices, and bean sprouts. One of the best places to try this dish is at Kim Leng Loh Mee.
Mee Goreng
Mee Goreng is a spicy fried noodle dish that is made with yellow noodles, shrimp, tofu, and vegetables. The dish is typically topped with fried shallots and served with a side of lime. One of the best places to try this dish is at Padang Brown Hawker Centre.
Duck Koay Chap
Duck Koay Chap is a dish that consists of flat rice noodles served in a soup made with duck meat and offal. The dish is typically flavored with soy sauce and five-spice powder. One of the best places to try this dish is at Kedai Kopi Seng Thor.
Asam Laksa
Asam Laksa is a sour and spicy fish soup that is made with tamarind, chili, and mackerel. The dish is typically served with rice noodles and a variety of herbs and vegetables. One of the best places to try this dish is at Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul.
888 Hokkien Mee
888 Hokkien Mee is a noodle dish that is made with thick yellow noodles and prawns. The dish is cooked in pork and prawn broth and is typically served with chili paste and lime. One of the best places to try this dish is at 888 Hokkien Mee.
Mee Sotong
Mee Sotong is a noodle dish that is made with squid and served with a spicy tomato-based sauce. The dish is typically topped with a hard-boiled egg and fried shallots. One of the best places to try this dish is at Padang Kota Lama.
Hameed Pata Mee Sotong
Hameed Pata Mee Sotong is a noodle dish that is made with squid and served with a spicy coconut-based sauce. The dish is typically topped with a hard-boiled egg and fried shallots. One of the best places to try this dish is at Hameed Pata Mee Sotong.
Char Koay Kak (Duck Eggs Seafood)
Char Koay Kak is made from stir-fried cubes of rice cake with soy sauce, bean sprouts, eggs, and sometimes chili paste. The dish is traditionally cooked on a large metal wok over a charcoal fire, giving it a smoky flavor. Char Koay Kak translates to "fried rice cake," but it is not actually made from rice. Instead, it is made from a type of steamed rice flour mixed with water and sometimes yam or sweet potato.
Sweet Treats of Penang
Penang is known for its delicious street food, and its sweet treats are no exception. From shaved ice to cendol, there are plenty of options for those with a sweet tooth. Here are some of the most popular sweet treats in Penang:
Cendol
Cendol is a popular Malaysian dessert made with green rice flour jelly, red beans, coconut milk, and sweet syrup. It is a refreshing treat on a hot day and can be found at many street stalls throughout Penang.
Shaved Ice
Shaved ice is another popular sweet treat in Penang. It is made with shaved ice and topped with a variety of sweet toppings, such as sweet corn, red beans, and palm sugar syrup. Some vendors also add durian to the mix for an extra burst of flavor.
Apom Manis
Apom Manis is a sweet pancake-like snack made with rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar. It is cooked on a griddle and served hot with sweet sauce. It is a popular snack in Penang and can be found at many street stalls throughout the city.
Roti Canai
Roti Canai is a popular Indian-influenced snack in Penang. It is a type of flatbread that is usually served with a sweet sauce made from condensed milk and sugar. It is a popular breakfast item in Penang and can be found at many street stalls and restaurants.
Durian
Durian is a fruit that is native to Southeast Asia and is known for its strong odor and creamy texture. It is a popular ingredient in many sweet treats in Penang, such as ice cream and shaved ice. While some people love the taste of durian, others find it too strong and pungent.
Green Rice Flour Jelly
Green rice flour jelly is a popular ingredient in many Malaysian desserts, including cendol. It is made from rice flour, pandan leaves, and green food coloring. It has a slightly sweet taste and a chewy texture.
Red Beans
Red beans are a common ingredient in many sweet treats in Penang, including shaved ice and cendol. They are usually cooked with sugar to make a sweet paste that is used as a topping for these desserts.
Sweet Sauce
Sweet sauce is a popular condiment in Penang and is used in many sweet treats, such as roti canai and apom manis. It is made from condensed milk and sugar and has a sweet, creamy flavor.
Overall, Penang has a wide variety of sweet treats to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you prefer shaved ice or durian-flavored desserts, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city.
Signature Ingredients
Penang street food is known for its unique blend of flavors and spices that come from a variety of signature ingredients. One of the most commonly used ingredients in Penang street food is coconut milk. This creamy and rich ingredient is a staple in many dishes, including the famous curry mee.
Meat is another important ingredient in Penang street food. Pork, chicken, and beef are commonly used, but seafood is also popular due to Penang's coastal location. Prawns are a particularly popular seafood ingredient, often found in dishes like char kuey teow.
Bean sprouts, rice flour, and vegetables are also frequently used in Penang street food. These ingredients are often combined with soy sauce, garlic, and spices to create flavorful dishes like rojak.
Rice noodles are a staple in many Penang street food dishes, including the famous assam laksa. This dish features a tangy and spicy broth made from tamarind and mackerel, topped with rice noodles, cucumber, pineapple, and mint.
Peanut sauce is another signature dish ingredient in Penang street food. This sweet and savory sauce is often served with satay or as a dip for rojak. Sambal, a spicy chili paste, is also commonly used in Penang street food dishes.
Chinese sausage, lemongrass, onions, and five-spice powder are additional ingredients that can be found in Penang street food. These ingredients are often combined with bone broth to create rich and flavorful soups.
Overall, Penang street food is a unique and flavorful experience that combines a variety of signature ingredients to create dishes that are both delicious and memorable.
Iconic Locations for Penang Street Food
Penang is known for its street food scene, and there are several iconic locations where a queue of visitors can sample some of the best dishes the island has to offer. Here are a few of the most popular spots:
George Town
George Town is the heart of Penang's street food scene, and it's where visitors will find some of the most famous food stalls on the island like the famous Ali Nasi Lemak. Some of the must-try dishes include char kuey teow, a stir-fried noodle dish made with shrimp, egg, and bean sprouts, and Hokkien mee, a soup-based noodle dish with prawns, pork, and egg.
Jalan Burma
Jalan Burma is another popular destination for street food in Penang. Visitors can find a wide variety of dishes here, including nasi kandar, a rice dish with a variety of curries and sides, and roti canai, a flaky, buttery bread that's often served with curry.
Gurney Drive
Gurney Drive is a popular tourist destination in Penang, and it's also home to some of the island's best street food. Visitors can sample dishes like oyster omelettes, grilled stingray, and satay, a skewered meat dish that's often served with peanut sauce.
Lebuh Cecil
Lebuh Cecil is a narrow street in George Town that's packed with street food stalls. Visitors can find a wide variety of dishes here, including laksa, a spicy noodle soup, and popiah, a fresh spring roll filled with vegetables and meat.
Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul
No visit to Penang would be complete without trying chendul, a sweet dessert made with shaved ice, red beans, and green jelly noodles. Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul is one of the most famous places to try this dish, and visitors can also sample other sweet treats like ice kacang and cendol.
Overall, these iconic locations for street food in Penang offer visitors a chance to sample some of the island's most delicious dishes. Whether you're in the mood for spicy noodles, grilled seafood, or sweet desserts, there's something for everyone in Penang's street food scene.
Famous Food Stalls
There are many famous food stalls that locals and tourists alike flock to for a taste of the city's culinary delights. Here are just a few of the most popular food stalls in Penang:
- Tiger Char Koay Teow: This food stall is famous for its char koay teow, a stir-fried noodle dish that is a staple of Penang cuisine. The dish is made with flat rice noodles, prawns, cockles, bean sprouts, chives, and a special sauce that gives it its unique flavor.
- Air Itam Sister Curry Mee: This food stall is located in Air Itam and is famous for its curry mee, a spicy noodle soup that is made with coconut milk, chili paste, and a variety of toppings, including shrimp, tofu puffs, and cockles.
- Roti Canai Gemas Road: This food stall is famous for its roti canai, a type of Indian flatbread that is served with a variety of curries and sauces. The roti canai is made fresh to order and is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Hock Seng Rojak: This food stall is famous for its rojak, a fruit salad that is made with a variety of tropical fruits, such as pineapple, guava, and mango, as well as bean sprouts, tofu, and a sweet and spicy sauce.
- Penang Hokkien Mee: This food stall is famous for its Hokkien mee, a noodle dish that is made with thick yellow noodles, prawns, pork, and a flavorful broth that is simmered for hours.
- Kafe Ping Hooi: This food stall is famous for its chee cheong fun, a type of rice noodle roll that is filled with shrimp, pork, and mushrooms, and served with a sweet sauce.
- Kedai Kopi Seng Thor: This food stall is famous for its nasi kandar, a type of Malaysian rice dish that is served with a variety of curries and side dishes, such as fried chicken, fish, and vegetables.
These are just a few of the many famous food stalls in Penang. Visitors to the city should make sure to try as many of these delicious dishes as possible to get a true taste of Penang's street food scene.
Unique Street Food Dishes
Penang is famous for its diverse and delicious street food offerings. While there are many well-known dishes, there are also some unique options that are worth trying. Here are some of the top unique street food dishes to try in Penang:
Apom
Apom is a type of pancake made with rice flour and coconut milk. It is cooked on a special griddle and is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is often served with a sweet coconut or banana filling. Apom is a popular snack in Penang and can be found at many street food stalls.
Oh Chien (Oyster Omelet)
Oh Chien is a popular dish in Penang that is made with a mixture of oysters, eggs, and flour. The mixture is fried until crispy and then served with a spicy chili sauce. It is a unique dish that is popular with locals and tourists alike.
Pancake
Pancakes are a popular street food in Penang and come in many flavors. They can be sweet or savory and are often filled with ingredients like bananas, peanuts, or cheese. The pancakes are cooked on a griddle and are served hot and fresh.
Lor Bak
Lor Bak is a popular street food in Penang that is made with marinated pork wrapped in bean curd skin and deep-fried until crispy. It is often served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce and is a favorite among locals.
Flaky
Flaky is a type of pastry that is filled with a variety of fillings, including sweet and savory options. It is made with layers of pastry that are baked until crispy and golden brown. Flaky is a popular snack in Penang and can be found at many street food stalls.
Experience Penang Street Food
In conclusion, Penang street food is a must-try for anyone visiting the city. With a wide variety of dishes to choose from, there is something for everyone. From the famous Char Kuey Teow to the lesser-known Hokkien Mee, Penang food is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
One of the best things about Penang street food is its affordability. Most dishes are priced at a fraction of what you would pay in a restaurant, making it an excellent option for budget travelers. Additionally, street food vendors often use fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that you get a taste of the region's culinary heritage.
While it may be overwhelming to choose from the hundreds of street food stalls in Penang, there are certain dishes that you shouldn't miss. Char Kuey Teow, Assam Laksa, and Hokkien Mee are some of the most popular dishes that locals and tourists alike rave about.
In summary, Penang street food is a culinary adventure that should not be missed. Whether you're a foodie or just looking for a budget-friendly meal, the street food scene in Penang is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Kimmy says
Glad to see this article! I'm in Malaysia right now for a 6-day vacation, me and my partner will celebrate New Year's Eve here in Malaysia! One of my favorite suggestions you mentioned in this article is where to find Durian Fruit It is one of my favorite fruits hope it season so I will introduce it also to my partner.
Thanks for sharing this useful information