Pulau Pinang | Best Food Spots | Michelin Bib Gourmand Eateries | Street Food Guide
Penang is not just Malaysia’s food capital—it’s a sensory explosion of taste, heritage, and local stories told through every dish. Whether you’re exploring George Town’s vibrant alleyways or cooling off near the Esplanade, one thing is certain: Penang’s street food culture will leave you craving more. From century-old Nyonya kuih stalls to award-winning laksa vendors, this guide uncovers Penang’s best food places, including halal and non-halal gems, perfect for first-timers and return visitors alike.
Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay
Famous For: Traditional Nyonya kuih (since 1933)
Michelin Bib Gourmand: Yes (2023)
Step into Penang’s Peranakan past with a colourful array of kuih such as Kuih Talam, Kuih Lapis, and Ang Koo. Freshly handmade daily, this spot is a living heritage.
Location: Lebuh Chulia, Georgetown
10:00AM – 5:00PM (Closed Mondays)
012-415 2677
Penang Road Famous Laksa
Famous For: Assam Laksa in tangy sardine broth
Michelin Bib Gourmand: Yes (2023, 2024)
A flavorful bowl of Penang’s iconic Assam Laksa at just RM 7. Expect a rich blend of tamarind, mackerel, mint, and pineapple that packs a punch.
Location: 5-7 Lebuh Keng Kwee, Georgetown
9:00AM – 5:30PM (Closed Wednesdays)
016-446 0543
Ali Nasi Lemak Daun Pisang
Famous For: Banana leaf-wrapped nasi lemak
Michelin Bib Gourmand: Yes
This grab-and-go stall delivers fragrant coconut rice with sambal and optional add-ons like squid, salted fish, and fried anchovies. From just RM 3!
Location: Sri Weld Food Court
Mon–Fri: 7AM–2PM | Sat: 7AM–1PM | Closed Sundays
016-407 0717
Kimberley Street Duck Kway Chap (Non-Halal)
Famous For: Duck meat kway chap with pork innards
One of Penang’s most popular comfort foods served in soy-scented broth, this family-run stall is famed for its full-bodied flavors and affordability (from RM 7.50).
Location: 135, Lebuh Kimberley, Georgetown
1:00PM – 10:30PM (Closed Thursdays)
016-437 1819
Restoran Hameediyah
Famous For: Oldest Nasi Kandar in Penang (Since 1907)
Highlight: Traditional Indian-Muslim masala recipes
A sixth-generation restaurant, this is Penang’s best Nasi Kandar spot for classic curry rice drenched in flavor.
Location: 164A, Campbell Street, Georgetown
10:00AM – 10:00PM
04-261 1095
Restoran Kapitan
Famous For: Claypot Mutton Briyani
24-Hour Indian-Muslim Eatery
Head to Little India for steaming claypot briyani, juicy tandoori sets, and thick naan served hot all day (and night!).
Location: 93 Lebuh Chulia, Georgetown
Open 24 Hours
04-264 1191
Hameed Pata Mee Sotong
Famous For: Sambal squid mee goreng
A beachside favorite since 1978, this stall serves both dry and soupy Mee Sotong variations with spicy sambal squid, perfect near Fort Cornwallis.
Location: Padang Kota Lama Food Court
11:00AM – 8:00PM (Closed Sundays)
013-431 9384
Roti Canai Gemas Road
Famous For: Fluffy Roti Canai with Curry
A local breakfast legend since 1994, known for roti canai combos with egg, cheese, and beef or chicken curry.
Location: 61, Jalan Gemas, Georgetown
7:00AM – 12:30PM (Closed Mondays)
016-434 5786
Deens Maju Nasi Kandar
Famous For: Affordable, homely Nasi Kandar
Deens Maju is the go-to for value-packed curries over rice, serving crowds daily with signature fried chicken and thick gravies.
Location: 170 Jalan Gurdwara, Georgetown
12:00PM – 10:00PM (Closed Fridays)
012-425 2421
Gurney Drive Hawker Center
Famous For: Mixed Halal/Non-Halal Street Food
Penang’s most famous open-air food court offers satay, char kway teow, rojak, chee cheong fun, and more.
Location: Solok Gurney 1, Pulau Tikus
5:00PM – 12:00AM (varies by day)
016-497 3907
Padang Brown Food Court
Famous For: Split halal and non-halal food times
Tuck into local delights like rojak, steamboat, mee rebus, and more. Day hours serve non-halal; evening hours switch to halal-friendly.
Location: Jalan Perak, Georgetown
Non-Halal: 1PM–6PM | Halal: 4PM–11:30PM
Misai Mee Jawa (Butterworth)
Famous For: Signature Mee Jawa with chili sambal
Located across the bridge, this spot serves rich and affordable mee jawa—either soupy or dry—with secret recipes dating back 20 years.
Location: P5 Jalan Raja Uda, Butterworth
12:00PM – 6:00PM (Closed Wednesdays)
012-407 0126
Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul
Famous For: Malaysia’s most iconic chendul
Serving shaved ice desserts since 1936, this spot is famous for its pandan jelly, coconut milk, red beans, and palm sugar—perfect in Penang’s heat!
Location: 27 & 29, Lebuh Keng Kwee, Georgetown
9:00AM – 6:30PM
04-262 6002
How to Get Around Penang’s Food Trail
- Free CAT Shuttle Bus: Connects major food streets in George Town.
- Driving: Paid parking available near most food hubs like Campbell Street or Komtar.
- Grab App: Reliable for point-to-point trips.
Where to Stay in Penang
The Prestige Hotel Penang – Luxury near food hotspots
Eastern & Oriental Hotel – Heritage charm
Chulia Mansion – Budget-friendly in George Town
Final Thoughts: A Foodie’s Dream Destination
Penang’s street food scene is more than just delicious—it’s cultural, affordable, and a living legacy. Whether you’re chasing down the best nasi kandar, sampling spicy squid mee, or cooling off with icy chendul, your taste buds will be delighted at every stop.
Bookmark this guide, and bring your appetite!
