1
Char Kway Teow
Stir-fried flat rice noodles with prawns, cockles, Chinese sausage, eggs, and bean sprouts in dark soy sauce. The "wok hei" (breath of the wok) is essential.
NoodlesMultiple locations
10 Penang Street Foods Worth Queuing For
Penang is the street food capital of Asia. From char kway teow to laksa, these are the 10 must-try street food experiences.
2
Assam Laksa
Tangy, spicy fish-based noodle soup with tamarind, mackerel, cucumber, pineapple, and mint. A UNESCO-recognized dish.
NoodlesAir Itam, Penang Road
3
Hokkien Mee (Prawn Noodle Soup)
Rich prawn broth with yellow noodles, prawns, pork, kangkung, and hard-boiled egg. Deep, complex flavour from hours of simmering.
NoodlesGeorge Town
4
Nasi Kandar
Steamed rice served with a choice of curries and side dishes. The mixed curry gravy is the signature element.
RiceGeorge Town, Jelutong
5
Penang Rojak
Fruit and vegetable salad with a thick, sweet prawn paste dressing, crushed peanuts, and sesame seeds.
SaladGurney Drive, George Town
6
Oyster Omelette (Or Chien)
Crispy egg omelette with plump oysters and starch, served with sweet chili sauce.
FriedGurney Drive, New Lane
7
Cendol
Shaved ice dessert with pandan jelly noodles, coconut milk, palm sugar, and red beans. Perfect for hot days.
DessertMultiple locations
8
Char Koay Kak (Fried Radish Cake)
Cubes of radish cake stir-fried with sweet dark soy sauce, eggs, preserved radish, and bean sprouts.
FriedNew Lane, George Town
9
Curry Mee
Spicy coconut curry noodle soup with yellow noodles, tofu puffs, blood cockles, and cuttlefish.
NoodlesGeorge Town
10
Apom Balik (Ban Chang Kuih)
Fluffy pancake filled with crushed peanuts, sugar, and sweet corn. A popular teatime snack.
SnackMultiple locations
More Top 10 Lists
10 Penang Temples That Outshine the Tourist Trail
Penang is home to stunning Buddhist, Hindu, and Chinese temples. These are the most architecturally significant and culturally important.
10 Penang Beaches — and the Honest Truth About Each One
While Penang isn't primarily a beach destination, it has several pleasant coastal spots perfect for swimming and relaxation.
10 George Town Cafés Locals Actually Work From
Penang has a thriving cafe culture blending traditional kopitiams with modern specialty coffee shops.
Plan Your Visit to Penang
Ready to experience these amazing 10 penang street foods worth queuing for? Start planning your trip.