Good day, foodies! Are you new to Penang or just a local looking for some “where-to-eat” ideas? This is the one guide you might be looking for. Time to make a trip down to Penang and savour some delicious hawker fares that are kind to your wallet. Without further ado, let’s dive into some of the best street food in George Town, Penang.
10 Best Street Food in George Town That You Must Try
#1 Siam Road Char Koay Teow
Char koay teow best represents Penang, it’s the one food you must try out when visiting the island. While there are tonnes of char koay teow stalls that can be found across the state, one has to agree that Siam Road Char Koay Teow is the best. Helmed by father-son duo, be prepared to queue for at least 30minutes, given if you’re lucky. That plate of flat rice noodles stir-fried in wok hei, with cockles, pork lard, bean sprouts, chili and more will make your knees weak. Tip: Go for medium even if you have a small appetite.
Address: 82, Jalan Siam, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hours: 12 p.m.-6 p.m. (Closed on Sunday & Monday)
#2 Hameed Pata Mee Sotong
This plate of mee goreng is a delight to the taste buds. Nestled in the food court behind Fort Cornwallis, they’re known for nothing but Hameed Pata Mee Sotong. Notice the long line formed vertically in front of the stall, that’s where the queue begins. That vibrant plate of noodles fried in their special gravy and squid tantalizes your palate like no other. Don’t forget to pair it with coconut shake for the best experience.
Address: 5, Esplanade park, Lebuh Light, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang.
Operating Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (Daily)
#3 Deen Maju Nasi Kandar
Local’s all-time favourite, set in Gurdwara Road is the “forever-a-long-queue” Nasi Kandar Deen Maju no matter rain or shine. Ever seen about a hundred people queuing under the hot sun in the afternoon for nasi kandar? Head over to Deen to find out. No worries as the service are fast where your plate could be served within seconds upon ordering.
Don’t miss out their fried chicken and ayam ros, the fried chicken is well marinated and the skin is so crispy and juicy. Ayam ros has a unique curry flavor with a tinge of tomato, the curry is so thick and creamy. You don’t have to mention “banjir” to get your plate “banjir-ed.” This nasi kandar in Penang is definitely Penang Foodie approved!
Address: 170, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hours: 12 p.m.-10 p.m. (Daily)
Related: 10 Best Nasi Kandar in Penang You Need to Try
#4 Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendol
From a small pushcart to having multiple outlets even in Klang, we need no further elaboration on Penang Road Famous Teochew Cendol. Just as the name suggests, almost every cendol experience begins here. Get your bowl of cendol in no time upon ordering. The flavours and texture are quite spot on, though we think the portion could be bigger. They’ve expanded the coffee shop to accommodate more people, but still, if you want a more authentic experience, sipping your bowl of gula melaka (brown sugar) drenched shave ice by the road under the sun would be best.
Address: Jalan Penang, 27 & 29, Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hours: 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m, (Saturday&Sunday) 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
#5 Hameediyah Nasi Kandar
Known to be the oldest nasi kandar in Malaysia, you know Hameediyah definitely won’t disappoint. Different from other nasi kandar stalls which lacks of hygiene, Hameediyah is clean and air-conditioned and the staffs are really friendly and welcoming. Walk into the restaurant to be fascinated by the wide selection of dishes. Some of the must-try would be the ayam kapitan, mutton kurma and beef rendang. All are so flavourful, packed with spices and well marinated to achieve that tender, juicy meat. Forget about white rice and opt of nasi briyani instead, they’re so good there’s no going back. Also, don’t miss out on their murtabak!
Address: 164, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (Friday) 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 3-10 p.m.
#6 Transfer Road Roti Canai
Another legendary place for roti canai in the morning, we recommend nothing but some of the best street food in Penang. Known for its classic roti canai drenched in curry, with a side of huge chicken thigh and sunny side up. Mix everything together for that lip-smacking satisfaction, creamy and fragrant. Located just right by the road, seats are limited at Transfer Road Roti Canai so get there early to avoid disappointment.
Address: 114, 110, Jalan Transfer, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hours: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. (Daily)
#7 Bee Hwa Kopitiam
Our Muslim friends, we understand the struggle of not getting to try out some of our best street food in Penang. Head over to Bee Hwa Kopitiam as they serve some seriously good Muslim-friendly char koay teow and curry mee that are as good as the non-Halal version. The crowd can be a little overwhelming during peak hours, so remember to keep an eye out and practice safe hygiene. We’ve tried some of the local fares here and must say, Bee Hwa is Penang Foodie approved.
Address: 10, Lebuh Dickens, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hours: 7 a.m.-4 p.m. (Closed on Sunday)
#8 Ali Nasi Lemak
Known to be the best nasi lemak in Penang, Ali Nasi Lemak truly lives up to its name. You’ll see locals patronizing the stall the moment they begin their operation. The best part is, you’ll get to watch how they prepare their nasi lemak from scratch. Rows of fragrant steamy rice waiting for the sambal to be poured over. You’ll get an eyegasm just by looking at it. They have different flavours to choose from, but we suggest sticking to the classic. Who knew a small packet of nasi lemak could bring so much happiness?
Address: Sri Weld Food Court, Beach St, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hours: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. (Closed on Saturday & Sunday)
#9 888 Hokkien Mee
Undeniably one of the best hokkien mee served on the island, 888 Hokkien Mee used to be local-famous before being discovered by tourists. Think thick, aromatic prawn broth that is vibrant in colour, though they’re quite stingy for their broth these days. Paired with a mixture of yelllow noodles and vermicelli, topped with shrimp, egg, pork, chilli paste, and more. That bowl of piping hot noodle is perfect, especially during the night. Note: They’ve introduced self-service, meaning you’ll have to carry your own bowl of Hokkien Mee to your table.
Address: 67-A, Lebuh Presgrave, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hours: 5 p.m.-8 p.m. (Closed on Monday & Thursday)
#10 Toh Soon Cafe
What used to be a humble stall set in the alley has now gained its fame, especially from tourists. Serving none other than their classic egg and toast, white fluffy bread is toasted over flaming charcoal, using the traditional method. Their business has bloomed in such an unexpected manner that Toh Soon now has a new branch just to accommodate the crowd. Their new branch at Bishop Street is a lot spacious, with air-conditioning and a bigger menu.
Address: Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hours: 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (Closed on Sunday)
2nd Branch (with air conditioning): 37, Bishop Street, 10200 Georgetown, Penang.
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. (Fri-Sun) 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
George Town Penang Is A Street Food Haven
Foodies, what do you think? What is your best version of street food in George Town? Save this list up and plan your trip down to Penang now! Don’t forget to adhere strictly to the SOPs and always practice safe hygiene. Take care and have a blessed day ahead!
*Disclaimer: All photos were taken by Penang Foodie prior to the pandemic*
Check Out: This Hawker Stall at Bukit Mertajam Probably Serves The Best Jawa Mee in Penang
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