If you're visiting Penang, you're in for a treat! This island is famous for its delicious street food, and it’s a favorite spot for food lovers from around the world. With so many tasty choices, it can be hard to know where to start.

That’s why we’ve made this simple guide to help you find the best food in Penang. Whether you're new to the island or an expat looking for great food, these 17 must-try foods in Penang will give you a real taste of what the island has to offer.

Plus, to make things easier, we’ve also included halal food options, so everyone can enjoy Penang’s culinary delights.

17 Must Try Street Food in Penang

1. Siam Road Charcoal Char Kuey Teow

Picture from Google Review

Siam Road Char Koay Teow is famous for its perfectly fried flat noodles with prawns, Chinese sausage, and eggs, all cooked over high heat to give the dish its signature smoky flavor (wok hei). The long queue at this stall is a testament to how good the food is, but it’s worth the wait.

• Address: 82, Jalan Siam, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
• Must-Try Dish: Char Kuey Teow

While this dish is non-halal due to the use of pork-based ingredients, it remains one of Penang’s must-try foods for those who can enjoy it.

2. Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul 

Picture from Google Review

Looking for something sweet to cool you down? Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul serves a refreshing bowl of shaved ice topped with coconut milk, green jelly noodles, and red beans. It’s a popular street dessert in Penang, especially on hot days.

Address: 27-29, Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Must-Try Dish: Cendul

The chendul here is perfect stop for everyone to enjoy. This spot is highly recommended in Penang.

3. Hameediyah Restaurant (Halal)

Picture from Google Review

Hameediyah is the oldest Nasi Kandar restaurant in Penang, serving this iconic dish for over 100 years. Nasi Kandar is steamed rice served with a mix of rich curries and sides like beef rendang, fried chicken, and spicy squid. The flavors are bold, making it a must-try food for anyone visiting Penang.

Address: 164 A, Lebuh Campbell, street, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Must-Try Dish: Nasi Kandar

Since the restaurant is halal, it’s a great choice for anyone craving some authentic Penang Indian Muslim food.

4. Air Itam Assam Laksa (Muslim Friendly)

Picture from Google Review

If you’re looking for something uniquely Penang, Assam Laksa is the dish for you. This sour and spicy fish-based noodle soup is filled with tamarind, mackerel, fresh herbs, and pineapple. Air Itam Assam Laksa, near Kek Lok Si Temple, is considered one of the best places to try this dish.

Address: Jalan Pasar, Paya Terubong, 11500 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Must-Try Dish: Assam Laksa

This stall serves Assam Laksa, so anyone can enjoy its refreshing tang and spice, making it a highlight in any halal food in Penang guide.

5. Famous Ah Leng Char Koay Teow

Picture from Google Review

For a more premium Char Koay Teow experience, head to Ah Leng’s stall. They offer large prawns and duck egg, which give the dish an extra level of richness. The high heat used in cooking creates that signature smoky flavor that Penang’s Char Koay Teow is famous for.

Address: 343, Jalan Dato Keramat, George Town, 10150 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Must-Try Dish: Char Koay Teow with Duck Egg

Since this version includes pork-based ingredients, it is non-halal but remains one of the best food in Penang for those who can try it.

6. Air Itam Market Duck Rice

Picture from Google Review

Ayer Itam Duck Rice is well-known for its perfectly roasted duck, served with fluffy rice and a flavorful sauce. The crispy skin and tender meat make it a dish that meat lovers can’t miss.

Address: Air Itam Wet Market,, Jalan Pasar, Pekan Ayer Itam, 11500 Air Itam, Penang
Must-Try Dish: Roasted Duck Rice

This dish is non-halal due to the use of pork in the accompanying side dishes, but for those who can enjoy, it’s one of the must-try foods in Penang.

7. Gurney Drive Hawker Centre (Mix Stall)

Picture from Google Review

Gurney Drive Hawker Centre is a one-stop spot for all your Penang street food cravings. You can try a variety of the best food in Penang here, from grilled seafood to satay. The good news is, many stalls serve halal food, so there’s something for everyone.

Address: Persiaran Gurney, George Town
Must-Try Dish: Grilled Stingray, Satay, Penang Rojak

Make sure to check with each stall if they offer halal food in Penang, as there are both halal and non-halal stalls here.

8. Kapitan Tandoori House Sungai Ara (Halal)

Picture from Google Review

Craving Indian food? Kapitan Tandoori House Sungai Ara is the place to go. Known for its tandoori chicken cooked in a traditional clay oven, paired with soft naan, this spot will give you an authentic Northern Indian food experience in Penang.

Address: R-01-05 Setia Triangle, Persiaran Kelicap, Sungai Ara, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Must-Try Dish: Tandoori Chicken and Garlic Naan

The restaurant is fully halal, so it’s a great choice for those looking for a hearty Indian meal in Penang.

9. China House 

Picture from Google Review

China House is a popular café known for its wide variety of cakes and desserts. Whether you’re in the mood for cheesecake or chocolate cake, this trendy spot has something for everyone. While most of their desserts are halal-friendly, it’s always best to confirm with the staff.

Address: 153, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang
Must-Try Dish: Salted Caramel Cheesecake

A great spot for those on the hunt for where to eat in Penang when you want to satisfy your sweet tooth!

10. Kimberly Street Duck Kway Chap

Picture from Google Review

Kimberly Street is famous for its Kway Chap, a comforting bowl of flat rice noodles served in a rich broth with duck meat, pork offal, and boiled eggs. While it’s a favorite among locals, it’s non-halal due to the use of pork.

Address: 135, Lebuh Kimberley, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Must-Try Dish: Duck Kway Chap

Though non-halal, it’s still one of the best food in Penang for those who can enjoy it.

11. Sister Yao's Char Koay Kak

Picture from Google Review

If you love stir-fried rice cakes, Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak is a must-try. This street food is made with radish cakes, eggs, and preserved radish, stir-fried to crispy perfection. However, the dish often includes pork.

Address: 96, Lorong Macalister, George Town, 11400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Must-Try Dish: Char Koay Kak

Unfortunately, it’s non-halal, but it remains a popular Penang street food dish for those who can enjoy it.

12. Ming Xiang Tai Pastry 

Picture from Google Review

Ming Xiang Tai is a well-known bakery offering a wide range of traditional Chinese pastries, including egg tarts and Tau Sar Piah (mung bean pastries). These tasty snacks are a great way to experience Penang’s Chinese heritage, but they may contain lard, so they are non-halal.

Address: 133, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Must-Try Dish: Egg Tarts, Tau Sar Piah

While non-halal, it’s still a popular spot for those looking to sample authentic Penang street food.

13. New Lane Hawker Centre (Mix Stall)

Picture from Google Review

New Lane Hawker Centre is another great place to try Penang’s street food. The stalls offer everything from BBQ pork to Curry Mee. Like Gurney Drive, some stalls here offer halal food, while others do not. Always ask the vendor before ordering.

Address: Lorong Baru, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Must-Try Dish: Satay, Oyster omelette

This hawker center is ideal for groups with mixed dietary preferences, making it a great addition to any expat food guide Penang.

14. De Tai Tong Café 

Picture from Google Review

De Tai Tong Café is one of Penang’s oldest dim sum restaurants, offering a wide selection of steamed and fried dim sum dishes. The nostalgic, old-school vibe adds to the experience, but the food is non-halal as it contains pork.

Address: 45, Lebuh Cintra, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Must-Try Dish: Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings), Siew Mai

Since it contains pork, this dim sum spot is non-halal but remains a must-try food in Penang for those who can enjoy it.

15. Penang Ravi Claypot Apom Manis

Picture from Google Review

For something sweet, Penang Ravi Claypot Apom Manis is the place to go. This traditional pancake-like dessert has a soft, fluffy center and crispy edges, with just the right balance of sweetness. It's a popular snack among locals, perfect for a quick treat.

Address: 319, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Must-Try Dish: Apom Manis

16. Chulia Street Night Hawker Stalls (Mix Stall)

Picture from Google Review

As the sun sets, Chulia Street becomes lively with hawker stalls serving various local delights. You’ll find everything from Hokkien Mee to Apom Manis (sweet pancakes). Some of the stalls offer halal food, so it’s easy to find something that fits your dietary needs.

Address: Chulia St, Georgetown, 10450 George Town, Penang
Must-Try Dish: Wantan Mee

Just make sure to confirm with each stall whether their food is halal or not, a must for those following any Penang halal guide.

17. Kek Seng Café 

Kek Seng Café is known for its unique desserts, especially its famous durian ice cream. If you’re a fan of durian, this is a must-try treat. However, some of the other dishes may contain pork or lard, so the café is non-halal.

Picture from Google Review

Address: 382 & 384, Jln Penang, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Must-Try Dish: Durian Ice Cream

If you're also on the lookout for nearby properties during your food adventure in Penang, you can always go to propertygenie.com.my

Best property in Penang

 

Penang is full of delicious food, with something for every taste and dietary need. Whether you’re looking for halal food in Penang or don’t mind non-halal dishes, the food scene here is truly diverse. From the spicy, sour flavors of Assam Laksa to the smoky richness of Char Koay Teow, you’re bound to find something you’ll love. Enjoy your food adventure in Penang!

 

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