One of the best things about Penang besides its tourist attractions is the street food. That being said, if you’re not a local, it might be hard trying to figure out the best street food spot in town. Therefore, we have listed the best 6 Penang street food that earned the approvals of Penangnites. This way, you know you’ll be enjoying the best street foods that Penang has to offer.
1. Chendol
What better way to quench your thirst and fight the heat than enjoying a bowl of chendol. Penang is known for its chendol, but the best one is actually served from a humble stall located in Jalan Penang. It’s pretty hard to miss as Penang had dedicated a large mural for this chendol stall so find the mural and you will find the stall.
Where to get it: Jalan Penang, George Town, 10450 George Town
2. Ai Yu Bing
Ai Yu Bing is basically shaved ice with fresh local fruits, mostly lychee, some jelly and a zest of lemon. Sounds pretty simple but sometimes it’s the simplest things that give you the greatest pleasures in life – especially if it’s made of ice and sweet things. You might have to keep an eye for the stall but the line-up might give it away.
Where to get it: Gat Lebuh Acheh, 10300 George Town (Opposite Tan Jetty)
3. Rojak
Rojak is always on top of the street food list no matter which state you visit in Malaysia. The Hock Seng Rojak, in particular, is worth trying. Locals flock to this stall almost on a daily basis. The kueh used for the rojak is crunchy and soft on the inside but the real star is the thick sauce used to merry the rojak together. Only Hock Seng can make such a tasty rojak sauce.
Where to get it: Hock Seng Rojak, Gat Lebuh Cecil, 10300 George Town
4. Lor Bak
Lor Bak is essentially a mixture of meats, seafood and vegetables seasoned with five spices, rolled in a thin bean curd skin and deep-fried before being served chilli sauce and loh – a type of thickened sweet sauce. Take one bite of the Lor Bak, and you will keep coming back for more. At Kheng Pin, the Lor Bak is fried fresh daily so you know you’re getting the best of the best.
Where to get it: Kheng Pin Café, 80, Jalan Penang, George Town
5. Seafood Popiah
Another popular Penang street food is, of course, the Seafood Popiah basah. Made to order, this particular seafood popiah is packed with not just seafood but pork, tofu, bean curd, vegetables and fried shallots so you get the crunchy taste and the sweet taste all in one go. Plus unlike any other seafood popiah, the one served here use real, juicy crab meat.
Where to get it: Medan Selera Padang Brown, Jalan Perak, 10400 George Town
6. Char Koay Kak
Last but not least is the Char Koay Kok or Radish cake sold at this humble stall. This place has been operating for more than 30 years, so you definitely know they make the best radish cake in town. We mean, gooey radish cake doused in their special sauce? Heaven on earth if you ask us.
Where to get it: Sister Yao’s, Macalister Lane, 94, Lorong Macalister, George Town
There you have it – 6 must-try street foods of Penang worth indulging. Also, check out our article on the top breakfast spots in Penang.
You can also order some of your favourite street foods using the foodpanda app. Just a few clicks and food will be right at your doorstep.