Penang, and more specifically Georgetown, is known as the culinary capital of Malaysia. And Rightfully so. There is a lot to choose from, so I am giving you some of my favorite locations when it comes to where to eat in Penang. For the most part each location will have recommendations for several dishes. So let’s not waste any time and jump right in
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Where to Eat in Penang – Chowrasta Market
Chowrasta Market is one of Penangs most sought after locations by both locals and tourists alike. There has been a market at this location since the mid 19th century but we’re not actually going to the market even though I do suggest checking it out when you’re in the area. I’m here to talk about all of the food options that are available.
Along Jalan Chowrasta, you can find a variety of traditional breakfast items like Char Kway Kak and Curry Mee. Char Kway Kak is made from cubed rice cakes and they are normally stir fried with soy sauce, chili, garlic, eggs, bean sprouts, and preserved radish. The spices add a savory, slightly spicy, and smoky flavor due to the high heat used during cooking. And the texture reminds of a North American style breakfast hash because I really have no other way to describe it. It’s extremely cheap and unbelievably tasty!


Curry Mee I have written about in many articles, like this one: Where to Eat in Ipoh. But it’s just that damn good so why not write about it again? Beautiful yellow egg noodles and vermicelli(bee hoon) in a savoury and rich coconut based broth with tofu, cuttlefish and shrimp. With the addition of taugue(bean sprouts), and a spicy sambal, It’s one of the best breakfasts you will ever eat.
Wash this all down with a barley drink or nutmeg juice for a perfect breakfast
Where to Stay in Penang, Malaysia
- Luxury Accommodations – 88 Armenian – Exuding a sense of sophistication and class, 88 Armenian is the epitome of architectural resplendence that captures the charm of the yesteryears. You would not be wrong to feel as if you have stepped into a luxurious and private oasis.
- Mid Range Accommodations – East Indies Mansion – East Indies Mansion is a landmark authentic heritage building in the heart of the UNESCO Heritage Core Zone in George Town. The mansion features ten unique well appointed suites of varying types each tastefully decorated and uniquely designed.
- Budget Accommodations – Citadines Connect Cecil Georgetown Penang – All guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an electric tea pot, a shower, free toiletries and a desk.
For more places to stay in Penang:
Morning and Afternoon at Chowrasta
You also have to to try Ban Chang Kuih. If you’re familiar with Malaysian food you have probably heard of Apam Balik. Ban Chang Kuih is the Chinese version of this delicious snack. Whats sets this apart from Apam Balik is the crunchy texture and it is the griddle for longer. You will usually find these stuffed with corn and peanuts or banana and sugar. Either choice is perfect. Hell, just get both and call it a day,
If you come by later in the afternoons along Jalan Cowrasta, you check out Uncle Lim Famous Traditional Handmade Kacang Tumbuk and Poh Piah Skin. They have been hand making their popiah skins for over 70 years at the same location. Kacang Tumbuk is typically made with crushed peanuts, sugar, molasses, and water and this is wrapped in the hand made popiah skin. For clarity a popiah skin is a thin batter made from wheat flour that resembles a crepe. these tasty little snacks will have you coming back for more.


Kedai Kopi Malabar
Located on Kampong Malabar, Kedai Kopi Malabar is a small venue with only a handful of vendors. This is a very local joint with many older patrons that have been visiting there favourite vendors for years. The Kopitiam boss is extremely helpful and they make great Cham(tea and coffee mixture).
There are two stall here that sell wanton’s , but I recommend going to the inside vendor. They do a version of Sui Kow (pork and prawn filled wantons that are extremely tasty. You’ll find another stall selling Loh Bak. A Hokkien dish of chopped pork belly and 5 spice that is wrapped in bean curd wrappers and deep fried. Loh Bak is also served with a deep fried shrimp cracker and you get a couple of dipping sauces to go along with them one cpicy and ones a little sweet.


But the star of Kedai Kopi Malabar is the the woman right in the front selling Char Kway Teow. And she also happens be to be the friendlist and kindest woman you will ever meet. I have eaten tons of Char Kway Teow throughout Penang, and this by far the best I have found so far. While Char Kway Teow is never bad, I do find that often times the noodles will be burnt or it is overly oily, not here. Perfectly cooked noodles and a smoky flavor due to lots of wok hei. Wok hei refers to the caramelization of sugars, singing of oils and chemical reactions that happen to a well seasoned and used wok. Fun fact, the word wok hei literally translates to breath of the wok. If there is one dish not miss at Kedai Kopi Malabar, it’s the Char Kway Teow


Tambun Biscuits
These can be found all over the city of Georgetown so I’m not giving you a location but they are a Penang specialty. Like many well food items in Malaysia, tambun biscuits were born here. The first ones came out of the Bukit Tambun area of Penang, hence the name tambun biscuits. They are made using a mixture of wheat flour, sugar, vegetable oil, and water for the outer pastry shell. The filling usually consists of a paste made from mung beans or ground green beans mixed with sugar
The texture is light, flaky, and slightly crispy, while the filling is smooth, dense, and slightly sweet. Tambun biscuits are often sold in neatly packed boxes, making them a popular souvenir for visitors to Penang.


Teochew Chendul
Teochew Chendul is a renowned dessert stall located in Georgetown and was established in 1936. Originally opened as a cendol spot they expanded their menu to offer other items such asam laksa and rojak and many others. You couldn’t possibly miss their flagship location on Lebuh Keng Kwee as their is always a line of both locals and tourists halfway down the street.
Their signature cendol features shaved ice topped with coconut milk, palm sugar syrup (gula melaka), green rice flour jelly, and red beans. And despite it’s popularity, they have maintained its traditional preparation methods and flavors, ensuring that each serving of cendol remains true to its original taste.
Their asam laksa and rojak and aren’t just throw-ins to the cendol game either. While neither are the best I have had, they are both very respectable and worth trying out. Their asam laksa has the beautiful broth that would expect and the tartness of the pineapple complimets it nicely. The finish touch is a spicy spoonful of sambal
As to the Rojak, it’s done a little differently in Penang. Here, it is more fruit heavy and less fried ingredients. Some the ingredients include jicama, cucumbers, pineapple and mango. You also get a strong flavour in the rojak sauce of shrimp paste and chili which works extremely well with the fruit.



You Might Also Like: 19 Must Try Dishes in Ipoh, Malaysia
The Jetty Food Court
Here we go, full blown tourist trap! This spot near the jetties serves the crowds exploring the famous Chew Jetty across the street. The Jetty Food Court offers many vendors and a laid back way to beat the heat, enjoy a cold drink, grab a bite, and listen to live music. Sure, the Google reviews aren’t great, but reviews often come from tourists with limited palates or those complaining about prices that are still dirt cheap compared to back home. Is it the best food in the world? Absolutely not, and you will find better food throughout Penang, but sometimes it’s nice to find a place to relax with lots of options
The food court is spacious with a central bar and fast service for drinks. Food options include Korean, Malaysian, Chinese, Thai, and more. The Thai stall’s pad kra pao is respectable, though I couldn’t find the spiciness I’d hoped for in Malaysia.
Others I can recommend include asam laksa, bak kuh teh, and pork or chicken clay pot rice. Prices are higher than elsewhere in Penang, but it’s worth it for the experience, and still affordable for visitors.



Restoran Mohamed Raffee
If you know anything about Mamak Malaysian food you inherently know that nasi kandar is one of Gods greatest creations. So much so that in Ipoh they refer to it as nasi ganja because of how addicting this not so healthy dish is. But i’ll bet anybody $100 to a jar of donuts that this will be one of the greatest things you have ever had the privilege to taste.
Now when it comes to nasi kandar in Penang, you will often hear a place called Line clear the go to spot. And don’t get me wrong, Line Clear is very good, but for me nothing comes close to Mohamed Raffee. Nothing else is even in the same ballpark. I covered this dish in my 18 Must Try Dishes in Ipoh article, but let’s cover exactly what this dish consists of.
Proteins of your choice (it’s Hala so no pork), plain or fragrant steamed rice, steamed vegetables, eggs, gravy and one or many spicy curries. Top it off with a little more spicy sambal and enter Nirvana. Try it like a local with your hands or grab a spoon. It’s messy as can be, but you won’t be disappointed. My only advice is have patience. There will be lines half way down the street as this a go to spot for locals. It’s also not centrally located, so prepare to get a grab or enjoy a long walk to get there.


Kesum Art Restaurant
Unfortunately I never filmed at this location and writing about it now I wish I had because it is that good. Kesum Art specializes in Southern Malay dishes, specifically those originating from Johor. I only had a few of their dishes, but the quality would suggest you should try many more. The stand outs I had were there Satay with spicy peanut sauce, Laksa Johor and Asam Pedas Ekor.
Many of you know I fell in love with Asam Pedas in Melaka, but this version was a bit different. Instead of the typical fish variation, ekor is oxtail and they are simmered for hours in the spicy broth. Such a delicious dish but make sure you’re ready for some heat. Laksa Johor is delicious and interesting, partly due to the use of spahghetti instead of egg or rice noodles. The main difference is the complex and intense flavour profiles of the broth as opposed to the more sour asam laksa many people are familiar with. If you’re in Penang, I would highly suggest not missing this place. Unfortunately, I cannot for the life of me find all the pictures I took while I was there to show you more.


Related Reading: Where To Eat in Kuala Lumpur
Chulia Street Night Market
This small night market is famous in Penang with a vendors selling everything for Char Kway Teow, Wanton Mee, Curry Mee, Lor Bak, Satay, you name it. The Wanton Mee stall always had the longest line up and their plenty of locals that stop by so you know know it’s not a total tourist trap.
The vibe is straightforward—plastic chairs, sizzling woks, and dishes served hot in seconds. It’s the kind of place where you go for simple, fast, and authentic street food without overthinking it. A good option if you’re hungry and wandering the area at night.
Wondering What to do in Penang? Have a Look at Some of These Tours From Viator:
Qually’s Syok Segarnya
Full disclosure, I have never been here. However, I have been to it’s former incarnation known as Qually’s Nusantara Kitchen in Penang. I also personally know the owner, Kak Ayu, and I am sure whatever venture she has embarked on will be a smashing success. She transitioned locations in January 2024 and the new locations short existence has opened to rave reviews.
This new iteration is based around Kak Ayu’s commitment to fresh and sustainable authentic Malay food. She features many farm to table dishes that are sourced from their very own fish farm. Kak Ayu is a workaholic and I’ve never met someone so committed to their craft. Stay Tuned for an article coming soon where I will do a detailed write up of my time spent Kak Ayu.
In the meantime, here are a few pictures of her new location as well as few from my time with her at Qually’s Nusantara Kitchen.



Where to Eat in Penang – Conclusion
Penang’s food scene is a journey of flavors, textures, and traditions that leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re savoring char kway teow at a street stall or indulging in a hearty bowl of asam laksa, every bite tells a story of this vibrant island.
Now it’s your turn—did I miss any of your favorite Penang eats? Share your go-to spots or dishes in the comments below. Your tips might just help fellow food lovers on their Penang adventure