Oh, yes! Think locally with Penangite’s must-visit recommendations for the best nasi kandar, mee udang, kari ikan, and char kway toew experience you’ll ever have.

At first, I thought I have all figured out when it comes to Penang island’s food. Man was I wrong. As a tourist (yes because I live in Kuala Lumpur), I always thought that certain places are great to dine in because of what’s been recommended by other tourists as well. Don’t think that way. To get the full experience of Penang island’s taste, you have to think locally. Ask the ones who grew up in the state or been staying there for a while. They have the inside scoop that you need. Nobody knows home food like the locals.

Search, no more! I have listed out some of the recommendations made by my close friends. Born and raised in Penang island, they have everything that you need to know about the area at their fingertips. Let’s begin!

#1
Deen Maju

A casual setting for an easy breezy dining before or after touring the city. Enjoy an array of delicious Malay cuisine.

Address: 170, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operation hour: 12.00pm – 10.30pm (closed on Monday)
Contact: 012 425 2421

#2
Kari Ikan Sembilang Kuala Sungai Pinang

Yes, this restaurant serves one of the best ikan sembilan (catfish) in town! Even better, you’ll get to enjoy the dish with their famous curry gravy . So delicious!

Address: Lorong Kuala Sungai Pinang 2, Taman Jelita, 11000 Balik Pulau, Pulau Pinang
Operation hour: 9.30am – 2.00pm
Contact: 017 552 2611

#3
Sany Char Kway Teow

This restaurants offer more than just Char Way Teow. You will enjoy the rest of the menu which includes nasi lemak and mee goreng.

Address:  4 Lorong Mahsuri 2 Near Sunrise Shopping Centre, Bayan Lepas, Penang
Operation hour: 6.30pm – 3.00am (closed on Tuesday)
Contact: 012 470 9355

#4
Mee Udang Batu Ferringhi

Someone take me here right now, please! The mee udang special are cooked with rich taste of gravy and satisfying sizes of prawns.

Address: 11050 Batu Ferringhi, Penang
Operation hour: 6.00pm – 12.00am (closed on Wednesday)
Contact: 012 456 5705

#5
Nasi Kandar Beratur

Another nasi kandar spot that you need to visit! This restaurant is often crowded. So, be patient okay! It’s worth the wait!

Address: 98, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operation hour: 8.00am – 11.45pm
Contact: 012 448 3001

Look, even Malaysia’s favourite A-list celebrity Nur Fazura ate here. Now, you can too!

#6
Nasi Lemak Liverpool

Attention to all Liverpool fans, you can unite and dine together at one of the best restaurants in town. The nasi lemak served is absolutely ah-mazing!

Address: 92, Jln Tan Sri Teh Ewe Lim, Jelutong, 11600 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operation hour: 2.00pm – 1.30am (closed on Tuesday)
Contact: 017 455 5797

#7
Minah Restaurant

A popular family-operated restaurant with a traditional menu of Malay cuisine that anyone would enjoy.

Address: Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Taman Tun Sardon, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang
Operation hour: 8.00am – 10.30pm (Sunday), 9am – 10.30pm (Tuesday – Saturday) *closed on Monday
Contact: 04 658 1234

#8
Nasi Kandar Kampung Melayu

Yes, another nasi kandar restaurant recommended by the locals. Although the queue may be long, trust me, it is worth the wait! After all, it’s not like everyday you get to try the delicious food.

Address: A-29, Jalan Kampung Melayu, Kampung Melayu, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang
Operation hour: 6.15am – 1.30pm
Contact: 019 575 5877

#9
Cargas Cafe

If you’re looking for Malay cuisine, then here is where you need to go as well.

Address: 978, Main Road, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Operation hour: 9.00am – 10.30 (closed on Friday)
Contact: 016 423 6392

#10
Pak Western

When you are bored with the local cuisines, try an array of delicious westernized food here. You will love every bit of it! Simple food with extra ordinary taste!

Address: No.4, simpang tiga gerai juru bukit mertajam, Jalan Tiga, Kampung Juru, 14000 Simpang, Pulau Pinang
Operation hour: 4.00pm – 12.30am
Contact: 011 3615 2643

#11
Soup Hameed

Get ready to taste the warm, creamy, and rich herbs of the local’s soup at Soup Hameed’s restaurant. The amazing part is that the dish is completed with a few pieces of bread for you to enjoy.

Address: 48, Jalan Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operation hour: 7.00am – 3.00am
Contact: 04-261 8007

#12
Kapitan Restaurant

Although there are so many Kapitan restaurants everywhere outside Penang island, don’t miss out on this one. The birthplace of the traditional dish.

Address: Lebuh Chulia, 10200 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operation hour: always open
Contact: 011 1666 4955

It is safe to say that all of the restaurants on our list are usually packed, especially during the holidays. Here at Hipshut, we care about your health and safety. With the current situation, be sure to wear your mask while queueing, have a mini sanitiser in your handbag and for extra caution, bring anti-bacterial wipes as well. If you have infant or toddler, bringing along your own stroller is a great substitute for a public baby chair.