Beat the Tourist Traps! 5 Authentic Penang Street Foods As Shared By the Locals For a Gastronomic Vacay

Whether you think your state does it better, there’s no arguing that Penang is one of the most talked-about and celebrated street food cities both locally and internationally. In fact, it was voted as one of Asia’s best street food destinations by CNN, among several other notable recognitions.

However, finding a spot that isn’t just another tourist trap is sometimes harder than you may think. Thus, we reached out to a couple of Malaysians who are all born and bred Penangites to share with us some of their personal recommendations.

Here are 5 spots you should keep in mind during your next trip to Malaysia’s Pearl of The Orient.

1. Visit the humble town of Bukit Mertajam to savour some delicious rojak and authentic Penang popiah

Source: Oliviapei

Source: miyakee87

Here’s what you can expect:

• The rojak sauce is thick and loaded with crushed peanuts giving it a strong nutty flavour.
• The popiah is another crowd-favourite and differs from the typical crispy popiah stalls you see at KL hawker centres.
• Instead, the texture is somewhat soggy and filled with slices of turnip, prawns, and several other ingredients. It’s also topped with chilli sauce for a spicy kick!
• The queue for the popiah gets pretty long so call ahead if you can to place an order.

– Samantha, 27, Bukit Mertajam

Address: Kedai Kopi Ah Meng Jalan Pasar, 14000 Bukit Mertajam.
Operation hours: 7am – 6pm (daily).

2. Forget Line Clear and go to Nasi Kandar Tajuddin Hussain!

Source: Migrationology.com

Source: Migrationology.com

What you should know: 

• Their ayam ros is a must-try and is a crowd favourite. It has just the right amount of spiciness and goes well when paired with their rasam which is also super tasty and not to mention, FREE. 
• The ayam bawang, mutton kurma, and ayam gulai are also worth a try. 
• In fact, they have over 15 dishes prepared fresh daily so you’ll be spoilt for choice. 
• You can even have it with fragrant tomato rice or their tasty biryani! 

– Ganesh, 30, Tanjung Bungah.

Address: 49 & 51, Queen Street, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operation hours: Monday – Saturday, 11am – 3.30pm, 6.30pm – 10pm.
Closed on Sundays.

3. Trott down Lebuh Aceh and dine like a true local amidst colonial buildings at this hidden gem 

Source: Janicekoay

Source: joyce_food.travel.living

What you should know: 

• There are two types of noodles offered, fried and regular fresh egg noodles.
• The fried noodles have a wrinkly texture similar to ramen while the fresh egg noodles are softer in texture and a little chewier.
• I love their dumplings! The pork is deliciously juicy and coupled with the water chestnut and sesame oil, it gives the dish a nice crunch and fragrance.
• The neighbouring kopitiam serves great local coffee and is a great spot for you to enjoy your meal just like the locals.

– Priscilla, 27, Georgetown.

Source: gohcharlie.315

4. Satisfy your late-night cravings with this duck egg char koay teow 

Source: tasty_applebee

Source: puddingupwithzoe_

What you should know: 

• The koay teow packs a punch with rich flavours. Charcoal is used to fry the koay teow giving it a charred aroma. 
• Do opt to add an additional sunny side up egg which complements the koay teow well due to the runny yolk.
• If you love spicy food, ask the chef to make yours extra spicy for an added kick. 

– Jayson, 29, Butterworth. 

Address: Jalan Kampung Baru, 14000, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.
Operating hours: 8.00 p.m. – 1.00 a.m (daily).

5. Indulge in tender char siew pork rice at Wai Kee Char Siew 

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Source: foodventurer_

What you should know:

• The stall has been operating for over 60 years and is a well-known lunch spot among the locals.
• Aside from the char siew, the siew bak (roasted pork) served here is another popular choice featuring a good balance between meat and fat plus a good amount of crunchiness to it.
• The place gets pretty packed around lunchtime so it’s good to be there before 11.30am.

– Chung Ling, 30, Bayan Lepas.

Address: Chulia St, Georgetown, 10450 George Town, Penang
Operating hours: Monday – Friday, 10.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 8pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10.30am – 2.30pm

From its distinct char koay teow to the aromatic curries of its Nasi Kandar, Penang is undoubtedly the number one destination for food hunting. And this is just the tip of the iceberg as there are plenty more to be discovered!

If we got your tummies rumbling already and if you can’t wait to begin your grand foodie adventure in Penang then you’ll be glad to know that AirAsia is having awesome discounts on both hotel stays and flights.

Serious, okay!

This is part of AirAsia’s new SNAP promo which offers the lowest guaranteed package prices on flights and hotel stays to amazing destinations!

And that’s not all, as part of their February SNAP promo, AirAsia is having discounts to 5 beautiful destinations.

Flying from Kuala Lumpur, here are the 5 destination packages this February:

1. Melbourne – 4D3N, RM1413

2. Belitung – 3D2N, RM324

3. Singapore – 3D2N, RM322

4. Penang – 3D2N, RM233

5. Krabi – 3D2N, RM275

So, what are you waiting for? Book from 3rd to 9th February 2020 to enjoy these discounts.

Do note that the travel period is from 5th February 2020 to 31st March 2020.

Don’t say we never inform you ah!

Safe travels, everyone.