Penang, long known as the food capital of Malaysia, is renowned for its good and varied food. Penang was recognised as having the Best Street Food in Asia by Time magazine in 2004, citing that “nowhere else can such great tasting food be so cheap”. Penang’s cuisine reflects the Chinese, Malay and Indian ethnic mix of Malaysia, but also shows some influence of Thailand. Most of these cuisine are sold at road-side stalls, known as “hawker food”, many served al fresco, strongly features noodles, spices, and fresh seafood.
Penang offers plenty of delicious and cheap Malaysian food, but is famed throughout the rest of the country for some specialities such as Char Koay Teow, Penang Laksa, and Nasi Kandar, which are found practically everywhere on the island. If you’ve been travelling in Singapore or elsewhere in Malaysia, you’ll see some familiar names, but don’t be fooled: Penang laksa or hokkien mee are quite different from what you’d get in, say, Kuala Lumpur. Penang is an island of countless food stalls, a veritable “food paradise”. It is known to many around Asia for its culinary originality and diversity. However, Penangites find good food in many places usually unknown (and even odd) to tourists.
The best way to find good food is to ask the locals. Don’t be surprised that some stalls that are set up beside a busy road or coffeeshops located in some inconspicuous back alley are considered to serve very good food by the locals, sometimes even under a tree! The rule of thumb is to be adventurous with your tongue and to look at the condition of the stall and its surroundings. Generally, if a stall is being patronised by many locals, the food will be good to eat.
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