Published: Jan 7, 2023 | Updated: Feb 2, 2026
Originally published in 2023 as a Top 7 guide. Two stalls have since closed or moved, and could not be verified; this updated 2026 version features the top 5 currently operating Mee Sotong stalls in Penang.
A classic plate of Mee Sotong in Penang, spicy, sweet, and messy in the best way.
Mee Sotong in Penang is one of those dishes that makes your taste buds sit up and take notice. The Mamak-style noodles are messy, bold, and absolutely irresistible, with yellow noodles, cuttlefish, and a fragrant, fiery gravy.
That’s the magic of “sotong”—sweet, tangy, with just the right kick, especially when brightened with a squeeze of lime.
It’s exactly the kind of mee goreng meal you’ll crave again and again.
You’ll find Mee Sotong at Mamak stalls and Indian Muslim restaurants all over Malaysia. For the full sensory experience, with queue tips and all the details, check out my guide to Hameed Pata Mee Sotong at Padang Kota Lama.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Heads-up: this stall is popular, so you might have to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it.
A plate ranges from RM6 (small) to RM9 (large), which is basically a steal for the flavor explosion you’re about to get.
If it’s your first time, look for stalls proudly advertising “Mee Sotong.”
And if you’ve got a stall you swear by that we didn’t include, shout it out in the comments—SmartDory loves a good tip.
Beyond Mee Sotong: Mee Rebus and Pasembur
At most Mamak stalls, Mee Sotong shares the menu with Mee Rebus and Pasembur.
Mee Rebus noodles swim in a sweet potato-based gravy topped with eggs and tofu, while Pasembur delivers crunchy veggies with a spicy peanut-chili-tamarind sauce.
But let’s be honest. Mee Sotong steals the show with its reddish noodles, tender cuttlefish, and bold, messy flavors.
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SmartDory’s Top 5 Must-Eat Mee Sotong in Penang
If you’re craving bold, spicy, and utterly satisfying Mee Sotong in Penang, these five stalls are your go-to. Each spot has its own twist on this local favorite, serving noodles with tender cuttlefish, fiery sambal, and flavor-packed gravy.
Hameed Pata Mee Goreng
A vibrant plate of Mee Sotong, showcasing Penang’s signature stir-fried noodles with squid in a spicy, reddish sauce.
A vibrant plate of Mee Sotong, showcasing Penang’s signature stir-fried noodles with squid in a spicy, reddish sauce.
Hameed Pata Mee Goreng is famed for serving one of Penang’s best mee goreng dishes—a must-try and editor’s favorite.
Hameed Pata Mee Goreng
Astaka Kota Selera, Padang Kota Lama, Penang
Hours: 11:30am – 8:00pm (Monday – Saturday)
Closed Sunday
Kassim Special Mee Sotong
Try the Kassim Special Mee Sotong with a unique cheesy twist that’s sure to satisfy! A must-try for bold flavor seekers.
Kassim Special Mee Sotong
Lavender Food Court, Lintang Sungai Ara 9, Sungai Ara, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang
Hours: 9:00am – 8:00pm (Monday – Sunday)
Ali Mee Sotong Mamak
For almost 50 years, Ali Mee Sotong Mamak has thrilled taste buds with its legendary mee goreng, mee rebus, pasembur, and cucur udang.
Consistently rated for quality and flavor—an iconic Penang gem.
Ali Mee Sotong Mamak
Klinik Kesihatan Air Hitam, Bukit Bendera, Penang
Hours: 1:00pm – 7:00pm (Monday – Sunday)
Noor Mee Sotong
Noor Mee Sotong in Butterworth is a local legend, serving up flavorful mee goreng, mee rebus, and Pasembur. Known for its quick service, clean setting, and affordable prices.
Noor Mee Sotong
3111, Bagan Luar, Butterworth
Hours: 6:00am – 10:30pm (Monday – Sunday)
Mee Sotong Ina
Savor the bold, authentic flavors of Mee Sotong Ina’s signature RM6 mee goreng sotong—spicy, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
Not too dry, not too wet. Almost 10 out of 10!
No need to head to George Town; this local favorite in Bayan Baru hits the spot. Convenient TnGo e-Wallet payment available.
Mee Sotong Ina
Kompleks Sri Selera Bayan Baru, Bayan Lepas, Penang
Hours: 11:00am – 8:00pm (Monday – Saturday)
Closed Sunday
Have a favorite Mee Sotong in Penang that we didn’t include? Drop a comment—we’d love to hear your tips!
Thanks for reading, and happy eating.
Coming soon: our full list of 34 must-visit food spots in Penang!
Blog Disclaimer: This guide is based on our own experience and research. No free meals or perks were received for featuring these stalls. Some photos are sourced from the eateries’ Google My Business pages to give you a real sense of the dishes and support local businesses.
Hi ..maybe the SEENI MEE SOTONG IS BEST FOR ME IN PENANG EVER BUT THE ADDRESS IS DIFFRENT ….LATEST OUTLET AT SRI WELD FOOD COURT , BEACH STREET, 11500, GEORGETOWN,PENANG
9AM TO 5PM
0123037400/0164942988