There are many reasons why tourists love Penang. The beaches, the food, and the shopping are just a few of them. What about street food though? I mean who doesn’t like to eat delicious foods from carts and stalls on the streets?
If you’re looking to find some of the best street foods in Penang then this article is for you! We discuss 10 unforgettable dishes that will make your mouth water.
Kaya Toast
If you’re in the mood for something sweet and simple, then look no further than Kaya Toast. This breakfast dish is a true Malaysian staple that consists of bread toasted with either butter or coconut jam spread on top.
You can add an egg if you like but it’s usually served without one (this will save room for other Malaysian dishes later in the day). You can find Kaya Toast stalls at almost every breakfast place throughout Penang, so make sure to stop by a few before checking out some of its other attractions.
Wantan Mee
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats Wantan Mee. This dish is basically a bowl of rice noodles served alongside broth with slices of pork and dumplings floating on top.
It’s usually topped with Chinese chives, spring onions, fried shallots, or chilli oil for that extra kick. Once you’re done enjoying the noodles, use the spoon to drink up all of that broth and get a taste of some authentic Malaysian cooking.
Duck Kway Chap
As you explore the Penang, stop in for a bowl of Duck Kway Chap. This dish consists of flat rice noodles served alongside duck meat and various vegetables as well as pig’s blood cake (you can opt-out if you don’t want to eat organ meats).
It might sound gross at first but trust me when I say it tastes amazing! There are many variations of this dish, but you’ll probably come across the Penang version which contains duck meat and liver.
Ais Tingkap
In the mood for something refreshing? Then look no further than Ais Tingkap. This dessert is a popular drink served throughout Malaysia and consists of coconut water, rose water syrup, sugar cane juice, and shaved ice all mixed together to give you one tasty beverage that will cool you down on hot days.
Hokkien Mee
As you’re walking around Penang, look for a Hokkien Mee stall. This noodle dish consists of thick yellow noodles served alongside prawns and pork belly in a dark soy sauce based gravy to give it that extra flavour.
You can also find variations with egg or squid mixed into the dish as well (you know what they say about too much of a good thing)! Hokkien Mee is delicious and you can find stalls throughout Malaysia, so get it while exploring Penang.
Nasi Kandar
If you want to try a bit of everything then Nasi Kandar is the dish for you. This popular Malaysian meal consists of rice served alongside curries and other Indian dishes such as fried fish, chicken, meatballs, lentils and more!
The best part? You can pick and choose any dish you like. Nasi Kandar is a must-try when exploring Penang, so be sure to try it at least once before leaving the island.
Braised Pork & Egg
To keep things simple, why not try a plate of Braised Pork & Egg? This dish consists of pork paired with an egg and is usually served alongside rice. It’s a very simple dish but it tastes amazing, so be sure to try some when you’re in Penang!
Asam Laksa
As we head down the list, we come across Asam Laksa. This soup dish consists of rice noodles and fish served alongside a sour broth made from asam tree fruit and belacan (shrimp paste). It might sound weird at first but give it a shot before you knock it. You’ll end up loving it!
Jipangi Ice Cream
What’s an adventure without some dessert? Jipangi Ice Cream is the perfect sweet treat to end your trip with. This unique ice cream comes in a J-shaped cone and is filled with either vanilla or chocolate (or a combination of both) ice cream. It might sound simple but it tastes amazing, so what are you waiting for?
Mee Sotong
Last but not least, it’s time to finish off our list with a dish of Mee Sotong. This noodle dish is made from Hokkien noodles and is tossed together with squid along with various vegetables such as cabbage or carrots for that added crunch! You can find Mee Sotong stalls just about everywhere in Malaysia, so be sure to try it when you’re exploring Penang!
Final Words
There are many delicious street foods to try in Penang, Malaysia. If you’re exploring the island and looking for an authentic taste of Malaysian cuisine then be sure not to miss out on these 10 unforgettable dishes! From noodles like Hokkien Mee (which is served alongside prawns and pork belly) or Duck Kway Chap (a dish made from flat rice noodles with duck meat), there’s something for everyone here. You can even find desserts such as Jipangi Ice Cream which come in a unique J-shaped cone shape. Be sure to explore all that Penang has to offer before heading back home!
