Top 10 Best Indian Food in Penang You Have to Visit

Halō naṇpar (Hello friends in Tamil), in today’s article, we are introducing you one of our major cultural food — Indian Food in Penang. As you all know Malaysia is a multicultural country made up of mainly Chinese, Indian and Malay. It is in our blood to embrace every culture including their food, and Indians have one of the best food in the world. Think about all the spices used in every dish, their naan, briyani and more. We have curated this Top best 10 Indian Food in Penang list just for you.

Indian Food in Penang (In Random Order):

#1 Karaikudi Restaurant

If you’re looking for the best Indian food in Georgetown, this is the place to be!

Set in the heart of Little India, you know how hot it could get in the afternoon. No worries as Karaikudi is air-conditioned and the interior is said to be decorated with furniture all the way from India. Don’t miss out their briyani, dhal and naan. The price is fairly reasonable and they do serve Indian beer, a plus point. If you’re someone adventurous, try their Paneer Butter Masala. It’s a little sweet but leaving a pleasant dry taste in the throat, a real sensation. Head over to Karaikudi for a pleasant experience of Indian food in Penang.

Address: No.20, Lebuh Pasar, 10200, Georgetown, Penang.
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)

Read About Penang Thaipusam 2019 here.

#2 Woodlands Vegetarian Restaurant

If you didn’t know most Indian restaurants offer vegetarian menu apart from their regular ones. Woodlands, on the other hand offers authentic Indian vegetarian food alone. Even if you’re not a fond of veggie meals, their dishes will make you finish everything you’ve ordered. They’re that flavourful and good. This place is also raved to serve one of the cheapest Indian food in Penang, and they’re air-conditioned. Do try out their chapati and masala dosa, it’s highly recommended.

Address: 60 Lebuh Penang, 10200 George Town, Penang.
Operating Hour: 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m. (Daily)

#3 Sri Ananda Bahwan (Garden Branch)

Locals are no stranger to this place, it’s like a quick stop to satisfy chicken tandoori and naan cravings. Though improvements could be done on their service, no doubt their food are delicious. Tandoori set comes with your choice of cheese, garlic or plain naan and banana leaf set, they’re all so good. Don’t forget to pair your briyani with butter chicken masala, the chicken is so tender and the curry had us blown away. Sri Ananda has a few outlets so do check them out.

Address: 225, Jalan Macalister, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 8 a.m.-11:30 p.m. (Daily)

#4 Dindigul Biriyani (Bite N Eat)

Also known as Bite N Eat to non-Indians. This place serves Southern Indian food with clean and comfortable environment. If you’re not sure what to order, the waiter will show you pictures of the food through a tablet. The staffs are friendly and attentive. Dindigul has daily specials so do ask the staff for that. Try on their lamb masala, paneer butter masala and garlic lappa. Dindigul is a comfortable place for Indian food in Penang at a reasonable price.

Address: 43 Penang Street, 10200 George Town, Penang.
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. (Daily)

#5 Hameediyah Restaurant

Known to be the oldest nasi kandar in Penang, did you know they’re an Indian restuarant? With over 100 years of experience, you know Hameediyah definitely won’t disappoint. Hameediyah is clean and air-conditioned and the staffs are really friendly and welcoming. Try their legendary briyani, definitely one of the best in Penang. Other popular dishes are beef rendang and chicken murtabak.

Address: 164A, Lebuh Campbell, 10200, George Town, Penang.
Operating Hour: 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m. (Daily)

#6 Thali NR Sweets Cafe

Indeed, Thali is famous for their traditional Indian sweets and also for their home cooked Indian dishes. This is yet another vegetarian Indian restuarant that serves hearty meal. They have wide selections of dishes from their menu and all sounds appetizing. All dishes are MSG free, this is one of the best spots for vegetarian Indian food in Penang. After your meal, don’t forget to try out their traditional sweets such as gulab jamun and ghee laddoo.

Address: 75 Penang Street, Little India, Georgetown, Penang.
Operating Hour: 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m. (Daily)

#7 GEM Restaurant

Located at Bishop Street, GEMS seems a bit run down and ordinary from the outside. Don’t be fooled by the exterior, they serve really good homemade Indian dishes. Nothing fancy and pretentious, the food such as naan, pappadums and basmati rice is simply delicious and cheap. Their service is also another plus point, friendly and fast service. On top of that, they do serve vegetarian meals as well. If you happened to linger around that area, do stop by for this Indian food in Penang. Truly a GEM.

Address: 66 Bishop Street, 10200 George Town, Penang.
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)

Indian Food in Penang with a Twist:

#1 Annalakshmi Temple of Fine Arts

Annalakshmi is set to differ from other Indian restaurants in Penang. Here, you don’t order your food from the menu nor anything is ala carte. Everything is served buffet-style where you just take and pay whatever amount you like. Don’t be fooled by the term ‘buffet,’ their dishes are frangant, spicy and packed with flavours. Be sure not to waste food and take only whatever amount you could finish. It’s a kind gesture to donate extra as a token of appreciation.

Address: 1 Lebuhraya Babington, 10450 George Town, Penang.
Operating Hour: 11:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m., 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m. (Closed on Monday)

#2 Olive Kitchen + Bar

Break the rules with this Western-Indian fusion restaurant. Regardless, they still do serve authentic North Indian dishes to cater for the locals. Pick the Afghani Mixed Tandoori, which is a delicious, hot and sizzling plate of smoky prawn, fish, chicken and lamb kebab. Or you could go for their naans and pair them down with a few drinks. Olive Kitchen is really happening during the night, so be sure to check them out. This is a place for drinks and Indian food in Penang.

Address: 3J Jalan Penang, 10000 George Town, Penang.
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-1 a.m. (Daily)

#3 Enca

Enca does not only sell Indian food, but also serves local, Italian and Western food. It’s everything under one roof, just like our country and culture. Their chicken kurma and chicken tikka masala are a must-try, together with butter and garlic naan. If you want something else other than Indian food, then try their grilled fish and pizza. Enca is located on the outskirts of Batu Ferringhi just beside Hard Rock Hotel. Their service is known to be fast and friendly.

Address: 101-A Jalan Batu Ferringhi, Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Penang.
Operating Hour: 10:30 a.m.-12 a.m. (Daily)

Penang Indian Food

We’ve come to the end of the article, we hope our list could satisfy even the pickiest taste buds. If you have not tried Indian food in your life, you’re definitely missing out. Fragrant, spicy and creamy curry paired with the buttery soft naan or even hot steamed rice. They are so good! Anyways, do continue to follow Penang Foodie for more good food and updates. Cheers and have a great day ahead!

Now Read: Top 10 Best Restaurants in Penang