20 Best Penang Street Food You Should Try

Penang is widely considered the food capital of Malaysia. Its diverse population — Malay, Chinese, Indian and Peranakan — has created one of the most vibrant street food cultures in Southeast Asia. From hawker centres to street-side stalls, the food is affordable, authentic and world-famous. These 20 Penang street foods are the ones you should try.

Noodles

Char Kway Teow

Char kway teow is stir-fried flat rice noodles with prawns, cockles, Chinese sausage and bean sprouts. It is one of Penang's most iconic dishes. The best versions are cooked over high heat in a wok, giving the noodles a smoky flavour.

Penang Assam Laksa

Penang assam laksa is a spicy, sour fish-based noodle soup with a tamarind broth, flaked fish and herbs. It is one of the most famous dishes in Malaysian cuisine and a must-try when in Penang. See our food places in George Town guide.

Hokkien Mee (Penang Prawn Noodles)

Penang Hokkien mee is a soup of yellow and rice noodles in a prawn-based broth, with prawns, pork and bean sprouts. It is different from the Kuala Lumpur version, which is stir-fried.

Lor Mee

Lor mee is a noodle dish with a thick, starchy gravy made from eggs and starch. It is typically served with pork, fish cake and bean sprouts.

Wantan Mee

Wantan mee is egg noodles with wantan dumplings (pork or prawn) in a light soy sauce. It is a popular Chinese Malaysian dish.

Rice

Nasi Kandar

Nasi kandar is a Penang institution — steamed rice served with a variety of curries and side dishes. It is typically served with chicken, fish, squid and vegetables, with the gravies poured over the rice. It is one of the most famous foods in Penang.

Nasi Lemak

Nasi lemak is Malaysia's national dish — coconut rice with sambal, peanuts, anchovies and egg. It is widely available in Penang and is a popular breakfast and lunch dish.

Char Siew Rice

Char siew rice is steamed rice with barbecued pork, typically served with a sweet soy sauce. It is a popular Chinese Malaysian dish.

Snacks and Small Bites

Pasembur

Pasembur is a salad of shredded cucumber, turnip, potatoes, bean curd and seafood, served with a sweet, spicy sauce. It is a popular Indian Muslim dish in Penang.

Rojak

Rojak is a fruit and vegetable salad with a thick, dark prawn paste sauce. It is a popular street food snack in Penang.

Lor Bak

Lor bak is a Hokkien dish of marinated pork rolled in bean curd skin and deep-fried. It is typically served with a chilli sauce and a thick gravy (lor).

Oyster Omelette (Orh Chien)

Oyster omelette is a dish of eggs, oysters and starch, fried until crispy. It is a popular street food dish in Penang.

Popiah

Popiah is a fresh spring roll filled with vegetables, prawns, sausage and a sweet sauce. It is a popular snack in Penang.

Curry Mee

Curry mee is a noodle soup with a coconut curry broth, typically served with prawns, pork, bean curd and mint. It is a popular Penang dish.

Desserts

Cendol

Cendol is a dessert of shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar and green jelly noodles. It is the perfect cooling dessert in Penang's heat.

Tau Sar Pneah

Tau sar pneah is a Chinese pastry filled with bean paste. It is a popular souvenir from Penang — look for it in shops along Jalan Burma.

Apom Balik

Apom balik is a thin, crispy pancake filled with peanuts and sugar. It is a popular street food snack.

Ais Kacang

Ais kacang is shaved ice with sweet corn, red beans, grass jelly and syrup. It is a popular cooling dessert.

Practical Tips

• Hawker centres: The best way to try Penang street food is at hawker centres like Gurney Drive, New Lane and Air Itam market. See our food places in George Town guide.
• Timing: Hawker centres are typically open for lunch and dinner. Some close in the afternoon. Check opening hours before visiting.
• Hygiene: Look for busy stalls — high turnover usually means fresh food.
• Spice levels: Many Penang dishes are spicy. Ask for less spice if you are sensitive.
• Prices: Street food is very affordable — typically RM5-15 per dish.

FAQ

What is the best food to try in Penang?

Penang assam laksa, char kway teow, Hokkien mee, nasi kandar and cendol are the must-try foods in Penang.

Where is the best place to eat street food in Penang?

Gurney Drive, New Lane and the Air Itam market are popular places to eat street food in Penang. See our food places in George Town guide.

Is Penang street food safe to eat?

Yes — Penang street food is generally safe. Look for busy stalls with high turnover, which usually means fresh food.

Conclusion

Penang's street food is one of the best in the world. For more food ideas, see our food places in George Town and Penang travel guide.