From affordable street food to chic cafes, this food guide will cover the best things to eat in Penang!

When you think of Penang, the first thing that probably comes to mind is its amazing food. Just the thought of it makes my mouth water! But if you are only visiting for a short time, it can be tough to decide what to try.

To make it easier, we’ve put together a list of the top nine must-try spots. We’ve split it by street food stalls, iconic establishments and popular cafes, so you can experience the very best of Penang’s food scene.
Street Food
1) New Lane Street Foodstalls

New Lane Street Foodstalls is a great starting point if you want to try everything in one place. It features a variety of options like curry mee, char koay kak (fried rice cake) and satay. We had difficulty choosing because everything looked appetising, so we ended up getting a few plates to share.

What particularly caught our attention was the char kway teow stall — the queue was so long, it extended to the main road!
To check out the hype, we ordered the duck egg char kway teow (RM12). It was different from what we’re used to eating in Singapore, with a creamier texture and saltier taste.

Another standout was the oyster omelette from Eng Kee. For RM15, the portion is substantial, with a good mix of starch and eggs. The oysters were generous and fresh, with no fishy aftertaste.
You can order from any stall and find a seat at the tables available on the sides. However, take note that you’ll need to order a drink in exchange.
Opening hours: 4PM – 10PM, closed on Wed
How to get there: 8min walk from TOP Penang (Google Maps)
2) Roti Bakar Hutton Lane

For breakfast options, Roti Bakar Hutton Lane specialises in roti bakar (grilled bread) and roti canai (flatbread), but with a modern twist.

My favourite is the R.B telur goyang garlic (RM6). It has a rich, creamy texture with a savoury garlic note that perfectly complements the egg.
Another must-try is the roti canai hutton lane ayam (~RM9). The roti canai is soaked in a flavourful curry sauce, offering an interesting twist on the traditional dish, as I’m used to having it dry and crispy.
Opening hours: 5AM – 1:30PM
How to get there: 2min walk from Chowrasta Market (Google Maps)
3) Cecil Street Market

Cecil Street Market is a combination of a wet market and a food court. The food court serves up a diverse selection of street food and local delicacies from savoury noodles and aromatic soups to sweet treats. Once you’ve had your fill, you can pop over to the wet market to pick up some fresh produce or just to window shop.

We recommend the kway teow th’ng (RM7), which is basically rice noodles served in a clear, fragrant broth. This simple yet hearty dish includes tender duck meat or pork slices. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal.
For a snack, the taro char siew (~RM3) consists of tender pork belly roasted with a sweet-savoury glaze. The outer layer is crispy and caramelised, while the inner is soft, giving a nice mix of sweet and savoury in every bite.
Opening hours: 7:30AM – 3:30PM
How to get there: 8min drive from TOP Penang (Google Maps)
Iconic Establishments
4) Penang Road Famous Laksa

Penang Road Famous Laksa is a Michelin Bib Gourmand holder — a rating that recognises restaurants with good food at moderate prices! Passed down through three generations, it has a long-standing history of flavourful broth and fresh ingredients.

Unlike the laksa we’re used to, Penang’s version features a tangy Assam broth. At Penang Road Famous Laksa, the broth combines mackerel and bigeye kingfish, creating a rich base.
It’s served with rice noodles, which bouncy texture pairs perfectly with the soup’s sweet, sour, and slightly spicy notes. Personally, I prefer this over the Singaporean laksa.
Opening hours: 9AM – 5:30PM, closed on Wed
How to get there: 7min walk from TOP Penang (Google Maps)
5) Seng Thor Coffee Shop

The star at Seng Thor Coffee Shop is the duck egg fried mee (RM9)! We originally came here to try duck egg char kway teow (RM9), but the chef’s recommendation to go for the former was spot on.
Instead of the traditional wide, flat rice noodles, this version features yellow noodles stir-fried with duck egg and a blend of seasonings. The noodles add more texture to the dish and as a fan of yellow noodles, I found this rendition particularly enjoyable.

On top of duck egg fried mee, there are also other stalls here selling a mix of dishes like carrot cake and wanton mee.
Opening hours: 7AM – 3PM, closed on Wed
How to get there: 3min walk from Upside Down Museum (Google Maps)
6) Uncle Lim Poh Piah

Uncle Lim Poh Piah is a well-loved spot, known for its kacang tumbuk (peanut barley candy) wrapped in poh piah (spring roll) skin. The products are freshly made each day, and you might even catch a glimpse of the poh piah skin being made in real-time when visiting in the early morning!

This treat is just the thing for dessert after a savoury meal — sweet, chewy, and flaky, all in one bite. They also have other snacks like kacang gula (peanut candy) and biskut kelapa (coconut biscuit), so you can grab a few to take home for your friends and family.
Opening hours: 7:30AM – 6PM
How to get there: 6min walk from TOP Penang (Google Maps)
Aesthetic Cafes
7) Woody Cafe

Penang isn’t just about the street food, it’s also packed with lovely, quirky cafes. Tucked right in the heart of Armenian Street is Woody Cafe — a cosy spot with simple, earthy decor. It’s famous for its cute and playful macarons, so be sure to check them out!

The macarons come in intricate designs and a range of familiar flavours like earl grey, caramel and dark chocolate. My favourite was the watermelon (double strawberry) macaron (RM14), bursting with fruity flavour from the shell to the filling.
In addition, they also have a great selection of coffee and non-coffee drinks. We tried the iced hojicha chocolate (RM17), which was rich in chocolate flavour and had a subtle roasted hojicha taste.
Opening hours: 10AM – 7PM
How to get there: 1min walk from Armenian Street (Google Maps)
8) Urban Daybreak Cafe

A Melbourne-style inspired cafe, Urban Daybreak Cafe features a rustic, natural vibe with exposed brick walls and concrete counters.
The menu offers a mix of hearty options like pastas, burgers, and classic brunch dishes. We ordered their big breakfast (RM48) along with an iced mocha (RM18) and a latte (RM14).

The breakfast portion was generous, easily enough to satisfy two small eaters. As a non-coffee drinker, I found their mocha to have a deep chocolaty blend with coffee that was pleasantly balanced and not too overpowering.
Opening hours: 7:30AM – 5:30PM
How to get there: 4min walk from Pinang Peranakan Museum (Google Maps)
9) Norm Micro Roastery

From the outside, Norm Micro Roastery appears unassuming and could easily be overlooked. Inside, it boasts an industrial-chic design with high ceilings and a minimalist aesthetic.

The cafe menu ranges from waffles to cakes and coffee, plus a unique selection of drinks like guava limeade (RM16) and yuzu sundae (RM23). Both were refreshing and light!

Opening hours: 9AM – 7PM, closed on Wed
How to get there: 4min walk from Wonderfood Museum (Google Maps)
Planning your Penang foodie trip

For all you foodies, here are some tips for your next trip to Penang!
1) Ask a local:
The best way to find the best food in Penang is to ask a local. They can offer you a perspective that differs from a tourist’s. However, take note that these recommendations often reflect everyday, down-to-earth dining experiences rather than flashy or upscale options. For example, we found out about Cecil Street Market from a local muah chee (glutinous rice cake) vendor at Chew Jetty!

2) Check the opening hours:
In Penang, many establishments have their off days on Wednesdays, with some also closing on Tuesdays or Thursdays. Street food vendors often open early in the morning and close by the afternoon, or they may only open in the evenings. To avoid disappointment, be sure to check the opening hours in advance and plan your visit accordingly.
3) Read our Penang guides and itineraries for the best recommendations:
– Penang Day Trip Guide: Exploring Georgetown During a Cruise Stopover
– Cycling in Penang: How to cover Georgetown’s top attractions in one day
– Penang Foodie’s Itinerary: Covering Hipster Georgetown in a Day
– 4D3N Penang Itinerary for First-timers — Exploring the Iconic George Town and Lesser-known Hidden Gems
If you have any other recommendations to add to our Penang food guide, let us know in the comments below!