There are so many things to eat in Penang, which is why I made a trip there in April 2014 with my bestie to check out what I have been missing out all my life. Turns out, there was so much to eat, see and walk around, we were both stuffed by the end of the trip! Here are some of the notable places we went to. Pro tip: Bring a map, plot out where you want to go and cover each district before you move to the next!
1. Tuai Pui Curry Mee
23 Lebuh Kimberley, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia [foursquare]
Gorgeous bowl of curry mee filled with pigs' blood cubes, beancurd and beansprouts. Simple, but the curry broth was really piquant. Curry mee is apparently a Penang signature dish that you MUST try when you're there. Also remember to buy some MyKuali Instant White Curry Noodles (it's also available in selected supermarkets in SG).
2. Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendol
Jalan Penang, 10450 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia [foursquare]
One can't go to Penang and not try their famous chendol. It was a sweltering day and long walk to the shop, which was crowded by people (mostly Singaporeans) waiting to scoop up some of that coconutty goodness. It is much more rich than the SG version.
So many people, but the queue takes about 15 minutes.
We saw a really hipster cafe called The Alley (with a old school Keat Seang signboard) on our way to Cafe 55.
3. Cafe 55 famous for 3D Latte Art
They have since moved to 164, Lebuh Pantai, called Coffee on the Table.
Sadly, the coffee here REALLY SUCKS. It was over roasted and bitter. But they have pretty latte art. Still, if you are a coffee lover, avoid this place. Instagram aficionados, go ahead.
Here's our latte art. Really cute looking!
With bestie.
4. China House
53, Lebuh Pantai, Georgetown, 10300 Georgetown [website]
One of the best cake and cafe shops in Penang to get a taste of freshly baked cakes, and their coffee beans come from Singapore! This is definitely a must-try for anyone looking to mix air-conditioned cafes with open air coffeeshops.
5. Assam Laksa
Corner of Lebuh Armenian and Lebuh Pantai [tripadvisor]
This is not the famous one that we would try the next day, but we couldn't wait, so while we were exploring the famous Penang wall murals at Armenian street we saw a stall just near the bicycle mural that has Assam Laksa and Chendol, and decided to give the bowl a try. Wasn't bad at all! Quite decent as a mid-day snack.
Speaking of murals... we had much fun taking photos with the murals. The old school painted ones are nicer -- now there are more wire wall art by other artistes. (See pdf brochure of their locations here)
We then had a stroll along the Chew Jetty, which is basically a set of wooden houses on stilts. It's rather rustic, though its probably not the most comfortable of accommodations (mozzies and smell of the river).
Just along the entrance to the jetty is a open air 'hawker centre' with a few stalls serving hungry locals. We sat down for a 4pm snack!
This was the wanton noodles we ordered from a random stall. It's really good though (but not famous or anything).
6. Behind 50
Muntri Street (Love Lane), 10200 George Town [foursquare]
For dinner we decided to go to a highly rated Western bistro in the backpackers' district. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food! There was a creamy mushroom soup, plus pasta and some chicken chop. All of which are yummy!
Lastly, we went to Reggae Penang for beer, but found out this was just a bar called Reggae Penang. In fact, the famous and authentic one is a Hotel, called Reggae Penang Love Lane.
In summary, here are the 4 places you should check out
1. Tuai Pui Curry Mee
23 Lebuh Kimberley, 10100 George Town [foursquare]
2. Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendol
Jalan Penang, 10450 Pulau Pinang [foursquare]
3. China House
53, Lebuh Pantai, Georgetown, 10300 George Town [website]
4. Behind 50
Muntri Street (Love Lane), 10200 George Town [foursquare]
Closed when we went but apparently famous
1. Kafe Kheng Pin for lor bak
80, Jalan Penang, Georgetown [foursquare] Closed on Mondays
Sadly this was closed when we wanted to go! Apparently it is famous for Lor Bak (stewed pork).
Junction of Beach Street and Chulia Street
End of Day 1, stay tuned for Day 2-3!
