Best Halal Food Penang: Muslim Food Guide for 2025

Many visitors come to Penang hunting for the best halal food Penang is famous for. And honestly, it’s a foodie paradise.

Updated 15 August 2025

The island side draws Nasi Kandar fans and enthusiasts of the legendary Penang Char Koay Teow.

You’ll find a spread of halal-friendly dishes bursting with authentic local flair.

Halal Food Penang Paradise

Finding halal food in Penang can feel overwhelming—there’s just so much, and the top spots are scattered all over the island.

Don’t worry.

We’ve done the legwork and put together this guide to the best halal eateries you need to check out.

Think breakfasts, snacks, brunches, lunches, teas, dinners, and even late-night suppers if you’re ambitious.

For a proper food tour, a 3-day, 2-night trip is perfect.

We’ve organized our list by categories to make it easier:

• Nasi Lemak
• Roti Canai
• Roti Bakar
• Char Koay Teow
• Assam Laksa
• Nasi Padang
• Nasi Campur
• Mee Sotong
• Mee Udang
• Nasi Kandar
• Pasembur Rojak
• Malay & Western Fusion
• Tandoori Chicken
• Sup Tulang

Yes, it’s a mouthful—but that’s Penang for you.

For breakfast, everyone loves a crispy Roti Canai or fragrant Nasi Lemak.

The best hangouts are the local warungs, where you can pair your roti with a foamy Teh Tarik.

Queues at famous stalls can be long, so don’t be afraid to explore hidden gems where the locals go.

Let’s start with rice for breakfast and work our way through Penang’s halal food paradise.

Breakfast & Morning Favorites

Start your day the Penang way with halal breakfast delights.

From fragrant Nasi Lemak and crispy Roti Canai to sweet, buttery Roti Bakar and creative Roti Bakar Kacang Phool, each dish is a morning treat.

Perfect for fueling a day of exploring the island’s vibrant food scene.

Nasi Lemak

If you drop by a local warung, you’ll spot it right away!

It’s a pyramid-shaped bundle wrapped in banana leaves.

That’s the national breakfast—the Nasi Lemak.

Absolutely simple, and yes, Malaysians eat rice for breakfast!

Fragrant rice, a wedge of hard-boiled egg, crunchy anchovies bathed in a sweet-savory sauce, and a sliver of cucumber.

Feeling fancy? Go for the upgraded version with a golden sunny-side-up egg and a crispy chicken drumstick.

Suddenly, breakfast feels like a celebration.

There are two stalls you can’t miss. One proudly made it into the MICHELIN Guide—perfect if you like Instagrammable foodie fame.

The other is a beloved local haunt along busy Jalan Dato Keramat, where queues are long and locals are loyal.

Pro tip: respect the sambal 🌶️. A dab if you’re timid, a generous scoop if you like your taste buds dancing.

• Ali Nasi Lemak Daun Pisang – View on Google Maps
• Nasi Lemak Ciksue – View on Google Maps

Roti Canai

Roti Canai, is an Indian flatbread served with dhal curry.

The best way to enjoy this crowd-pleaser? Straight from the griddle, hot and fresh.

Some crispy bits are inevitable—that’s the magic, giving each bite a delightful crunch.

Roti Canai is simple, but don’t let that fool you.

There are plenty of exciting twists these days.

One standout is the Roti Canai Sarang Burung, or “bird’s nest” version.

Here, the dough is rolled into a ring, pan-grilled, and topped with two sunny-side-up eggs.

Next, chopped spring onions and a savory minced meat topping—chicken or beef—join the party.

It’s not just delicious—it’s a feast for the eyes.

A single glance at this presentation is enough to make anyone reach for their phone… before diving in.

• Roti Canai Transfer Road – View on Google Maps
• Roti Canai Gemas Road – View on Google Maps
• Gerai Roti Canai Abah – View on Google Maps

Roti Bakar

While Penang has embraced bagels, croissants, and French toast, the humble Roti Bakar still shines.

Simple, comforting, and nostalgic, it’s a childhood favorite that never goes out of style.

The classic?

Thick bread, charred just right, slathered with butter and kaya (coconut jam), served with half-boiled eggs.

Perfect for breakfast, a quick snack, or a late-night bite.

For extra flair, head to Abu Mamak.

Think cheese, sausages, runny eggs, sauces, and mayo on hot toast.

Lively, casual, and packed with buttery, gooey, crunchy goodness!

It’s a local favorite for night owls and food adventurers alike.

• Abu Mamak – View on Google Maps

Roti Bakar Kacang Phool

Roti Bakar Kacang Phool is a fresh twist on the local favorite.

Inspired by Egyptian ful medammas, this Malaysian version uses broad beans in a flavorful stew.

At Nazzeeras, thick-cut toast comes topped with butter, curry, beans, and a sunny-side-up egg.

Generous enough for two, it’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for breakfast.

Nearby hawker complexes keep prices friendly, making it a delicious, wallet-wise start to the day.

• Nazzeeras’ Roti Bakar – View on Google Maps

Iconic Noodles & Soups

Penang’s noodle and soup dishes are legendary, offering a comforting and flavorful experience.

From the spicy Mee Sotong and fresh Mee Udang to the tangy Penang Assam Laksa and rich Sup Tulang, each bowl is a feast of textures and aromas.

Perfect for a halal food adventure any time of day.

Penang Char Koay Teow

Penang Char Koay Teow shines at Bee Hwa Cafe, our top halal Chinese pick.

This traditional kopitiam has been serving up halal Hainanese favorites for decades.

Craving Curry Mee, Penang Hokkien Mee, or the iconic Char Koay Teow?

Bee Hwa delivers all that with authentic flavors, wok hei, and generous portions.

Another contender is Kopitiam 7 Pagi, also known for its tasty halal Char Koay Teow.

Both spots are must-visits for halal food in Penang.

• Bee Hwa Cafe – View on Google Maps
• Kopitiam 7 Pagi – View on Google Maps

Penang Assam Laksa

Take a short trip to the peaceful southwest of Penang Island and visit Laksa Janggus, famed for the best Malay laksa in town.

This stall, serving halal food for over 25 years, offers bowls of laksa noodles with tender fish that are pure comfort.

For visitors, trying Malaysia’s regional laksa varieties is a must.

• Laksa Janggus – View on Google Maps

Mee Sotong

Stop by Hameed Pata Mee Sotong at Esplanade Park Food Court for the island’s best mee sotong.

A plate of fried noodles with fresh sambal squid costs just RM7.

Sweet, slightly spicy, and perfect with a refreshing coconut shake from the next stall.

• Hameed Pata Mee Sotong – View on Google Maps

Mee Udang

Hidden on a corner in Teluk Kumbar, Pak Tam Mee Udang offers a peaceful spot with sea breezes and greenery.

Their Mee Udang with sotong is just RM15—a small price for a flavorful, satisfying dish that keeps locals coming back for more.

• Pak Tam Mee Udang – View on Google Maps

Sup Tulang

If you love hearty soups, Penang Sup Tulang is a must-try.

These rich bone broths, made with chicken, mutton, beef, oxtail, or torpedo, are packed with flavor and local charm.

Served with Roti Bangali, they’re nourishing, aromatic, and perfect for awakening your taste buds with every savory bite.

• Sup Hameed – View on Google Maps

Rice & Hearty Meals

Penang’s rice dishes are more than just meals—they’re a celebration of flavor and tradition.

From Nasi Campur to Nasi Kandar and Nasi Padang, each plate is packed with aromatic rice, savory curries, and fresh sides.

Every bite tells a story, making these hearty meals a must-try for halal food lovers exploring the island.

Nasi Kandar

Deens Maju Nasi Kandar is worth every minute of your wait in the sun.

Famous for its vibrant plates of rice piled high with meats, curries, and spicy sambal, it’s a favorite with both locals and visitors.

The queue moves fast, so your plate arrives in no time.

Another classic is Hameediyah Restaurant, a century-old institution and one of Penang’s oldest nasi kandar spots.

Their specialties include Ayam Kapitan, Beef Rendang, Mutton Kurma, and Duck Curry.

Both eateries offer a true taste of Penang’s rich halal culinary heritage, making them must-visit stops for any food adventure.

• Deens Maju Nasi Kandar – View on Google Maps
• Hameediyah Restaurant – View on Google Maps

Nasi Campur

The Nasi Melayu Masjid Terapung, also known as Nasi Melayu Lidiana, sits opposite Penang’s floating mosque.

This halal-friendly stall goes beyond the usual rice stand, serving an array of dishes.

Expect ulam, kerabu, curries, fried fish, and prawns, making every meal a flavorful local experience.

Cargas Cafe in Bayan Lepas is a top spot for fresh Nasi Campur Penang-style.

Popular dishes include fried chicken, stingray gulai, fish curry, and sambal belacan.

Seats fill up fast, so book ahead to skip the wait.

• Nasi Melayu Lidiana – View on Google Maps
• Cargas Cafe – View on Google Maps

Nasi Padang

Another local favorite is Nasi Padang Minang Kedai Kopi International Hotel on Transfer Road.

This halal-friendly spot serves homemade Minang dishes and steamed Padang rice in authentic Indonesian style.

Lunchtime gets very busy.

So arrive early to grab a seat and enjoy the bold, comforting flavors of Minangkabau cuisine.

• Nasi Padang Internasional – View on Google Maps

Street Food & Snacks

No visit to Penang is complete without sampling its iconic street snacks.

Pasembur Rojak

Kareem Pasembur Rojak is a streetside favorite for Pasembur lovers.

Pile your plate with fried prawn crackers, fish cakes, tofu, squid, and more.

Then drizzle the thick, homemade spicy sauce for a flavorful, affordable feast that delights every time.

• Kareem Pasembur Rojak – View on Google Maps

Fusion & Specialty Eats

Malay & Western Fusion

Savor modern twists on traditional Malay dishes at Lagenda House and Cafe, a tribute to Penang’s legendary P. Ramlee.

Enjoy fusion flavors while listening to his iconic tunes.

Don’t miss the Banana Bakar, Indonesian Gado-Gado, and their signature rice sets served on congkak game boards.

• Lagenda House & Cafe – View on Google Maps

Tandoori Chicken & Claypot Briyani

Along bustling Chulia Street, stop by Restoran Kapitan for succulent, perfectly roasted Tandoori Chicken.

This halal Indian favorite also shines with its flavorful Clay Pot Chicken Biryani, a must-try for anyone craving rich, aromatic spices.

• Restoran Kapitan (Chulia Street) – View on Google Maps
• Restoran Karaikudi Chettiar – View on Google Maps
• Restoran Jaya AGD – View on Google Maps

Find the Best Halal Restaurants Near You

Penang is full of halal gems, from bustling hawker stalls to hidden restaurants.

Check local maps or ask vendors for their favorites—you’ll discover dishes that stick in your memory long after the last bite.

Conclusion

Penang is a halal food paradise.

Start with Nasi Lemak, end with Sup Tulang, and taste it all in between.

Share this guide with friends and invite them to explore the city’s vibrant flavors—because the best memories are made around a table of amazing food.