In Penang, everyone is Penang Foodie. We all know where to locate the best food in Penang. Just to let you guys know, we researched on some Penang food blog when writing this guide. We hope this blog will give you a good peek on what to eat in Penang. If you’re travelling to Penang, this guide surely will help you, trust me!
Update: If you’re looking for Penang Halal Food Guide, read here.
Best Food in Penang
We all know that Penang is Food Paradise of Asia, you can read our blog post more about it. Penang, food capital of Malaysia has been named by Thrillist as one of the best food city in the world. Forbes says Penang is one of the top 10 cities for best street food. In addition, TheCultureTrip also nominated Penang as one of the finest cities for street food.
As the capital of the state of Penang in Malaysia, Georgetown is home to some of the finest street food in the world, or hawker food as the locals call it. TheCultureTrip
The gastronomy will start at 5AM in the morning and the food trip ends at 2AM late night.
Are you ready for the food trip? Let’s go!
1. Paya Terubong Nasi Lemak | 5 AM
First stop. Let’s begin your day with awesome Penang local’s delight – nasi lemak. 垄尾三轮车 Nasi Lemak has been operating more than 30 years. In fact, it is one of the legendary stalls located at Paya Terubong that sells nasi lemak. For instance, most of the longbui kids tried their nasi lemak and love it since their childhood. Frankly speaking, I always dabao or bungkus it during primary school.
Address: 200, Jalan Paya Terubong, Paya Terubong, 11060 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating hour: 4AM – 10AM (closed on Sunday)
2. CY Choy Road Hokkien Mee | 7AM
The next must try Penang food is CY Choy Road Hokkien Mee (桥头福建面). This hokkien mee was once recommended by CNN Travel, known for its rich and aromatic broth. This famous Penang grub is located in one of the heritage houses along Beach Street. Truth to be told, it has been selling for more than 50 years in Penang. Thus, it’s definitely worth a visit in you are looking for scrumptious hokkien mee in Penang.
Address: 533, Jalan C.Y. Choy, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating hour: 7AM – 2:30PM (closed on Monday)
3. Air Itam Sister Curry Mee | 8AM
It’s pretty easy to spot the best food in Penang. But, it’s not an easy task to spot a delicious and with historical charm curry mee at the same time! In fact, it has been selling more than 70 years. Sister Curry Mee received so much love from the Penangites, especially those who live in Air Itam area. So, if you are looking for true Penang street food, Sister Curry Mee is definitely for you.
Address: 612 T, Jalan Air Itam, Pekan Ayer Itam, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating hour: 7:30AM-1PM (closed on Tuesday)
4. Transfer Road Roti Canai | 9AM
Transfer road roti canai serves one of the legendary roti canai in town. We’ve featured it in our best breakfast in Penang list. Grab a chair and taste the best roti canai in town with the locals. What’s the must try here? We recommend beef gravy and chicken curry. Thank us later!
Address: 114, 110, Jalan Transfer, Georgetown, 10050 George Town, Malaysia
Operating hour: 8AM-11AM
5. Greenlane Genting Food Court | 10AM
Greenlane Genting Food Court is one of our most recommended food courts when it comes to food in Penang. It serves a wide variety of local delights. Therefore, you can try all the local favourite here. Our best picks are Chee Cheong Fun, Hainan Chicken Rice and Penang Laksa. Oh ya, there’s one pancake stall worth trying too, if your tummy allow.
Address: Lorong Delima 3, Taman Island Glades, 11700 Jelutong, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating hour: 7AM-5PM (closed on Wednesday)
6. Sri Weld Nasi Lemak | 11AM
Sri Weld is also one of the famous food courts in Penang, serving some proper local food. It’s located at beach street, so if you happen to go there, give the nasi lemak a shot. Trust me, you’ll surely love it! The fragrance of the coconut rice served with curry (sambal) and garnished with crispy ikan bilis or fish make it the best choice for breakfast. Oh, I miss it already.
Address: Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating hour: 9AM-5PM (closed on Sunday)
7. Kheng Pin Kopitiam | 12PM
The next stop to eat in Penang is Kheng Pin Kopitiam (群賓茶餐室). Kheng Pin Kopitiam is located in Penang city center, situated at the junction of Penang Road and Sri Bahari Road. The lobak is something to die for. In fact, some major Taiwanese travel channels have been promoting Kheng Pin’s lobak.
Moreover, another must try dishes is Hainan Chicken Rice. What’s better than having your meal in an old style café where you will still find those old fashioned marble tables and wooden chairs? Kheng Pin Kopitiam is the place to be.
Address: 20, 16, Jalan Penang, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating hour: 7AM-2PM (closed on Monday)
8. Bangkok Lane Mee Goreng | 1PM
Penang style mee goreng is definitely a must eat in the Pearl of the Orient. The uncle is local Indian but speaks fluent hokkien, when he’s in good mood you can spot him showing off his hokkien while cooking. Well, I guess this is the beauty of mixture culture in Penang.
Address: 280, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating hour: 8AM – 6:30PM (closed on Monday)
9. BM Yam Rice | 1PM
The another option is BM Yam Rice (大山脚芋饭). This food is Bukit Mertajam people’s pride, ask any BM people, they will surely recommend to you their BM Yam Rice. To eat this awesome food, you have to take 30 mins drive from island. I personally have tried it before and genuinely love it. The rice is tossed together with powdery yam, and the broth is superb!
Address: No7, Jalan Murthy 10400 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
Operating hour: 9:30AM – 3PM (closed on Wednesday)
10. Penang Road Chendol | 2PM
Enjoy yourself with a bowl of Penang famous chendol is a must after some mouthwatering dishes. Upon reaching Penang Road, you will spot enthusiastic crowd queuing patiently to taste the legendary teow chew chendol. Trust me, this is the street food you can’t afford to miss in Penang. They have been opened several outlets in Penang, but I still think that roadside one tastes the best.
One is always not enough for me. *finger-crossed*
Address: Jalan Penang, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating hour: 10AM – 7:30PM
Read Also: 8 Best Penang Cendol Every Foodie Must Try
11. Air Itam Laksa | 3PM
How can you miss Penang’s state dish laksa right? So, here comes two delectable laksa stall for you. There are two try worthy laksa in Air Itam. If you’re visiting Kek Lok Si or Penang Hill, do remember to visit this two stalls.
First, it’s the super famous Air Itam Laksa. It’s always crowded as it’s loved by the local and tourists. I personally like it too as the broth is rich and the fish is fresh.
Address: Jalan Pasar, Ayer Itam
Operating hour: 10:30AM-7PM
Living up to Penang’s esteemed street food cred, this stall is hugely popular for its authentic assam laksa.
The second one is Laksa Bisu (哑巴加沙). As the name suggests, the owner is muted. Many local prefer this stall compared to the above we mentioned above. It’s up to you though, both are palatable to me.
Address: Annex Pasar Air Itam
Operating hour: 10:00AM-5:30PM (closed on Tuesday)
Related: Top 10 Laksa In Penang
12. Cecil Street Market | 3PM
Cecil Street Market (七条路巴刹) is known as one of the most loved food court in Penang. The local love to go there for a delightful meal. The food list recommends pasembur and roasted pork for a pleasurable food trip in Penang. Beside that, we Penang Foodie recommends Curry Mee and Koay Teow Thng. We always order this whenever we eat at Cecil Street Hawker Center.
Address: 40-48, Lebuh Cecil, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating hour: 7:30-7PM
13. NEW Siam Road Char Koay Teow | 4PM
Be prepared for longest Char Koay Teow queue in town. Trust me, you should never miss it though the queue could be up to one hour. There’s a saying, good thing is worth the wait, I think it is the best description for this Siam Road Char Koay Teow.
Try it yourself and you’ll know why is the rating so high!
Address: Jalan Siam, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating hour: 3PM+
Related: Two from Penang Made Into World Street Food Top 50
14. Ai Yu Bing Dessert | 5PM
It’s located opposite Tan Jetty. If Chew Jetty or other Jetty is one your to go list when you visiting Penang, this dessert stall is something you can’t miss! It’s the best remedy to combat the weather in Penang. Trust me, it tastes super good and you’ll surely love it too.
Address: Gat Lebuh Acheh, 10300 George Town, Penang
Operating hour: 12PM-7PM (closed on Sunday)
Related: 10 Best Local Dessert In Penang
15. Village Fish Head Bee Hoon | 6PM
Village Fish Head Bee Hoon (乡下魚頭米粉) is for the spicy and tomyum lover. It’s located at Pangkalan Weld, pretty near to the Ai Yu Bing Dessert stall. It’s a good spot for dinner in case you are looking for dinner but don’t know what to eat at night in Penang.
Address: Pengkalan Weld 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hour: 12PM-1130PM
16. 888 Hokkien Mee | 7PM
Another must try street food hokkien mee is finally on the list!
Address: 67-A, Lebuh Presgrave, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating hour: 5PM-11:45PM (closed on Thursday)
17. Chulia Street Hawker Penang | 7PM
Chulia Street hawker stall is also one of the popular food hunting places in George Town, Penang. At here, you can find great fares such as wantan mee, curry mee, char hor fun, satay and fresh fruit juice. Pro tip: be there early to avoid disappointment.
In short, it’s definitely the food heaven serving the best food in Penang.
Address: Lebuh Chulia, George Town, Penang Island, Malaysia
Operating hour: 6PM-11PM
18. Hock Seng Rojak | 8PM
The next destination is Hock Seng Rojak.
Address: Gat Lebuh Cecil, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
19. Permata 珍珠粉 | 9PM
This stall serving truly mouthwatering clay pot noodle. My family and relative love it as well. One thing worth mentioning is they don’t have a proper opening day. That said, it’s basically based on your luck whether you got a chance to eat it or none.
Pro tip: always call first if you want to try it. If they don’t open, try again tomorrow. That’s pretty much what we can do.
Tel: 04-8273025
Address: 1 Lintang Paya Terubong 5 11060 Paya Terubong, Pulau Pinang
Operating hour: 8:30PM-midnight
Related: 20 Best Supper Spots In Penang
20. Ali Nasi Lemak | 10PM
Don’t know what to eat in Penang for dinner? Consider Ali’s Nasi Lemak. The speciality of this nasi lemak is Ali brings his nasi lemak into next level by having them stir fried. It’s something different as compared to traditional nasi lemak.
Address: Jalan Lunas (Opposite PTPL College), off Burma Road, 10350 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Operating hour: 24 hour
21. Air Itam Pasar Duck Rice | 11PM
How are you guys so far? Still following? Good.
It’s about 11PM now, it’s a great time for supper right? The duck rice stall only opens at night aims to serve night owls only. The duck rice is definitely worth the trek if you ask me.
Address: Air Itam Wet Market, Jalan Pasar, Pekan Ayer Itam, 11500 Air Itam, Penang, Malaysia
Operating hour: 8:30-1AM
22. Green House Hokkien Mee | 12AM
They offer one of the best Hokkien Mee in Penang. You can add extra toppings to the noodle. I like to have extra Roasted Pork and Egg to be added into the noodle.
Address: Jalan Burma 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hour: 8PM-4AM
23. Raja Uda Tom Yum | 1AM
If you prefer your tom yum is in sweet and sour taste rather than spicy, give Raja Uda Tom Yum a go.
Address: Jalan Raja Uda, Taman Mas, 12300 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating hour: 6:30PM-2AM
24. BM Duck Egg Char Koay Teow | 2AM
A delicious mess that comes laden with wok-hei and flavoured with soy sauce and pork lard.
Address: Jalan Pasar (Next to Taxi Station) 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
Operating hour: 8PM-2:30AM
Guide: Best food in Penang
Penang is one of the world’s top eating destinations. Street food or hawker food is the city’s biggest draw. Food is really something we Penangites are proud of. If you want to eat like a local, be sure to follow our Facebook!
In today blog, we’ve featured best food in Penang in 24 hours guide. The list comprises 24 must try and famous food in Penang. For tourists who are reading this post, and planning to visit Penang, please visit us real soon!
For local who are reading this blog post, do share it with your friends and family if you enjoy reading it. Ask them for a Penang food trip too!
Additionally, feel free to recommend us what is the best food in Penang that we missed out on the list. Because we’ll be doing part two food guide and we might feature you based on your recommendation!
Watch our Top 25 Street Food in Penang here:
Article last updated on 1 January 2021.
Yum! Enough said.
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Very informative but I must add that Penang road Cendol was a complete disappointment (was there on 21/10/18) can someone please advise where to go for some good cendol /abc in penang
Go to astaka Medan suri at Sungai Nibong
I think the best app to bungkusit everything is bungkusit delivery. So simple and can order from street stall and pasar malams also. Best app so far . Delivery is a bliss with bungkusit la.
Hey thanks for the great guide but it would be incredible if you guys could mention if the stall is halal or not and also if possible, add in a link to the location so it’s easy to see it on google maps etc. Again, thanks for all the handwork and keep it up guys! Love what you’re doing!
Nothing beats the satisfaction of knowing you’re a Penangite 😍
Btw, have you guys heard about this amazing app called Bungkusit? It’s a Malaysian app that every Malaysian should be proud of…. It sends riders to deliver items, buy food even pickup an item you left at home
The riders do your last minute shopping for you
They stand in line in your favourite nasi kandars and bring your scrumtious meal right to your doorstep
They help you send your friend any item… a book, document, food and pretty much everything
Their riders are ready to stand in line for you at post offices to get your parcels
Get urgent documents delivered instantly to wherever you want within 60 minutes
Forgot your book at home? Bungkusit to get it within 60 minutes only!
The idea is, they deliver ANYTHING
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Hello Nicholas. I read your post entirely and got really good information about Penang local food. Specially, I like the video that you shared into your post. I would like to read such kind of informative content in the future also.
Nice article. I read your post entirely and got really good information about Penang local food. Specially, I like the video that you shared into your post. Keep the good work on and thanks for sharing.
Green house coffee shop was closed when I went on a Sunday night. Please update the operating hours on this site. I saw somewhere else stating that it’s closed on sundays..
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Does anybody know where to find the Mee Rebus version, previously a stall at the lane behind SJKC Kong Min, Ayer Itam at Penang Hill roundabout