“Aunty one hokkien mee with extra prawn and chilli, more soup please,” “Uncle wan tan mee with extra pork lard and fried wonton.” These are the things that we as Penangites often hear of and would do when we order hawker food from awesome stalls. Residing on the hustle-bustle streets of Penang, hawker stalls are everywhere. In fact, they hold a special place in our heart because we grew up in this form of environment and they’re part of our culture.
Famous Hawker Food in Penang 2019
Hawker stalls are what made Penang special that attracts thousands of tourists each year. Here are some recommendations that could make you understand more about what street food to try at day and night! Let’s dive into our recommendation on famous hawker stalls in Penang.
1. Pasar Air Itam Laksa
Holding a record of over 60years of business, you can never go wrong with it. Voted the best asam laksa in Penang by the locals, the sweet, sour and spicy mix is accompanied by a generous serving of ingredients (mackerels and lots of vegetables) that makes for an incredibly addictive dish. This family-run business is now being operated by its second generation, yet the taste remains at its authenticity.
Operating Hour: 11:30a.m.- 8:00p.m
2. Wantan Mee @ Chulia Street
Located just across Mugshot café, the wantan mee stall along with other hawker stalls as well is a famous tourist gather spot. From the moment the stall is set up, the business never stops. Served in a pool of dark soy sauce, the springy noodle is accompanied by vegetables, braised pork slices, pork lard, and wantons.
What makes this wantan mee special is that the sauce has a tinge of sesame oil fragrant, together with pork lard that makes the plate of noodle heavenly. Be prepared for the waiting time though as the place is always crowded.
Operating Hour: 6:00p.m.-10:00p.m
3. Curry Mee @ Chulia Street
No doubt Chulia Street wins our heart again, the place is filled with so many delicious foods that would make your tummy sing. Located just right next to the wantan mee, the curry mee tastes just as good as the wantan mee, it’s a tight competition. Served with yellow noodles and vermicelli, the hot bowl is topped with squid, fish ball, tao gua, cockles and a spoonful of curry paste.
Be sure to slurp the soup as it is the essence of the bowl, the curry soup base is mixed with coconut milk to deliver the creamy and aromatic taste. Do note that the portion is a bit small so order a big bowl to double the satisfaction. Oh ya, this is also one of the famous eating places at night in Penang!
Operating Hour: 6:00p.m.-10:00p.m.
Related: 10 Best Curry Mee in Penang
4. Bangkok Lane Mee Goreng
Ask your parents about this mee goreng and they will tell you how good it is for sure. Having a history of over 80years, the open kitchen is under the stewardship of father and son, and patrons keep their eyes peeled looking at the sea of noodles prepared in a mammoth wok with scoops of homemade sauces, yellow noodles, eggs, deep-fried cubes of potatoes, and dough fritters.
Best is that the stall is certified halal, so everyone can enjoy the plate of goodness. Expect at least half an hour of waiting time during peak hours, but you’ll not be disappointed for sure.
Read also: 10 Halal Food And Restaurants in Penang
Operating Hour: 8:00a.m.-6:30p.m.
5. Siam Road Char Koay Teow
How could you miss out the Char Koay Teow when in Penang? The famous stall was recently ranked #14 in the Top 50 World Street Food Masters list, which in return, brought more customers to the 76-year-old owner. He cooks the noodles over hot coals, which is a highlight, to achieve maximum wok hei.
The rice noodles are smooth, while the cockles are large and juicy. The seasoning and spice levels are just right. Moreover, each crispy cube of pork lard added layer after layer of flavours to the dish. Keep in mind that the waiting hour is very long even during normal days, but hey it’s worth it right?
6. Gurney Drive G.P. Soon Rojak
If this is your first time in Penang, then you should definitely eat rojak at this stall!
Tired of all the typical recommendations of Penang food? Rojak is here to spice up your list. Tucked within the popular area of Gurney Drive, this rojak stall stands out with it’s one of a kind opening hour. The rojak sauce is made from shrimp paste sauce and lime peel which makes it so thick and refreshing, and you could have it either normal or spicy. Ask for more peanuts to pair it with the sauce, and your rojak would taste heavenly.
Opening Hour: 9:00p.m.-2:00a.m.
7. Sungai Pinang Duck Noodles
Located right outside of Honda Showroom at Sungai Pinang, the stall sets up at dawn, together with other food stalls then would soon be flooded with patrons. Arsenal of duck drumsticks being steamed together with other Chinese herbs in a huge steamer brings so much flavour to the broth, with strong herbal essence to it.
The heart-warming bowl of noodles is served either with yellow noodles, vermicelli, or misua (wheat noodles). Not a fan of duck meat? Don’t worry as they have other options such as the chicken drumstick, pork ribs and intestine that could satisfy your cravings.
Operation Hour: 8:00a.m.-1:00p.m. (or till sold out)
8. Loh Bak @ Kheng Pin Cafe
Kheng Pin’s loh bak is no doubt one of the best in town with over 40 years of business history. The stall is easily recognisable with a man wearing a beret hat, frying the batter in front of a huge vat of oil. Serving deep-fried loh bak, prawn fritters, spring rolls, tao gua, fish cakes and century eggs, the loh bak is packed with seasonings. The dish is paired with sweet sauce, chili sauce and some cucumbers on side as refreshments from all the greasiness.
Operating Hour: 7:00a.m.-3:00p.m.
9. Duck Meat Koay Teow Th’ng @ Jalan Bukit Bendera, Air Itam
Located just beside Klinik Pergigian Air Itam, the roadside stall has been operating for more than 30years. The recipe to their aromatic, flavourful broth has been passed from their first generation, using mainly duck meat and pork ribs to cook. The bowl of koay teow is typically served with duck meat, chicken meat, fish balls and pork intestine. If you’re not a fan of intestine, order solely with meat and balls.
Operating Hour: 12:30p.m.-5:30p.m.
10. Burma Road Ban Chang Kuih
Ban Chang Kuih aka “Turnover Pancake” in English is a type of pancake that is famous in Penang. The stall is located at Burma Road, Pulau Tikus, beside Solok Moulmein; just opposite the police station and has been in the business for more than 10 years. The stall offers a traditional taste, with toppings such as white sugar, brown sugar, peanuts, sweet corn, egg and a thick slab of butter.
What is Your Famous Eating Spots in Penang?
So many choices, so much to explore, all in the heart of Penang, an island filled with, culture, food, and laughter. There’s nothing much more to love than Penang, our city. Did we miss up any good food in Penang to intro to visitors in 2019? Let us know in the comment section below.
Interesting choices, I’d love to get to know all of these places!
Is the curry mee at Chulia Street still good? A few years ago it was amazing but I heard a little while ago the hawker’s children had taken over, and it’s not so good anymore… 🙁 Thoughts?
Hey Ally,
Yea, it’s still good in my opinion! My another favourite curry mee stalk is located at Cecil Street (7th Road) market. Give it a try if you want. 🙂 – Nicholas