Travellers visit Penang for one of two things: their heritage charm or lip-smacking street food. Ask any of us and we would choose the latter. ‘More is more’ is the rule you should practice when you’re on a food quest to Penang.

Trust us, after that second bowl of assam laksa, you would want char kuay teow, oh chien, duck kway chap, and Hokkien mee on your table too.

 

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1. Assam Laksa

The flavours of assam laksa are so deeply complex that the simplest way we can describe it is a mixture of spicy, sour, and sweet. This tamarind-based noodle soup is normally brightened up with lemongrass, chilli, and galangal for a burst of unique flavour. What makes it special is the use of mackerel (ikan kembung) flakes to mingles well with onions, prawn paste, pineapple slices, and mint.

 

Where to makan:

1. Ayer Itam Assam Laksa on Jalan Pasar, Air Itam
2. Joo Hooi Cafe on Jalan Penang, George Town
3. Kim’s Laksa at Nan Guang Coffee Shop, Balik Pulau

 

2. Char Kuay Teow

Whether you prefer it breakfast or lunch, there’s always a time and place for char kuay teow. The ‘fried rice cake strips’ is what they like to call it, and it’s typically stir-fried with soy sauce, shrimp paste, prawns, cockles, chives, and bean sprouts.

 

Where to makan:

1. Siam Road Char Kuay Teow, Jalan Siam, George Town
2. Ah Leng Char Kuay Teow, Jalan Dato Keramat, George Town
3. Lorong Selamat Char Kuay Teow, Lorong Selamat, George Town

 

3. Hokkien Mee

Savouring Hokkien mee is almost compulsory when you’re in Penang, and your checklist would be incomplete without it. Every bowl of noodle is served with spicy prawn-flavoured broth, chilli paste, bean sprouts, water spinach, and fried shallots. If you can handle the heat, this one is made for you.

 

Where to makan:

1. 888 Hokkien Mee, Lebuh Presgrave, George Town
2. Old Green House Prawn Mee, Jalan Burma, George Town
3. Penang Famous Hokkien Mee, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town

 

4. Oyster Omelette (Oh Chien)

Penang is known to serve some of the best fried oyster omelettes (oh chien) in the country, so fill up your tummy with this seafood delight. It takes immense skills to transform simple ingredients, such as flour, chives, eggs, and oyster, into a delectable dish. We leave it to Penang to cook for us and we’ll channel our admiration by savouring them.

 

Where to makan:

1. Lam Ah Coffee Shop, Lebuh Pantai, George Town
2. Kedai Kopi Seng Thor, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town
3. Yi Garden Coffee Shop, Macalister Road, George Town

Photo credit via @gingeybites

 

5. Duck Kway Chap

There are only a number of eateries in Penang where you can feast on this unique flat rice noodle dish, so order up if you manage to spot them. Duck kwap chap is best described as a flat rice noodle dish that is peppered with tender duck meat, pig intestines, and braised egg yolk.

 

Where to makan:

1. Kimberley Street Duck Kwap Chap, Kimberly Street, George Town
2. Kim Hee Cafe, Jalan Penaga, Jelutong.

 

Header credits to @claratay, @gingeybites & @yuhjia