Top 10 Must-Try Street Food in Penang and Where to Find It

Penang is known to be the culinary hub of Malaysia. Though there are hundreds of restaurants in Penang, many of them with 5-star ratings, Penang is the most popular for its street food. Infact, the city is often listed as one of the top 30 cities in the world for the best street food.

Foodies from all over the world travel to Malaysia to enjoy the globally hyped Penang street food. If you too plan to experience the culinary delights of Penang, here are the top 8 street food dishes and spots in Penang that you shouldn’t miss:

Some of our top picks of the best street food in Penang and where to find it:

1. Loh Bak at Kheng Pin Cafe

If you’re a big fan of deep fried Malay food, then you’re likely to enjoy lok bak. Loh bak is one of the most popular street foods in Malaysia. It’s a Teochew dish that consists of different meats, seafood, and vegetables that are seasoned with five-spice powder and wrapped with bean curd skin, served with a side of chili sauce and loh.

Though many food vendors are known for serving this dish, one of the most popular spots in Penang for the tastiest loh bak is Kheng Pin Cafe. This cafe has been in business for more than 40 years and has only grown in popularity for the tasty food it serves. You can also enjoy other dishes at this cafe such as bean cake, spring rolls and prawn balls.

2. Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak

When in Penang, you must try Char koay kak. It’s a popular breakfast dish that consists of rice cakes stir fried in thick black soy sauce with vegetables, eggs, or seafood. The sweet and savoury taste along with the gummy texture gives the dish a burst of flavour. To enjoy this yummy street food, we’d recommend you to visit Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak.

This restaurant is located in the heart of Penang. The recipes served are passed on from one generation to another to keep the authenticity intact. Keep in mind that the stall can get a little crowded during peak hours so its better to arrive a little early. Though it’s a street side stall, you can dine in at the coffee shop located at its back after ordering a drink.

3. Seafood Popiah at Medan Selera Padang Brown

Penang’s coastal location and rich maritime heritage makes it a popular spot for seafood. If you’re craving some Popiah, then you must visit Padang Brown food court. This place is known for serving Popiah made from crab meat, which is a rarity in Penang.

Along with crab meat, the the crepe is also filled with additional ingredients such as shredded omelet. It’s dipped in turnip gravy which gives it its sweet flavour. The food stall at Medan Padang has been serving Popiah for more than 60 years, which is why it’s very popular among locals.

4. Oh Chien at New Lane Hawker Centre

Oh Chien is an oyster filled omelete dish that’s not only popular in Malaysia, but the whole Asia. Every state in Malaysia has its own variation of Oh Chien, but Penang undoubtedly wins the award for the best version. The Penang version of Oh Chien is made with rice flour batter which gives it a very lightweight and crispy texture.

To enjoy some tasty Oh Chien, head over to the New Lane Hawker Center. This food court is well known for serving some of the most favourful local delights you can find in the city. However, keep in mind that it tends to get a little rushy during the evening and you might need to wait in a queue for your turn.

5. Breakfast at Joo Leong Cafe

If you want to enjoy different street foods at one spot then Joo Leong Cafe is a great option. The place is known to serve delicious breakfast and the moment the cafe’s doors open, it starts filling up. Apart from their tasty toasts, they also offer noodles, porridge, and seafood. You can also enjoy a hot cup of coffee with your food.

The cafe has outdoor seating so you can relax and enjoy the food with your friends and family. Make sure to get there early to secure a seat for yourself. If you’re not a morning person, you can still enjoy the same menu for dinner at night.

6. Penang White Curry Mee at Hot Bowl White Curry Mee

White Curry Mee at Penang is a popular dish among both locals and tourists. For an exceptional street food experience in Penang, you must visit Hot Bowl. Unlike regular curry mee, the one served at Hot Bowl is a lot creamier. It is usually cooked with seafood, noodles, and tofu.

The restaurant offers a simple yet comfortable seating arrangement. Other than this, the restaurant also offers other local dishes such as steamed chicken. For a sensational culinary experience, try pairing the white curry mee with the juicy steamed chicken.

7. Char Koay Teow at Siam Road

Char Koay Teow is another appetizing dish that deserves a mention on this list. This tasty stir-fried rice noodle dish is unique for its charcoal-based cooking method which gives it a distinctive smoky aroma and flavour. Char Koay Teow at Siam Road is famous not only for its mouth-watering taste but also the generous servings. For instance, each plate is generously topped up by the stall owners with a handful of sausage, beans sprouts and dynamite prawns.

This spot is not only popular among locals but also the tourists who travel from KL to Penang to enjoy these delicious cuisines. Since its usually crowded at lunch time, we’d recommend you to visit before noon which will also give you the chance to see the original cook making his popular dish.

8. Lasksa at Farlim Shell Station Laksa Cafe

Your trip to Penang won’t be complete till you try Laksa. The town has a lot of Laksa vendors, with Farlim Laksa being one of the top-rated spots for delicious Laksa. Indulge in the spicy, sweet and sour fish-based broth with poached mackerel and you’re bound to remember its taste for a lifetime! Make sure to order fried spring roll and dip it into the broth for a deliciously crunchy and hearty bite.

This cafe has been in business for more than 15 years and is one of the most famous spots for Laksa among locals. You can also dine in with your friends and family as there is plenty of space to accommodate guests.

Tips for visiting Penang

For a seamless experience, make sure to keep these tips in mind if it’s your first time visiting Penang:

Car Sharing and Taxis: Penang is a big city! If you don’t own a car, traveling around the city can get difficult. Also, renting a car for a whole day can get expensive for some. For convenience and ease of traveling, consider booking Grab. Grab is a ride-hailing service that can help you reach your desired destination at an affordable price.

Public Transport: There’s even a cheaper way to travel than using Grab, and it’s through the public bus known as Rapid Penang. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to get around the city and explore.

Maps: If you’re visiting Penang for the first time, you should download Google Maps beforehand. These will act as your guide when in the city.

Mobile data: You likely won’t find free Wifi at every spot you visit. So it’s wise to get a local prepaid SIM card so you can have an internet connection at all times.

Conclusion

From local street food to a more refined dining experience, Penang is the city for an extraordinary culinary experience everyone must have once in their lifetime. The city is known for its breathtaking views, thriving nightlife scene, and delicious food that’ll leave you licking your fingers! Make sure to check out the above mentioned Penang street food spots the next time you’re in town.