Penang has so much good food to offer that it sometimes gets difficult to keep up with the latest or best food around town. In fact, the food in George Town alone are so famous that we fail to consider what smaller towns such as Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam has to offer. For many of us, Butterworth is a lesser known old town across the channel from George Town . However, there are no shortage of good food to be had in Butterworth be it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. We presented you with our Top 10 Best Breakfast Spots in Butterworth in one of our recent articles, but if you’re still not convinced about the food in Butterworth then read on to discover some of the best eateries for lunch around town which are favored by the locals. Here are our top 10 best lunch spots in Butterworth.
Best Lunch Spots in Butterworth
1. Nasi Tomato Sungai Nyior
Operating for over 30 years, this stall offers one of the best Nasi Tomato in town. Savor their fragrant Nasi Tomato and select your dishes from an array of dishes such as Ayam Masak Merah and Lamb Kurma. This is the perfect lunch spot for those looking for authentic Malaysian food.
Address: Jalan Sungai Nyior, Kampung Nyior, 12100 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang
Roadside along Jalan Sungai Nyior (opposite F&N factory)
Time: 12 p.m. – 3.30 p.m.
Closed on weekends and public holidays
2. Bee See Heong
The saying “do not judge a book by its cover” certainly applies to Bee See Heong. This old-style restaurant first opened its doors way back in 1962 and since then has become a popular spot frequented by the locals of Butterworth. Patrons usually frequent this shop for their famed prawn curry and fried fish so be sure to keep these dishes in mind when you visit Bee See Heong.
Address: 4166, Jalan Kampung Benggali
Time: 11.20 a.m. – 2 p.m. , 6 p.m. 9 p.m.
Opens daily (closed during major Chinese festivals)
Tel: +604-3238701
3. Restoran Nelayan Terapung Ujong Batu
Restoran Nelayan Terapung is truly a hidden gem as it’s tucked away from main roads and is only accessible through dirt roads. However, this is a good option for those looking for a good seafood meal for lunch. The restaurant is managed by the Persatuan Nelayan Kawasan Ujong Batu, so rest assured that fish served at this restaurant are fresh from the sea. They specialize in fish dishes such as their bawal goreng panas.
Address: Ujong Batu, Bagan Dalam
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed on Sundays
Tel: +604-3317484
4. Nasi Ayam Power Kulaan
This halal chicken rice stall has been around for over 10 years and has another branch along Jalan Telaga Air both offering delicious fragrant rice and tender chicken. Savor their flavorful rice along with a bowl of their warm chicken soup. Nasi Ayam Power Kulaan is a good shout for those looking for delicious chicken rice around Butterworth.
Address: Kedai Kopi Bee Hin, 39, Jalan Selat
Time: 9.30 a.m. – 3.30 p.m.
Closed on Fridays
5. Sin Bee Chew
It would almost be a crime to talk about popular lunch spots in Butterworth without mentioning Sin Bee Chew. This Hailam restaurant first opened its doors in 1945 before moving to their current location in 1970 after the previous building burned down. It is important to note that this restaurant is also halal certified so it’s often frequented by Muslims. Sin Bee Chew’s signature chicken chop and Hailam beehoon (vermicelli) are a must-try and remain crowd favorites till this day. It might also be helpful to call ahead to book a reservation and order your food beforehand as this restaurant is usually packed with patrons.
Address: 11 A, Lorong Bagan Luar 3
Time: 12 p.m. – 2.45 p.m. , 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Closed on weekends and public holidays
Tel: +604-3332928
6. Ong Cheng Huat Seafood
This stall-turned-restaurant is hidden inside a small village in Bagan Lallang offering good Teochew-style food. Among their signature dishes are their Teochew steamed fish and deep fried spring chicken. It should be pointed out, however, that Ong Cheng Huat does not serve rice but eating dishes along with fried vermicelli or noodles is a good alternative. Lastly, homemade Toddy or palm wine is also served here .
Address: 2004, Bagan Lallang
Time: 11 a.m. – 5.30 p.m.
Closed on Mondays
Tel: +604-3314782
7. Noor Mee Sotong
If you’re on the hunt for Mee Sotong in Butterworth, then be sure to add this to your list. Here, one can enjoy a plate of flavorful and spicy Mee Sotong as well as other popular dishes such as their famed Mee Rebus. Complement your meal with a bowl of ice kacang or cendol for the perfect lunchtime treat.
Address: Restoran Noor Mohamed, 78, Jalan Telaga Air
Time: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Opens daily
8. Sri Siam Curry Fish Head
Economy rice is another popular Malaysian lunchtime meal and Sri Siam Curry Fish Head at Hock Keat Coffee Shop offers just that. However, this is no ordinary economy rice stall as it is famed for its fish head curry. In addition, there are plenty of other curry dishes to choose from such as mutton curry, wild boar curry, squid curry and many more. This is the perfect spot for those looking for good economy rice in Butterworth.
Address: 6948 Hong Keat Coffee Shop, Jalan Raja Uda
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Closed on Mondays once every two weeks
9. Yam rice @ Hong Keat Coffee Shop
Located right next to Sri Siam Fish Head Curry lies another gem. This stall offers hot fragrant bowls of pork bone broth and flavorful yam rice. This stall is a good option if you’re looking for good yam rice in Butterworth.
Address: 6948 Hong Keat Coffee Shop, Jalan Raja Uda
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Closed on Mondays once every two weeks
10. Tokyo Restaurant
Tokyo Restaurant may look like another old-style Chinese restaurant but the food served here attracts huge crowds and remains a favorite among the locals till this day. This old-style Chinese restaurant offers a fusion of Hainanese and Cantonese dishes. Tokyo restaurant’s must-try dishes include fried prawns, dark soy sauce pork knuckle, fried garlic egg, and salted fish curry.
Address: 4217, Jalan Kampung Benggali
Open hours: 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. , 6 p.m. 9 p.m.
Open daily
Tel: +6016-4738954
There you have it 10 best lunch spots in Butterworth. As always, if you think we missed out on a couple of your best lunch spots in Butterworth, be sure to drop a comment below. Happy food hunting everyone!
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