Known as a popular holiday destination, Penang is an island that is buzzing with life. With soft sandy beaches, beautiful greeneries, Penang is the place you want to visit if you’re looking to unwind in a calm atmosphere. Housing various exciting sites such as Penang Hill, and Snake Temple, there is no shortage of cultural and natural sights in Penang. Even with that said, it is probably not an understatement to say that the most prominent aspect of Penang is its food culture.
In Malaysia, there is almost an unspoken agreement that Penang has the best hawker food, but did you know that they have amazing restaurants as well? If you didn’t, no need to worry as we will introduce you to some of the best restaurants in Penang!
1. Kebaya Restaurant
Situated in Seven Terraces Hotel, Kebaya Restaurant is a Peranakan restaurant that is sure to wow you in terms of its interior, as well as flavour. Furnished with antique wooden furniture, red satin curtains and intricate mosaic tiles, Kebaya Restaurant exudes an air of elegance with a historical touch. Even then, the interior of this restaurant is not the only thing that is photograph-worthy, as they also serve beautifully plated Baba-Nyonya cuisine.
Having a vast menu, they serve classic Peranakan cuisines with a new twist, as the chef incorporates French cooking techniques—giving birth to a new kind of fusion food. Serving cuisines in a four-meal style at a price of approximately RM100+, this restaurant would be your ideal spot if you’re looking to pamper yourself with a high-end dining experience.
Address: 14A, Stewart Ln, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours:
Monday – 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Tuesday – 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Wednesday – 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Thursday – 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Friday – 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Saturday – 12:00pm to 2:30pm & 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Sunday – 12:00pm to 2:30pm & 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Contact Information: 04-264 2333
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/uKqcfnru83PnWWZe7
2. Indigo Restaurant
Indigo Restaurant is best described as the amalgamation of the East and the West as they specialise in serving contemporary Western cuisines with a local twist. Even the interior of this restaurant is representative of this fusion concept as it bears a modern design with a touch of Asian décor amidst Western-styled furniture. Having a high ceiling and a warmly-lit interior, Indigo Restaurant has a relaxed ambience which is ideal for you if you are looking for a peaceful meal.
This restaurant prides itself in serving the most creative dishes imaginable, promising you a dining experience you can never get anywhere else. Serving dishes as a course, be ready to splurge a little as the dining experience here may be on the pricier end.
Address: Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, 14, Lebuh Leith, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours:
Monday – 12:00pm to 3:00pm & 6:30pm to 10:00pm
Tuesday – 12:00pm to 3:00pm & 6:30pm to 10:00pm
Wednesday – 12:00pm to 3:00pm & 6:30pm to 10:00pm
Thursday – 12:00pm to 3:00pm & 6:30pm to 10:00pm
Friday – 12:00pm to 3:00pm & 6:30pm to 10:00pm
Saturday – 12:00pm to 3:00pm & 6:30pm to 10:00pm
Sunday – 12:00pm to 3:00pm & 6:30pm to 10:00pm
Contact Information: 04-262 0006
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/TdjnQaxMaKJT9ZTR8
3. Foong Wei Heong Restaurant
Moving towards a more casual dining experience, Foong Wei Heong Restaurant at Jalan Sri Bahari is a popular eatery among both locals. Bearing a modest but bright interior, Foong Wei is a Chinese restaurant with a vast menu, which comprises of seafood, vegetables, meats, and soup. Priding themselves in their affordable prices and uncompromised quality in ingredients, it is no wonder that they have a loyal following of customers who visit the restaurants regularly.
Having such a diverse menu, it may get challenging to decide on what to order, but you can never go wrong by ordering some customer favourites such as their seafood soup, which is rich in crab meat, fish maw and julienned shiitake mushrooms. As their portions are generous, it is recommended to visit this restaurant in a group, especially if you are someone who enjoys having a taste of various dishes.
Address: 23 & 25, Jalan Sri Bahari, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – 11:45am to 2:15pm & 5:45pm to 8:30pm
Wednesday – 11:45am to 2:15pm & 5:45pm to 8:30pm
Thursday – 11:45am to 2:15pm & 5:45pm to 8:30pm
Friday – 11:45am to 2:15pm & 5:45pm to 8:30pm
Saturday – 11:45am to 2:15pm & 5:45pm to 8:30pm
Sunday – 11:45am to 2:15pm & 5:45pm to 8:30pm
Contact Information: 016-449 1918
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Fxht1UZhRjEPe6ty7
4. Lagenda Cafe
Lagenda Cafe has a quote: ‘ Our food stirs memories, our cafe touches your heart!’ and they’re absolutely right. Legenda Cafe may be a modern cafe, but their logo and exterior has a vintage touch that makes you feel at home. After all, Lagenda Cafe is a restaurant that serves casual-chic Malay and Indonesian food, so there’s a nostalgia present within their walls and food.
As a cafe specialising in pleasing your nostalgia, it is necessary to serve Malay and Indonesian staples. A must-try from their menu is their Ikan Bakar rice set! It may be a simple meal, but it is incredibly flavourful from the use of assorted spices. There is also a national pride because they only use local fish available. Other than local favourites, they also serve western cuisine, so you can satiate any craving for comfort food.
Address: 2, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours:
Monday – 12:00pm to 10:00pm
Tuesday – 12:00pm to 10:00pm
Wednesday – 12:00pm to 10:00pm
Thursday – 12:00pm to 10:00pm
Friday – 12:00pm to 10:00pm
Saturday – 12:00pm to 11:00pm
Sunday – 12:00pm to 11:00pm
Contact Information: 04-251 9300
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/kS8aEuJ1fgzfTKTw7
5. Zheng Xian Ge Restaurant
Being an island, it is a given that seafood is a staple in Penang. With various seafood restaurants lined in the streets of Penang, it may be mind-numbing to decide which one to go. If you’re looking for a unique seafood experience, Zheng Xian Ge Restaurant at Jalan Desiran Tanjung should be your next stop.
Having a stainless steel steamer set in the middle of each table, you can enjoy having your seafood dishes steamed right in front of your eyes. Even if you are clueless in how long you should steam each seafood for, fret not as the staff would guide you through it. Although they have a diverse selection of seafood, they are most well-known for their scallops which is a must-try when you visit Zheng Xian Ge Restaurant.
Address: A-3-1 Vantage Jalan Desiran Tanjung, 10470 Tanjung Tokong, Penang
Operating Hours:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – 11:30am to 10:00pm
Wednesday – 11:30am to 10:00pm
Thursday – 11:30am to 10:00pm
Friday – 11:30am to 10:00pm
Saturday – 11:30am to 10:00pm
Sunday – 11:30am to 10:00pm
Contact Information: 012-403 8979
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/bf9NgicHarAeYxGz8
For more recommendations and articles, go to LokaTaste!
