Introduction to Penang’s Culinary Scene
Penang is renowned for its diverse culinary offerings, a vibrant blend of cultures that is reflected in its food. From street vendor stalls to high-end restaurants, the array of options is staggering. This post introduces you to the top 10 Penang foods, whether you prefer halal or non-halal dishes.
Top 10 Penang Foods (Halal & Non-Halal Options)
Penang is a food loverโs paradise, known for its rich and diverse street food scene. Hereโs a list of the Top 10 Penang Foods, categorized into Halal and Non-Halal options so everyone can enjoy the best dishes Penang has to offer!
๐ฝ๏ธ Top 10 Halal Penang Foods
1. Nasi Kandar
A flavorful Indian-Muslim dish where steamed rice is served with a mix of different curries, fried chicken, beef, seafood, and vegetables.
๐ Where to Try: Hameediyah Restaurant, Nasi Kandar Beratur, Line Clear Nasi Kandar
2. Penang Assam Laksa
A spicy and tangy noodle soup made with tamarind, mackerel fish broth, lemongrass, and chili. A must-try dish in Penang!
๐ Where to Try: Air Itam Laksa, Penang Road Famous Laksa
3. Penang Curry Mee
A fragrant noodle soup with a spicy coconut milk-based curry, tofu puffs, prawns, cuttlefish, and cockles.
๐ Where to Try: Hot Bowl White Curry Mee, Ali Curry Mee
4. Roti Canai
A crispy and fluffy Indian flatbread served with dhal, curry, or a side of meat. Best enjoyed with a hot cup of teh tarik!
๐ Where to Try: Roti Canai Transfer Road, Hussain Roti Bakar
5. Cendol
A refreshing dessert made with shaved ice, coconut milk, green rice flour jelly, red beans, and palm sugar syrup. Perfect for Penangโs hot weather!
๐ Where to Try: Penang Road Famous Teochew Cendol, Joo Hooi Cafรฉ
6. Mee Goreng Mamak
A spicy stir-fried noodle dish with potatoes, tofu, eggs, and a signature tomato-based sauce, often cooked by Indian-Muslim vendors.
๐ Where to Try: Bangkok Lane Mee Goreng, Hameed Pata Mee Sotong
7. Char Kway Teow (Halal Version)
A popular fried flat noodle dish cooked with prawns, bean sprouts, eggs, and soy sauce. The halal version replaces pork with chicken or beef.
๐ Where to Try: Bee Hwa Cafรฉ, Halal Char Kway Teow Bayan Baru
8. Ikan Bakar
Grilled fish marinated with spices and served with sambal, lime, and rice. A favorite dish at night markets.
๐ Where to Try: Medan Ikan Bakar Teluk Tempoyak, Hammer Bay
9. Apom Balik
A crispy and fluffy peanut pancake filled with crushed peanuts, sweet corn, and sugar. A popular street snack in Penang.
๐ Where to Try: Apom Balik Station, Jalan Pasar Pulau Tikus
10. Pasembur
A Malaysian-Indian rojak dish made of shredded cucumber, turnip, fried beancurd, prawn fritters, and hard-boiled eggs, served with sweet and spicy peanut sauce.
๐ Where to Try: Gurney Drive Pasembur, Esplanade Penang
๐ฝ๏ธ Top 10 Non-Halal Penang Foods
1. Char Kway Teow
One of Penangโs most famous dishesโwok-fried flat noodles with prawns, Chinese sausage, eggs, bean sprouts, and chives.
๐ Where to Try: Tiger Char Kway Teow, Siam Road Char Kway Teow
2. Penang Hokkien Mee
A rich prawn and pork-based noodle soup, served with egg noodles, prawns, pork slices, and boiled eggs.
๐ Where to Try: 888 Hokkien Mee, Super Hokkien Mee
3. Lor Bak
A deep-fried snack of marinated pork wrapped in beancurd skin, served with chili sauce and thick soy sauce.
๐ Where to Try: Kheng Pin Cafรฉ, New Lane Hawker Street
4. Oh Chien (Oyster Omelette)
A crispy and starchy omelette filled with fresh oysters, often paired with a spicy chili sauce.
๐ Where to Try: Seng Thor Coffee Shop, New Lane Hawker Street
5. Bak Kut Teh
A hearty Chinese herbal soup made with pork ribs, mushrooms, tofu puffs, and aromatic spices, served with rice or youtiao (fried dough).
๐ Where to Try: Song River Bak Kut Teh, Heng Kee Bak Kut Teh
6. Duck Kway Chap
A Teochew-style noodle dish served with braised duck, pork intestines, and tofu in a dark soy sauce broth.
๐ Where to Try: Kimberley Street Duck Kway Chap, Lebuh Carnarvon Kway Chap
7. Wan Tan Mee
A popular noodle dish with thin egg noodles, barbecued pork (char siew), dumplings (wanton), and soy sauce.
๐ Where to Try: Lebuh Chulia Wan Tan Mee, Joo Hooi Cafรฉ
8. Yam Rice with Pork Soup
A flavorful rice dish cooked with yam and served with a pork broth containing offal, pork meatballs, and salted vegetables.
๐ Where to Try: Perak Road Yam Rice, Raja Uda Yam Rice
9. Char Siew Rice
A Cantonese-style barbecue pork dish served with white rice, pickled vegetables, and sweet soy sauce.
๐ Where to Try: Sky Hotel Char Siew Rice, Sin Nam Huat Roasted Chicken & Duck
10. Pork Satay
A variation of the classic Malaysian satay, featuring marinated and grilled pork skewers served with a rich peanut sauce.
๐ Where to Try: Weld Quay Pork Satay, Chulia Street Night Market
Experience the Best of Penang Food!
Penang is a foodieโs paradise, and whether you prefer halal or non-halal options, thereโs something delicious for everyone! Book your Penang food tour with us and discover the best flavors of the island with ease. ๐๐ข๐
Exploring Penang’s food scene is an adventure on its own. Whether you opt for halal or non-halal dishes, the flavors of Penang foods will leave a lasting impression. Enjoy your culinary journey!