Article was first published on PenangFoodie.com
Good day, foodies! Are you new to Penang or just a local looking for some “where-to-eat” ideas? This is that guide you guys might be looking for. Without further ado, let’s dive into some of the best street food in Penang.
#1 Siam Road Char Koay Teow
Char koay teow best represents Penang, it’s the one food you must try out when visiting the island. While there are tonnes of char koay teow stalls spread across the island, one has to agree on Siam Road Char Koay Teow being the best. Helmed by father-son duo, be prepared to queue for at least 30minutes, given if you’re lucky. That plate of flat rice noodle stir fried in wok hei, with cockles, pork lard, bean sprouts, chili and more will make your knees weak. Tip: Go for medium even if you have a small appetite.
Address: 82, Jalan Siam, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 12 p.m.-5 p.m. (Closed on Sundays& Mondays)
#2 Hameed Pata Mee Sotong
This plate of mee goreng is a delight to the taste buds. Nestled in the food court behind Fort Cornwallis, they’re known for nothing but Hameed Pata Mee Sotong. Notice the long line formed vertically in front of the stall, that’s where you queue for your order. That vibrant plate of noodles fried in their special gravy and squid tantalizes your palate like no other. Don’t forget to pair it with coconut shake for the best experience.
Address: 5, Explanade park, Lebuh Light, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang.
Operating Hour: 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. (Closed on Sundays)
#3 Deen Maju Nasi Kandar
Local’s all-time favourite, set in Gurdwara Road is the never-not-queuing Nasi Kandar Deen Maju. Deen opens its door in the afternoon and the business never stops. Ever seen about hundred people queuing under the hot sun in the afternoon for nasi kandar? Head over to Deen to find out. No worries as the service is fast where your plate could be done within seconds upon ordering.
Don’t miss out their fried chicken and ayam ros, the fried chicken is well marinated and the skin is so crispy and juicy. Ayam ros has a unique curry flavor with a tinge of tomato, the curry is so thick and creamy. You don’t have to mention “banjir” to get your plate “banjir-ed.” This nasi kandar in Penang is definitely Penang Foodie approved.
Address: 170, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 2 p.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)
#4 Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendol
From a small pushcart to having multiple outlets even in Klang, we need no further elaboration on Penang Road Famous Teochew Cendol. Just as the name suggests, almost every cendol experience begins here. Get your bowl of cendol in no time upon ordering. The flavors, the combination is there, though we thought portion is relatively small. They’ve expanded the coffee shop to accommodate more people, but still, if you want a more authentic experience, sipping your bowl of gula melaka (brown sugar) drenched shave ice by the road under the sun would be best.
Address: Jalan Penang, 27 & 29, Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. (Daily)
#5 Hameediyah Nasi Kandar
Known to be the oldest nasi kandar in Penang, you know Hameediyah definitely won’t disappoint. Different from other nasi kandar stalls which lacks of hygiene, Hameediyah is clean and air-conditioned and the staffs are really friendly and welcoming. Walk into the restaurant to be fascinated by the wide selection of dishes. Some of the must-try would be the ayam kapitan, mutton kurma and beef rendang. All are so flavourful, packed with spices and well marinated to achieve that tender, juicy meat. Forget about white rice and opt of nasi briyani instead, they’re so good there’s no going back.
Address: 164, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (Fri) 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 3-10 p.m.
#6 Transfer Road Roti Canai
Another legendary place for roti canai in the morning, Tune Hotels recommends nothing but some of the best street food in Penang. Known for its classic roti canai drenched in curry, with a side of huge chicken thigh and sunny side up. Mix everything together for that sinful satisfaction, creamy and fragrant. Located just right by the road, seats are limited so get there early to avoid disappointment.
Address: 114, 110, Jalan Transfer, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 7 a.m.-12 p.m. (Daily)
#7 Bee Hwa Kopitiam
Our Muslim friends, we understand the struggle of not getting to try out some of our best street food. Head over Bee Hwa Kopitiam as they serve some seriously good Muslim-friendly char koay teow and curry mee that are as good as the non-Halal version. Best recommended by Tune Hotels, the crowd can be a little overwhelming during peak hours. We’ve tried some of the local fares here and must say, Bee Hwa is Penang Foodie approved.
Address: 10, Lebuh Dickens, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. (Closed on Sundays)
#8 Ali Nasi Lemak
Known to be the best nasi lemak in Penang, Ali Nasi Lemak truly lives up to its name. The crowd never stops since the beginning of their operation. You can see how they prepare your favourite nasi lemak from scratch. Rows of fragrant steamy rice waiting for the sambal to be poured over. you’ll get an eyegasm just by looking at it. They have different flavours to choose from, but we suggest sticking to the classic. Who knew a small packet of nasi lemak could bring so much happiness?
Address: Sri Weld Food Court, Beach St, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 7 a.m.-4 p.m. (Tues-Fri)
#9 888 Hokkien Mee
Undeniably one of the best hokkien mee served on the island, 888 Hokkien Mee used to be local-famous before being noticed by the tourists. Think thick, aromatic prawn broth that is vibrant in colour. Paired with a mixture of yelllow noodles and vermicelli, topped with shrimp, egg, pork, chilli paste and more. That bowl of piping hot noodle is perfect under the gloomy weather these days. Note: they now operate in a self-service manner, so beware of that.
Address: 67-A, Lebuh Presgrave, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 4:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. (Closed on Wednesdays&Thursdays)
#10 Toh Soon
What used to be a humble stall set in the alley has now gained quite an attention especially from tourists lately. Serving none other than their classic egg and toast, where white fluffy bread is toasted over flaming charcoal, the traditional method. Their business has bloomed in such unexpected manner that Toh Soon now opens a new branch just to accommodate the crowd.
Address: Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Closed on Sundays)
2nd Branch: 37, Bishop Street, 10200 Georgetown, Penang.
Operating Hour: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Closed on Mondays)
We bet you guys are drooling on your screen, better save this list up quick and share it to your friends before they’re gone. Stay closer to awesome George Town street food, book your comfortable stay at Tune Hotels now. You can even enjoy discounts at selected food outlets across Penang when you flash your room keycard. Click here for the full list of outlets.