Must-try Dishes
Nasi Kandar - Rice with varied curries - Steamed rice served with an array of flavorful curries and fried chicken, often chosen from a large display. Locals love to enjoy it for lunch, frequently with a side of fried egg, and you’ll find it bustling at lunchtime.
Kway Teow - Flat rice noodles - Stir-fried flat rice noodles tossed with prawns, beansprouts, and soy sauce, giving it a savory kick. This popular street food is best enjoyed at night stalls where the aroma fills the air, often attracting hungry night owls.
Char Kway Teow - Stir-fried flat noodles - Wok-fried flat rice noodles with prawns, Chinese sausage, and egg, delivering a smoky, irresistible flavor. You’ll usually spot locals enjoying this for breakfast, happily slurping it while chatting over a warm bowl.
Penang Laksa - Noodle soup - A spicy-sour fish soup made from mackerel and tamarind, served with rice noodles and a generous topping of fresh mint. It's a hit at breakfast time, often eaten from small hawker stalls where locals gather for a hearty start to their day.
Rojak - Fruit salad with sauce - A unique mix of fresh fruits and vegetables coated in a sweet and spicy shrimp paste sauce. You might find it as a side dish during lunch, and by the way, don’t be surprised if you find yourself loving the salty-sweet combo of flavors!
Duck Rice - Nasi Bebek - Tender, braised duck served with steamed rice and soy sauce, often garnished with veggies. This satisfying dish is commonly enjoyed during dinner hours, and locals prefer it with extra chili for a spicy kick.
Gado-Gado - Mixed vegetables with peanut sauce - A hearty salad of boiled vegetables, tofu, and hard-boiled eggs, drenched in rich peanut sauce. While it can be eaten any time, many locals savor it for an afternoon snack, appreciating the crunchy texture alongside a rich sauce.
Desserts & Drinks
Iced Lemon Tea - Teh Ais Lemon (refreshingly sweetened) - This chilled beverage combines strong black tea with fresh lemon juice and sweetened simple syrup. You'll see locals sipping it in the heat of midday while hanging out at hawker stalls, especially when the humidity kicks in.
Teh Tarik - 拉茶 (pulled tea) - A milky, frothy tea made with black tea and condensed milk, it’s dramatically poured from one metal cup to another to create a satisfying bubble. Enjoy this during breakfast with roti canai or brunch with friends—it's a ritual worth savoring.
Penang White Coffee - Kopi O (smooth and aromatic) - A unique brew made from roasted coffee beans, ground and mixed with a dollop of sweetened condensed milk for a creamy finish. Locals often enjoy it at breakfast, and a common mistake is assuming it’s just regular coffee; it’s so much more!
Chendol - Cendol (icy dessert) - This refreshing bowl features shaved ice topped with green rice noodles, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup. Perfect for cooling down on scorching afternoons, it’s best found at street vendors during festive seasons when it's served extra sweet.
Gulab Jamun - গুলাব জামুন (sweet festival treat) - These are deep-fried dough balls made from milk solids and soaked in fragrant sugar syrup, often served during celebrations like Eid or weddings. A fun fact is that they are loved so much that locals will happily devour them at any time of the year, not just during special occasions.
