Penang

Penang is the undisputed street food capital of Asia. Even from Kuala Lumpur, locals kowtow to Penang's culinary scene — and for good reason. This small island punches far above its weight.

It was here that char koay teow was born — that iconic smoky noodle dish with the breath of the wok, loaded with cockles, pork lard, bean sprouts, and Chinese sausage. Ping Hui in Penang is the definitive stall, the gold standard that every other version is measured against.

Penang is also home to the best nasi kandar in Malaysia — a testament to the island's rich Indian-Muslim heritage. And then there's Assam Laksa, a dish so distinctive that guests remember their first taste forever. It is a hybrid of sweet, savoury, and sour — every sense is tested at once. The sour from tamarind, the spicy from chilli, the rich fish base of mackerel or sardines. People who taste it for the first time never forget it.

Every review mentions that first taste of Penang Assam Laksa, or the moment they try char koay teow fresh from the wok. These are the tastes that create lasting memories.

We offer two food walks on Penang — one in the morning and one in the evening. In different times of day, you experience different things and eat different things. Morning takes you through Chowrasta Market for kuih, kopitiam breakfasts, and the energy of the island waking up. Evening explores the hawker centres buzzing with the dinner crowd.

From Mee Sotong (a Penang-exclusive dish you cannot find in KL) to the iconic CKT with its legendary wok hei, every stop on a Penang food tour is a discovery.