Penang, the culinary capital of Malaysia, is renowned for its vibrant street food culture and diverse culinary offerings. Among its myriad of gastronomic delights, seafood holds a special place, owing to the city's coastal location and rich maritime heritage. From traditional Malay flavors to innovative fusion dishes, Penang's seafood scene offers something for every palate. Traveloka has gathered 17 of the best seafood in Penang, each offering unique dining experiences and unforgettable flavors.

Located along the famous Gurney Drive promenade, Gurney Drive Seafood Village is a culinary institution in Penang. This bustling open-air eatery offers an extensive menu featuring fresh catches of the day prepared in various styles, from classic butter prawns to spicy chili crab. Diners can enjoy their meal while taking in panoramic views of the sea, creating a truly memorable dining experience.

Nestled in the heart of George Town, Ocean Green Seafood Restaurant is known for its impeccable service and delectable seafood dishes. The restaurant sources its ingredients directly from local fishermen, ensuring the highest quality and freshness. Highlights include the signature steamed fish with soy sauce and the indulgent lobster noodles.

For seafood lovers seeking a taste of authentic Penang flavors, Crab Village Seafood Restaurant is a must-visit destination. Situated in the bustling neighborhood of Tanjung Bungah, this cozy eatery specializes in crab dishes, ranging from tangy black pepper crab to creamy salted egg yolk crab. Pair your meal with a refreshing coconut drink for the perfect dining experience.

Tucked away in the charming fishing village of Teluk Bahang, Ah Soon Kor Seafood Restaurant offers a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The restaurant's rustic ambiance sets the stage for a feast of freshly grilled seafood, including succulent stingray and flavorful squid. Don't miss the house specialty, chili crab served with mantou buns for dipping.

Located in the beautiful town of Batu Ferringhi, Song River Seafood Restaurant is renowned for its stunning sunset views and mouthwatering seafood creations. The restaurant's extensive menu features a wide array of dishes, from classic stir-fries to innovative seafood hotpots. Be sure to try the signature deep-fried soft shell crab in this Penang seafood restaurant for a crunchy and flavorful delight.

As its name suggests, Udang Galah Seafood Restaurant specializes in freshwater prawns, also known as "udang galah" in Malay. Situated in the charming village of Balik Pulau, this hidden gem offers an authentic dining experience amidst lush greenery and serene surroundings. Indulge in the restaurant's signature grilled prawns, seasoned with a secret blend of spices for a burst of flavor.

While not a traditional seafood restaurant, Ah Leng Char Koay Teow is famous for serving one of Penang's most iconic seafood dishes, char koay teow. This beloved street food stall, located in the heart of George Town, is renowned for its smoky wok hei and generous portions of fresh prawns and cockles. Be prepared to wait in line for a taste of this culinary masterpiece.

Perched on the southern coast of Penang Island, Hai Boey Seafood offers panoramic views of the Straits of Malacca and a delectable array of seafood dishes. The restaurant's extensive menu features everything from steamed fish to seafood claypot, all prepared with the freshest ingredients sourced from local fishermen. Diners can enjoy their meal al fresco style, with the sea breeze as their backdrop.

True to its name, Crab and Lobster Seafood specializes in – you guessed it – crab and lobster dishes. Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Tanjung Tokong, this cozy restaurant offers a diverse menu showcasing the best of Penang's seafood bounty. Highlights include the creamy butter lobster and the tangy kam heong crab, both bursting with flavor and aroma.

Another non-traditional entry on our list, Joo Hooi Café is a local favorite for its mouthwatering hawker fare, including the iconic Penang prawn mee. This bustling eatery, located in the heart of George Town's heritage zone, draws crowds with its fragrant broth, plump prawns, and springy noodles. Pair your meal with a refreshing glass of lime juice for the perfect culinary experience.

For a unique dining adventure, head to Bali Hai Seafood Market, where diners can handpick their seafood from a vast array of tanks and have it cooked to their liking. Situated in the lively neighborhood of Batu Maung, this bustling market-cum-restaurant offers an interactive dining experience like no other. Choose from an array of fresh catches, including crabs, prawns, and fish, and watch as skilled chefs transform them into mouthwatering dishes before your eyes.

Last but certainly not least, Tai Tong Seafood Restaurant is a hidden gem nestled in the quaint village of Teluk Kumbar. This family-run eatery prides itself on its authentic flavors and warm hospitality, offering a menu of classic seafood dishes passed down through generations. Diners can feast on specialties such as spicy sambal squid and fragrant ginger steamed fish, all prepared with love and care.

Situated in the bustling suburb of Bayan Lepas, Ocean Pearl Seafood Restaurant offers diners a delightful blend of traditional and contemporary seafood dishes. This spacious restaurant boasts a tranquil ambiance, making it an ideal spot for intimate dinners or large gatherings. Signature dishes include the indulgent salted egg yolk crab and the fragrant claypot fish head curry, both bursting with bold flavors and aromatic spices.

For seafood aficionados seeking a taste of authentic Chinese-style seafood, Ah Yen Seafood Restaurant is the place to be. Nestled in the heart of Tanjung City Marina, this cozy eatery specializes in classic Cantonese dishes prepared with a modern twist. Highlights include the crispy deep-fried prawns with salted egg yolk and the savory braised sea cucumber with mushrooms, both showcasing the restaurant's commitment to quality and innovation.

Located on the scenic shores of Batu Ferringhi Beach, Long Beach Café is a beloved seafood destination known for its laid-back vibe and sumptuous offerings. Diners can feast on a wide array of freshly grilled seafood, including succulent prawns, juicy crabs, and tender fish, all served with a side of stunning ocean views. Be sure to try the signature butter garlic crab for a decadent and flavorful experience that will leave you craving for more.

Nestled in the charming fishing village of Teluk Kumbar, Soon Lai Seafood Restaurant offers diners a taste of authentic Penang flavors in a picturesque setting. This family-owned eatery prides itself on its fresh seafood sourced directly from local fishermen, ensuring quality and freshness in every dish. Standout offerings include the tangy assam fish curry and the spicy stir-fried squid with fragrant lemongrass, both bursting with vibrant flavors and aromas.

Situated in the bustling neighborhood of Tanjung Tokong, Yi Garden Seafood Restaurant is a hidden gem beloved by locals and tourists alike. This unassuming eatery may not boast ocean views or fancy decor, but what it lacks in ambiance, it more than makes up for in flavor. Diners can feast on an array of seafood delights, from classic stir-fries to innovative claypot creations, all prepared with care and attention to detail. Be sure to try the signature salt-baked prawns for a unique and unforgettable culinary experience.

Penang boasts an abundance of fresh seafood that has become a cornerstone of its culinary scene. Here are some of the most famous seafood dishes you must try in Penang seafood restaurant:

While not exclusively a seafood dish, Penang's iconic Char Koay Teow is often made with fresh prawns and cockles, giving it a unique seafood flavor. This stir-fried noodle dish is cooked with a combination of flat rice noodles, prawns, cockles, bean sprouts, eggs, and a flavorful soy sauce, resulting in a savory and aromatic delight.

Another beloved Penang specialty, Assam Laksa is a tangy and spicy noodle soup made with a fish-based broth infused with tamarind, lemongrass, galangal, and chili. The soup is typically filled with mackerel fish and served with rice noodles, cucumber, onions, pineapple, and mint leaves, creating a refreshing and flavorful dish that is uniquely Penang.

A relative newcomer to the Penang seafood scene, Salted Egg Yolk Crab has quickly gained popularity for its decadent and addictive flavor. The dish features fresh crab coated in a rich and creamy salted egg yolk sauce, creating a perfect balance of savory and salty goodness that is simply irresistible.

Reflecting Penang's rich cultural heritage, Nyonya Fish Curry is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines Chinese and Malay influences. The dish features tender fish cooked in a fragrant curry sauce made with spices such as lemongrass, turmeric, and coconut milk, resulting in a creamy and comforting curry that is best enjoyed with steamed rice.

A popular street food option in Penang, Grilled Stingray is a simple yet delicious dish that showcases the natural flavors of the seafood. The stingray is typically marinated in a blend of spices and herbs before being grilled to perfection, resulting in tender and flavorful meat that pairs perfectly with a tangy chili dipping sauce.

Sambal Prawns are a fiery and flavorful dish that features fresh prawns cooked in a spicy sambal sauce made with chili peppers, garlic, shallots, and belacan (shrimp paste). The prawns are typically stir-fried until they are coated in the aromatic sauce, creating a dish that packs a punch in terms of both flavor and heat.

These are just a few of the famous seafood dishes that you can savor when visiting Penang. With its diverse culinary offerings and abundance of fresh seafood, Penang truly is a paradise for seafood lovers.

Whether you're craving traditional Malay flavors or innovative fusion creations, these 17 restaurants are sure to satisfy your seafood cravings and leave you craving for more. So gather your friends and family, embark on a culinary journey through Penang's vibrant seafood scene, and savor the flavors of the sea like never before. Book your flight to Penang only in Traveloka, where you can find exclusive deals for an affordable trip!