Often dubbed the food capital of Malaysia, Penang, whose multi-cultural heritage is shaped by Chinese, Malay, Peranakan influences, has long been a magnet for international travelers. Its UNESCO World Heritage-listed capital, George Town, brims with cultural diversity, centuries-old architecture, and a street food culture hailed among the best in the world.
Today, Penang is no longer just a stopover for food lovers. Official statistics revealed that tourism in Penang has been steadily climbing, and for instance, it recorded over 7.8 million visitor arrivals in 2023, a surge fueled by post-pandemic travel demand and the growing global reputation of its food and lifestyle scene.
International travelers, particularly from China, Singapore, and Europe, are drawn not only to George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage architecture but also to its reputation as a food paradise. According to Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Penang contributes more than 15 per cent of the country’s total tourism receipts, a figure that continues to grow.
Recognizing this potential, the Penang government has stepped up efforts to promote the island from hosting international food festivals to backing local chefs, and among which are two culinary stars, the Penang-born Chef KimHock Su of one-Michelin-starred Au Jardin and Chef Johnson Wong of the Michelin-selected Gēn, who level up Penang dining by elevating local flavors with contemporary finesse.
Following in their footsteps, we embarked on a journey to discover Penang’s best places to eat, drink, and stay, from humble hawker stalls, modern delights, to boutique hospitality.
- EAT
一. Comfort Food
(1) Duck Meat Koay Teow Th’ng
Start your Penang morning on Lebuh Kimberly, where crowds gather for steaming bowls of duck meat koay teow th’ng. Silky rice noodles slip into a broth slow-simmered with duck bones, herbs, and spices until rich with depth.
Topped with shredded duck, bouncy meatballs, and if you’re feeling bold – a medley of innards, this humble stall is a true must on any Penang food journey.
Address: Lebuh Kimberley, 10450 George Town, Penang
Business Hours: 7.30am – 12pm (Closed on Monday)
(2) No. 5 Char Koay Teow
Ask any Penangite about the island’s signature dish, and they’ll probably point you to No. 5 for char koay teow. The sizzle of rice noodles hitting the wok, the aroma of garlic and soy, the swift toss of prawns and cockles through high flames.
Each plate glistens with smoky depth, finished with egg and chives. It’s messy, aromatic, and addictive – that tells Penang’s soul on a single plate.
Address: 94, Jln Macalister, Sunshine City, 10450 George Town, Penang
Business Hours: 12pm – 8.30pm (Closed on Sunday)
Tel:+60 18-948 5680
(3) Gou Lou Hong Kee Chao Sar Hor Fun & Noodles
Down a nondescript lane lies Hong Kee, a stall that has earned near-legendary status among noodle lovers. Its specialty chao sar hor fun, flat rice noodles tossed with egg, seafood, and gravy, imbues with wok hei – that smoky kiss of a well-seasoned wok.
Locals swear by it, claiming the flavor rivals that of fine Cantonese restaurants. For visitors, it’s a reminder that Penang’s greatness lies as much in its hawker stalls as in its Michelin stars.
Address: 89, Lebuh Campbell,10100 George Town, Penang
Business Hours: 10am – 7.30pm (Closed on Sunday)
Tel: +60 16-548 1248
(4) Keat Claypot Bak Kut Teh
At Keat, bak kut teh is more than a meal – it’s a ritual. This beloved herbal pork rib soup is prepared in bubbling claypots, each portion arriving at the table still steaming, its rich aroma of medicinal herbs filling the air. The broth is layered with notes of star anise, clove, and garlic, its complexity rewarding slow sips.
A favorite among families, Keat’s bak kut teh shows Penang’s Chinese heritage and the timeless joy of gathering around a pot. Served piping hot in claypots, it’s a perfect communal meal.
Address: Jalan Air Itam, Kampung Baharu, 11400 George Town, Penang
Business Hours: 5pm -2am (Closed on Monday)
(5) Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay
Housed in a pre-war house, it’s one of Penang’s oldest surviving Nyonya kuih makers. Inside, trays of jewel-toned kuih glisten, e.g., rainbow-hued kuih lapis, pandan-scented layers, and coconut-rich rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves.
It’s Peranakan tradition, painstakingly handmade and passed down through generations. Visiting Moh Teng Pheow is as much about savoring kuih as it is experiencing living history.
Address: Lebuh Chulia, Jalan Masjid, 10200 George Town, Penang
Business Hours: 10am – 5pm
Tel: +60 12-415 2677
(6) The Teochew Club
In the quiet early evenings there’s a glow of warm porcelain bowls and nostalgic flavors emanating from The Teochew Club, a late-night supper spot aimed at reviving Teochew night porridge and the communal ritual that once thrived across Penang’s food streets.
Think braised duck, tofu with salted egg, and preserved radish omelette, which are simple, unpretentious and comforting. In addition, the stylish interiors give a nod to Penang’s blend of old and new, making it a stop for those seeking nightlife with cultural character.
Address: 17, Lintang Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10250 George Town, Penang
Business Hours: 4pm – 1am (Thursday – Tuesday)
Tel: +60 10-948 2024
(7) Swatow Lane Ice Kacang
In Penang’s tropical heat, few pleasures are as iconic as Swatow Lane’s ice kacang. Pyramids of shaved ice are crowned with red beans, sweet corn, grass jelly, and palm sugar syrup, creating a kaleidoscope of colors and textures.
Every spoonful offers crunch and creaminess, sweetness and earthiness. Generations have flocked here for a taste of nostalgia.
Address: E, 102, 1, Jalan Burma, 10050 George Town, Penang
Business Hours: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Tel: +60 16-459 5213
(8) Yeng Keng Café
Part of the historic Yeng Keng Hotel, this café offers genuine Peranakan cuisine. Beyond the food, the café’s charm lies in its colonial-era architecture, antique furnishings, and leafy courtyard – a perfect mid-day retreat where history, hospitality, and good taste converge.
Address: 362, Chulia Street, George Town, 10200 Penang
Business Hours: 11.30am-9.30pm
Tel: +60 04-263 3177
二. Fine Dining
(1) Au Jardin
At the heart of George Town’s historic Hin Bus Depot, a once bus terminal turned creative hub, lies Au Jardin – the intimate fine-dining restaurant that earned its first Michelin star in 2023.
Behind the counter is Chef Kimhock Su, a Penang native whose journey from local kitchens to international acclaim embodied the island’s evolving culinary identity. His cuisine marries European finesse with seasonal Malaysian produce, a philosophy rooted in respect for local terroir yet elevated to global standards.
Address: The Warehouse @ Hin Bus Depot, 125, Jalan Timah, 10150 Georgetown, Penang
Business Hours: 11.30am – 2pm (Thursday – Sunday), 5.15pm – 10pm (Thursday – Sunday)
Tel: +60 12-428 9594
(2) Gēn
At Gen, Penang’s Michelin-recognized jewel, Chef Johnson Wong digs into the roots of Malaysian cuisine. Inspired by the word Gēn (Root in Mandarin Chinese), he designs tasting menus driven by Malaysia’s local ingredients – mostly from northern part of the country – and the everyday flavors that shape his life, from coastal abundance to the bustle of George Town’s street stalls.
Wong’s cooking is both nostalgic and forward-looking. A kampong chicken brightened with tamarind recalls rustic comfort, while seafood lifted by torch ginger, calamansi, and foraged herbs captures the lush terroir of Penang’s shores.
Address: Unit 6, 8 Gat Lebuh Gereja, 10300 George Town, Penang
Business Hours: 12pm – 3pm (Thursday – Sunday ), 6pm – 11pm (Wednesday – Sunday)
Tel & WeChat: +60 12-511 3323
- DRINK
(1) AE Coffee
AE Coffee has become a pilgrimage spot for Penang’s specialty coffee lovers. Minimalist in design, AE is known for its precision pour-overs, where single-origin beans are brewed to highlight nuanced flavor profiles.
The baristas treat coffee with the same attitudes as sommeliers approach wine – guiding guests through tasting notes and origin stories. For travelers, AE offers not only a great cup but also a glimpse into Penang’s growing appreciation for quality, traceability, and slow living.
Address: 11, Lebuh Clarke, George Town, 10050 George Town, Penang
Business Hours: 9am – 5pm (Closed on Friday)
(2) OME Coffee
Located in a cozy space that doubles as a creative studio, OME pushes the boundaries of third-wave coffee culture. The menu changes frequently, with baristas showcasing alternative brewing methods – from cold-drip towers to aeropress flights – and occasionally blending coffee with unexpected flavors such as tropical fruits or local herbs.
OME is more of a community hub, often hosting collaborations with Penang’s chefs, bakers, and artisans. It shows the island’s spirit of innovation, rooting in tradition yet eager to push boundaries.
Address: No 1, Lorong Toh Aka, 10100 George Town, Penang
Business Hours: 7.30am-4pm (Saturday-Sunday), 7.30am – 3pm (Monday-Tuesday)
Tel: +60 19-690 8259
- STAY
88 Armenian
In the heart of George Town’s historic Armenian Street, 88 Armenian is a boutique hotel renovated from a heritage house seamlessly blending colonial architecture with modern design. Each suite is designed with a sense of intimacy, featuring bespoke furniture, local art, and views over the bustling cultural quarter.
Guests wake up steps away from Penang’s most famous street art, temples, and night markets, yet retreat at night into serene comfort. 88 Armenian offers an insider’s experience of Penang – where history is not only preserved but lived.
Address: 88, Armenian street, 10200 George Town, Penang
Tel: +60 42-611 188
Penang is riding a wave of recognition. As more travelers look for destinations with a harmonious combinations of tradition and diversity, Penang’s fast becoming one of Asia’s most exciting travel experiences.