Here are 7 must-try dishes in Penang.
If you’re visiting George Town for the first time, one question always comes up: “What to eat in Penang?”
Even locals still ask each other, “What to eat ah?”
As Malaysia’s food capital, Penang has an amazing reputation.
Both tourists and locals say Penang local food tastes better.
Penang’s food scene is a vibrant fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Nyonya influences.
Visitors face an exciting, flavorful challenge in deciding where to begin.
The island is a paradise for food lovers.
It is packed with Must Try Dishes in Penang, featuring iconic hawker delights on every corner.
Ask the locals, and you’ll discover hidden gems.
They promise an unforgettable culinary experience and next-level taste.
What to Eat in Penang?
On a quick visit or a longer stay, these dishes are a must.
Try Penang’s 7 iconic foods for an unforgettable taste!
Contents
Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak is Malaysia’s unofficial national dish.
Simple, fragrant, and full of soul.
It starts with rice cooked in coconut milk, often wrapped in banana leaves like a little gift.
On the side?
Sambal, crispy anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, and a boiled egg.
It’s sweet, spicy, crunchy, and creamy—all in one bite.
Some go classic.
Others level up with rendang or fried chicken.
Either way, Nasi Lemak is the breakfast that fuels Malaysia.
Nasi Kandar
Nasi Kandar is Penang comfort food at its boldest. Steamed rice drowned in rich, spicy curries.
Pick your protein—beef, mutton, fried chicken, squid, crab, or fish—then let the curry flood your plate.
It’s messy, fiery. It’s pure flavor.
The magic?
Mixing multiple curries for that signature hit of heat, spice, and creaminess.
With over 100 Nasi Kandar spots across Penang, you’re never far from a good plate.
Image: Nasi Kandar Kampung Melayu
Penang Char Kway Teow
Char Kway Teow is Penang on a plate.
Smoky, rich, and packed with flavor.
Flat rice noodles are flash-fried over blazing heat to lock in that famous wok hei.
You get prawns, Chinese sausage, eggs, bean sprouts, and chives—all tossed in seconds.
A little chili, or a lot, gives it that perfect kick.
It’s messy, greasy, and insanely good.
A true Malaysian hawker classic.
Image: Barefoot Char Koay Teow
Roti Canai
Roti canai is crispy, flaky, and buttery.
Cooked fresh on a hot griddle, it’s best eaten right off the pan.
You’ll find it at almost every Mamak stall in Malaysia.
It’s the go-to breakfast for a reason.
Tear it, dip it in curry, sprinkle some sugar, or just eat it plain.
It’s all good.
Feeling extra? Add a sunny-side-up egg on top. Or go big with chicken curry, beef curry, and a scoop of dhal.
One bite and you’ll get it.
Roti canai is not just breakfast. It’s an addiction.
Image: Roti Canai and Apom
Penang Assam Laksa
Penang Assam Laksa is bold, sour, spicy—and totally unforgettable.
Thick rice noodles swim in a tangy fish broth that hits hard in the best way.
It’s topped with fresh cucumber, mint, onions, and pineapple for crunch and contrast.
A spoonful of heko (prawn paste) takes the umami to the next level.
No surprise it made CNN’s World’s 50 Best Foods. This is Penang in a bowl.
Image: Wan Dao Tou Assam Laksa
Mee Goreng Mamak
Mee Goreng means fried noodles—but it’s so much more than that.
This Indian-Mamak classic hits spicy, tangy, savory, and sweet all at once.
The noodles are stir-fried in a rich, tomato-based sauce with tofu, soft potatoes, and crispy prawn fritters (cucur udang).
Topped with fresh lettuce, fried shallots, and a squeeze of lime—it’s a straight-up flavor bomb.
For extra kick, try Mee Sotong, loaded with umami from dried squid.
It’s messy, satisfying, and a must-eat when you’re in Penang.
Image: Althaf Mee Goreng Mamak
Penang Hokkien Mee
Penang Hokkien Mee is all about that deep, spicy prawn broth—bold, rich, and packed with umami.
Cooks boil shrimp heads, shells, and pork bones for hours to get that signature flavor.
In the bowl, you’ll find yellow noodles mixed with rice noodles, soaking up all that broth.
Toppings? Prawns, pork slices, hard-boiled egg, and if you’re lucky, melt-off-the-bone pork ribs.
A spoonful of crispy shallots and garlic-vinegar sauce brings it all together.
Chili paste on the side lets you crank the heat as you like it.
Some stalls also serve a version with thick, dark gravy—Lor Mee—for a whole different vibe.
These seven Must-Try Dishes in Penang showcase the island’s multicultural food heritage.
Each dish reflects Penang’s rich culinary traditions.
Looking for more local favorites? Check out our full guide on What to Eat in Penang and discover all the must-try dishes.
Get ready to savor the best of Penang Local Food!
