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| Penang, Malaysia |
Nestled in the northwest of Malay Peninsula, Penang, often referred to as "The Pearl of the Orient," is a gem of a destination celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and incredible culinary offerings.
Penang is a food lover's paradise, attracting travellers and foodies from around the world who seek to embark on a sensory journey of taste, texture, and tradition. From fragrant hawker stalls lining the bustling streets to charming heritage cafes tucked away in colonial-era shophouses, every meal serves as the gateway to a world where the past and present meld seamlessly, where culinary traditions are cherished, and where food is not just sustenance but a way of life.
In this blog, we will be sharing our 8 must-eat dishes that have captured the hearts and palates of locals and visitors. These dishes are not just a selection of foods but a reflection of the island's history, a testament to the creativity of its people, and a portal into the essence of Penang's unique identity. Join us on this journey as we savour the flavours of Penang, a food destination like no other.
1. Roti Bakar
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| Roti Bakar |
To begin, Roti Bakar is a beloved local delight in Penang that translates to "toasted bread." While it may sound simple, Penang's Roti Bakar is far from ordinary. Slices of crusty, toasted bread are generously slathered with a rich, homemade Kaya (a sweet coconut and egg jam) and often accompanied by a thick slab of creamy butter. The combination of crisp, warm bread with the luscious sweetness of Kaya and the savoury note of butter creates a delightful harmony of flavours and textures. This breakfast staple, often served with soft-boiled eggs and a cup of strong local coffee or tea, is a timeless favourite among locals and visitors.
Our Recommendation: Hutton Lane Roti Bakar
Location: Click Here For Map
2. Char Koay Teow
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| Char Koay Teow |
Second, Char Koay Teow is one of Penang's most iconic street foods, and it's a dish you simply can't miss. This delectable stir-fried noodle dish combines flat rice noodles, prawns, cockles, Chinese sausage, and bean sprouts, all skilfully cooked in a piping hot wok. The magic lies in the smoky aroma and intense flavours imparted by a blend of soy sauce, chilli, and shrimp paste. The result is a tantalising mix of savoury and slightly sweet, with a hint of spiciness. Char Koay Teow is often cooked to order at bustling hawker stalls, ensuring that each plate is fresh, flavourful, and a true embodiment of Penang's culinary mastery. It's a taste of Penang you won't forget.
Our Recommendation: Kedai Kopi Malabar
(formerly located in Ho Ping Cafe, then AA Food)
Location: Click Here For Map
3. Hokkien Mee
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| Penang Hokkien Mee |
Third, Hokkien Mee in Penang is a mouthwatering noodle dish that captures the essence of the island's coastal charm. This delectable dish features a medley of egg noodles and rice noodles bathed in a flavourful prawn and shrimp broth, giving it a rich and savoury taste. Topped with fresh prawns, boiled egg, and crispy shallots, each mouthful is a delightful balance of textures and flavours. Penang's Hokkien Mee is the perfect representation of the island's diverse culinary heritage, and it's a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic and satisfying taste of Penang.
Our Recommendation: 888 Hokkien Mee
Location: Click Here For Map
4. Cendol
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| Cendol |
Dessert O'clock! Penang Cendol is a sweet and refreshing dessert that provides the perfect respite from the island's tropical heat. This delightful treat consists of green rice flour jelly served in a bowl filled with shaved ice and coconut milk. What makes it truly special are the Pandan fragrance and Gula Melaka (palm sugar) syrup that infuses the dessert with a rich, caramel-like sweetness. Often, it's come with extra ingredient like red beans. The result is a harmonious blend of flavours and textures, offering a unique, cooling, and satisfying experience for your taste buds. Cendol is a beloved Penang classic that's both delicious and comforting.
Our Recommendation: Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul
Location: Click Here For Map
5. Assam Laksa
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| Assam Laksa |
Next, Assam Laksa, also known as Penang Laksa is a tantalising and aromatic noodle soup that offers a symphony of flavours. This dish features a tangy, tamarind-based fish broth infused with a blend of fragrant herbs and spices. The key ingredients are mackerel fish and finely shredded vegetables, creating a delightful mixture of sweet, sour, and slightly spicy notes. Topped with mint leaves, torch ginger flower, and a spoonful of shrimp paste, Assam Laksa delivers a delightful explosion of taste and aroma. It's a must-try for anyone looking to explore the bold and distinctive flavours of Penang's culinary heritage.
Our Recommendation: Penang Air Itam Laksa
Location: Click Here For Map
6. Roti Canai "Banjir"
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| Roti Canai "Banjir" |
Then, Roti Canai is a popular and delicious Malaysian flatbread that's a must-try for every visitors who come to the island. This versatile dish consists of paper-thin layers of dough that are skilfully stretched, tossed, and griddled to perfection. The result is a flaky, buttery, and slightly crispy flatbread that pairs wonderfully with a variety of curries. For me, I will normally get the Roti Canai in the "Banjir" style; the term "Banjir" means "flood". What makes it special is the generous flooding of flavourful chicken or fish curry over the crispy, flaky, and buttery Roti Canai. This extra sauce elevates the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness, offering an unique blend of textures and tastes. It's a dish not to miss for those looking to experience a hearty and savoury breakfast or meal in Penang.
Our Recommendation: Roti Canai Transfer Road
Location: Click Here For Map
7. Curry Mee
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| Curry Mee |
Not to forget, Curry Mee is a delightful and aromatic noodle soup that embodies the island's multicultural culinary influences. This dish features a rich and creamy coconut-based curry broth, which is often filled with a blend of herbs and spices, creating a flavourful and slightly spicy soup base. The noodles used can vary but typically come with a combination of yellow egg noodles and vermicelli rice noodles. What makes Penang's Curry Mee special is the array of toppings and ingredients that come with it. You can expect to find prawns, cuttlefish, tofu puffs, cockles, and a hard-boiled egg, all soaking in the luscious curry broth. The dish is normally garnished with fresh mint leaves, red chilli, and a dash of aromatic shrimp paste. The result is a balanced fusion of flavours, from the creaminess of the coconut milk to the complex spices, and the various textures of the ingredients. Penang's Curry Mee is a dish that showcasing the island's passion for bold and diverse flavours.
Our Recommendation: Chulia Street Curry Mee
Location: Click Here For Map
8. Nasi Lemak "Bungkus"
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| Nasi Lemak "Bungkus" |
Finally, Nasi Lemak is a beloved variation of Malaysia's national dish, and it is a traditional fragrant rice dish cooked with coconut milk and Pandan leaves, served with an array of flavourful side dishes. In Penang, Nasi Lemak is often found wrapped ("Bungkus") in a banana leaf or a triangular cone of brown paper. This makes it easy to carry around and eat on the go, whether you're heading to work or embarking on a quick outdoor adventure. Authentic recipes of Nasi Lemak include the coconut rice, a spicy Sambal (chilli paste), fried crispy anchovies, toasted peanuts, hard-boiled or fried egg, and slices of cucumber. Sometimes, it may also come with additional side dishes like Rendang or fried chicken. Nasi Lemak "Bungkus" is not just a meal; it's a portable, delicious, and convenient way to experience the rich and aromatic flavours of Penang's culinary heritage.
Our Recommendation: Ali Nasi Lemak Daun Pisang
Location: Click Here For Map
Penang's food scene is a delightful fusion of diverse cultures and culinary influences, and the food choices are way beyond the list of dishes that I have shared. So, when you visit Penang, make sure you savour these must-eat foods and also explore other dishes, visit local hawker stalls, and embrace the full range of flavours that Penang has to offer. Your taste buds will thank you, and your heart will yearn to return for more.
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