You’ve heard before the saying, old is gold right? Penang has been internationally recognised as one of the best places to savour on street food. In line with the previous wise quote, we’re gonna be taking you foodies on a tour of street food that has gain existence even before some of us were born. 10 Old Generation Street Food In Penang You Have To Try! is simply a guide of the best street food in Penang while to others, this list is a walk down nostalgia lane. Shall we begin this stroll of good ol’ street food? Scroll down to begin!
10 Old Generation Street Food In Penang You Have To Try!
1. Uncle Gan Wan Tan Mee | Over 70 Years
Wan Tan Mee is always everyone’s favourite street food; that al dente noodles that come in two forms either dry or soup is equally delectable. The Dry Wan Tan Mee that has thick, dark gravy over the noodles, topped with pieces of ‘char siew’ (BBQ Pork) and crispy yet crunchy Wan Tan is really saliva-drooling to those who can already imagine perfection. The Soup Wan Tan Mee, on the other hand, usually cooked in a flavourful yet simple broth is comfort food in a bowl. Uncle Gan has been in the Wan Tan Mee scene for over 70 years and if this doesn’t spell out expert, we have no idea what does. Also, did you know that the price of a plate of Wan Tan Mee and Wan Tan is priced at only RM 3 and RM 0.10 per piece respectively?
Press play on this video from us to watch Uncle Gan’s skills!
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Address: 71, Jalan Lembah Permai, Tanjung Bungah, 11200, Penang.
Operating Hours: 9 AM – 11 PM (Opens Daily)
This is non-Halal eatery.
2. Air Itam Sister Curry Mee | 73 Years
Be it tourists or locals, the name Air Itam Sister Curry Mee will ring a bell to anyone who steps foot in Penang. Established with the intention in aiding their mother to earn a source of income, the proprietors; Madam Lim Kooi Lye, 85 is in charge of preparing bowls after bowls of Curry Mee while the elder sister, Madam Lim Kooi Heang, 87 nestles in a rattan chair, takes orders from customers. The stand out factor of this Curry Mee lies in the special cuttlefish chilli base with an extraordinary fragrance to it as well as the curry which is cooked over a charcoal stove. Every element in this bowl of Curry Mee vocalises itself; truly a bowl of Curry Mee perfection by two living icons.
Address: 612 T, Jalan Air Itam, Pekan Ayer Itam, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 7.30 AM – 1 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
This is non-Halal eatery.
3. Swatow Lane Ice Kacang | 96 Years
Living in a country that is sunny yet humid all year long makes iced dessert irresistible. The feeling of having perfectly shaved, smooth ice cooling our throats is a blessing in disguise. That shaved ice drenched with in house syrup, accompanied with chunks of corns, red beans, and grass jelly as well as perfectly topped with vanilla or peanut-flavoured ice cream is definitely a bowl of ice-cool divinity. What more could we possibly ask for when Ice Kacang exists as the perfect hot-weather remedy? Nothing. Originating as a humble cartwheel store providing cooling desserts to loyal fans, this Ice Kacang Joint has since then been housed within New World Park Hawker Centre before relocating to their own store. 96 thriving years with several ups and downs have made Swatow Lane Ice Kacang a street food joint that’s here to stay.
Address: 102-E, 1, New World Park, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 9 AM – 10 PM (Opens Daily)
This is a Muslim-friendly eatery.
4. Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul | 83 Years
Aside from Ice Kacang being the most sought after dessert to quench our thirst, Chendul is also an international favourite. Established since 1936 and having been around for 83 years, this stall is famously known for their delicious bowl of Teochew Chendul as well as Ice Kacang. Since the very first stall in Penang Road, this joint has since expanded to a few other branches across Penang. It’s not a difficult task to locate this joint as you can see long queues from afar of chendul fans lining up to get themselves a blue bowl of cooling chendul. Chendul consists of green rice flour jelly in coconut milk and palm sugar syrup topped with adzuki beans. It is undeniable that this dessert is an evergreen, timeless classic.
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Address: 27 & 29 Lebuh Keng Kwee, 10100 Georgetown, Penang.
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 10:30am – 7pm | Sat-Sun : 10am – 7:30pm
This is a Muslim-friendly eatery.
5. TeoChew Porridge Kedai Kopi Bee Hong | Over 70 Years
Have you ever seen patrons enjoying their bowl of porridge with their legs drawn in while seated on stools stacked above one another? This creates a squatting sitting position, a way of eating that is common in the past among trishaw men and coolies. Essentially, TeoChew Porridge is whereby you will be served plain porridge with a few dishes of your choice. This Teochew Porridge is, suffice to say, the last standing or should we say, squatting porridge eatery left in Penang. It has been said that this way of squatting while enjoying porridge is to relieve leg strain of trishaw men after long hours of trishaw-cycling.
(Instagram)
Address: Kedai Kopi Bee Hong, Jalan Magazine, 10450, Georgetown, Penang.
Operating Hours: Around 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed from Mondays to Wednesdays)
This is a non-Halal eatery.
6. Argyll Road Roti Canai | 64 Years
For every Malaysian, an authentic street food breakfast would be amiss without having Roti Canai in the list. What could be a better way of starting our day with crispy yet tender roti canai dipped in aromatic yet spicy curry? Pair it with Teh Ais or Teh Tarik for an ultimate, irreplaceable combination. Argyll Road Roti Canai specialises in their curry cooked with beef which is their signature must order item. In case you’re wondering the secret to their fragrant curry; it lies in the generational, passed-down recipe that has never been altered. So when you’re here, you’re actually signing yourself up for a 6-decade curry divinity. Totally worth it.
Address: Roti Canai Argyll Road, 67, Jalan Argyll, 10200 George Town, Penang.
Operating Hours: 6 AM – 12.30 PM (Opens Daily)
This is a Muslim-friendly eatery.
7. Siam Road Char Koay Teow | Over 50 Years
Ahh. A plate of steaming hot Char Koay Teow fragrantly fried with ingredients such as bean sprouts, fresh cockles and prawns topped with Chinese chives. This particular Char Koay Teow has gained international recognition by appearing on countless newspapers be it locally or abroad. Did you know that this local stall was ranked #14 in the Top 50 List of 2017 World Street Food? Definitely the pride of our country. Opting the traditional method of frying over a charcoal-fired stove is what garners long queues at this stall, on a daily basis. If you’re all up for a plate of yummy Char Koay Teow that locals always go for, head over to this stall to get yourselves a plate, or a few plates.
(Instagram)
Address: 82, Jalan Siam, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 12 PM – 7 PM (Closed on Sundays and Mondays)
This is a non-Halal eatery.
8. Ais Tingkap | 100 Years
If you’re strolling around Penang Road, then you’re in a whole load of awesome street food luck. Along Penang Road, you can not only find the infamous Teochew Chendul as mentioned in # 4 but you can also find this unique drink that’s solely available in Penang only. Known as Ais Tingkap, it has a history that has dated all the way back to 1919 where the owner first sold his cups through a window, thus the renowned name. Simply put, it’s a cup of thirst quencher that has rose essence, fragrant Indian herbs, basil seeds, coconut water as well as coconut flesh in it. Try this one-of-a-kind rare breed drink today!
Address: Ais Tingkap, 2, Lebuh Tamil, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hours: 11.30 AM – 8 PM (Opens Daily)
9. Hoe Hock Tien Tang Yuan | Over 70 Years
Shall we now move on to some street dessert? How about some soft, floury tang yuan? The best part is that these aren’t just normal tang yuans but they are tang yuans with fillings! Sesame and peanut-based fillings, HERE WE COME! There are two renditions of tong shui; white sugar or brown sugar syrup. If you love ginger in your syrup, feel free to ask for it as it adds into your bowl of tang yuan a tiny hint of spice. Previously nestled in a shop lot in the heart of Georgetown, this humble stall aged over 70 years, with the couple in business for 40 years has since relocated to Weld Quay area but the crowd has never ceased. A bowl of good ol’ tang yuan, you are truly a warm blessing to all us foodies.
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Address: Hoe Hock Tien Tang Yuan, Car Park Tapak 10, Seh Tan Jetty, Georgetown, 10300, Penang.
Operating Hours: 4 PM – 10.30 PM (Closed on Wednesdays and Sundays)
This is a Muslim-friendly eatery.
10. Sirajudeen Nasi Kandar | Over 80 Years
Vibrant colours of curry, fried marinated chicken with an impeccable smell, no one can resist a plate of beautifully decorated Nasi Kandar. If you look closely, the way the dishes are arranged is a true work of art, how the curries blend in with the rice as well as the arrangement of dishes…perfection. Nasi Kandar has this way of making those who think, or look at it drool and we’re not excluded. Penang has a thriving Nasi Kandar scene ranging from the infamous Deen Maju to Shariff Nasi Kandar where these stalls garner extremely long queues during their operating hours. But this Nasi Kandar stall operates during the daytime so you no longer need to wait till dinner time to enjoy a plate of Nasi Kandar. Pay Sirajudeen Nasi Kandar a visit today!
Address: 84, Jalan Transfer, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 7 AM – 12 PM (Opens Daily)
Do any of these old-generation street food ring nostalgia? If any of it does, visit the spot with your family or friends and enlighten them on some history of these places as well as have a chat about their golden age while savouring their delights.
10 Old Generation Street Food In Penang You Have To Try!
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