A Foodie’s Guide to Penang: Exploring the Island’s Diverse and Delicious Cuisine

Penang is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse and delicious cuisine that draws on a variety of cultural influences. These cultural influences include Malay, Chinese, and Indian. In fact, Penang Island is considered the gastronomy capital of Malaysia.

Here are some of the top must-try foods in Penang written by a foodie with an incredible taste for good food.

Top 9 Must-Try Foods in Penang!

1. Char Kway Teow

When visiting Penang, Malaysia, don’t miss out on the must-try dish – Char Kway Teow. Stir-fried flat rice noodles, shrimp, Chinese sausage, bean sprouts, and egg are seasoned with soy sauce and chili paste, then topped with fresh cockles for a deliciously hot meal.

The smoky and slightly charred flavor of a delicious Char Kway Teow comes from the wok hei created by stir-frying the noodles over high heat. Traditionally cooked in pork lard, this dish now has halal versions using vegetable oil. Savor it at popular spots like Lorong Selamat Char Kway Teow, Siam Road Char Kway Teow, or Ah Leng Char Kway Teow in Air Itam.

If you’re a foodie, you definitely don’t want to miss out on this iconic Penang dish!

2. Assam Laksa

If you’re in Penang, Malaysia, don’t miss out on trying the Assam Laksa! Made with fish, tamarind, chili, and an array of herbs and spices, this sour and spicy noodle soup is a true culinary delight. Topped with cucumber, pineapple, and mint leaves, the dish’s broth is thickened with shrimp paste for an added depth of flavor.

In the making of Assam Laksa, a crucial component is the fish used for the broth. Typically, mackerel or sardines are boiled and mashed to create a fish stock. Tamarind pulp is added to give the soup its signature tangy flavor. Some of Penang’s best-known spots for the dish are the Air Itam Laksa stall and Joo Hooi Cafe in Georgetown, famous for their use of a unique blend of herbs and spices in their Assam Laksa.

If you’re a fan of spicy and sour flavors, Assam Laksa is a flavorful and refreshing dish that’s perfect for a hot day!

3. Roti Canai

A visit to Penang, Malaysia isn’t complete without indulging in the must-try dish of Roti Canai. Preparing Roti Canai involves creating dough from flour, water, and ghee, which is then stretched and flipped to develop layers for a flaky texture. This Indian-influenced flatbread is served with a variety of dips and curries, such as dhal, chicken curry, or fish curry, and is best enjoyed with its crispy exterior and soft interior. The golden-brown finish of this dish is sure to leave you craving for more.

Enjoy the versatile Roti Canai for breakfast, lunch, or dinner when in Penang, Malaysia. This popular Indian-influenced flatbread is often served as a snack, best enjoyed with a steaming cup of teh tarik, a sweet and creamy milk tea that’s beloved in Malaysia. The Transfer Road Roti Canai stall and Roti Canai Jalan Transfer stall, both situated in Georgetown, are some of the best-known places to sample this dish. Bite into the flaky texture of the Roti Canai and let the spicy curries and dips take your taste buds on a ride.

If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying snack or meal, Roti Canai is definitely a must-try dish when visiting Penang.

4. Hokkien Mee

Hokkien Mee is another delicacy when visiting Penang, Malaysia. It’s a type of noodle soup is made with thick yellow noodles and thin rice vermicelli noodles, cooked in a flavorful prawn broth, and served with prawns, slices of pork, fish cake, and bean sprouts. Additionally, the dish is garnished with fried shallots and served with a side of sambal chili paste.

The broth for Hokkien Mee is made by simmering prawn heads and shells, pork bones, and aromatics like garlic and ginger for hours to create a rich and savory flavor. The noodles are then added to the broth and cooked until tender. Some of the most popular places to try Hokkien Mee include the Kedai Kopi Swee Kong in Lorong Selamat and the One Corner Cafe in Jalan Bawasah.

If you’re a fan of noodle soup and seafood, the combination of flavors and textures in this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds!

5. Teh Tarik (Pulled Tea)

Teh Tarik, also known as “pulled tea,” is a must-try drink when visiting Penang. It’s a hot tea made with black tea and condensed milk, which is then poured back and forth between two containers to create a frothy and creamy texture. The process of pouring the tea back and forth is called “pulling,” hence the name “pulled tea.”

The tea is traditionally served in a glass or mug, and it’s often paired with sweet treats like Roti Canai or Kaya Toast. Teh Tarik is a popular drink in Malaysia and can be found at many cafes and street vendors throughout Penang. One of the best places to try Teh Tarik in Penang is at the roadside stalls along the famous Gurney Drive food street. Here, you’ll find many vendors selling hot and fresh Teh Tarik, along with a variety of other Malaysian snacks and desserts.

If you’re a fan of tea or coffee, Teh Tarik is a delicious and unique drink that’s sure to warm you up on a cool evening or provide a sweet pick-me-up during the day.

6. Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak is another must-try food when visiting Penang. It’s a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, served with a variety of side dishes such as crispy fried chicken, sambal chili sauce, hard-boiled egg, cucumber, and roasted peanuts.

The rice used in Nasi Lemak is typically steamed with coconut milk and pandan leaves, which gives it a sweet and aromatic flavor. The side dishes are what really make the dish stand out, with each element providing a unique texture and flavor.

Some of the most popular places to try Nasi Lemak include the Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa chain and the Nasi Lemak Famous stall at the Jalan Gottlieb night market.

7. Oyster Omelette

Oyster Omelette, or “oh chien” as it’s known locally, is a must-try food when visiting Penang, Malaysia. It’s a savory and crispy omelette made with eggs, oysters, and a variety of vegetables like spring onions, cilantro, and bean sprouts. The omelette is typically fried until it’s crispy and golden brown, and then served with a sweet and spicy chili sauce.

Originating in Taiwan, Oyster Omelette has gained popularity as a street food in many parts of Asia, including Penang. You can find this perfect snack or light meal at numerous hawker centers and street food stalls throughout the city. One of the best places to try Oyster Omelette is the Kimberly Street Hawker Center and Padang Brown Hawker Center in Georgetown.

8. Pulut Hitam (Black Glutinous Rice)

Pulut Hitam, or Black Glutinous Rice, is a must-try dessert when visiting Penang, Malaysia. It’s a sweet and creamy porridge made from black glutinous rice cooked with water, coconut milk, and palm sugar, and then served with a dollop of coconut cream on top.

People across Malaysia and Southeast Asia often eat the dish as a dessert or snack. The addition of sweet and creamy coconut milk and palm sugar enhance the unique nutty and earthy flavor of Pulut Hitam. Some of the most popular places to try it is at the famous Teochew Chendul shop in George Town.

9. Curry Mee

Curry Mee, also known as Curry Laksa, is a must-try food when visiting Penang. It’s a spicy and creamy noodle soup made with a coconut milk-based curry broth, thin rice noodles, and a variety of toppings such as cockles, prawns, tofu puffs, and bean sprouts.

The blend of lemongrass, galangal, and chili, along with other spices, infuses its flavors into the simmering coconut milk and chicken broth. As the aroma wafts through the air, one can anticipate a rich and spicy broth waiting to be savored. Some of the best places to try Curry Mee in Penang include the Ayer Itam Market, Kedai Kopi Sin Hwa, and the Air Itam Laksa stall at the Jalan Pasar market.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for some delicious eats, Penang is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves good food. With so many culinary offerings to explore, you’re sure to find something that tickles your taste buds!

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