Penang, Malaysia is a street food paradise
What's the story
Penang, Malaysia, is celebrated for its vibrant street food culture, offering a blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisines. This makes it a true gastronomic haven. In George Town, Penang's bustling capital, the streets are alive with food stalls and markets. Here, some of the most delicious and diverse dishes in Southeast Asia are served up, delighting locals and visitors alike.
Food streets
Explore George Town's food streets
George Town is the epicenter of Penang's street food scene. Begin your culinary quest on Chulia and Kimberley streets, where numerous stalls serve from Penang laksa to char kway teow. These dishes are not just food; they represent Penang's cultural heritage. Walking these streets, you're immersed in a sensory overload with the vibrant sights, sounds, and aromas of cooking enveloping you.
Laksa love
Taste the famous Penang laksa
No visit to Penang is complete without trying its famous dish: Penang laksa. This spicy noodle soup combines mackerel fish broth with tamarind juice and lemongrass for a unique flavor profile unlike any other laksa variant in Malaysia. Head to Ayer Itam Market or Gurney Drive where some of the best laksa stalls have been serving locals and tourists alike for decades.
Veggie delights
Discover vegetarian options
Vegetarians need not feel left out in this food paradise. Many stalls in George Town offer vegetarian versions of popular dishes like char kway teow made with tofu and nasi lemak without anchovies but full of flavor from coconut rice and sambal sauce. Look for signs that say "vegetarian" or ask locals for recommendations.
Dessert stops
Savor sweet treats
End your street food tour on a sweet note with traditional Malaysian desserts like cendol - shaved ice topped with green rice flour jelly, red beans, coconut milk and palm sugar syrup. Another must-try is apom manis - a fluffy pancake made with coconut milk served hot off the griddle by street vendors around Little India.