Continuing with Part II of the Best Food in Penang. 

This feature is written by @karinzdailygrind and covers 10 different types of hawker food and where to find each dish!

Penang, better known as the Pearl of the Orient is also known as a food paradise. Everywhere you go on the island, you will never fail to spot hawker stalls or eateries that serves mouth-watering food at unbeatable prices. Visitors or foodies alike often descend on the island in droves to sample the delectable dishes and goodies.

From the simple, humble hawker stalls to an air conditioned restaurant or café, Penang island has it all. So when you are in Penang next, do check out some of these places and try it for yourself. 

Bon appetit!

Name of Food:  Chee Cheong Fun

Brief Description: Chee Cheong Fun, like its namesake in Cantonese is known as steamed flat noodle rolls that come in several fillings such as shrimp, roasted pork or just plain. Its unique flavour comes from the sauce which is made using a shrimp paste called “hae ko”, which is different from the shrimp paste that is usually found in most Malaysian cooking. Chee Cheong Fun is best enjoyed with a generous sprinkling of sesame seeds for that added crunch.

Image via @legendchew

Recommended Places:
- Cheong Kok Choy’s stall, New Lane, Jalan Macalister, Georgetown - Opening hours : 6:30pm to 11:30pm
- Restaurant Hong Kong Tea Garden, Jalan Macalister, Georgetown - Opening hours: 4:30pm to  1am
- Sin Kim Sun Coffee Centre, Jalan Macalisterm Georgetown - Opening hours : 5:30pm to 2am
- Kedai Kopi Genting Café, Lorong Delima 3, Island Glades, Green Lane - Opening hours : 7am to 7pm

Name of Food:  Nasi Kandar

Brief Description: One of Penang’s favourite dishes, Nasi Kandar is made up of steamed rice accompanied by a variety of curry based meat dishes and vegetables. The origin of this name, Nasi Kandar comes from the Malay word “nasi” which refers to rice and “kandar” which is a food delivery method using bamboo pole baskets that is commonly used in Asia. In the past, food vendors would sell and deliver rice and curry using convenient baskets that are attached to poles, shouldered on their backs. These days, most Nasi Kandar outlets are available at every nook and corner, round the clock and most are fully air conditioned too for you to dine in comfort. 

Image via @legendchew
Image via @legendchew

Recommended Places:
- Restaurant Kapitan, 93, Lebuh Chulia, Georgetown - Open 24 hours
- Restoran Kassim Mustafa, 12, Lebuh Chulia, Georgetown - Open 24 hours
- Line Clear Nasi Kandar, 177, Jalan Penang, Georgetown - Open 24 hours
- Kassim Nasi Kandar, 14 & 21, Jalan Gurdwara, Georgetown - Opening hours: 7am to 11pm
- Nasi Kandar Beratur, 98, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, Georgetown - Opening hours: 10pm to 9am
- Restoran Tajuddin Hussain, 51, Lebuh Queen, Georgetown - Opening hours: 11am - 3:30pm, 6:30pm -10pm
- Hameediyah Restaurant, 164, Lebuh Campbell, Georgetown - Opening hours: 10am to 10:30pm

Name of Food: Cendol

Brief Description: A definite must try, particularly on a sunny day, this dessert consists of shaved ice with an assortment of toppings such as green jelly noodles made from rice flour, kidney beans, corn, fresh coconut milk with a drizzle of palm sugar or Gula Melaka. What makes a good bowl of cendol is the freshness of the coconut milk that makes the taste unique and distinct. It is the perfect option to cool down your body from the heat.

Image via @legendchew

Recommended Places:
- Joo Hooi Café, 475, Jalan Penang (corner of Lebuh Keng Kwee) - Opening hours: 12pm to 5:30pm
- The Esplanade Park Food Court, Padang Kota Lama, Georgetown - Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (Mon -Sat)
- Cecil Market Food Court, 40 – 48, Lebuh Cecil, Georgetown - Opening hours: 8am to 5pm
- Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul, 21, Komtar Walk, Jalan Penang, Georgetown - Opening hours - 10:30am to 7pm (Mon to Fri), 10am to 7:30pm (Sat to Sun)
- Cendol Pulut, Jalan Chowrasta, Jalan Penang, Georgetown - Opening hours: 11am to 7pm

Name of Food: Fried Oyster

Brief Description: Popularly known as 'Oh Cien', this dish is one of the most iconic of all street food in Penang. Using only the freshest and most succulent of oysters, the omelette is made of a mixture of egg, rice flour batter, chives and starch to give it an extra gooey effect and consistency. The ingredients are then mixed together and fried on a flat griddle over a high heat until it is well cooked. Oh Cien is usually served with a combination of chilli sauce and garlic paste dip with fresh coriander or parsley as a garnish. 

Image via @legendchew

Recommended Places:
- Restoran Bee Hooi, 415, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus - Opening hours: 6pm to 12am
- Pulau Tikus Market, B1 – 12B, Jalan Pasar, Pulau Tikus - Opening hours: 6:30am to 12pm
- Kedai Kopi Gou Lou, 55, Lorong Kampung Malabar, Georgetown - Opening hours: 10am to 11pm (Closed on Tues)
- Lam Ah Coffee Shop, 194, Lebuh Pantai, Georgetown - Opening hours: 11am to 3:30pm
- Kedai Kopi Seng Thor, 160, Lebuh Carnarvon, Georgetown - Opening hours: 1pm to 5pm

Name of Food: Penang Assam Laksa

Brief Description: Penang Assam Laksa is a bowl of thick rice vermicelli garnished with finely sliced onions, cucumber, red chillies, lettuce, pineapple, mint and the bud of torch ginger flower known as “bunga kantan”. The soup base is a mixture of hot tamarind and flaked fish meat that has been boiled for hours in order to bring out its natural flavour. Penang Assam Laksa is best eaten when hot. Unlike its counterpart in Thailand, this dish does not contain any form of coconut milk hence the difference in the taste and texture of the soup. 

Image via @legendchew

Recommended Places:
- Joo Hooi Café, 475, Jalan Penang, Georgetown (Corner of Lebuh Kweng Kee) - Opening hours: 12pm - 5:30pm
- Indian Laksa, 2, One Corner Café, Jalan Bawasah, Georgetown (Behind Penang Plaza) - Opening hours: 12pm to 5:30pm
- Taman Emas Coffee Shop, Jalan Gottlieb - Opening hours: 12pm to 5pm (Closed on Mon)
- Nan Guang Coffee Shop, 67, Jalan Balik Pulau, Balik Pulau - Opening hours: 12:30pm to 3:30pm (Closed on Wed)
- Kedai Kopi Leong Huat Seng, 186G, MK 12, Sungai Tiram, Bayan Lepas - Opening hours: 5:30pm to 11:30pm (Closed on Sun)
- Gurney Drive Hawker Centre, Persiaran Gurney - Opening hours: 6pm to 12am
- Kafe Lok Pin, 72-B, Jalan Anson, Georgetown - Opening hours: 9am to 6pm

Name of Food: Popiah

Brief Description: Popiah, which is also known as spring roll is a healthy snack one can enjoy it on the go. It is made up of an outer skin with a soft paper thin crepe or pancake that is made from wheat flour. The skin of the spring rolls must be thin enough to absorb the sauces, yet strong enough to hold the assortment of ingredients that are rolled within, without damaging the skin. The filling on the other hand, is made up of finely grated and steamed or stir fried turnips, jicama, bean sprouts, French beans, grated carrots, lettuce leaves, sliced tofu, chopped peanuts, fried shallots and shredded omelette. 

Popiah is served with a combination of sweet bean sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, shrimp paste and hot chili sauce applied on the inside of the skin before slices of cooked turnip are added in and rolled together before serving. These days, there are many variations to the classic popiah with some offering rolled seaweed popiah with mayonnaise sauce as an alternative.

Image via @legendchew

Recommended Places:
- Padang Brown, Padang Brown, Jalan Anson, Georgetown -  Opening hours: 6pm to 1am
- Sin Yin Nam Café, New Lane, Jalan Macalister, Georgetown - Opening hours: 5pm to 12am
- Mamak Popiah @ Astaka Stadium, Jalan Perak (Beside Shell Petrol Station) - Opening hours: 3pm to 6pm
- Old City Food Court (Fettes Park), 96-G-1, Prima Tanjung, Tanjung Tokong - Opening hours: 3pm to 6pm

Name of Food: Penang Rojak

Brief Description: For fruit lovers, you will certainly enjoy the Penang Rojak, which is a fruit salad dish that has the combination of sliced tropical fruits and vegetables tossed to perfection with a dark rojak sauce with a sprinkling of peanut sauce. The sauce is made of shrimp paste, pepper and palm sugar. On the plate of every Penang rojak, will also find crackers, crullers and fritters in the mix, with a choice of cuttlefish for that extra zing.  It is best savoured immediately after it is served.

Image via @legendchew

Recommended Places:
- New World Park, Swatao Lane, Off Jalan Burmah - Opening hours:10:30am to 6:30pm
- Gurney Drive Hawker Centre, Persiaran Gurney - Opening hours: 4:30pm to 12am
- Rojak Orang Hock, 246, Jalan Pasar, Bukit Mertajam - Opening hours: 12pm to 6pm (Closed on Mon)
- Astaka Stadium, Lilitan Stadium, Jalan Perak, Georgetown - Opening hours: 10am to 7pm
- Macallum Street Hock Seng Rojak King, Macallum Street, Georgetown (In front of Kedai Kopi Sin Hong Leong) - Opening hours: 1:30pm to 6:30pm (Closed on Mon)

Name of Food: Satay

Brief Description: Satay is a popular Malaysian dish that is make of marinated, bite size pieces of meat, skewered and grilled over charcoal to perfection. The meats range from chicken, mutton, beef, fish or pork that is well marinated before it is placed over the fire. Satay also comes served with slices of cucumber, red onions and peanut sauce.  It is mostly sold at hawker centres, night markets and restaurants all over the country.

Image via @legendchew
Image via @legendchew

Recommended Places:
- Food Street (Roadside stall), New Lane, Jalan Macalister, Georgetown - Opening hours: 6pm to 11pm
- Gurney Drive Hawker Centre, Persiaran Gurney, - Opening hours: 6pm to 11pm
- Red Garden Café, 20, Lebuh Leith, Georgetown - Opening hours: 5:30pm to 2am
- Kompleks Makanan Medan Renong, Jalan Padang Kota Lama, Georgetown - Opening hours: 7pm to Midnight

Name of Food: Banana Leaf

Brief Description: Banana leaf rice is a meal that is served on a banana leaf accompanied by an array of vegetables, chicken, fish or beef dishes, papadams (thin, round shape dough that is served as an accompaniment to the meal) and curries. Banana leaf rice usually comes with rasam (a spicy soup that helps to stimulate your appetite and aids digestion) and tairu (fresh yogurt). 

Why use banana leaf? Because, when hot food is served on a banana leaf, the leaf releases a subtle fragrant aroma which allows the food to absorb the nutritional benefits from the leaf. Thus making the meal exceptionally tasty and delicious. This South Indian dish, is very popular among Malaysians during lunch or dinner and best enjoyed with your bare fingers.

Image via @legendchew

Recommended Places:
- Woodlands Vegetarian Restaurant, 60, Lebuh Penang, Georgetown  - Opening hours: 8:30am to 10pm
- Kashmir Restaurant, Oriental Hotel Basement, 105, Jalan Penang, Georgetown  - Opening hours: 11am to 11pm
- Restoran Daun Pisang Sri Ananda Bahwan, 14, Jalan Tanjung Bungah  - Opening hours: 7:30am to 12am
- Sri Ananda Bahwan, 19 & 20, Lorong Usahaniaga 1, Taman Usahaniaga, Bukit Mertajam, Penang  - Opening hours: 7am to 11pm
- Indian Palace, Lot 79-G-18 to 22, 77-G-37, Penang Times Square, Georgetown  - Opening hours: 11am to 11pm
- Restoran Passions of Keralam, 102-C-3,New World Park, Georgetown  - Opening hours: 11:30am to 3:30pm, 6pm to 10pm
- Krsna Restaurant, 276, Lebuh Pasar, Little India, Georgetown  - Opening hours: 7am to 10pm
- Gem Restaurant House, 66, Lebuh Bishop, Little India, Georgetown - Opening hours: 11am to 11pm (Sun to Sat)
- Restoran Veloo Villas, 22, Lebuh Penang, Georgetown - Opening hours: 6:30am to 10pm

Name of Food: Nasi Lemak

Brief Description: Known as Malaysia’s national dish, Nasi Lemak is a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf. This rice dish is usually found wrapped in banana leaf accompanied with fried anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg  and a few slices of cucumber with a generous dollop of spicy sambal (chilli paste).  

What makes a good and tasty Nasi Lemak? The secret lies in the way the fragrant rice is cooked as well as the sambal’s level of spiciness. Nasi Lemak is also very versatile and heavy eaters may want to eat it with other dishes such as chicken curry, rendang curry, sambal kerrang (cockles) or sambal sotong (cuttlefish), etc. 

Image via @legendchewImage via @legendchewImage via @legendchew

Recommended Places:
- Sri Weld Food Court, Lebuh Pantai, Georgetown - Opening hours: 9am to 5pm
- Northam Beach Club, 58, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Georgetown  - Opening hours: 6pm to 11pm
- Nasi Lemak Cili Bilis, 1, Gerai Kawasan Penjaja Gurney Drive  - Opening hours: 4:30pm to 11pm
- Zuki’s Nasi Kukus Ayam Berempah, 2, Jalan Pekaka 3, Taman Pekaka, Sungai Dua - Opening hours: 6pm onwards

This is part of a series of features about Malaysia written mainly by the Malaysian community. Expect hidden gems, local flavours, off-the-beaten-track experiences and much more. Consider this steemit's first independent guide to Malaysia!
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Thank you.

Thanks to @karinzdailygrind for her thorough review of Part II of the best food in Penang! Truly mouth watering and some of my favourite dishes in here.

More on Penang next..

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