penanggg have tons of good food, good drinks and good culture. come come
A classic Malaysian dish with deep Chinese roots, Char Koay Teow is flat rice noodles stir-fried at high heat, a cooking method the Chinese call wok hei—the breath of the wok. The dish usually includes prawns, Chinese sausage, egg, bean sprouts, and chives, but vegetarian versions are also widely available.
For a taste of Penang's Indian heritage, no dish is more essential than Banana Leaf Rice. Steamed rice is served on a banana leaf with an assortment of curries, vegetables, pickles, papadum, and often fried chicken or fish. The variety of flavors—from spicy to tangy to cooling—creates a meal that is both hearty and communal.
Considered Malaysia's national dish, nasi lemak is coconut milk rice served with sambal (chili paste), fried anchovies, peanuts, cucumber slices, and boiled egg. Variations often include fried chicken, squid, or beef rendang.
For travelers with sensitive stomachs or long journeys ahead, Penang's bustling hawker scene may feel intimidating. Foodcourts in malls provide a cleaner, air-conditioned alternative without sacrificing variety.
Gurney Plaza Mall is a favorite, with multiple floors of restaurants serving everything from Japanese to Thai, Western to local cuisine. While prices are slightly higher than hawker stalls, the consistency and comfort make it a worthwhile stop.
A refined tea house that elevates dim sum into an art form, Bao Teck Tea House is renowned for its handmade dishes and varieties of dim sum that are rarely seen elsewhere today. The setting is traditional yet elegant, capturing the charm of old-world Cantonese tea culture.
Every piece of dim sum is crafted with care, and the extensive tea selection perfectly complements the food. The price is higher than standard dim sum outlets, but the quality and experience are unmatched.
To understand Penang's Peranakan heritage, sampling Nyonya cuisine is essential. This culinary style blends Chinese ingredients with Malay spices and techniques, producing dishes that are aromatic, colorful, and rich in flavor. Auntie Gaik Lean's is one of the most celebrated restaurants on the island, even earning a Michelin star.
Signature dishes include ayam buah keluak (chicken braised with black nut), jiu hu char (stir-fried jicama with cuttlefish), and nasi ulam (herbal rice salad). Each dish reflects a labor of love, rooted in tradition.
This package includes 6 carefully curated locations in Penang. Each location has been selected for its unique cultural, historical, or natural significance.