Cecelia ChangLast month, I went on a short workcation to Penang, one of the foodie paradises in Malaysia and even across Southeast Asia. This trip was all about food, so I went home with an incredibly fulfilled tummy. Here, I have compiled a list of mouthwatering things to eat in Penang, all recommended by my local Penangite friends. Read on so you don’t miss out on any of the good stuff!
Things to eat in Penang, recommended by locals
1. Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay
This Nyonya Kuih restaurant in Georgetown was my first stop in Penang. From the outside, it may look ordinary, but the interior is adorned with vibrant umbrellas and other decorations which exude a cheerful vibe.
With almost a century of history, Moh Teng Pheow specialises in a wide array of Nyonya desserts and food, from rempah udang to Nyonya pie tee. Don’t miss out on a local’s favourite: jiu hu char, made from fried squid and jicama, too!
P.S. Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay is also a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient!
2. 888 Hokkien Prawn Mee
When looking for the top things to eat in Penang, 888 Hokkien Prawn Mee will definitely make it onto the list. In fact, the whole road of Lebuh Presgrave (known affectionately as 三条路) is extremely popular and well-loved by tourists and locals alike. There was even a queue the day we went, even though it was a weekday night.
Here, don’t miss out on the Hokkien Prawn Mee that’s rich and slightly tangy. For an elevated experience, I highly recommend adding the pork intestine. You can also order duck egg char kuey teow and oyster omelette from the stall next door to enjoy alongside your noodles.
3. Muar Chee (in front of 888 Hokkien Prawn Mee)
Before you leave, keep an eye out for the lady selling Muar Chee (peanut mochi) right in front of the 888 Hokkien Prawn Mee stall. This classic sweet consists of warm, chewy glutinous rice dough rolled in fragrant ground peanuts, sugar, and sesame seeds. I had the peanut mochi at this exact stall many years ago and loved it. While the flavour this time didn’t quite hit the nostalgic heights I remembered, it’s still worth a try!
4. A Home Taste
Open every day from 5pm to 2am, A Home Taste is great for nightowls seeking a supper spot. This place is best known for its Asam Laksa, so it’s an absolute must-try! Unlike any other laksa dishes in Malaysia that use fish-based broth, this place uses tomato-based broth, which makes it both unique and flavourful. Pair it with a cup of cold leng teh (Pak Chee Chou herbal tea) and you’ll have a classic local meal.
5. Cecil Street Food Court
Speaking of things to eat in Penang, it is almost criminal not to mention Cecil Street Food Court, also known as 七条路巴刹 by many. This sprawling Penang food haven boasts every kind of delicious hawker fare imaginable, from smoky char kuey teow to sweet, crispy apam balik.
However, my absolute personal favourite, which instantly claimed the top spot in my rankings, is the incredible Duck Meat Kuey Teow Th’ng. The savoury soup, silky smooth kuey teow noodles, topped with the crispy and fragrant fried shallots, make such an amazing combination.
6. Forest Cloud
If you’re a matcha lover looking to fix your green craving in Penang, you simply cannot miss Forest Cloud. This speciality cafe focuses primarily on exquisite matcha-themed items, offering everything from vibrant lattes to freshly baked pastries. I tried the unique An Matcha latte, which features Chinese matcha and is said to possess a distinct kombu dashi (seaweed stock) note. And yes, the flavour profile actually delivered!
TripZilla tip: Don’t know what to order? Ask the staff! They provide personalised recommendations based on your preferred umami, sweetness, and aroma, ensuring you find your perfect matcha blend.
7. Popo Fried Oyster
Popo Fried Oyster holds the distinction of being Penang’s first dedicated oyster omelette shop, faithfully preserving a 45-year-old family recipe passed down from mother to son. The oyster omelette here is genuinely delicious, and I especially like how they offer several interesting varieties like the fiery Spicy Mala, the aromatic Kam Heong, and the unique Penang Laksa flavour.
8. Wheeler’s
If you’re hunting for late-night supper, check out Wheeler’s. We dropped by late, and the atmosphere was honestly perfect for unwinding after a long day. We ended up grabbing a classic combo: a pizza and a tiramisu to share. And the best part? Wheeler’s was having a buy-one-free-one cocktail promo, so obviously we had to take advantage of it!
Also read: Top 8 Hidden Bars & Speakeasies to Discover in Penang
9. Sungai Pinang Duck Noodles
Not many know about this hidden gem in Penang, but it’s certainly a local’s go-to. Sungai Pinang Duck Noodles is a humble hawker stall in Georgetown, with its highlight being the duck drumstick noodle paired with soothing herbal broth. You can choose the type of noodles, from vermicelli to misua, and there are pork and chicken options too.
While I personally found the broth a little less savoury than I typically prefer, it is undoubtedly the ultimate Penang comfort food you should try at least once!
10. Guan Guan Penang
I’ve got to be honest, when it comes to local Chinese food, nothing beats the ones in KL. But this family-run restaurant in Batu Feringghi is a great place to be if you’re craving homely Tze Char (à la carte) dishes. Don’t miss out on trying the Inchi Kabin, a fried chicken made using strong, fragrant Nyonya spices!
So there you go, a list of things to eat in Penang that mainstream guides won’t tell you about! And because I actually tried them myself, you know that these are nothing but honest and genuine recommendations! Are you planning a trip to Penang soon?
