Food

With its multiethnic populace, Penang offers a fantastic variety of food and a kaleidoscope of flavours. Not only are Asia’s major races all represented in Penang’s cuisine, but they are also fused in the forms that are truly unique to Penang, like Nyonya and Jawi Peranakan cooking. Nyonya cuisine is a blend of Malay, Chinese and Thai influences, while Jawi Peranakan food is a product of the Indian-Muslim, Straits-born community, which combines Tamil, Pakistani, Persian, and Malay cooking styles. From a choice of traditional hawker stalls to old-school coffee shops and fine dining establishments, the only dilemma is deciding where to eat that next great meal.

Street Food

Penang’s hawkers are well regarded for their mastery of the hawker traditions. A majority of hawkers in Penang boast their own family recipe perfected over generations. Over time, Penang’s hawker culture has gained numerous global recognitions. One of the best ways to enjoy Penang’s internationally acclaimed street food like assam laksa and char koay teow and other must-eats like curry mee, hokkien mee, or chien and pasembur under one roof is by dining in at a coffee shop or food court. No matter your preference, be certain that you’ll find something to tickle your taste buds.

- New Lane Hawker Centre
- Gurney Drive Hawker Centre
- Pulau Tikus Hawker Center
- Long Beach Food Court
- Pek Kong Cheng Hawker Area (closed for renovation until further notice)
- Chai Leng Park Food Stalls

Unique Dining Experience

Penang is home to an incredible array of restaurants, including unusual foodie experiences that are anything but typical.

Hip Cafes, Bars & Bistros

Whether you’re a local, a tourist or an out-of-state visitor looking for a perfect spot to kick back and chill out, Penang’s quirky cafés and swanky bars offer plenty of variety. .

Peranakan Food

Not only are Asia’s major races all represented in Penang’s cuisine, they are fused together in the forms that are truly unique to Penang like Nyonya and Jawi Peranakan cooking. Nyonya cuisine is a blend of Malay, Chinese and Thai influences that is well known especially around the region.

Fine Dining

Penang offers excellent fine dining options, from high-end traditional flavours to inventive modern food. So treat yourself to Penang’s fine dining experiences at the following establishments:

Halal & Muslim Friendly

It is no secret that Penang is home to an ever-evolving and diverse selection of eateries–Muslim-friendly restaurants included.

Vegetarian

Penang is also an ideal destination for vegetarians as the veggie food scene in Penang is ever growing. There is an abundance of Chinese and Indian vegetarian food outlets that are suitable for vegans too.