Penang's Food

Penang is Malaysia's food capital. While Kuala Lumpur boasts elevated trains, the government and the world’s tallest twin towers, Penang is a center of culture and, more importantly, street food.

Penang is actually the name of the Northwestern Malay province. It sits on the coast, near the border with Thailand. The area sports white sand beaches and beautifully constructed buildings from its colonial times. Georgetown, Penang’s capital city, is where evidence of this history can be seen today. The whole area was under British control, along with Singapore, until World War II.

Virtually every street around the area’s main streets has at least two food stalls serving quality food. According to many people, Penang’s food stalls serve some of the world’s finest street fare. The market stalls and food carts are clean. It only takes several blocks to find food to meet anyone’s expectations and tastes.

Numerous publications, including Time magazine, have recognized Penang as having some of the world’s best street food. This claim is backed up by Malaysians, who, it seems, vacation in Penang specifically to eat the street food.

Many local restaurants and cafes produce above average cuisine while charging below average prices.

As with other food stalls in Asia, most stalls specialize in one dish. There is no menu available. The name of a cook’s product is usually marked somewhere on the stall and the food is on display. Experienced eaters can simply follow their favorite scent to the stall of their choice.

Penang’s food is influenced by Chinese, Indian, and local cuisine. Some of the spicier fare seems influenced by the food of nearby Thailand. Satay, skewered meat, marinated and grilled over coals, is a favorite, albeit non-adventurous, choice. Laksa, a spicy, sour noodle and seafood dish, is popular amongst Malaysians. Rojak, a fruit and veggie salad mixed with sweetened fish paste, has a savory and light taste which seems a perfect fit for the equatorial tropics. Ethnic Chinese, a minority in Malaysia, actually constitute a majority in Penang. Therefore, Chinese cuisine, such as stir-fried noodle dishes and egg noodle soups are everywhere. Nasi Kandar, an Indian and Muslim curry dish, is one of the heartiest to be found on Penang’s streets. And the list goes on. One of the best things about Penang is that it is nearly impossible to try everything. There are always new tastes to explore.

The greatest concentration of food stalls are along Penang Road and also down the streets which intersect it. Another good spot for food stalls is Macalester and Magazine roads near the main bus terminal.

Penang has history, idyllic beaches, and all the other trappings of a modern Southeast Asian city. What makes this city truly unique is its diverse cuisine.