Penang: What to Eat!

Penang gourmet ranges from street food to fine dining but her myriad of flavours are definitely unique to the island state.
With each race offering their own traditional fare, foodies will be spoilt for choice.
Although every culture has their signature dishes, they are also influenced by other cooking styles and have managed to come up with their own special creations that represent a beautiful blend of tastes and spices.

no.1 Nasi Kandar Rice served with an unending list of curries and dishes meticulously prepared with fish, chicken, squid, prawns and beef – a hearty meal for those who love aromatic spices!

no.2 Laksa There are two variations of the Laksa – one is sour and tangy while the other is cooked with rich coconut milk.

no.3 Char Koay Teow This flat, fried white noodle dish has been described as a taste of heaven and it is certainly no exaggeration!

no.4 Hokkien Mee The Penang version of this dish is craved by many including those who do not hail from the state. The yellow noodle cooked in tasty prawn soup is definitely a local favourite!

no.5 Nyonya dishes, deserts and kuih The Nyonya community’s cooking skills are legendary. Infused with herbs and spices, the dishes are a perfect accompaniment to steaming white rice while the desserts and local cakes (kuih) are a sight to behold with their unique soft texture and colourful appearance – sinfully delicious.

no.6 Rojak A delicious mix of fresh fruits and vegetables like pineapples, cucumber and water apples with cuttlefish slices. Generously topped with a local prawn paste dressing, it is a heady combination indeed!

no.7 Bukit Tambun Seafood Bukit Tambun on the mainland is only a short distance from the Penang Bridge and serves some of the cheapest and freshest variety of seafood in the country! Indulge in succulent prawns, tasty crabs and your favourite fish dish without burning a hole in your pocket.

no.8 Pasembur A slightly different version of the Rojak, the Pasembur features a mix of deep fried items and shredded vegetables. The dressing is a peanut-based sweet sauce that will leave you hungering for more.

no.9 Eurasian food Sourcing for authentic Eurasian cuisine maybe a bit of a challenge because the community is dwindling in numbers. However, the Little Penang Street Market at Upper Penang Road (only on the last Sunday of each month) and a small Eurasian restaurant tucked away along Kelawai Road serve very good Eurasian specialties. Among the popular dishes are the Debel (Devilled) Curry, pickles, sweetmeat, roasts, patties, spicy Mulligatawny Soup, kedgerees, stews and pies.

no.10 Bak Kut Teh Pork ribs simmered in herbal soup, Bak Kut Teh is a well-loved Chinese dish. Often, regulars will request for “extras” like pork intestines and pork skin. Eaten with white rice, nothing beats a steaming hot bowl of Bak Kut Teh!