Smart Dory’s list of the 10 Best Halal Food in Penang for holidaymakers has made many outstation fish friends happy.
They have always lamented where to bring clients halal food for business meals.
This list will make you the most popular host for a business lunch and dinner with your Muslim clients.
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10 Best Halal Food in Penang
We listed the 10 Best Halal Food in Penang, including traditional and themed restaurants we at Smart Dory love the most.
We start with the oldest and work towards good halal food near me, the best halal food in George Town.
For Muslim travelers, these 10 Must-Try Best Halal Food in Penang will guarantee to make you wish you had a bigger appetite. If you’re like me, you’ll probably wish that for Halal 24 hours!
#1 Hameediyah Restaurant
#1 Hameediyah Restaurant
Penang’s legendary Murtabak is still made according to the original 1907 recipe in Hameediyah Restaurant, a halal food institution.
The go-to place for Indian Muslim food in Penang has the best authentic flavors of Indian Muslim cuisine, spanning a lineage of seven generations of cooks!
Most Penangites will vouch that their fathers, grandpas, and great-grandpas love Hameediyah Restaurant for its delicious curries, which have withstood the test of time.
Top halal food spots in Penang like Hameediyah offer a variety of dishes, including Beef Rendang, Kari Kapitan Chicken, Fried Chicken, Curry Chicken, Mutton Mysore, Duck Curry, and Biryani.
Photo:@hameediyah_restaurant
Photo:@hameediyah_restaurant
Hameediyah Restaurant
Halal Indian Muslim Restaurant
164A, Lebuh Campbell, 10100 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Opens Daily: 10:00 am – 10:30 pm
#2 Restoran Minah
Another bastion of great authentic Malay cooking, Restoran Minah, has kept its original delicious recipes intact since 1957.
Muslim-friendly restaurants in Penang like this one offer favorites such as Ayam Goreng Minah with a special sauce, authentic Kari Kepala Ikan, and Cencaru Bakar.
Restoran Minah was even featured in the Malaysian Tourism Board promotional video in the early ’60s as the first halal food Best Malay Restaurant in Malaysia.
Photo:@ojaboom
Restoran Minah
Halal Malay Restaurant
362 S & T, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Taman Tun Sardon,
11800 Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia
Business Hours:
10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Closed on Mondays
#3 Restoran Nasi Padang Minang
A loyal patron swears by the signature Torpedo Fish, a sambal-stuffed Ikan Cencaru topped with crispy fried onions, calling it the best dish at this halal Nasi Padang restaurant.
Restoran Nasi Padang Minang is the only stall within Kedai Kopi International Hotel, and with over 50 delicious halal food options to choose from.
To be honest, picking a favorite dish might be a delightful challenge.
The variety of rich curries, sambals, and fragrant rice dishes makes it a perfect spot for those exploring halal food in Penang.
Even for non-Muslims, this is a go-to stall for authentic Nasi Padang in Penang, offering bold, traditional flavors that keep locals and visitors coming back for more.
Whether you’re seeking classic Malay cuisine or exploring different tastes, this hidden gem delivers on every front.
Photo:@jochbeth_wairata
Photo: @en,epenggggg
Restoran Nasi Padang Minang
Halal Indonesian Restaurant
International Hotel, 92 Transfer Road,
10050 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Closed on Mondays
#4 Noor Bee Nasi Melayu
If freshly cooked Malay fish head curry is your favorite meal, head to Tanjung Tokong for Noor Bee Nasi Melayu, one of the must-visit halal food places in Penang.
This unpretentious restaurant, located in the UDA flats, is where locals flock for their Nasi Melayu fix. Its reputation for serving up traditional halal Malay food is well-deserved, offering flavors that remind you of home-cooked meals.
We especially love the fresh green Kerabu Kacang Botol, Kerabu Taugeh, and Pajri Nanas, dishes that are hard to find at other stalls.
For a true taste of authentic Malay food in Penang, Noor Bee is a local favorite not to be missed.
Noor Bee Nasi Melayu
Halal Malay Restaurant
No. 9, Flat Uda, Tanjung Tokong (Gerai J),
11200 Penang, Malaysia
Business Hours:
8:00 am – 3:00 pm
#5 Lagenda Café
Lagenda Café stands out for its authentic blend of Malay-Indonesian cuisine and halal Western-fusion food, impressing diners with both its presentation and flavor.
The dishes are known for being flavorful and spicy, making it one of the best halal restaurants in Penang.
Every Rice Set is served with condiments and side dishes, beautifully displayed in a wooden congkak, which adds to the overall appeal.
However, the highlight of the meal is their homemade Sambal, which delivers a spicy and flavorful punch that elevates each dish.
Desserts are kept simple but essential, with sweet and creamy options.
Their flavored cultured Sago cups, served with Palm Sugar and Coconut Cream—a must-try for dessert lovers.
If you’re a fan of P. Ramlee, the café also features memorabilia of the iconic actor, making this dining spot a cultural as well as culinary experience.
Photo: @sywong_
Lagenda House & Cafe
Halal Asian Fusion Restaurant
2, Lebuh Carnarvon,
George Town, 10100 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Business Hours:
11:00 am – 11:00 pm
#6 Kesum Restaurant
At Kesum Restaurant, you can enjoy Laksa Johor in a truly authentic way—by eating it with your fingers instead of using a fork, spoon, or chopsticks!
This traditional dish features a fragrant and spicy broth, infused with the rich flavors of Santan and kerisik.
These ingredients deliver the robust, delicious taste reminiscent of home-cooked Laksa Johor from the southern state of Malaysia.
For an authentic halal meal, don’t miss the Botok Botok—a steamed fish custard made with julienne healing herbs, shredded coconut flesh, and spices.
This dish embodies the essence of traditional Malay cuisine.
The accompanying spicy sambal belacan is sure to bring a delightful heat that may bring a film of sweat to your brow!
After enjoying your meal, temper the heat with sweet Malay desserts.
You can check out the art work on display, making your visit a blend of culinary and cultural experiences.
Photo: @maszchilloutpenang
Kesum Art Restaurant
Halal Johorean Cuisine
104, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling,
10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Business Hours:
11:30 am – 6:00 pm
Closed on Fridays
#7 JT Restaurant
JT Restaurant is a halal-certified dining establishment located inside The Heritage Club, welcoming everyone—not just club members.
Its central location, coupled with ample FREE parking, makes it an ideal spot for business lunches, family dinners, and celebrations like office gatherings and reunions.
In addition to its warm and accommodating atmosphere, JT Restaurant also provides catering services, making it a great choice for events.
The menu features an array of international cuisine, showcasing halal food options that include Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Western dishes.
Popular items on the menu include the Salted Egg Chicken Chop, Mongolian Lamb Shank with Crispy Fried Rice, and deep-fried Hor Fun with King Prawn.
Whether you’re looking for a halal buffet, a set menu, a BBQ, or a steamboat, JT Restaurant is ready to accommodate your requirements, ensuring a delightful dining.
Unfortunately, JT Restaurant has permanently closed as of 5 July 2024.
Photo: @rachel_imm
#8 Passions of Kerala New World Park
A casual ambiance and a loyal following of regulars mark the popularity of Passions of Kerala at New World Park.
Although the restaurant does not serve pork, diners are welcome to choose to eat here at their own discretion.
This gem is best known for serving delicious South Indian cuisine.
Hot white rice is served on a banana leaf, accompanied by the signature deep-fried bawal hitam, fried squid, fried chicken, chicken curry, mutton, and deep-fried bitter gourd chips.
The highlight of the meal is the sensational Signature Crab Masala, which embodies the rich flavors of Kerala.
To elevate your dining experience, top everything with fresh vegetables, papadom, and a beautiful dal.
What else could you ask for?
Don’t forget to enjoy crispy papadom paired with rasam, a spicy pepper tangy soup that adds the perfect kick to your meal.
Photo:@vaanyramani
Passions of Kerala
Pork Free Indian Restaurant • Family Style Restaurant
New World Park Address:
Jalan Burma,
10050 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Business Hours:
Daily:
11:30 am – 3:30 pm
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Google Maps Location – New World Park
Secondary Address:
5, Lorong Endah 4, Taman Minden Heights,
Brown Garden,
11700 Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia
Google Maps Location – Brown Garden
# 9 Vkusno Dom
Vkusno Dom was the only European Muslim restaurant serving authentic halal food from Russia, Central Asia, Georgia, Italy, Turkey, and Uzbekistan.
Run by friendly chef-owners, the restaurant’s atmosphere was down-to-earth and homey, creating a welcoming space for diners. The owners were attentive, friendly, and passionate about their halal Muslim food.
One of the standout dishes was plov, Uzbekistan’s national dish—a flavorful rice dish simmered in a broth of meat and vegetables, infused with a fragrant bouquet of spices.
Diners also enjoyed the vibrant beetroot salad, kompot (a sweet non-alcoholic drink), and solyanka (a spicy Russian soup).
Other popular dishes included Georgian roast chicken, Uzbek lamb stew, and beef stroganoff.
Unfortunately, Vkusno Dom has permanently closed.
Photo: Doris Lim
#10 Ayu Mee Udang
It has been some time since I drove to Teluk Kumbar for this prawn noodle treat.
Ayu Mee Udang, often known as Mee Udang Cantik (Beautiful Prawn Noodles), is a must-try for lovers of halal food in Penang.
It’s a simple dish featuring fresh prawns, yellow noodles, and a tomato-based sauce.
Unlike Penang Hokkien Mee, this popular Malay-style Mee Udang comes with generous servings of fresh, firm prawns and yellow noodles.
The dish is topped with aromatic fried shallots and chopped fresh coriander.
I particularly enjoy the thickness of the sweet-tasting, tomatoey broth, which has a delightful sweetness.
If you prefer something less soupy, you could try the Nasi Goreng Udang instead.
Photo: Restoran Ayu Mee Udang FB Page
Restoran Ayu Mee Udang
Halal Local Muslim Restaurant
936B, Lengkok Kampung Masjid 1,
11920 Teluk Kumbar, Penang, Malaysia
Business Hours:
1:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
For Muslim travelers, these 10 Must-Try Best Halal Food in Penang will guarantee to make you wish you had a bigger appetite. If you’re like me, you’ll probably find yourself wishing for halal dining in Penang around the clock!
GET READY FOR A HALAL EATING SPREE! Don’t worry; you can just use Waze to navigate to the locations of the best halal restaurants in Penang if you want to drive.
