Penang, The Food Capital of Asia
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit
Language: Mostly Mandarin and Chinese Dialect
Known as the food capital of Asia! Founded as a British Colony and settlements back in the days, Penang have a mixture of colonial heritage with the local peranakan influences. A predominant chinese settlements, it is very different from the rest of Malaysia as goes for its cuisine.
From Airport to Downtown
The airport is located all the way south, in the area of Bayan Lepas. The best way is probably taking a private hire vehicle ordered from the ride sharing app, Grab. Similar to uber. This allows for perfect communication, payment and price. It is very affordable as well with the ride not costing more than 50RM to most places, even as far north as Batu Ferringhi.
Attractions
Penang Hill
Bukit Bendera, Jalan Stesen, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
One of the best attraction to do in Penang, this is the first hill station built by the British, there’s plenty of history to back up this small slice of paradise in the middle of Penang Island. Breathtaking view at the top of Penang. Tickets for the return ride cost 30RM for foreigners. Open from 6.15am to 10pm daily. It is also much cooling when you are up there making it perfect for trips. Two of the recommended food stalls are located near here. Public Holiday on the 9th.
Kek Lok Si Temple
Kek Lok Si is the literally unmissable Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda. Standing seven storey and 30 metres high, this pagoda mixes up three different Buddhist architecture styles: Its top crown, crafted in typical Burmese style; its mid-tiers, in distinctive Thai design; and its base, a typical Chinese octagon. Two of Penang’s most legendary hawker stalls — Sister Curry Mee and Air Itam Asam Laksa — are located in this area.
Armenian Street
Lebuh Armenian, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Love Lane
A narrow lane that runs from north to south, linking Farquhar Street and Chulia Street. Today, the rustic shop houses along Love Lane have been converted into budget hostels, trendy cafes and bars. Nice place to stroll in the evening.
Clan Jetties
Pengkalan Weld, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Each jetty is named after a Chinese clan, the oldest being the Chew Jetty which was established in the mid-19th century. This is also the most tourist-friendly among the jetties, where you can walk along the wooden piers and take in views of the sea. This is a good place to pick up some souvenirs, as well as try more street food. Tan Jetty here is a must see.
Street art in George Town
The highest concentration of street art in Penang is in Georgetown, especially around Armenian Street, Pitt Street, Chulia Street and Muntri Street. Boy on Motorbike (12 Lebuh Ah Quee). Nice for photo taking.
http://www.tourismpenang.net.my/pdf/street-art-brochure.pdf
Khoo Kongsi Clan Temple
Large Chinese clan house with elaborate and highly ornamented architecture, a mark of the dominant presence of the Chinese. The most grand clan temple in Penang. Part of the big 5 in older Penang days. Open daily from 9am to 5pm. You do need to pay to get in. Cost 10RM to enter.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
Built by Chinese merchant Cheong Fatt Tze in the late 1800s. Known as the Blue Mansion for its indigo-blue outer walls. Cheong Fatt Tze is named after the merchant that built it at the end of the 19th century, who used the 38-room mansion as his private residence and business operations centre. Nice for pictures.
Miami Beach
Located just opposite our hotel. It is a nice stretch of coastline. Nice to chill.
Batu Ferringhi Beach
Best place for sunset which happens around 7.30pm. You can find water spots and all sorts of other stuff here. There is also a night market nearby as well.
Shopping
Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon
Him Heang
164, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Famous for their traditional cookies which are baked daily. Open from Mon to Sat 8.30am to 5pm.
Ghee Hiang
216, Jalan Macalister, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
160-year-old local bakery called Ghee Hiang. Not only tourists but even Malaysians from Penang and elsewhere swear by their legendary Tau Sar Pneah. Open from 9am to 9pm every day.
Restaurants
Ah Soon Fried Oyster
58, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Open from 4pm to 12am daily.
Tiger Char Kway Tiao
179, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Open from 7am to 2pm everyday
Siam Road Char Kway Tiao
82, Jalan Siam, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Open from Tue to Sat, 12 to 7pm
Laksalicious
123 Hutton Lane, 10050 Penang George Town, Malaysia
Open from 11.30am to 7.30pm, closed on Wednesday
Aik Hoe Restaurant
No. 6 & 8, Lebuh Carnavon, 10100, George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Traditional local place for Dim Sum. Open from Wed to Sun, 6.30am to 2pm.
Oyster Omelette @ Yi Garden 怡园茶室
150-152, Jalan Macalister, George Town, 10300 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Open from 6pm to 10.30pm.
Yong Pin Dim Sum Restaurant (榕檳茶樓)
No. 11-B & C, Jalan Sungai Ujong, 10100 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Open from 6am to 12pm, 7pm to 12am Mon to Thu. All day on Sun from 6am to 12am.
Nasi Kandar Line Clear
Beside 161 & 177 Penang Road, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Open 24hrs, closed on tuesday
Restoran Kapitan at Chulia Street
93, Chulia St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Open 24 hours. Famous for Nasi Kandar, Biryani and their tandoori chicken
Bora Bora @ Ferringhi
Lot 415, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
beachside eatery – it’s got a good selection of beers, some draught and at low prices. The menu mixes international standards with much-loved Asian dishes. Open from 12pm till 12am or 1am.
CY Choy Road Hokkien Mee
533, Jalan C.Y. Choy, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Open from 7am to 2.30pm. Closed on Mon.
Air Itam Laksa & Sisters Curry Mee
1, Jalan Pasar, Pekan Ayer Itam, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
612 T, Jalan Air Itam, Pekan Ayer Itam, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Two stores are located almost next to each other and near the Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si area. Making it perfect to do everything together.
WHEELER’S Coffee
67, Lorong Love, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Known for the best coffee in town, the interior is lovely and the ambience is comfortable. It isn’t too big, which makes it cosy. As it’s located on the popular Love Lane it does get crowded. Open from 8.30am to 2am.
Chulia Street Night Market
The buzz here starts after 6pm at the corner of Chulia and Carnarvon St. Some of the best dishes that you can try here are – Chicken/Beef/Pork Satay, Dumplings, Char Kway Teo, a variety of noodles and desserts.
Gurney Drive Hawker Centre
Imagine almost a 1 Km stretch of road turning into a massive food court! It may be noisy, messy, crowded but it is all kinds of wonderful and a haven for street food lovers. ranging from Lok Lok (Malaysian-style hotpot), Fried noodles and rice, Chendol (shaved ice dessert), to grilled/fried fish and meat, dumplings and fresh coconuts. Open from 4.30pm till late. Closed on Tuesday.
Kimberley Street Food Night Market
1, Jalan Sungai Ujong, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Open from 5pm, closed on Wednesday
Batu Ferringhi Night Market
Jalan Pantai Batu, Taman Pantai Batu, 11200 Tanjong Bungah, Pulau Pinang
Open from 7pm to 1am.
Ali Nasi Lemak Daun Pisang
Sri Weld Food Court, Beach St, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Open from 7am to 2pm, 3pm on weekdays, closed on Sun.
Tek Sen Restaurant
18, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Run as a family business since the 1960s, the place feels homely but definitely not shabby. The menu is pretty extensive but if you are looking to get warmed up to the local food, we suggest you try their widely famous Double Roasted Pork with Chili Padi and Tofu with Minced Pork. Open from 12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 8.30pm. Closed on Tues.
Weld Quay (Tree Shade) Seafood House
18, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Open from 11am to 9.30pm. Closed on Wed.
See Kong Ooi
Jalan Transfer, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Open from 11am to 3pm, 6 to 10pm. Closed on Thurday
Goh Swee Kee
5, Jalan Sri Bahari, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Open from 11.30am to 2.30pm, 6 to 10pm
Teh Soon Cafe (多春茶室)
184, Campbell Street
Walk from Love Lane at the 7-11 across the street and down any of those streets to Campbell and turn right. It’s down an alley on the right side. Easy to miss.). The king in Georgetown when it comes to Kopitam. Try the buttered bread toasted with a wood oven with tea or coffee. Order the soft boiled eggs to dip the bread in. Makes for a good breakfast or afternoon snack. 5rm. It’s been open 60 years and it is an essential part of life in Chinatown.
Tai Tong
45, Lebuh Cintra, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Well priced dim sum breakfasts from 6am to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10pm. Served in the traditional way on carts wheeled among the tables. Get there earlier for more variety. Seems to be closed Mondays – though Tho Yuen (below) around the corner is open.
Kakiyuki
160, Jalan Macalister, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Classic Japanese shaved ice. Good place for dessert and escape from the heat. Open from 2pm to 11pm on Mon to Thu, and from 1pm on other days. Closed on Wed.
Me Melon
Gurney Plaza
Classic shaved ice and honey toast dessert café from Thailand. Located in Gurney Plaza
Urban Daybreak
338, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Wed to Mon, 7.30am to 5.30pm. Café with all day breakfast food.