Penang, a vibrant culinary paradise in Malaysia, offers an array of delectable street food that will tantalize your taste buds. From crispy Roti Canai to savory Duck Kway Chap noodle rolls, Penang is a food lover’s haven. Get ready to embark on a gastronomic adventure as we explore the top 10 must-try street foods in Penang.
1. Crunchy, Crispy Roti Canai
Roti Canai is a beloved Malaysian flatbread dish that has gained international recognition. The dough is skillfully stretched and tossed in the air before being pan-fried to perfection. The result is a flaky, layered bread that pairs wonderfully with flavorful curry sauces or dhal. Don’t forget to try the Roti Canai with a side of fragrant chicken or mutton curry for a truly satisfying experience.
When I arrived in Penang one April evening, I was fortunate to be able to book an affordable Grab ride from the airport to downtown George Town. It can be challenging to book a Grab ride at the airport due to limited vehicle availability, requiring patience and a long wait. Alternatively, if you don’t choose Grab or an airport taxi, you can take bus 401 from the opposite side of the exit gate. My hotel, the Grand Inn on Penang Road, can be reserved for around USD 17 per night on traveloka.com. Upon reaching the hotel at 7 pm with a hungry stomach, I decided to explore the area in search of the authentic Indian dish Roti Canai.
What to Eat in Penang? top 10 must-try street foods in Penang| Roti Canai.
The combination of the tender, chewy bread dough and the crunchy, baked exterior paired with curry sauce produces an inexplicable appeal. The dish becomes even more flavorful due to the strong spiciness and salty flavor of the sauce, leaving a lasting impression with just a single bite.
The bread in Penang is both tasty and affordable, priced at just 2.5 RM. It is readily available throughout the area, eliminating the need to search far and wide.
2. Legendary Nasi Lemak Coconut Rice
Nasi Lemak, a beloved Malaysian delicacy, is considered a national treasure. Penang, in particular, boasts exceptional renditions of this dish. Its key component is the aromatic coconut rice, cooked with pandan leaves, resulting in an alluring scent that is hard to resist. Alongside it, a range of accompaniments are traditionally served, including sambal (a spicy chili paste), crispy fried anchovies, peanuts, cucumber slices, and a boiled egg. The combination of these flavors and textures harmoniously meld together, leaving you yearning for another mouthful.
What should I have for food in Penang? This dish represents Malaysia and is highly cherished by the locals. It’s a must-try before leaving the country.
Walking along the historic streets with colorful Peranakan houses, it is easy to see stalls selling pyramid-shaped Nasi Lemak wrapped in banana leaves. But the surprise is the sticky rice with thick coconut milk, dried and seasoned anchovies, boiled eggs, roasted peanuts, and a layer of sambal sauce, which are all covered by banana leaves.
Nasi Lemak rice is uniquely packaged in this manner, with its roots tracing back to Malaysian workers. These laborers sought meals that were both uncomplicated yet nourishing, served in a single portion and convenient for takeaway.
Today, Nasi Lemak has many new versions with lots of layers, including chicken curry, fried fish, fried chicken, and so on, suitable for many different groups of people.
3. Hema Hema Ice Cream in Chinatown
For dessert lovers, a visit to Penang would be incomplete without trying the famous Hema Hema ice cream in Chinatown. This local ice cream parlor offers unique flavors inspired by Penang’s cultural heritage. Indulge in scoops of durian-flavored ice cream, a tropical fruit loved by many Malaysians, or explore their wide range of other intriguing flavors. The creamy goodness of Hema Hema ice cream is sure to cool you down on a hot day while delighting your taste buds.
The weather is scorching in April in Penang, so let’s grab some ice cream. If you love sweet treats, Penang is the perfect destination for you. It is renowned for a variety of delightful desserts like coconut shakes, coconut ice cream, durian ice cream, shaved ice kacang, and more.
During the evening, Chinatown appears empty with limited lighting. As I was walking, I came across a busy ice cream parlor named Hema Hema. Intrigued, I decided to take a break and join the queue. After waiting for a bit, I selected a serving of Lotus ice cream accompanied by crunchy cinnamon cones. The combination of its sweet flavor and smooth consistency was delightful. Each scoop of ice cream cost 9 RM, and when combined with a cinnamon cone, the total came to 11 RM.
Address: 88, Lebuh Campell, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
4. Yan Foo Chee Cheong Fun Steamed Rice Rolls
Chee Cheong Fun, a popular Cantonese dish, has found its way onto the streets of Penang. Yan Foo Chee Cheong Fun serves up silky smooth rice rolls that are generously filled with various ingredients. From succulent prawns to char siu (barbecue pork) and even fried dough sticks, these delicate rolls are then drenched in a savory sauce and topped with fragrant sesame seeds. Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more.
The following alternative is available for your query about “What should I eat in Penang?” As I strolled through the renowned Lebuh Kimberly street food area in the morning, the delightful blend of various dishes intensified my hunger. Amidst the bustling crowd seeking breakfast and exploring street art, I stopped by Yan Foo Chee Cheong Fun, a rice roll shop that chef Martin Yan had previously visited.
The noodles were sold by a couple for 40 years on Lebuh Kimberley Street. The roll is made from rice flour, flattened thinly, then rolled up and cut into small circular pieces. When you eat, you will dip the rolls into one of the three sauces, namely shrimp sauce, chili sauce, and sweet sauce. I tried all the sauces, and shrimp sauce and chili sauce are a bit difficult to eat; however, the sweet sauce is special and delicious. A plate of rice rolls is quite a lot, but it costs only 2.5 RM, which is really inexpensive for breakfast.
Address: 201 Lebuh Kimberly, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
5. Tiger Char Koay Teow Spicy Stir-fried Noodles
Char Koay Teow is a staple street food in Penang that has gained worldwide fame. Tiger Char Koay Teow takes this dish to the next level with its bold and fiery flavors. Fresh rice noodles are stir-fried over high heat with ingredients such as succulent prawns, cockles, Chinese sausage, bean sprouts, and chives. The smoky aroma and intense spiciness make this dish irresistible to spice enthusiasts. Be prepared to have your taste buds tingle with delight!
After checking out the famous murals scattered on the streets, I headed towards Kafe Ping Hooi on Lebuh Carnavon, which serves stir-fried noodles most favored by locals.
Upon my arrival at the restaurant, the strong aroma of chili powder immediately hit my nostrils, causing me to sneeze. The distinctive aspect of Char Koay Teow is that it consists of stir-fried noodles, bean sprouts, and shrimp cooked with black soy sauce and duck eggs. The dish tends to be a little oily, but its flavor closely resembles Vietnamese cuisine, making it a definite must-try. Furthermore, Penang is renowned for its White Coffee, a mildly roasted coffee blended with delightful milk, which can be found in most eateries.
Top 10 must-try street foods in Penang
I purchased a plate of Char Koay Teow for approximately 6 RM and added a 3 RM White Coffee, resulting in a satisfying meal that cost me only 9 RM.
Address: Kafe Ping Hooi, 179 Lebuh Carnarvon Street, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang
6. Duck Kway Chap Noodle Rolls
Duck Kway Chap is a unique noodle dish that combines wide rice noodles with tender braised duck meat and offal. The noodles are served in a rich, aromatic broth made from herbs and spices, infusing each bite with an explosion of flavors. This hearty dish is often enjoyed with a side of braised tofu, preserved vegetables, and hard-boiled eggs. Duck Kway Chap is a must-try for those seeking a comforting and satisfying meal.
The Kway Chap stall is situated at the junction of Cintra Street and Kimberley Street in the street food area. I opted to have dinner there as well. Kway Chap is a renowned dish, especially in the Kimberley area and among the Chaozhou community. It features thin rice rolls, which are different from Vietnamese noodles.
7. Ah Boy Koay Teow Th’ng Noodles
Ah Boy Koay Teow Th’ng is a popular Penang-style soup noodle dish that will warm your soul. This comforting bowl of noodles features flat rice noodles, succulent chicken slices or pork, fish balls, and a flavorful broth made from boiled bones and aromatic herbs. The simplicity of this dish allows the natural flavors to shine through, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
8. Loh Bak Chaozhou Wonton Noodles and Spring Rolls
Loh Bak is a specialty in Penang that originated from the Chaozhou region of China. It consists of marinated minced pork rolled in bean curd skin and deep-fried to perfection. The result is a crispy exterior complemented by juicy and flavorful meat inside. Pair the Loh Bak with a bowl of springy wonton noodles tossed in fragrant soy sauce and garnished with vegetables for a satisfying meal that will leave you craving more.
Loh Bak is frequently served with zesty chili sauce and fresh cucumber, along with complementary items like sausages and preserved duck eggs.
9. Sweet and Savory Teochew Cendol
Cendol is a refreshing dessert perfect for cooling downon a hot day in Penang. The Teochew version of Cendol adds a unique twist to this classic treat. It features green rice flour jelly strands, known as cendol, swimming in a creamy coconut milk and palm sugar syrup, giving it a delightful balance of sweetness and richness. Topped with kidney beans and shaved ice, this sweet and savory dessert is a refreshing delight that will leave you wanting another bowl.
The restaurant is open from 10 am until 7:30 pm, but it closes by 7:15 pm.
10. Banana Leaf Thali
Indulge in the flavors of South India with a Banana Leaf Thali. This traditional meal is served on a banana leaf and consists of various dishes that tantalize your taste buds. Enjoy aromatic rice accompanied by an assortment of curries, vegetables, pickles, yogurt, and papadum. The combination of different flavors and textures creates a harmonious dining experience that showcases the diversity of Indian cuisine.
What to Eat in Penang? Top 10 Best Street Food in Penang
Malaysia street food Penang
In conclusion, Penang is a food lover’s paradise with its vibrant street food scene. From the crispy Roti Canai to the flavorful Nasi Lemak, the Hema Hema ice cream to the delectable Duck Kway Chap, each dish offers a unique culinary experience. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or have a sweet tooth, Penang’s street food has something to satisfy every palate. So grab your utensils and embark on a gastronomic adventure in Penang to savor these mouthwatering delights!
