Penang, known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” is a Malaysian state located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Renowned for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant street art, and stunning colonial architecture, Penang is also famous for its delicious and diverse street food. From aromatic curries and flavorful noodle dishes to mouthwatering desserts and refreshing beverages, Penang’s culinary scene is a melting pot of flavors and influences that reflect the region’s multicultural heritage and history as a major trading port.
One of the most iconic dishes of Penang is char kway teow, a stir-fried noodle dish made with flat rice noodles, prawns, cockles, Chinese lap cheong (sausage), eggs, bean sprouts, and chives, all cooked together in a wok with soy sauce, chili paste, and belacan (shrimp paste). The dish is known for its smoky flavor and savory-sweet sauce, which is achieved through high heat and careful stir-frying. Char kway teow is a popular street food in Penang, with vendors setting up stalls along busy thoroughfares and night markets, where they cook the noodles to order and serve them piping hot to hungry customers.
Another must-try dish in Penang is laksa, a spicy noodle soup made with rice noodles, fish or shrimp, coconut milk, and a fragrant broth flavored with lemongrass, galangal, and chili paste. There are several variations of laksa in Malaysia, but Penang laksa is unique for its tangy and aromatic broth, which is made from a blend of tamarind, shrimp paste, and aromatic spices. The dish is typically garnished with fresh herbs, such as mint and coriander, as well as shredded cucumber and pineapple, which add a refreshing contrast to the spicy soup. Penang laksa is often enjoyed as a breakfast or brunch dish, with locals flocking to roadside stalls and hawker centers to get their fix of this delicious and comforting soup.
No visit to Penang would be complete without trying nasi kandar, a traditional Malay dish that originated in Penang and has since become popular throughout Malaysia. Nasi kandar consists of steamed rice served with a variety of curries, meats, and vegetables, with diners able to choose their own combination of dishes from a selection laid out buffet-style. The name “nasi kandar” is derived from the Malay words for rice (“nasi”) and carrying pole (“kandar”), as the dish was traditionally sold by vendors who carried large containers of food on wooden poles balanced on their shoulders. Today, nasi kandar restaurants can be found throughout Penang, with some of the most famous establishments located in George Town, where diners can enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal of rice, curry, and condiments.
For dessert, be sure to try Penang’s famous cendol, a sweet and refreshing dessert made with shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and green rice flour jelly noodles known as cendol. The dish is often flavored with pandan leaf extract, which gives it a fragrant and aromatic flavor, and topped with ingredients such as red beans, sweet corn, and grass jelly. Cendol is a popular street food in Penang, with vendors setting up stalls along busy streets and marketplaces, where they serve the dessert in bowls or plastic cups to locals and tourists alike. It’s the perfect treat to cool off on a hot day and satisfy your sweet tooth while exploring the sights and sounds of Penang.
In addition to these iconic dishes, Penang is also home to a wide variety of other street food delights, including roti canai (flaky flatbread served with curry sauce), hokkien mee (prawn noodle soup), and ais kacang (shaved ice dessert topped with various sweet condiments). Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of George Town, sampling snacks at a night market, or dining at a traditional kopitiam (coffee shop), Penang offers a culinary adventure that is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. With its diverse flavors, vibrant colors, and rich cultural heritage, Penang street food is a feast for the senses that is not to be missed.