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 lover’s paradise, known for its rich and diverse street food scene. Here’s 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!
🍽️ 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.
📍 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!
📍 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.
📍 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!
📍 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 Penang’s hot weather!
📍 Where to Try: Penang Road Famous Teochew Cendol, Joo Hooi Café
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.
📍 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.
📍 Where to Try: Bee Hwa Café, 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.
📍 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.
📍 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.
📍 Where to Try: Gurney Drive Pasembur, Esplanade Penang
🍽️ Top 10 Non-Halal Penang Foods
1. Char Kway Teow
One of Penang’s most famous dishes—wok-fried flat noodles with prawns, Chinese sausage, eggs, bean sprouts, and chives.
📍 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.
📍 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.
📍 Where to Try: Kheng Pin Café, 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.
📍 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).
📍 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.
📍 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.
📍 Where to Try: Lebuh Chulia Wan Tan Mee, Joo Hooi Café
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.
📍 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.
📍 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.
📍 Where to Try: Weld Quay Pork Satay, Chulia Street Night Market
Experience the Best of Penang Food!
Penang is a foodie’s paradise, and whether you prefer halal or non-halal options, there’s something delicious for everyone! Book your Penang food tour with us and discover the best flavors of the island with ease. 🍜🍢🍛
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!