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Situated in Penang, Malaysia, George Town is a cauldron of culture and history-but most of all, food-of cultures merged in exquisite harmony. For gourmets, the city will truly prove to be a connoisseur's paradise. From spicy noodle soups to savory snacks, George Town street food echoes the rich cultural heritage that has defined the city. So if you are planning your visit to this iconic city, here comes a guide for the top 10 street foods with information on where to enjoy them.
Char Kway Teow, one of the most famous Penang dishes, is actually a stir-fried noodle dish representing the epitome of local street food. The term "Char Kway Teow" loosely means "stir-fried rice cake strips," and that is just what you get: flat rice noodles stir-fried with prawns, Chinese sausage, eggs, bean sprouts, and very often a generous dollop of crispy pork lard.
Char Kway Teow Penang (Source: Taste of Asian Food)
The dish is stir-fried over high heat in a wok, which creates that characteristic smoky flavor-a smell called "wok hei." Although the origins are from southern China, Penang's version has a twist in having more seafood and sweetness coming from the soy sauce. It's a dish that's best enjoyed at bustling hawker stalls, where they do it right in front of you.
Where to Try: Kafe Heng Huat
Address: 93, Jalan Penang, 10000 George Town, Penang
One of the most popular stalls in town for authentic Char Kway Teow with a smoky flavor and crispy lard.
Penang Laksa is the epitome of the diversity in the island's culinary landscape. Essentially, it is asam laksa or sour-spicy noodle soup made from a base created with tamarind and mackerel.
Penang Laksa (Source: Season with Spice)
That the noodles are drenched in all the deliciousness of the rich broth, bold flavors abound, with rice noodles or thick vermicelli most often. Topped with shredded cucumber, pineapple, mint leaves, and a hard-boiled egg, Penang Laksa is a dish that could satiate all your cravings for a little sweet, sour, and spicy. With its fresh flavors it stands out. Try this dish in George Town, where local vendors put their spin on it.
Where to Try: Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul
Address: 49, Penang Rd, 10000 George Town, Penang
A very famous spot to try Penang Laksa along with their famous cendol. The stall is famous for its sour and tasty laksa.
Another favorite noodle in Penang is Hokkien Mee, or prawn mee, a savory noodle soup that has become one of the mainstays in the local street food culture. Hokkien Mee is a comforting bowl of egg noodles and rice noodles in a rich, prawn-based broth simmered for hours to extract all the sweet umami flavors.
Hokkien Mee (Source: myPenang)
It is usually served with prawns, slices of pork, and a hard-boiled egg with chili paste on the side, just in case one desires an extra kick. The dish is quite filling and thus satisfying locals love it any time of the day.
Where to Try: Hokkien Mee & Lor Mee Stall (Restoran Hokkien Mee)
Address: 34, Jalan Pintal Tali, 10400 George Town, Penang
Must-visit when it comes to Hokkien Mee, this stall does a very flavorful and aromatic version.
Nasi Kandar is the ultimate comfort food for any individual. This iconic dish traces its roots to the Indian Muslim community in Penang and comprises steamed rice served with an assortment of curries, meats, and vegetables. That is the beauty of Nasi Kandar; it comes with your choice of several types of curries such as beef rendang, chicken curry, and dhal, which is lentil curry.
Nasi Kandar (Source: Tripadvisor)
Besides, you have choices such as fried chicken or fish. You could say that almost all the rice is soaked with different types of curry sauces. This makes it full and satisfying with each mouthful.
Where to try: Line Clear Nasi Kandar
Address: 177, Penang Rd, 10000 George Town, Penang
This place has been a legendary spot for Nasi Kandar since the 1940s and provides a wide range of flavored curries and meats.
Apom Balik is a delectable treat that no sweet tooth should pass by. This crispy pancake with a filling consisting of crushed peanuts, corn, and sugar gives a perfect fit for the taste buds of sweetness and texture. The pancake itself is soft and fluffy on the inside, while the exterior is crispy and golden brown.
Apom Balik (Source: FoodAdvisor)
Traditionally, Apom Balik is served as a dessert or snack, and you’ll find it being sold at street corners and night markets throughout George Town.
Where to Try: Apom Balik Stall (near Komtar)
Address: Jalan Penang, 10000 George Town, Penang
This popular street vendor near Komtar serves one of the best Apom Balik in town, known for its crispy texture and generous fillings.
Read more: Classic Highlights Malaysia
Rojak is one of the favorite refreshments of Penang's street food scene: a fresh, tangy fruit and vegetable salad. The dish consists of a mix of fresh fruits and vegetables like cucumber, jambu or rose apple, pineapple, and bean sprouts, tossed in a savory, sweet, and spicy shrimp paste dressing.
Rojak (Source: Penang Foodie)
The result is a burst of flavors in every bite: sweet, sour, spicy, and umami. Crunchy youtiao adds a nice textural element. Rojak is always considered more of a snack or a side dish; thus, it's highly recommended in between those heavy courses if one is seeking something light and refreshing.
Where to Try: Rojak and Cendol Stall (near Penang Road)
Address: 69, Jalan Penang, 10000 George Town, Penang
This stall has one of the yummiest Rojak, served with thick and fragrant shrimp paste dressing.
The other iconic street food of Penang that everyone loves is Satay. These are the skewers of grilled meat, mostly chicken, beef, and lamb, in spicy mix marinade until tender, and cooked over an open flame until the inside remains juicy while the exterior becomes crispy. The Satay dish comes with a rich creamy peanut sauce, with slices of cucumber, together with a small serve of ketupat.
Satay (Source: Recipes We Cherish)
Where to Try: Satey 213
Address: 213, Jalan Macalister, 10400 George Town, Penang
This satay stall is a favorite among locals due to its tender skewers and perfectly balanced peanut sauce.
For the heat in George Town, a bowl of cendol can be one good way to cool down. It's basically a dessert consisting of shaved ice with green rice flour noodles called cendol, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup. All the above combined make up a deliciously refreshing and indulging treat, perfect for any hot, sunny days. Some variations also include red beans or sweet corn for added texture and flavor.
Cendol Penang (Source: cendol melaka)
Where to Try: Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul
Address: 49, Penang Rd, 10000 George Town, Penang
A popular stop for Cendol, famed for its perfect balance of sweet and rich coconut.
A cousin of Cendol, Chendol is a very popular dessert in Penang, indulgence taken to the fullest end. It features the same base of shaved ice, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup, but it often includes additional toppings like red beans, sweet corn, or even durian – a fruit known for its strong aroma and unique taste. Durian lovers will especially enjoy this variation, as the rich, creamy texture of the fruit pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the dessert.
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Chendul (Source: George Town City)
Where to Try: Chendul Stall (Jalan Penang)
Address: 49, Penang Rd, 10000 George Town, Penang
A famous place to have Chendul, which comes with a variety of toppings. Among the most loved is durian.
Lastly, Lor Mee is comforting and hearty, the type of noodles one would love to consume for a warm and full meal. The thick noodles are served in a rich, starchy gravy that is a mixture of soy sauce, chicken, and sometimes pork. Topped with slices of braised pork, hard-boiled egg, and fried shallots, Lor Mee provides a meal that is both savory and flavored in each and every bite.
Lor Mee (Source: Michael Nusair)
Where to Try: Lor Mee & Hokkien Mee Stall (Restoran Hokkien Mee)
Address: 34, Jalan Pintal Tali, 10400 George Town, Penang
This popular stall serves a comforting bowl of Lor Mee.
From George Town, Penang, one expects nothing but an exemplary gastronomic experience, as if plunging into the region's rich heritage. With each single bite, a new adventure is unfolded-right from unique flavors to local traditions. Ready to explore the vibrant food scene of Penang? Let us plan your perfect itinerary to guide you through the best food spots and hidden gems in George Town. Book your trip now and indulge in the ultimate culinary adventure with Asia King Travel!
Read more: Top 10 must-try dishes that represent Malaysian cuisine
