When you think of Penang, its incredible food scene comes to mind, without a doubt. Penang is a food lover’s paradise, boasting a diverse and vibrant mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisines.
Often dubbed as Malaysia’s culinary capital, the island offers an impressive array of iconic dishes, from the tangy and aromatic Penang Asam Laksa to the rich, flavourful Nasi Kandar.
From bustling street stalls to charming eateries, Penang has it all. Its capital George Town is at the heart of Penang’s food scene, known for its bustling streets filled with local delights.
What truly sets Penang apart is the accessibility and affordability of its culinary treasures. We recently had a foodie adventure with Freme Travel Services Visitors in Penang and here are some of the local dishes that we enjoyed while exploring the island.
Lagenda House & Café
On our first day in Penang, we had a hearty lunch at Lagenda House & Café – the perfect place to experience a blend of traditional Penang flavours with modern culinary techniques.
Located at Jalan Hutton in Georgetown, this café serves an array of dishes that highlight Penang’s rich food culture while incorporating contemporary twists.
The moment we stepped inside, the café’s chic yet cosy ambience was welcoming as we admired the batik elements and nostalgic decorations inspired by legendary film icon, Tan Sri P Ramlee.
Each dish on the menu is named uniquely, enticing patrons to try it. Their dishes are interesting and worth trying because each food comes with condiments served on a congkak platter.
Here are some of their must-try dishes:
Prawn Lemak Pineapple: Juicy prawns bathed in creamy coconut lemak, bursting with rich, tropical flavours, are balanced by the tangy sweetness of pineapple, creating a luxurious, sweet-savoury explosion
Pak Belalang Beef Rendang: Slow-cooked to tender perfection, the beef is infused with a blend of aromatic spices, delivering a deep, savoury richness with each bite, laced with the warmth of coconut and a hint of heat
Ayam Masak Semerah Padi: Succulent chicken simmered in a rich, tomato-based sauce that’s tangy, slightly sweet, and gently spiced, leaving a comforting warmth on your palate.
Sotong Ala Panggilan Pulau: Tender, smoky squid, charred to perfection, is coated in a sweet and spicy glaze, offering a tantalising contrast of textures and flavours with every bite.
Ikan Bakar Pancha Delima: Grilled to smoky perfection, the fish is caramelised, while the soft, flaky flesh inside is infused with a bold, tangy marinade
We then ended our meal with an appetiser, Banana Bakar. The grilled banana is caramelised to perfection, with a buttery sweetness that melts in your mouth, while the smoky, charred edges add a hint of indulgence to each bite.
Penang Road Famous Teochew Cendol
This is the refreshment you never knew you needed, especially on a hot day and after spending a few hours touring around Penang.
Penang Road Famous Teochew Cendol is located on Penang Road, and it is now operated by a third generation. This humble hawker stall is one of the famous cendol places in George Town.
This traditional dessert combines finely shaved ice with coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and green jelly, creating a perfect harmony of sweetness and texture, leaving you wanting more. Priced at just RM3 per bowl, this refreshing dessert is budget-friendly, and a must-try treat.
With a history spanning several decades, this stall remains a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
Penang Asam Laksa
Penang Asam Laksa is easily available anywhere in Penang but one of the well-known places is at the same Penang Road, under the same eatery as Penang Road Famous Teochew Cendol.
This dish features a richly flavoured tamarind-based broth that is both tangy and spicy, with a depth of umami from tender mackerel fish. The soup’s tanginess is balanced by the richness of the fish and the freshness of ingredients like mint and pineapple.
The addition of pineapple adds a subtle sweetness, enhancing the overall flavour harmony.
The rice noodles that complete the laksa are smooth and elastic, perfectly absorbing the flavorful broth. For an extra kick, add chili paste which typically accompanies the dish. This spicy condiment is a fiery concoction of red chillies, garlic, and aromatic spices.
Penang Rojak
Penang Rojak is a feast for the senses -the fruit and vegetable salad is a colourful medley of ingredients, giving bursts of flavours and textures.
This appetiser combines juicy, succulent pineapple chunks with crisp cucumber, tender turnip, dried tofu and squid, all drizzled in a sumptuous, dark brown rojak sauce. This sauce is a rich concoction of tamarind, savoury shrimp paste, and a touch of palm sugar, creating a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and umami flavours.
It is often topped with a sprinkle of roasted peanuts and sesame seeds, adding a satisfying crunch and nutty depth to each bite. This local favourite is perfect for those seeking a light yet flavourful meal.
Oyster Omelette
Oyster Omelette is a favourite street food in Penang, known for its crispy exterior and tender, complemented with plump and succulent oysters.
Each bite gives a burst of juicy oysters and soft egg omelette. The natural and delicate flavour of the oysters is enhanced by a subtle hint of garlic and a dash of soy sauce. The dish is often served with a zesty chilli sauce that adds a spicy kick.
The combination of textures—from the crispy edges to the soft, creamy interior—creates a delightful contrast that makes the Oyster Omelette a truly mouth-watering treat. Topped with a sprinkle of fresh scallions and cilantro, this dish is a flavourful and satisfying culinary experience that captures the essence of Penang’s vibrant street food scene.
Nasi Kandar Kapitan Maju
Nasi Kandar Kapitan Maju is one of the standout spots to experience Nasi Kandar, a dish synonymous with Penang’s culinary landscape. The restaurant offers a variety of rich, spicy curries and side dishes, allowing you to create your perfect plate.
Each plate is a symphony of flavours, with the rice drenched in a variety of rich, savoury gravies that range from spicy and tangy to creamy and mildly sweet.
The signature curry at Kapitan Maju is a blend of spices, simmered to perfection to achieve a deep, aromatic flavour that soaks every grain of rice. Whether you choose to add a tender, slow-cooked beef rendang, succulent fried chicken, or juicy fish, each protein is cooked with a masterful balance of spices. The dish is often complemented by crispy, golden fried fritters and fresh vegetables, adding a satisfying crunch and a touch of freshness.
With its generous portions and vibrant array of flavours, Nasi Kandar Kapitan Maju offers a hearty, indulgent meal that is both comforting and exhilarating, making it a standout experience in Penang’s diverse food scene.
Roadside durian experience
Our food adventure is not complete without having durian by the roadside. After our nasi kandar dinner, we decided to have a sit at a durian stall at one of the street alleys.
Not for the faint-hearted, durian is filled with aroma and rich, custard-like flesh, making it a classic Malaysian experience.
We had two premium durians – Musang King and Black Thorn. The Musang King’s flesh is luscious, golden yellow, boasting a custard-like smoothness that melts in your mouth. Its subtle bitterness enhances its natural sweetness, creating a sophisticated and deeply satisfying treat.
Our favourite was the Black Thorn, slightly more expensive than the Musang King but offers an equally decadent taste. The flesh is deep yellow and almost orange and has a buttery texture than the Musang King.
Our two-night stay in Penang was nothing short of extraordinary, filled with scrumptious flavours, lively street scenes, and memorable food trail adventures. We then continued our food journey for one more night in Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur.
Village Park Nasi Lemak and TTDI’s Quak Teow in Kuala Lumpur
By the time we reached Kuala Lumpur, it was lunch time and one perfect meal to mark our arrival in the busy city was nasi lemak.
We opted for one of the famous eateries in Kuala Lumpur, the Village Park Restaurant located in Damansara Utama.
The nasi lemak is fragrant coconut rice that is perfectly steamed to a fluffy texture and infused with a rich, creamy aroma. This is complemented by a spicy sambal, which delivers a bold, tangy kick with a balanced blend of chilli heat and sweet undertones.
The meal is served with fried anchovies and roasted peanuts, hard-boiled egg and fresh cucumber slices that add a refreshing, crisp touch, rounding out the flavours.
The star of the meal is the succulent fried chicken; seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices, the chicken’s golden crust adds a scrumptious crunch that pairs perfectly with the sambal and rice. Do not forget to pair your meal with a glass of cold drinks and our favourites are iced teh tarik and iced lemon tea, perfect thirst quencher.
For dinner, I decided to have some char kway teow and one of the highly recommended places by locals is Quack Teow in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI).
For noodle and duck lovers, this roadside stall is a must-visit. You can easily spot a yellow trailer or if you opt to have an air-conditioned atmosphere, you can also go to one of Quack Teow’s physical restaurants nearby.
Quack Teow TTDI is known for its charcoal wok duck egg kuey teow, comprising stir-fried flat rice noodles cooked with a generous amount of shrimp, fish cake, and bean sprouts and topped with smoked duck, as an option.
Garnish the noodles with a sprinkle of fresh scallions and crispy shallots for an extra layer of flavour and crunch. Kway Teow lover, Quack Teow in TTDI will not disappoint you; the dish serves quality at an affordable price, making you want more.
Whether you are indulging in Penang’s street food or exploring Kuala Lumpur’s culinary treasures, Malaysia’s diverse food landscape offers an unforgettable culinary experience. Each dish and eatery provides a unique glimpse into the country’s culinary heritage, promising a fulfilling gastronomic journey.
So, pack your bags and get your cravings fixed!
THE BRUNEIAN | PENANG
