22 Places Where You Can Have Lunch In Penang

Visitors love a local’s take on tasty places for lunch in Penang, which they can find easily in George Town by walking.

If you don’t want to walk, you can cycle to some of the best lunch places from your heritage hotel.

Some of my friends choose their accommodations based on Smart Dory Food Trails!

If you go solo with a partner or family, you can quickly choose halal or non-halal places to eat in Penang.

Grab this walking list to help you out so you don’t waste time driving and parking.

Here are some delicious Non-Halal And Halal Lunch spots in Penang that you’ll want to check out in George Town.

What Makes A Penang Lunch Special?

Mini kerbside kitchens and sizzling woks cooking delicious food are the best Penang unique to all visitors.

Book the best hotels within walking distance 

JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La

Cititel Express Penang

Sunway Hotel Georgetown

How To Eat Like A Local For Your Lunch in Penang?

Historic George Town is a UNESCO-protected section of the city and Penang’s tourist hub.

While many know Penang’s murals, the best hidden gem foods are Penang’s secret weapon for capturing droves of visitors.

The variety of native Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisine has drawn locals and travelers to Penang.

Sweating, feasting, and enjoying every delicious second make your meal a special lunchtime deal.

You can not miss eating out in Penang if you genuinely love food.

Quite simply, you head to where the locals hang out.

Indian Lunch

Parking is difficult to come by during office hours, so your best bet is either getting someone to drop you off or taking a Grab.

Little India is chockful of Indian Restaurants that are simply great places for lunch.

You can walk around Chulia Street, Penang Street, and Pitt Street for tasty curry and rice.

There are other exciting cuisines and noodles that you can try for lunch.

The best of the rest: If you’re looking to taste more exotic food, plenty of restaurants in George Town offer a variety of dishes from around the world.

Here are just a few places to try for your lunchtime! 

Vegetarian Lunch

#1 Kafe The Leaf Healthy House (Western & Chinese)

The Leaf Healthy House Café is a well-praised little eatery known for its delicious and flavourful organic food.

If you like pasta and burgers, their spaghetti, carbonara, and pesto are tasty.

Other local rice and noodle dishes include Vietnamese Spring Rolls and Otak Otak.

Kafe The Leaf Healthy House
Address: 5, Lebuh Penang, 10200 George Town, Penang
Hours: 11.30 AM to 3.00 PM, 5.30 PM to 10.00 PM (Daily)

#2 Woodlands Vegetarian Restaurant (Indian)

Woodlands is Penang’s old-school pure vegetarian Indian eaterie that is popular with the locals.

The meals are freshly cooked and served with crispy papadums. The portions were huge and tasty.

The Woodlands Special Thali is a MUST TRY!

The set is a rice dish with nine sides of gravies, dhals, and vegetables. It’s super worth every penny you’re paying!

Woodlands Vegetarian Restaurant
Address: 60, Lebuh Penang, 10200 George Town, Penang.
Hours: 8.30 AM to 10.00 PM (Daily)

Hakka Lunch

#3 Tofu Village Best Of Hakka Tradition (Chinese)

The restaurant serves various Hakka Specialties, including Mackerel fish and Yong Tau Fu.

The dishes at Tofu Village are a culinary assimilation between local traditional Hakka recipes and Taiwanese Hakka counterparts.

Recommended is the tasty homemade tofu.

Speak to the staff for suggestions based on your tastes.

Tofu Village Restaurant
Address: 82 Church Street, 10200 George Town, Penang
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11:30 AM to 8.00 PM (Closed Monday)
Telephone: 012-4769018?

Italian Lunch

#4 Otto Pizza Penang (Italian)

The Italian owner and pizza chef from Rome created Otto Pizza by bringing authentic Italian food.

You can try the pizza and pasta; the serving size is large, and the food is tasty.

Otto Pizza
199, Victoria St, 10300 George Town, Penang
Hours: 11.30 PMM –11.00 PM (Daily)

Western Lunch

George Town has some nice cafes, and here are a few old and new ones that you can visit for lunch.

If you love cakes, coffee, and a good lunch, you will like China House and Black Kettle. Both eateries have in-house bakeries for fresh cakes.

Otto Pizza and Yin’s Sourdough Bakery and Café both have bread. 

#5 China House (Cafe, Malaysian, Fusion)

China House is a collection of 3 heritage buildings linked by an open-air courtyard.

The premise comprises 14 spaces, including shops, cafes, restaurants, galleries, live music, and a bakery.

China House is modeled on a laneway concept with one path from Beach Street to Victoria Street.

The cafe has several areas for different customer groups, and the ambiance is good—it’s an excellent place for couples and families.

There is something for every visitor with the three different restaurant menus and different price points.

Pro Tip: Coffee and a slice of the Tiramisu cake – huge and delicious.

China House
Address: 153 Beach Street, 10300 George Town, Penang
Hours: 9.00 AM to 11.30 PM Daily 

#6 Black Kettle

Black Kettle is a bistro, patisserie, and cafe with an impressive array of cakes.

Since its opening in 2015, Black Kettle has reinvented its menu now and again – serving simple comfort food accompanied by oven-fresh bread.

The bread and pastries are displayed in glass cabinets, available for takeaway or dine-in as you walk in.

The café serves breakfast and brunch early in the morning.

From noon onwards, the cafe serves lunch and dinner.

Try the entrees for fresh salads and warm soups for a light meal to save tummy space for cakes and coffee.

Heartier portions include pasta, risotto, and meat dishes.

Black Kettle
Address: 105 Beach St, 10300 George Town, Penang
Hours: Daily11.00 AM TO -9.00 PM (Closed Wednesdays) 

Malay Lunch

#7 D’Dapor

D’Dapor is a Malay restaurant with plenty of typical Malay dishes.

The service is excellent and friendly.

Keep in mind that a typical Malaysian restaurant does NOT serve any alcohol.

D’Dapor
Address: 7, Lebuh Union, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Hours: 11.00 AM to 10.00 PM (Closed Sundays)

#8 Irama Dining (Malay cuisine)

Irama Dining is a halal restaurant set in a beautiful environment with great ambiance and soft music.

Its famous and Insta-worthy “Lady in Kebaya” mural is as bright and colourful as its delicious Malay dishes.

Most orders are the Kerabu, Seafood, Chicken, Lamb, and Desserts.

Irama Dining is a highly recommended venue for a good lunch in Penang for gatherings, family meals, and team-building lunches.

Irama Dining
Address: 2nd Floor, 2, Penang Street, 10200 George Town, Penang
Hours: noon to11.00 PM

Punjabi Lunch

#9 Sardaarji – Flavours of Punjab (Punjabi cuisine)

You cannot go wrong with Sardaarji’s cheese naans—they are cheesier than the cheesiest lines: Butter Chicken, Briyani, Masala Tea, and Lassi.

Other items to try are the Vindaloos and soft and delicious Paneer.

Sardaarji
6, Lebuh China, 10200 George Town, Penang
Hours: 12.00 PM to 10.00 PM

Michelin Guide

Transfer Road and Hutton Lane

#10 Nasi Padang Minang (Halal)

Nasi Padang Minang has a wide range of Indonesian-style dishes from which you can select.

Most of the time, you’ll probably want to pick everything.

Must order: Don’t forget to try their signature Ikan Cencaru Sumbat, filled to the bursting point with fragrant fried onion and flavors.

Try the rice meal with various curries and dishes cooked fresh and sold out daily.

Nasi Padang Minang
Address: 92, Jalan Transfer, 10050 George Town, Penang
Hours: 11.00 AM – 3.00 PM (Daily)

#11 Fook Cheow Cafe

Fook Cheow Cafe is a Kopitiam between Hutton and Amoy Street and is famous for its delicious Koay Teow Soup among Penangites.

The stall has been in operation since 1980.

The fresh flat rice noodles are cooked in clear soup and topped with duck meat, sliced pork, and homemade white misshapen fish balls. The Koay Teow Soup is perfectly done and flavourful.

Must order: An extra bowl of fishball soup.

Fook Cheow Cafe
Address: 122 I, Jalan Hutton, 10050 George Town, Penang
Hours:7.00 AM to 1.00 PM

#12 Moody Cow Dessert Cafe (Dessert Shop)

Famous for its signature Salted Egg Cheesecake, the cafe has an array of delicious cheesecakes. 

If you have a sweet tooth, you will forgo real food and settle for a cheesecake dessert for lunch in Penang. 

Flavors such as Durian, Cempedak, or Sweet Potato are exotic enough, but what about cheesecake infused with salted egg yolk, black century egg, and fried anchovies?

Must order: Slowly look at the glass case and decide.

Moody Cow Cafe Penang
Address: 170, Jalan Transfer, 10050 George Town, Penang
Hours: 11.00 AM to midnight. Opens Daily

Thai Lunch

#13 Thai Shop (Non-Halal)

If you want to taste Thai street food in George Town, Thai Shop is where you should patronize.

One of their signature dishes is the Moo Ping or Pork Satay. 

Don’t forget to order the Tom Yam because your meal will not be complete.

Thai Shop
Address: 102B, Jalan Hutton, 10050 George Town, Penang
Hours: Noon to 3.00 PM, 6.00 PM to 9:30 PM (Closed Mondays)

Mee Goreng Lunch

#14 Mee Manja CRC @ Larut Cafe (Halal)

Are you looking for Mamak noodles for lunch? Mee Manja CRC serves one of Penang’s best mee goreng and mee rebus.

It is made with fresh yellow noodles.

Mee Manja CRC @ Larut Cafe
Address: 32, Jalan Larut, 10050 George Town, Penang
Hours: 11.00 AM to 6.00 PM (Closed Fridays)

Chinatown Lunch In Penang

There are many Kopitiam Restaurants and eateries to choose from around Chinatown in George Town for Chinese food.

There is an abundance of Penang street food to try.

Chinese Restaurant Lunch

#15 Tho Yuen Restaurant (Non-Halal)

Whether you like Dim Sum, fried noodles, or Chicken Rice, you will love Cantonese-style food cooked with good wok hei.

The fried Char Hor Fun and Fried Bihun are both definite must-order.

Tho Yuen makes their pastries, so give it a try if you can.

Tho Yuen Restaurant
Address: 92 Campbell Street Georgetown, 10100 Penang
Hours: 6.00 AM to 3.00 PM (Closed Tuesdays)

Chicken Rice Lunch

#16 Wen Chang Hainan Chicken Rice (Non-Halal)

Family-run Wen Chang serves authentic Hainanese chicken rice.

The rice itself is highly flavorful and tasty.

You can choose if you’d prefer the poached chicken.

Wen Chang’s roasted chicken is not roasted but deep-fried.

Try an order of their homemade Loh Bak, and Don’t forget to order their signature local coffee as well!

Wen Chang Hainan Chicken Rice
Address: 63, Lebuh Cintra, 10200 George Town, Penang
Hours:11.00 AM to 5.00 PM (Daily)

Malay Lunch

#17 Lagenda House & Cafe (Halal)

Lagenda Cafe serves authentic traditional Malay food – the cafe serves Western cuisine with a touch of the Oriental.

You will find cute condiments on a Congkak board, a traditional childhood game.

Their signature blue rice is cooked with Butterfly Pea flowers

Don’t forget to order a serving of their dessert – the Sago Do-Re-Mi or Banana Bakar is the perfect end to your meal with a hot cuppa coffee.

Cafe Lagenda
Address: 43, Lebuh Campbell, 10200 George Town, Penang
Hours: 11.00 AM to 11.00 PM (Daily)

Cafe Lunch

#18 Yin’s Sourdough Bakery and Cafe

The humble eatery started as a sourdough bakery, offering healthy food made with natural ingredients.

You can order a cuppa and healthy sourdough bread and pastries made using only unbleached flour, water, and salt.

Must order: The Scrambled Egg Foccacia is delicious.

Yin’s Sourdough Bakery and Cafe
Address: 11, Pesara Claimant, 10100 George Town, Penang
Hours: 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM (Closed Wednesdays)

Pulau Tikus

Nyonya Lunch

#19 Flower Mulan Nyonya Café (Non-Halal)

Flower Mulan Nyonya Café has both sets and ala carte meals if you want a hearty lunch in a lovely, calm atmosphere.

A Nyonya restaurant hidden in a flower shop has the most opulent decor.

It is full of flowers – the perfect setting for a romantic dinner or a girlfriend’s lunch.

Flower Mulan Nyonya Cafe
Address: 266 & 268, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Penang
Hours: 10.30 AM to10.30 PM (Closed Wednesday)

Koay Teow Th’ng Lunch 

#20 Seven Village @ Pulau Tikus (Non-Halal)

7 Village is well known for its Homemade and Authentic Traditional Recipe for a light soupy lunch.

There are a few signature dishes you can try.

7 Village Noodle House is famous for its Koay Teow Th’ng (flat rice noodles with specially made broth) and La Mian/ Ramen.

The eatery also serves other delicacies such as Spring Rolls, Loh Bak, De-boned Chicken, Chicken Feet, and Blanched Vegetables.

If you feel puckish, try the traditional Malaysian breakfast staples: Roti Toast/ Toasted Bread and Half-Boiled Eggs.

Seven Village Noodle House
Address: 37, Jalan Cantonment, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Penang
Hours: Daily 8.00 AM – 7.00 PM

Chinese Vegetarian Lunch

#21 Evergreen Vegetarian House (Chinese Vegetarian)

Well-known and popular with the vegetarian community, Evergreen Vegetarian House is a staple for many office workers and homemakers around Pulau Tikus.

The eatery has an extensive buffet with over 30 dishes!

Various veggie curries, fried noodles, dumplings, mock meats, tofu, steam-stuffed bread, noodle soups, and a few prepackaged items exist.

The food has no garlic or onion.

Self-service buffest style: you pick what you like and pay for food by the plate size.

Other items include desserts and local steamed cakes.

Evergreen Vegetarian House
Address: 39 A, Jalan Cantonment, 10250 George Town, Penang
Hours: 8.00 AM – 8.00 PM (Closed Wednesdays)

Nasi Kandar Lunch

#22 Raffe Nasi Kandar Pulau Tikus (Halal)

A must-visit, Raffee is the most delicious nasi kandar in town.

You can choose its marinated fried chicken with white rice and mix the gravy you like.

The popular Mamak hangs out with outdoor seating, presenting rice dishes and curries with halal meat and fish curry.

One of the must-order items is hot from the frying Wok of Fried Chicken.

If you don’t like the curries too sweet, you can ask the staff not to include the sweet sauce and mix all the other gravy.

Good to order is Roti Canai.

It is open 24 hours, and you can have breakfast, lunch, dinner, and supper here.

If you’re pulling an all-nighter in the office in the middle of the night, a Nasi Goreng and their fried chicken make the best combo.

Raffe Nasi Kandar Pulau Tikus
Address: 295-A, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Penang.
Hours: Daily 24 hours.

So Many Places For A Tasty Lunch In Penang

In conclusion, even if you don’t sit at a desk, you should avoid your workspace during lunch, as it will help you clear your mind.

What’s more, if you are on holiday in George Town, where and what would you like to eat for lunch in Penang?

Do let Dory know if there are other places you want to include in this delicious list!

Happy Eating!