Hawker Food in Penang
As Penang Island or Pulau Pinang is located on the northwest of Malaysia on an island which houses over two million Penangites (what locals from Penang are called), there are many ways to get there which are by self-driving, bus, train, ferry or by flight.
The island is also one of the popular places for a holiday destination as many locals and foreigners seem to enjoy the old world charm of UNESCO World Heritage Site Geroge Town.
Some of these hawkers are found in the core heritage zone itself while a number of them are well spread over town at food courts, road shoulders and even under trees.
If you are a food lover, then Penang is one of the places you must try as they dish out some of the countries most famous local hawker dishes.
Penang Fried Kuey Teow
There has been raving reviews all over the internet about who has the best fried kuey teow while in my honest opinion, there is NO best in this category. They all have their own distinctive and unique taste.
![]() |
Large prawns fried kuey teow. Photo by Becky Becks. |
Among the many top contenders in this popular hawker dish, you will hear many people recommending personal favourite places in Penang for fried kuey teow.
Where To Try Penang Fried Kuey Teow
- Campbell Street Chow Kueh Teow who sells it by the junction,
- Lorong Selamat Chow Kueh Teow who a lady in goggles fries it in front of a coffee shop,
- Sisters Chow Kueh Teow at Burma Road and
- Fried Kuey Teow with crab meat at New Lane, off Jalan Macalister
- Fried Kuey Teow stall at Long Beach Food Court in Batu Feringgi
Where To Try Penang Asam Laksa
- Ayer Itam Asam Laksa – Probably the most famous
- Penang Road Asam Laksa – Famous with TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet
- Joo Hooi Cafe – Another Laksa with recommendations by travel books
- Gurney Drive Asam Laksa – This is one of the pioneer famous laksa’s in Penang
- Taman Emak Kopitiam – More of a local Laksa joint with great taste
![]() |
Asam Laksa from Penang |
Some of them may look strange, but I can assure you that they are absolutely one of a kind. The only way to find out is by trying some of them.
Personally, I cannot wait to go back to the island to explore the many other hawker favourites, as every time I go, there will be some new Penang food to experience.
![]() |
Pasembur Penang, a unique dish to try |
![]() |
Penang Satay being cooked. Photo Mohd. Fazlin. |
While you are out there on the streets trying out the many local favourites, do not forget to try some of the local coffee and tea, which is consumed by locals regularly.
Around Penang, you can find the famous Teh C Peng (Special three-layered iced tea with milk) and some awesome local brewed coffee from the many coffee shops.
If you should know, Teh C Peng Special is also well known around Sarawak Borneo and often called three-layered tea there.
![]() |
Ais Tingkap and Pasembor in Penang |
Unique Hawker Delights in Penang
This snack is not easily found, therefore you will most probably find them as road side hawkers or at some food courts.
One of the places where you can most likely find the fried chicken skin is at New Lane Road night hawker.
![]() |
Gurney Drive hawker centre in Penang. Photo Wikipedia. |
Hawker Centers in Penang
There are a few well-known hawker centres in Penang, and the most famous of them being Gurney Drive, which is really crowded and mostly with tourist. Local foodies do not come here from what I know.
The locals prefer to go to other lesser-known hawker centres in Penang, and I do that too when I visit the island.
- Swatow Lane Food Center
- New Lane Hawker Street
- Gurney Drive
- Batu Feringgi
- Ayer Hitam Market Area
![]() |
Famous Nasi Kandar Immigration in Penang |
For photographers, the Pearl of the Orient is a wonderland as it is rich in culture and heritage. While hunting down your food, you are bound to come across a very unique Southeast Asian lifestyle, interesting places of worship and even pre-war buildings.
One of the interesting places to visit on foot would be the Penang Peranakan Mansion and Museum which is located around the main George Town area.
And as a photographer, I managed to capture a series of Pictures of Penang during my walkabout around George Town.
![]() |
Penang Fish Head Curry |
you visit the island of Penang.
On a side note, if you have a weak stomach, all is not lost! You still have the option of trying some of the famous Penang dishes which can be found in proper restaurants, cafes and even on hotel
menus.
But honestly, for the food aficionado or street food lover, nothing beats travelling around the island looking for good hawker food in Penang, Malaysia.
Share this content:
11 comments