Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
Penang, long known as the food capital of Malaysia, is renowned for its good and varied
food. Penang was recognised as having the Best Street Food in Asia by Time magazine
in 2004, citing that "nowhere else can such great tasting food be so cheap". Penang's
cuisine reflects the Chinese, Malay and Indian ethnic mix of Malaysia, but also shows some
influence of Thailand. Most of these cuisine are sold at road-side stalls, known as "hawker
food", many served al fresco, strongly features noodles, spices, and fresh seafood.
Penang offers plenty of delicious and cheap Malaysian food, but is famed throughout the
rest of the country for some specialities such as Char Koay Teow, Penang Laksa, and
Nasi Kandar, which are found practically everywhere on the island. If you've been travelling in
Singapore or elsewhere in Malaysia, you'll see some familiar names, but don't be fooled:
Penang laksa or hokkien mee are quite different from what you'd get in, say, Kuala Lumpur.
Penang is an island of countless food stalls, a veritable "food paradise". It is known to
many around Asia for its culinary originality and diversity. However, Penangites find good
food in many places usually unknown (and even odd) to tourists.
The best way to find good food is to ask the locals. Don't be surprised that some stalls
that are set up beside a busy road or coffeeshops located in some inconspicuous back alley are
considered to serve very good food by the locals, sometimes even under a tree! The rule
of thumb is to be adventurous with your tongue and to look at the condition of the stall
and its surroundings. Generally, if a stall is being patronised by many locals, the food
will be good to eat.