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Penang Must Eat Food: A Local Foodie’s Guide You Can’t Miss
Hop In The Car · 1 August 2025
When it comes to food, Penang is a paradise for food lovers. This island is known as the food capital of Malaysia for good reason. With a rich blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan influences, every bite tells a story. Whether you're planning your first visit or coming back for more, here’s your ultimate Penang must eat food guide, all the top dishes and where to find them.
01. Char Koay Teow
A must eat in Penang, this smoky stir-fried flat noodle dish comes with prawns, cockles, egg, bean sprouts and Chinese sausage.
📍 Where to try: Siam Road Char Koay Teow, Lorong Selamat Char Koay Teow
02. Penang Asam Laksa
Ranked among the world’s best soups by CNN, this tangy, spicy noodle soup made with mackerel fish broth is both refreshing and addictive.
📍 Where to try: Pasar Air Itam Laksa, Wan Dao Tou Asam Laksa
03. Hokkien Mee (Prawn Mee)
Spicy prawn-based soup served with yellow noodles and rice vermicelli, topped with sliced pork, prawns, and boiled egg.
📍 Where to try: Bridge Street Prawn Noodle, 888 Hokkien Mee
04. Nasi Kandar
Originating from Penang, this dish features steamed rice served with a variety of rich curries and fried chicken or seafood.
📍 Where to try: Line Clear Nasi Kandar, Hameediyah Restaurant
05. Penang Rojak
A local fruit and vegetable salad tossed in thick shrimp paste, sugar, lime and crushed peanuts — sweet, sour, and savoury in one.
📍 Where to try: Hock Seng Rojak King, Rojak Ho Wei Jeng (101 Rojak)
06. Cendol
Perfect for hot weather, this dessert is made with shaved ice, coconut milk, pandan jelly, and gula Melaka.
📍 Where to try: Penang Road Famous Teochew Cendol
07. Penang White Curry Mee
Creamy, fragrant curry soup with tofu puffs, cuttlefish, and cockles — with the famous white base turned red by sambal paste.
📍 Where to try: Hot Bowl White Curry Mee, Air Itam Sister Curry Mee
08. Duck Kway Chap (Koey Teow Theng)
Flat broad rice noodles in herbal duck broth with braised egg, pork, and innards — a hearty street food gem.
📍 Where to try: Kimberly Street Duck Kway Chap, 113 Duck Meat Koey Teow Theng
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