Penang, often hailed as Malaysia's food capital, is a paradise for food lovers, especially those craving authentic street food. Popular for its crowded and busy hawker culture, Penang offers a culinary adventure unlike any other, where every dish tells a story of heritage and flavor. From the tangy, aromatic Assam Laksa to the smoky, savory Char Kway Teow, the streets of Penang are brimming with mouthwatering delights crafted by generations of skilled hawkers. Beyond just eating, exploring Penang’s street food scene is an immersive cultural experience that reflects the island’s rich history and diverse influences.

Here are top 20 Penang street food you can try when visiting the island and one of the recommended places:

1. Phokes

Phokes is a soft, fluffy cake with its slightly sweet flavor and toppings like chocolate, cheese, or pandan. It's a comforting snack or dessert that evokes a sense of nostalgia. A must-try for those who love homey, flavorful treats.

Sri Rasa Phokes is one of the top places to eat delicious Phokes in Malaysia. You can find them at 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Penang, Malaysia.

2. Penang Assam Laksa

A tangy and spicy noodle soup with a tamarind-based broth, packed with mackerel, lemongrass, chilies and garnished with mint, pineapple, and shrimp paste.

In Malaysia, one of the best places to enjoy this is Ayer Itam Penang Assam Laksa. Located at Jalan Pasar, Paya Terubong, 11500 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

3. Char Kway Teow

Stir-fried flat rice noodles with prawns, cockles, Chinese sausage, eggs, and bean sprouts, cooked over a high flame for a smoky flavor. And the best choice to try it in Penang is Siam Road Charcoal Char Kuey Teow located at 82, Jalan Siam, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

4. Hokkien Mee

A flavorful noodle soup with a spicy prawn and pork broth, served with egg noodles, rice noodles, prawns, sliced pork and sambal. If you’re visiting Penang and want to give it a try, visit 888 Hokkien Mee located at 67-A, Lebuh Presgrave, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

5. Penang Rojak

A Malaysian-style fruit and vegetable salad with a thick, dark prawn paste dressing, sprinkled with crushed peanuts. While there are many delicious Penang Rojak stalls across Penang, you might want to start with the well-known Rojak Ho Wei Jeng (101 Rojak) at Medan Renong, 11, Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

6. Nasi Kandar

Rice served with an array of curries, fried chicken, and sides, offering rich, aromatic flavors. One of the recommended places to try it in Penang is Nasi Kandar Deen Maju. You can savor their signature’s food at 170, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

7. Oyster Omelette

Crispy and savory egg omelet with fresh oysters, paired with tangy chili sauce. This Penang street food is easily found across Penang. If you’re unsure how to start or where to eat, visit one of the well-known ones, consider visiting Seng Thor Coffee Shop at 160, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

8. Char Hor Fun

Flat noodles stir-fried and served in a flavorful egg gravy with seafood and vegetables. Generally, you can find this dish everywhere easily because it is one of Penang’s top street foods. As a start, you can choose Bee Hooi Coffee Shop located at 415, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

9. Loh Bak

Seasoned pork rolls wrapped in bean curd skin, deep-fried until crispy and served with chili and sweet sauces. One of the best places in Penang to have this is Kheng Pin Cafe at 80, Jln Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. When you’re visiting, don’t hesitate to order a mixed platter with a big portion.

10. Penang Chendol

A refreshing dessert made with shaved ice, coconut milk, green rice flour jelly, and palm sugar syrup. Sure, there are many places in Penang that sell this refreshing dish. If you need a recommendation, you can choose Penang Chendul Sunway Carnival located at LG32-33, Lower Ground Floor, 3068, Jalan Todak, Pusat Bandar Seberang, Jaya13700 Seberang Jaya, Penang, Malaysia.

11. Apom Balik

A fluffy pancake stuffed with crushed peanuts, sweet corn, and sugar, perfect for a quick snack. This street food is quite easily found everywhere across the island. However, you want to start with the popular one like Noor Azam Apom Balik located at Lebuh Downing, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

12. Penang White Curry Mee

Noodles in a creamy, spicy white curry broth with tofu, prawns and pig’s blood cubes. You can go to Penang White Curry Noodle Corner located at 23, Lintang Merak, Desa Permai Indah, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. The restaurant has “Never Give Up” in the front, so you can’t mistake it for other places to get the original Penang White Curry Mee.

13. Ban Chang Kueh

Crispy or chewy pancakes filled with crushed peanuts, sugar, and sometimes eggs or bananas. Try the well-known one with Ban Chang Kueh at Ban Chang Kuih Tan Hou Shen located at Solok Moulmein, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

14. Mee Goreng Mamak

Stir-fried yellow noodles with tofu, potatoes, prawns and a spicy, tangy sauce. Enjoy Mee Goreng Mamak at one of the most popular and affordable ones in Penang with Mee Sua Kor And Mee Mamak Goreng located at Kampung Pisang, 11500 Air Itam, Penang, Malaysia.

15. Penang Satay

Skewered and grilled meat served with a rich, nutty peanut sauce. While satay is a common street food in Malaysia, you might want to specifically try Penang Satay while visiting this island. One of the many places you can choose is Secret Satay Penang at TAPAK PENJAJA SEMENTARA (TPS) ,JALAN KEKABU, Jalan Permatang Damar Laut, 11960 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

16. Kuih Talam

A traditional Malay dessert made of two layers: pandan and coconut, offering a sweet and creamy treat. One of the most popular and delicious place to try Kuih Talam in Penang is MamaKuih 妈妈糕 located at 23, Lorong Cengal 3, Taman Cengal, 13400 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. One thing to note, you can only dine in on Wednesday and Sunday.

17. Popiah

Fresh spring rolls filled with shredded turnip, vegetables, and sometimes shrimp or egg. Padang Brown Popiah is one of the best places to try Popiah as it has served for more than 70 years already. You can find this street food at 9, Kampung Tapak, Malaysia.

18. Ice Kacang

A colorful shaved ice dessert topped with syrup, sweet corn, red beans, and jelly. When in Penang, visit Swatow Lane Ice Kacang to experience their tasty and legendary Ice Kacang. Find them at E, 102, 1, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

19. Kerabu Bee Hoon

Tangy and refreshing vermicelli salad with herbs, lime and a spicy kick. To get one of the best Kerabu Bee Hoon in Penang, give a try to the well-known Kerabu Beehoon & Nyonya Kueh from Ri Way at Jln Perak, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. One thing to note, they only open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

20. Duck Egg Char Kway Teow

A richer version of the classic dish, using duck eggs for an extra creamy and flavorful touch. You might want to try this delicious dish in one of the well-known places in Penang. All you need is heading to Ah Shen Presgrave St Famous Duck Egg Char Koay Teow at 67B, Lebuh Presgrave, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

Before visiting Penang for the street food, get to know more about this island properly with few tips:

1. Carry Small Cash

While cards and e-wallets are widely accepted, you'll still need Malaysian cash when visiting local street food stalls, small souvenir shops, or roadside vendors selling drinks.

2. Plan Around the Weather

Penang can be hot and humid, so wear breathable clothes, sunscreen, and stay hydrated. Rain showers are common in the afternoon, so carry an umbrella or plan indoor activities like museums during that time.

3. Use Public Transport or Walk

Exploring George Town is best done on foot or by cycling to fully appreciate its street art and colonial charm. Alternatively, use the affordable and efficient Rapid Penang buses to navigate the island.

4. Respect Local Customs

While Penang is tourist-friendly, it’s good to observe local etiquette. Dress modestly when visiting temples and remove your shoes before entering.

5. Time Your Visit for Festivals

Penang hosts lively events like the George Town Festival and Thaipusam. Plan your trip around these celebrations for a cultural experience, but book accommodations early as demand soars during festival seasons.

The key to a perfect trip is not only finding good food, but also comfortable accommodation to rest and other fun activities to make your whole trip complete. So, here are some recommendation to consider:

Hotels near street food places will be a better choice because you don’t have to worry much about transportation. Here are 5 recommendations you can pick:

1. Armenian Street Heritage Hotel

Generally located in a strategic location and surrounded by various museums, this affordable 3-star hotel is located only 550 m from Jetty Food Court. As one of the best and famous food courts in Penang, this food court is famous for its wan tan mee or wonton noodle menu.

2. WOW Hotel Penang

This luxurious 3-star hotel is located 1 km from Cecil Street Food Court. This place is popular for being a tourist's choice for breakfast. There are so many options, but you might be interested in the top picks. One of the most recommended menus is curry puffs and wan tan mee. The hotel is also near many museums and places to shop for souvenirs and gifts.

3. 118 Hotel Macalister

The affordable 2-star hotel is only 30 m from New Lane Hawker Centre. So, you can come to one of the famous street foods in Penang by only walking from your accommodation within a short distance. Some of the recommended menus are Oyster Omelette, Char Kuey Teow and various other menus.

4. Tropics Eight Suites

This is a good 3-star hotel if you want to stay in an accommodation near Goodall Food Court because the distance is only 360 m. When visiting this food court, make sure to try their signature Lok Lok Satay. It’s one of popular Malaysian street foods where various skewered ingredients, such as meat, seafood and vegetables, are served on sticks and then boiled or deep-fried. The ingredients are typically dipped into hot water or oil for cooking. Once it’s ready, they are dipped in flavorful sauces, often peanut or chili sauce, for added taste.

5. The Journey Hotel

With an affordable price, this 3-star hotel is located in a strategic area. The hotel is 850 m from Golden City Restaurant Mee Jawa & Loh Mee, one of the popular places to experience Penang street food. Just like the name, their signature dishes are Chinese Mee Jawa Goreng or Rebus, wanton mee, Loh Mee and Hokkien Mee.

Penang has something for everyone, with a variety of activities to enjoy. Whether you're into outdoor adventures, historical sites, museums, beaches, or amusement parks, there's plenty to choose from. If you're unsure where to start, here are some suggestions:

1. Ride the Penang Hill Funicular Train

Take a funicular train ride up Penang Hill for breathtaking views of the island. At the top, you’ll find cool weather, historical sites like The Habitat and a Skywalk with panoramic vistas. It's a thrilling yet relaxing journey, providing visitors with an opportunity to admire the lush greenery and the stunning landscape.

2. Visit Kek Lok Si Temple

This iconic Buddhist temple in Air Itam is one of the largest in Southeast Asia. It features stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and an impressive seven-story pagoda, offering breathtaking views of Penang.

3. Discover the Penang National Park

For nature enthusiasts, this park offers various trails, secluded beaches and wildlife. It’s a perfect escape into the natural beauty of Penang, where you can go hiking, take a boat ride, or simply enjoy the peace and serenity. For a more adventurous experience, you can take a boat ride to Monkey Beach, a beautiful, remote spot where you can relax or enjoy swimming and water sports.

4. Wonderfood Museum

When you’re visiting Penang for street food, make your trip complete by visiting this museum. It’s dedicated to Malaysia’s local food, featuring over 100 popular street foods and traditional dishes. Explore life-sized food replicas in the Wow Zone and discover how certain dishes can negatively impact the environment.

5. Magic World Penang

Explore Magic World Penang, a fun-filled destination perfect for the entire family. Challenge yourself in the mirror maze and see if you can find your way out. With 12 rooms featuring various optical illusion themes, there's plenty to discover. Join the iconic characters, Weewee and Waawaa, as they guide you through exciting challenges. Bring the whole family for a memorable day of adventure and entertainment.When planning your trip, make it easy and stress-free by using Traveloka for all your travel needs. Whether you’re booking accommodation, flights, airport transfers, or exciting activities, Traveloka offers a seamless experience with great deals and secure payment options. With its user-friendly platform, you can compare prices, find the best offers, and book everything in one place, saving you time and effort.