Hailing food from multiple ethnicities, especially from the Malays and Chinese, Penang is known for its delicious street food. While the stalls recommended below may not come with air-conditioning and pristine clean settings, all it takes is one bite from their dishes to be addicted. These are the 7 must-eat delicacies that you will revisit Penang for over and over again.
Porridge
Why am I recommending porridge when I promised you an article of flavor? As simple as porridge is, it is quite difficult to find a stall which makes it gratifyingly good with side dishes that make plain old rice tasty. Looking to have a taste of porridge that has just the right consistency — not too watery or creamy? Head on down to Chok Kee Porridge Cafe or Tai Buan Porridge. Their dishes add that tinge of saltiness without overwhelming the senses. Some call porridge comfort food so do check out these stalls below when you are tired from feasting on the other dishes in this article.
Char Kway Teow
Smooth noodles with that smoked wok flavor topped with freshly fried prawns and duck eggs to give that extra texture can be found in Penang. Yes, they still stick to the traditional way of cooking it in a wok over charcoal fire unlike how some have turned to gas stove here. Not sure where to go? Consider stopping by Siam Road Char Kway Teow, Sisters Char Kway Teow or Cecil Street Char Kway Teow.
Laksa
Imagine thick, sweet, and spicy gravy poured over chewy white wheat noodles, topped with coriander leaves. With mint and fish added to the mix, Air Itam Laksa packs a punch. If you prefer the coconut milk soup based version, however, head to Kim Laksa for that ‘ocean’ taste craving. Don’t know where to start? Pick from Air Itam Laksa, Kim Laksa Balik Pulau or Penang Road Laksa!
Oyster Omelet
If you did not manage to get enough of seafood from having laksa, you may want to have an oyster omelet. Originating from China, the dish is a local favorite with its fluffy egg, crisp at the edges, and the oysters fresh, plumb, and juicy. Have a taste at Kedai Kopi Seng Thor, Kuta Bali Cafe or Kafe St. Loo!
Chendol
After having all of the savory goodness above, you may be interested in balancing it out with a sweet treat. Soft red beans and long green jellies over shaved ice with gula melaka syrup would make the perfect indulgence on a hot day. You can indulge in the best chendol in town from either Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul or Tony’s Ice Kacang & Cendol!
Hokkien Mee
Now that you have balanced the palate, we can tease the spice buds with Penang’s style Hokkien Mee. Distinct from Singapore’s version, Penang’s version has a highly addictive soup made from boiling prawn shells with samba. It’s served with yellow noodles, pork rib meat, and eggs. Feast into some delicious hokkien mee at 888 Hokkien Mee, Hokkien Mee Lebuh Cecil or Super Hokkien Mee!
Nasi Lemak
We end off with a signature Malay dish, nasi lemak. Rice is cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves creating an aromatic flavor that compliments the spicy curry chicken. For an unusual twist, you can also try Projek Nasi Lemak which cooks its rice with butterfly pea flower for added nutrients to enhance your beauty. Get a plate from the best either at Ali Nasi Lemak or Projek Nasi Lemak!
Indeed, once you have had a bite, you will never be satisfied and crave for more. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
