Penang is a food lover’s ultimate destination, where the streets come alive with a feast of flavors that reflect the island’s rich cultural heritage. The island’s food scene is an exciting fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan influences, offering a variety of dishes that cater to all tastes.

From the tantalizing spices of Malay cuisine to the bold flavors of Chinese stir-fries, the creamy curries of India, and the intricate dishes of Peranakan culture, Penang’s street food is a celebration of its diverse history and vibrant local culture.

George Town, the heart of Penang, is a food haven, where you’ll find hidden food stalls and bustling hawker centers serving up some of the most iconic and beloved dishes in Southeast Asia. Whether you're enjoying a traditional breakfast of nasi lemak, savoring a hearty lunch of char koay teow, or indulging in a flavorful bowl of laksa for dinner, Penang’s street food offers something for everyone.

Plus, with an abundance of accommodation options in close proximity, it makes for an easy and fulfilling escape, especially for visitors coming from Singapore. So, if you're ready to explore this culinary paradise, we’ve got the ultimate list of must-try street food in Penang for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, guaranteed to satisfy your appetite and give you a true taste of Penang’s diverse and delicious offerings.

Location: Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM (Close on Sunday)
Recommended Food: Charcoal Grilled Signature Toast with Kaya and Butter

Nothing is better than tasting bread cooked on a charcoal stove. Toh Soon Cafe is located in the alley. It's rather small but it’s going to be an authentic experience having breakfast there. On some days, do expect to see the long queue of people wanting the best breakfast in Penang.

The signature toast matches the best with coffee! If you’re not a fan of toast, it doesn't matter, you can still hit the place and order some boiled eggs and mix it with its delicious fragrant rice.

Location: 179-H, Sungei Tiram, Bayan Lepas, 11900 Penang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 6.30 AM - 11.00 AM (Breakfast), 6 PM - 11 PM (Dinner)
Recommended Food: Toasted Bread with Butter and Half-Boiled Egg

Joo Leong Cafe is one legendary cafe in Penang. It has been open for 40 years, and along that time, it’s still people’s favorite place to have breakfast. Apart from serving the best toasts, the cafe also serves noodles, porridge, and seafood.

Anyway, if you’re not an early person, you can still enjoy Joo Leong Cafe with the same menu at dinner time.

Location: 61, Jalan Gemas, Taman Kampar, 10460 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 7 AM - 12.30 PM (Close every Monday)
Recommended Food: Roti Canai with Sunny Side Up and Cheese Slice, the Curry Sauce, and Teh Tarik

When you think of other breakfast dishes, you’ll think of Roti Canai. In Penang, the famous roti canai stall is owned by brothers, called Roti Canai Gemas Road. It is not that big, but you can still dine comfortably outdoors. The mix of the chicken, beef, and dhal on their curry sauce is just perfect! They even called it roti canai banjir, which means the roti canai is fully covered with the curry sauce.

Of course, to close your best breakfast, don’t forget to order the teh tarik to complete your experience in Roti Canai Gemas Road!

Location: 45, Lebuh Cintra, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 6.30 AM - 1.30 PM, continue at 6 - 9 PM
Recommended Food:

Another favorite place to have breakfast in Penang is the Tai Tong Restaurant. Well, this dimsum place is actually available for almost all day, since you can have it for brunch, lunch and dinner. FYI, it is usually crowded, so prepare yourself and just remember that it will be worth it.

When you already have a seat, just wait for the dimsum troli to come. Then, you can just point what you want and enjoy! The dimsum variety is complete, the steamed, fried, and bak pao are all available for you.

Location: 612-T, Jalan Air Itam, Pekan Ayer Itam, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 7.30 AM - 1 PM
Recommended Food: Their signature Curry Mee

The next best street food in Penang for breakfast is Air Itam Sister Curry Mee. This place has non-halal menu. Fun fact: it has already been open since 1946 and still going strong till today!

The noodles or mee cooked on a charcoal stove, giving a more signature taste to the dish. The mee is mixed with prawns, tofu, blood cockles, coconut milk and chili paste. Really, it’s like a bowl full of happiness.

Location: 7, Medan Penaga, Kampung Batu Lanchang, 11600 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 7.30 AM - 2.30 PM
Recommended Food: Traditional Breakfast, Butter Kaya Toast, Curry Luncheon Meat Maggie

Aside from the cozy dine-in area, Roti by Golden Bowl is the best Penang street food for breakfast. They have the best roti or toast, and it comes in a wide variety. You can order it as a traditional breakfast, which comes with eggs, salad, and sausage. Or, you can have it as a Polo Bun and a sandwich, like the Butter Polo Bun or Luncheon Meat Sandwich.

You can explore more menus like their noodles that also come in many varieties, like the Cheesy Original Noodle Series or Fried Chicken Noodle Series. Don’t forget to order some fresh juice for the drink too!

Location: 80, Jln Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 7 AM - 1.30 PM (Close Every Monday and Tuesday)
Recommended Food: Lor Bak, Hokkien Mee, Char Kway Teow

Kheng Pin Cafe or Kafe Kheng Pin has a strong kopitiam style that you’ll love. Among so many kopitiams available in Penang, this one is still the best. People love the place, it’s usually crowded around lunch time. Hence, coming here for breakfast is a better plan.

The Char Kway Teow is one of the favorite dishes here. If you want, you can upgrade it with Duck Eggs so it will be more savory.

Location: 319, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 6 AM - 10 AM (Close every Thursday)
Recommended Food: Apom Manis

You can easily find the review of Ravi’s Claypot Apom Manis on Youtube or TikTok. So, when you’re in Penang, this one should be on your visit list. The place is now about 100 years old!

The must-try menu here is, of course, the Apom Manis. It’s a dessert originally from India, formed like a sweet thin pancake. They cook it on a charcoal stove and traditional claypots. If you want to try more, they also serve coffee, polo buns, and toasts.

Location: Paya Terubong, 11000 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 4 AM - 11 AM (Closed on Mondays)
Recommended Food: Nasi Lemak with a variety of side dishes

For an early breakfast in Penang, head over to Paya Terubong Nasi Lemak, a popular street food spot known for its wide selection of side dishes. It has been serving delicious Nasi Lemak for over three decades, making it a local favorite. Their Nasi Lemak comes with options like fried chicken, beef rendang, and sambal sotong. The aromatic coconut rice paired with spicy sambal makes for a perfect start to your day. Whether you're out for an early morning walk or craving a tasty breakfast, Paya Terubong Nasi Lemak has got you covered!

Location: CY Choy Road, 10350 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 7 AM - 2 PM (Closed on Wednesdays)
Recommended Food: Hokkien Mee with aromatic broth

When it comes to Hokkien Mee in Penang, CY Choy Road’s version is a must-try! This iconic street food has been serving up a rich and aromatic broth for over 50 years. The deep, flavorful broth, made from a perfect blend of prawns and pork, is the star of this dish. Paired with noodles, prawns, and a hard-boiled egg, CY Choy Road Hokkien Mee is a satisfying breakfast or lunch that will wake up your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.

Location: 61 Transfer Rd, George Town, 10050 Penang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 6 AM - 2 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Recommended Food: Roti Canai Banjir

Craving some crispy, golden Roti Canai? Head over to Transfer Road, where this iconic street food has been satisfying locals for years. Their Roti Canai Banjir is a must-try, where the flaky flatbread is drenched in a rich, flavorful gravy. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a popular breakfast choice for many. Don’t miss out on this delicious street food staple when you’re in Penang!

Location: Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 7 AM - 2 PM (Close every Sunday)
Recommended Food: All kinds of Nasi Lemak served here!

When it comes to lunch, Nasi Lemak always sounds really tempting. The best street food in Penang for that is Ali Nasi Lemak Daun Pisang. Just like the name suggests, they pack it inside the banana leaf or “daun pisang”.

They also offer different toppings for the Nasi Lemak. You can choose between prawn, fish, salted fish with hard-boiled eggs, and anchovies with hard-boiled eggs. They also add the sambal which makes your pack of Nasi Lemak more spicy and tasty!

Location: 533, Lebuh Pantai, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 7 AM - 2 PM (Close Every Monday and Close Earlier during Weekends)
Recommended Food: The signature prawn mee

Noodles for lunch? Sounds about right! Bridge Street Prawn Noodle is the famous food street in Penang that you should go to for lunch. They have been selling their signature hokkien mee for more than 60 years. No wonder now their dishes become one of many must eat foods in Penang.

Prepare yourself to slurp spicy prawn broth, then slurp the yellow noodles and rice vermicelli. The egg and shrimps will make you full in an instance too.

Location: 343, Jalan Dato Keramat, George Town, 10150 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10.30 AM - 4 PM (Close every Wednesday and Thursday, Close at 5 PM every Saturday
Recommended Food: Char Koay Teow with Duck Egg, Special Char Koay Teow

Ah Leng Char Koay Teow already served for more than 40 years. Thus, if you crave for the best char koay teow in Penang, this place is yours. You can order Regular Char Koay Teow, Regular Char Koay Teow with Duck Egg, and Special Char Koay Teow (with big prawns and mantis prawn as toppings).

FYI, the place is often crowded during lunch time, just be patient if your plate is coming a little late.

Location: 58C, Jalan Rangoon, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 8 AM - 2.30 PM (Close every Monday)
Recommended Food: White Curry Mee

Craving for a bowl of curry mee? Head straight to Hot Bowl White Curry Mee and order the best white curry mee you’ve ever tasted!

You can order the white curry mee with duck bloods or squid and cockles, but you can skip it too if you don’t want to. Choose the toppings: chicken, prawns, fish balls, crab sticks, and more. Aside from the white curry mee, you should also try the steamed chicken rice too. To add more taste, take a spoon of the chili paste, available on each table, and enjoy the broth that turns spicy!

Location: 7, Jalan Murthy, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 9 AM - 3 PM (Close every Wednesday)
Recommended Food: Yam Rice with Pork Soup

BM Yam Rice Kopitiam only serves Yam Rice and coffee, and it’s non-halal. It is one of those Penang famous street foods, so you better come early to get the taste of the yam rice.

Anyway, the yam rice blends really well with the pork soup. The pork soup has a rich taste too. It is balanced between sour, savory, and sweet. The toppings are great too, especially the pork meatballs that are juicy. Combine every bite with the yam rice, and you are tasting heaven!

Location: No 107-A, Pengkalan Weld, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 11.30 AM - 12 AM (Close an hour earlier every Monday)
Recommended Food: Fish Head Bee Hoon, Tom Yum Soup

As a must eat in Penang dish, no wonder the bee hoon here is people’s favorite. Don’t be surprised if you see a lot of people gather to buy the dish during lunch time.

The place is actually a coffee shop, but there’s a spot for you to order the bee hoon. Choose your own toppings, then the cook will pour the broth to your bowl. The broth is thick and rich, it mixes greatly with the bee hoon (you can also pick noodles if you will!).

Location: 23, Lebuh Kimberley, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM (Close every Wednesday)
Recommended Food: Curry Mee, Curry Squids

The next best street food in Penang you should try is Tua Pui Curry Mee. It’s an old recipe from the 50s, and now still considered the best and delicious curry mee in Penang. You can customize the toppings on your own. Add everything you want and enjoy it with the curry soup that is really thick and tasty.

The toppings are plenty too. You should try the Curry Chicken Wing or Blood Cockles, if you like.

Location: 23, Jalan Teluk Kumbar, Kampung Teluk Kumbar, 11920 Teluk Kumbar, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 6 - 10 PM (Close every Saturday)
Recommended Food: Choose one meat and combine it with curry soup

Nasi Kandar Nathrah is famous for people, even from outside Malaysia. It has operated since more than 60 years ago. This halal stall regularly attracts long queues, no wonder because it serves delicious food. The variety of the side dishes are very plentiful. From afar, you can even smell the aroma of the dishes!

Location: Cecil Street, George Town, 10100 Penang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Recommended Food: Pasembur and Wan Tan Mee

Looking for a true local experience in Penang? Cecil Street Market, or "Chit Tiau Lor Bansan," is where you'll find a wide variety of delicious street food. Their Pasembur, a flavorful Indian-style salad with crispy fritters and spicy sauce, is a crowd favorite. You can also try their iconic Wan Tan Mee, served with tender dumplings and savory noodles. With a range of other dishes like Lor Bak and Hokkien Mee, this food court offers something for everyone!

Location: Opposite Tan Jetty, George Town, 10300 Penang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 12 PM - 10 PM
Recommended Food: Ai Yu Bing (Shaved Ice Desserts)

Craving something sweet and refreshing in Penang? Head over to this dessert stall near Tan Jetty for their famous Ai Yu Bing, a popular shaved ice dessert that locals flock to, especially on hot days. Choose from a variety of toppings like fresh fruits, beans, and syrup to cool off and indulge in the ultimate local treat. It’s the perfect way to beat the Penang heat while satisfying your sweet tooth!

Location: 192, Jalan Penang, George Town, 10000 Penang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 11 AM - 6 PM
Recommended Food: Hock Seng Rojak

For a savory and crunchy street food experience in Penang, Hock Seng Rojak is a must-try. This rojak stall is famous for its generous addition of dried shrimps and toasted peanuts, making every bite full of flavor. Their thick, tangy rojak sauce perfectly coats the mix of fruits and vegetables. If you're really hungry, opt for their large-sized rojak to enjoy even more of this local favorite!

Location: 9, Kampung Tapak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 12 PM - 5 PM (Close every Wednesday and Thursday)
Recommended Food: Their signature traditional popiah

The dish in Padang Brown Popiah starts with a thin, soft rice paper wrapper that's generously filled with a mix of ingredients, including turnip and cucumber, prawns, tofu, peanuts, and a sweet and savory sauce. It's the harmonious combination of these elements that creates a symphony of tastes and textures in every bite.

The popiah is often garnished with fragrant herbs and served fresh, making it a refreshing and delightful treat on a hot Penang day. You’re going to have a full dinner indeed!

Location: Jalan Johor, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 3 PM - 6 PM (Close every Monday and Friday)
Recommended Food: Be fun, mix everything you want!

As you embark on your lok lok journey at Padang Brown Ah Beng Lok Lok, prepare to dive into a world of skewered delights. The concept is simple yet really satisfying: an assortment of fresh ingredients like seafood, meat, vegetables, and tofu is skewered onto sticks and cooked to perfection in a bubbling pot of hot, flavorful broth.

The real magic happens when you dip these morsels into a variety of delectable sauces, ranging from tangy and spicy to sweet and savory. Whether you're a fan of succulent prawns, tender beef, or crisp vegetables, there's a skewer to suit every taste!

Location: 170, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 12 PM - 9.30 PM
Recommended Food: Nasi Kandar Ayam Berempah

When it comes to Nasi Kandar in Penang, Deen's Maju stands in a league of its own. This renowned eatery has earned a reputation for its exceptional selection of curries, fragrant rice, and tender meats.

Whether you're a local or a tourist, Deen's Maju offers a gastronomic journey that captures the essence of Malaysia's diverse flavors. Add this immediately to your must eat in Penang list!

Location: 22-6, Jalan Penaga, Jelutong, 11600 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 7 PM - 11 PM
Recommended Food: Hokkien Mee, Hokkien Loh

Jelutong Hokkien Mee is a delicious Malaysian dish that's especially popular in Penang. This mouthwatering noodle dish features thick, stir-fried yellow noodles, served in a flavorful prawn and seafood broth. The broth is often prepared using a blend of prawn shells and other seafood ingredients, which imparts a rich, savory flavor to the dish.

Typically, Jelutong Hokkien Mee is garnished with prawns, squid, hard-boiled eggs, bean sprouts, and fragrant fried shallots. The chili paste will add more sensation to your dinner!

Location: Jalan Larut, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia (Located in Hotel Royal Penang)
Opening Hours: 2 PM - 2 AM
Recommended Food: Nasi Lemak, Maggie Goreng (Mee Goreng Mamak)

Abu Mamak, also known as Restoran KSB Cahaya or Mee Abu, is your gateway to an authentic Malaysian culinary journey. Mee Abu, a part of Abu Mamak, is celebrated for its iconic Mee Goreng Mamak. Prepared with a blend of spices, fresh ingredients, and stir-fried to perfection, this dish is a symphony of flavors and textures.

Location: 5, Esplanade Park, Lebuh Light, 10300 George Town, Malaysia (Located in Esplanade Park Food Court)
Opening Hours: 11.30 AM - 8 PM (Close every Sunday)
Recommended Food: Mee Sotong Goreng

The star of Hameed Pata Mee Sotong is the Mee Sotong Goreng with generous portions of squid, cooked to perfection. The combination of savory spices, fresh ingredients, and expert cooking techniques ensures that every bite is a burst of flavor.

Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, Hameed Pata Mee Sotong caters to all taste preferences. So, if you're seeking an authentic taste of Penang and a memorable seafood experience, make Hameed Pata Mee Sotong your dining destination, where tradition and taste unite on your plate.

Location: Air Itam Wet Market,, Jalan Pasar, Pekan Ayer Itam, 11500 Air Itam, Penang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 3.30 PM - 8.30 PM (Close Every Monday)
Recommended Food: Duck Rice

The next must eat in Penang is duck rice, and while you’re here, you should buy the best one: Air Itam Market Duck Rice. It’s non-halal, so you can skip it if you’re Muslims.

The duck meat here is perfect. It’s tender and it mixes really well with the rice and the gravy. You can also order some additional condiments, like egg or roasted pork.

Location: Jalan Raja Uda, Taman Bunga Raya, 13000 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 5.30 PM - 12 AM (Close every Tuesday)
Recommended Food: Deep Fried Fish Fillet Tom Yam Noodles

The last on this long list of Penang famous street food is Ju Heng Mee Tomyam. Here, you can choose the toppings you want and give it to the staff. They will give you the best tom yam soup that is perfect for dinner. You can add rice or vermicelli, beside noodles or “mee’ to complete your bowl.

The price will be varied according to the amount and the topping variety you choose. If you’re not too hungry, don’t take too many even though all of them are tempting!

Location: 21, Jalan Transfer, George Town, 10050 Penang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 7 AM - 3 PM
Recommended Food: Nasi Lemak Goreng

For a unique twist on a beloved classic, head to Ali Mamak for their famous Nasi Lemak Goreng. Stir-fried to golden perfection, this dish is a must-try for Nasi Lemak lovers. Topped with a beautifully-cooked sunny side up egg, it’s a flavorful and satisfying treat. Don’t miss out—this spot is only open until 3 PM!

Location: Pulau Tikus Market, 10250 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 5 PM - 12 AM
Recommended Food: Lok Lok

Located in the heart of Pulau Tikus Market, Peng Hwa Lok Lok is a popular spot for late-night bites. This stall offers an extensive variety of skewers served with a range of dipping sauces. Known for its affordability and tasty offerings, it's the perfect place to satisfy your cravings with delicious Lok Lok at any time in the evening.

Location: 133A, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 6 PM - 4 AM
Recommended Food: Hokkien Mee

Green House Hokkien Mee is a late-night haven for Hokkien Mee lovers, staying open until 4 AM. Known for its rich broth and customizable toppings, this spot serves up one of the best Hokkien Mee in Penang. Whether you're a fan of extra prawns, squid, or pork, they're more than happy to cater to your cravings. Perfect for a late-night supper after a long day!

Craving an unforgettable culinary journey? Penang's street food is a paradise for food lovers, offering a rich tapestry of flavors from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan cuisines. From the iconic Char Kway Teow and Assam Laksa to the delectable Nasi Kandar and Roti Canai, Penang's food scene is a must-experience for every traveler. To make the most of your 24 hours in Penang, check out our curated guide to the best street food spots in George Town and beyond.

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