[Penang] If you are looking for Michelin-recommended eateries and street food in Penang, the Michelin Guide Penang features 25 names on the Bib Gourmand list for 2024.
These selected establishments are a testament to Penang’s rich food culture, falling comfortably within the Michelin Guide’s “$” and “$$” price categories, catering to budget-conscious gourmets and moderate spenders alike.
Among the 2024 newcomers are family-run gems and long-standing favourites.
Ah Boy Koay Teow Th’ng serves a delectable clear chicken and pork-based rice noodle soup; Ghee Lian stands out with its trio of noodle dishes, headlined by a signature Green Tom Yum.
The Char Kuey Teow category is robustly represented by Penang Road Famous Jin Kor Char Kuey Teow and Siam Road Charcoal Char Kuey Teow.
There is also Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak, a stall steeped in tradition since 1963, known for their irresistible Teochew fried rice cakes.
Soup noodle aficionados will be delighted by Hot Bowl White Curry Mee, celebrated for its bold coconut-based curry mee broth, and My Own Café, a go-to spot for its tangy Nyonya Assam Laksa.
Siam Road Charcoal Char Kuey Teow
82, Jalan Siam, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 12pm – 6pm (Tues – Sat), Closed Mon, Sun
Google Maps – Siam Road Charcoal Char Kuey Teow
The stall used to be helmed by Uncle Tan Chooi Hong, but his son has taken over. It was indeed a sight watching him manoeuvre with a well-seasoned wok, charcoal and a steady flame. In that heat and hot weather – props to the hawker.
However, be mindful of the stall’s long waiting time, limited hours and the possibility of the queue being cut off before closing time to ensure timely closure.
The dish cost RM8 (no egg), RM9 (with egg) and RM 11 (large), featuring flat rice noodles stir-fried with eggs (hear it’s chicken eggs though), cockles, bean sprouts, pork lard and chives.
The element that left me the deepest impression was the wok hei, or the breath of the wok, that truly makes it special – achieved only through high-heat cooking and years of experience.
Read more at: Siam Road Charcoal Char Kuey Teow (Penang, Malaysia)
Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak 姚氏姐妹炒粿角
96, Lorong Macalister, George Town, 11400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 7am – 12pm (Sat – Tues), Closed Wed – Fri
Google Maps – Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak
Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak 姚氏姐妹炒粿角 is a Michelin Bib Gourmand listed stall found at Macalister Lane.
Mdm Yao Guat Lan and her two sisters, have skillfully taken over the reins from their father, continuing a legacy that began back in 1963.
The price starts with RM4 for a no-egg version, RM5 with egg, and RM6 for double egg – which I would recommend.
As with any popular street food stall, one might expect a wait (say about 30 minutes), especially during peak hours.
The steamed rice cakes were fried in a large, flat wok, a process that imparts the dish with its characteristic ‘wok hei’.
There were lovely flavours from the eggs and sauces, textures ranging from the soft cakes to crunchy bean sprouts, to the smoky, charred aroma from the stir-frying process.
The preserved radish (chai poh) with slight saltiness gave the extra ‘lift’.
Read more at: Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak 姚氏姐妹炒粿角 (Penang, Malaysia)
Ah Boy Koay Teow Th’ng
Lebuh Clarke, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 7am – 2pm (Mon, Wed – Sun), Closed Tues
Google Maps – Ah Boy Koay Teow Th’ng
You may walk past the stall without giving it a second thought, but the crowd of customers gathered there would surely pique your curiosity.
A second-generation family-run shop which was also awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand, Ah Boy Koay Teow Th’ng presents a homegrown recipe of rice noodles (RM5.50) in a soupy broth or as a dry dish.
The wet version is the one that particularly stands out (I also saw every single table order the soup version).
This Teochew-style noodle soup was so tasty, using clear chicken and pork bone broth as its base, with a deeply rich disposition achieved by simmering it for hours.
There was a mixture of balls, but I liked the spongy tendon balls with a ginger-like flavour.
Read more at: Ah Boy Koay Teow Th’ng (Penang, Malaysia)
Penang Road Famous Laksa
5-7, Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 9am – 5:30pm (Mon – Tues, Thurs – Sun), Closed Wed
Google Maps – Penang Road Famous Laksa
Opened since 1970, do note the stall has relocated from its original spot in Joo Hooi Cafe to 5 Lebuh Keng Kwee.
It has a spicy and sour fish-based gravy typically made from sardine and bigeye kingfish, tamarind (assam), lemongrass, galangal, and chilies.
The soup is served with thick rice noodles and typically garnished with fresh ingredients like cucumber, red onion, pineapple, lettuce, mint, and ginger flower.
The one thing that hits me first was the smooth lai fun noodles which had such a soft yet bouncy texture.
It was spicy, salty, sweet and sour all the same time, and I was impressed they kept it rather balanced.
Read more at: Penang Road Famous Laksa (Penang, Malaysia)
Wan Dao Tou Assam Laksa
1, Jalan Gottlieb, George Town, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 11am – 5pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon
Google Maps – Wan Dao Tou Assam Laksa
Known for its delicious Assam Laksa noodle soup (RM6.50 for small, RM7.50 for large), the third-generation owners of the place prepare the dish based on a 50-year-old recipe conceived by their grandparents.
The Wan Dao Tou sisters who currently helm the stall, keep in mind the original boldness of the recipe but with layered synchronisation among the ingredients.
The assam (tamarind) is vital to the base, furnishing the much-adored piquancy to the red broth.
Served in a disposable ware, some diner may find the broth on the sweeter and light side. I thought it would have been much better on the mouthfeel with a little more body or mackerel.
The thick rice noodles were smooth and chewy.
Read more at: Wan Dao Tou Assam Laksa (Penang, Malaysia
My Own Cafe
2, Cannon Street, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10am – 4pm (Mon – Tues, Thurs – Sun), Closed Wed
Google Maps – My Own Cafe
My Own Cafe is known to serves one of the best Penang Assam Laksas in George Town.
The family-run shop is famous for its Penang Assam Laksa (RM8.00), Nyonya Laksa (Fridays only), Mix Laksa (RM9.00), and Fried Spring Rolls (RM9.00 for 6 pcs).
The Assam Laksa shines for its light character, underscored by a balanced sweet, sour, and spicy taste.
It can be described as having an “old-grandma taste,” indicating a rich, authentic flavour profile that has been maintained over time.
I found it slightly on the spicy side, and might have distracted some from the overall balance.
Do order some crispy spring rolls to dip in the laksa gravy for a greatly yummy bite.
Read more at: My Own Café (Penang, Malaysia)
Green House Prawn Mee & Loh Mee
133A, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 9am – 1:30pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – Green House Prawn Mee & Loh Mee
Green House Prawn Mee Corner has long been a local favourite, treating those in the know-how to delectable Prawn Mee and Loh Mee for over three decades.
I found out there are two outlets: Green House Prawn Mee & Loh Mee at 133A Jalan Burma, and Restoran Old Green House further down the road at 223 Jalan Burma.
A much-loved Penang speciality, the Hokkien Prawn Mee (RM7 for small) was an aromatic noodle soup with a memorable taste.
Preparing the dish at Green House involves simmering the broth, made using prawn shells and pork bones, for hours to extract every bit of flavour possible.
The noodles, typically a mix of yellow noodles and rice vermicelli, are served in this flavourful broth, accompanied by prawns, pork slices, boiled eggs.
Read more at: Green House Prawn Mee & Loh Mee (Penang, Malaysia)
Duck Blood Curry Mee
223B, Jalan Burma, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm (Mon – Wed, Fri – Sun), Closed Thurs
Google Maps – Duck Blood Curry Mee
I chanced upon this eatery 鸭血咖喱面 after trying out Green House Prawn Mee & Loh Mee just next door. This stall also has a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
The Curry Mee with Roasted Pork (RM11.00 for small) here is a great starting point to which you can add other ingredients as per your liking.
These include roasted pork, tofu puffs, dried squid, prawns, cockles, bean sprouts, to even century egg (extra charges apply).
While the dish has traditionally included duck blood, the stall has switched to using pig blood instead due to food safety concerns and supply issues.
I would say try this on its own first (it was fragrant and just mildly creamy), before mixing in the house-made chilli paste.
Read more at: Duck Blood Curry Mee (Penang, Malaysia)
Penang Road Famous Jin Kor Char Kuey Teow 槟榔律驰名仁哥炒粿条
475, Jln Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia (In Joo Hooi Cafe)
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 5:30pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – Penang Road Famous Jin Kor Char Kuey Teow
Penang Road Famous Jin Kor Char Kuey Teow 槟榔律驰名仁哥炒粿条found within Joo Hooi Café was recently listed with a Bib Gourmand.
It is situated next to the famous Penang Road Famous Teochew Cendol and nearby Penang Road Famous Laksa – both popular spots for tourists.
With a history spanning over 40 years, the stall was initially operated by a husband-wife duo (Husband is called “Jin Kor” or Brother Jin). But due to the husband’s ill health, the wife handles the wok now.
The rice noodles had a soft, springy texture, and I liked the crunchiness from the aromatic crispy pork lard.
I did find that the flavours could have been more infused into the noodles, so some people may find this plate lacking of a distinctive factor overall.
Still a not bad plate good to try if you are around the area.
Read more at: Penang Road Famous Jin Kor Char Kuey Teow (Penang, Malaysia)
Ivy’s Nyonya Cuisine
58, Jalan Chow Thye, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 12pm – 3pm (Wed – Sun), 6pm – 9pm (Tues), Closed Mon
Google Maps – Ivy’s Nyonya Cuisine
Other than street food, Penang is renowned for its Peranakan (also known as Nyonya) cuisine.
This restaurant, run by a married couple for over 15 years, offers a personal and intimate dining experience.
Ivy who helms the kitchen, and her husband manages the front of the house, provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
A typical set menu (RM79.00 for pax) includes six items such as Nyonya Assan Fish, Hoo Peow Thang (Fish Maw Soup), Kapitan Chicken (chicken curry), and a dessert such as the creamy black glutinous rice with coconut milk.
The value-for-money fare goes for RM118 for 3 pax, and RM156 for 4 pax.
One of the deepest that left the deepest impression was the Nyonya Assam Fish.
Choose either seabass or cod (or even stingray with a top-up), the fish was cooked in a tantalising Assam (tamarind) sauce, which was both spicy and sour, providing a burst of fresh flavours.
Read more at: Ivy’s Nyonya Cuisine (Penang, Malaysia)
Other Related Entries
Siam Road Charcoal Char Kuey Teow (Penang, Malaysia)
Ah Leng Char Koay Teow (Penang, Malaysia)
Penang Road Famous Laksa (Penang, Malaysia)
Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak 姚氏姐妹炒粿角 (Penang, Malaysia)
Toh Soon Cafe (Penang, Malaysia)
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