Penang, known as the “Food Paradise of Malaysia,” is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene that blends Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan influences. From flavorful street food to upscale dining experiences, Penang offers a diverse array of dishes that tantalize the taste buds and satisfy every palate. In this article, we’ll explore the top five must-try foods in Penang, each showcasing the rich culinary heritage and unique flavors of this gastronomic gem.
1. Char Kway Teow
A quintessential Penang dish, Char Kway Teow is a stir-fried noodle dish made with flat rice noodles, prawns, cockles, Chinese lap cheong (sausage), eggs, bean sprouts, and chives, all wok-fried to perfection in a savory soy sauce-based seasoning. This beloved street food delight is often prepared over high heat to impart a smoky aroma and caramelized flavor, making it a must-try for visitors to Penang.
2. Asam Laksa
Sample Penang’s iconic Assam Laksa, a tangy and spicy noodle soup beloved by locals and tourists alike. This flavorful dish features rice noodles in a fish-based broth infused with tamarind, lemongrass, galangal, and shrimp paste. Topped with flaked mackerel, cucumber slices, onions, mint leaves, and shrimp paste, it’s a culinary masterpiece bursting with bold flavors.
3. Loklok
Loklok is a communal dining experience where diners select skewered ingredients such as seafood, meat, vegetables, and tofu from a display counter. Dip these skewers into a communal pot of boiling broth, typically flavored with herbs and spices, and cook them to your preferred level. After that, dip the skewers into various sauces before consuming.
4. Cendol
Savor Penang’s favorite sweet treat, Cendol, a traditional Malaysian dessert. Enjoy pandan-flavored rice flour jelly with shaved ice, coconut milk, gula Melaka syrup, and red beans. It’s the perfect antidote to the tropical heat, offering creamy, sweet, and fragrant flavors that satisfy your sweet tooth.
5. Hokkien Mee
Savor Penang’s famous Hokkien Mee, a beloved noodle dish in the hawker food scene. It combines yellow noodles and rice vermicelli in a fragrant broth made from prawn shells, pork bones, and spices. Garnished with prawns, sliced pork, hard-boiled eggs, bean sprouts, and crispy fried shallots, it offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
