Trevo Malaysia If you’re on the hunt for the best restaurants in Georgetown Penang, we’ve got you!
This colorful, historic city is one of 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But it’s also THE tastiest places in Southeast Asia. With every meal, you’ll find a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan flavors, all on one street (sometimes even in one dish)!
With international fame for dishes like the Assam Laksa and the Char Kway Teow, Penang is rightfully recognized as the food capital of Southeast Asia.
Georgetown is also home to stylish cafés, rooftop restaurants, and modern takes on old-school favorites.
So, whether you’re in the mood for a quick street snack or a fancy night out, this guide to the best restaurants in Georgetown Penang covers every possible craving you might have.
We’ve grouped everything for you by cuisine, with something for every budget.
So, let’s eat our way through Georgetown, Penang!
Best Restaurants in Georgetown Penang for Malay and Nyonya Cuisine (Budget)
1. Hameediyah Restaurant
If there’s one place you have to try in Penang, it’s Hameediyah. Open since 1907, this spot is practically a national treasure. Known as the oldest nasi kandar joint in Malaysia, Hameediyah has fed locals and tourists alike for generations!
Besides their infamous nasi kandar, of course, we recommend the lamb curry or beef rendang (trust us, they’re both unforgettable).
While the ambiance is simple, the food is superb, and the service is surprisingly quick despite the usual crowd.
Heads up: It can get very busy, especially during lunch. Expect about a 30-minute wait, but it moves fast and the staff are super helpful, especially with confused tourists!
Hameediyah Restaurant At A Glance
| Cuisine | Hours | Location | Must-Try Dishes | Google Rating | Average Wait Time | Cash or Credit |
| Malay | Daily 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM | 164 Lebuh Campbell, George Town | Nasi Kandar, Lamb Curry, Beef Rendang | 4.1 | ~30 mins (lunch) | Both |
2. Laksalicious
If you’re craving the best laksa in Penang, Laksalicious is the spot!
This Penang Georgetown café serves up two iconic versions of the dish: the sour and spicy Nyonya Assam Laksa and the rich, creamy Laksa Lemak.
Also, be sure to try their prawn fritters or gula Melaka cendol to fulfill your dessert cravings.
Unlike typical hawker joints, Laksalicious offers a cool, modern space with air conditioning, which is a welcome break from Penang’s heat. The service is warm and friendly, especially from the owner herself.
Again, the place tends to be busy, so be prepared for a bit of a wait. But that’s not surprising, as the prices are very affordable for the quality food.
But we can assure you that the Laksa is well worth the wait!
Laksalicious At A Glance
| Cuisine | Hours | Location | Must-Try Dishes | Google Rating | Average Wait Time | Cash or Credit |
| Malaysian, Nyonya | Daily: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM | 117A Jalan Hutton, George Town | Assam Laksa, Laksa Lemak, Prawn Fritters, Gula Melaka Cendol | 4.3 | ~15–30 mins (lunch) | Both |
3. Rasa Rasa
If you’re craving comforting Malay and Nyonya dishes but want something a little more modern with a cozy atmosphere, Rasa Rasa is your go-to place.
This spot nails classic dishes like ayam percik and assam laksa, but our favorite is the sambal! The ambiance is warm and welcoming, and perfect for a casual meal with friends or family.
Rasa Rasa At A Glance
| Cuisine | Hours | Location | Must-Try Dishes | Google Rating | Average Wait Time | Cash or Credit |
| Malay, Nyonya | Thu-Tue 8:30/9:00 AM – 3:30 PM Wed Closed | 59, Gat Lebuh Chulia, George Town | Ayam Percik, Assam Laksa, Sambal | 4.6 | Not too long | Cash or QR Code Payment |
Best Restaurants in Georgetown Penang for Malay and Nyonya Cuisine (Mid-Tier)
4. Li Er Cafe
Li Er Cafe is a cozy spot where tradition meets a laid-back vibe. Known for its homestyle Nyonya dishes, this gem of a cafe serves flavor-packed, comforting food.
The interiors are simple but inviting, with wood accents and a few touches of Peranakan decor that give it an authentic feel.
The menu highlights classic Nyonya favorites like ayam pongteh and asam laksa, each made with care and heaps of love. This one comes highly recommended by locals, especially for their Nyonya Kuih!
Pro tip: Arrive early during peak hours to avoid a wait!
Li Er Cafe At A Glance
| Cuisine | Hours | Location | Must-Try Dishes | Google Rating | Average Wait Time | Cash or Credit |
| Nyonya, Malay | Fri-Wed 7:30 AM – 4:00 PMThu Closed | 349, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus, George Town | Ayam Pongteh, Asam Laksa, Nyonya Kuih | 4.6 | Not too long | Both |
5. Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay
For those of you craving authentic Nyonya kuih (traditional Peranakan sweets), Moh Teng Pheow is a legend. This humble spot is known for its colorful and delicious Nyonya sweets that are freshly made every day.
The servings are small, which is great if you want to try several in one go (which we obviously did)!
The setup is very simple and old-school, with a small stall vibe that we think adds to the charm. Not very fancy interiors, but amazing flavors and great service!
Insider tip: It gets quite crowded during breakfast and tea time. Come early before they sell out! Moh Teng Pheow is super popular with locals.
Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay At A Glance
| Cuisine | Hours | Location | Must-Try Dishes | Google Rating | Average Wait Time | Cash or Credit |
| Nyonya | Daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Lebuh Chulia, Jalan Masjid, George Town | Nyonya Koay, Kuih | 4.0 | Not too long | Both |
Best Restaurants in Georgetown Penang for Malay and Nyonya Cuisine (Fine Dining)
6. Heritage Artisans
Heritage Artisans is a private dining experience in Chef Su Pei’s home, and it’s one of the most memorable meals you’ll have in Penang. The menu is curated by the chef with 8-9 courses, and each one is exquisite!
The food is authentic Peranakan, passed down from the chef’s mother-in-law, and it’s cooked with love and packed with lots of flavour. Chef Su Pei takes the time to explain the ingredients and traditions behind each dish and course.
A must-try experience and not one we will soon forget. Just make sure to book ahead because they are almost always fully booked!
Heritage Artisans At A Glance
| Cuisine | Hours | Location | Must-Try Dishes | Google Rating | Average Wait Time | Cash or Credit |
| Nyonya, Malay | Mon-Sun 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM | 53, Jalan Padang Victoria, George Town | The menu is curated by chef | 4.8 | None | Both |
Best Georgetown Penang Restaurants for Chinese Cuisine (Budget)
7. Tok Tok Mee Bamboo Noodle
Tok Tok Mee Bamboo Noodle is all about that street-style charm that Penang does best. This humble spot specializes in bamboo noodles served in rich, flavorful broth that is just. so. satisfying!
Pro tip: Go on an empty stomach because you might just end up getting a second bowl!
Avoid lunchtime as you might have to wait for over an hour, as this is a Michelin-Star restaurant and gets quite busy!
Tok Tok Mee Bamboo Noodle At A Glance
| Cuisine | Hours | Location | Must-Try Dishes | Google Rating | Average Wait Time | Cash or Credit |
| Chinese | Fri-Wed 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM Thu Closed | 37, Lebuh Campbell, George Town | Pork Wonton Mee, Pandan Kaya Dumplings | 4.3 | 1-2 hrs during lunch | Cash only |
8. Siam Road Char Koay Teow
If you’re willing to taste the best plate of Char Koay Teow in Penang, Siam Road Char Koay Teow is your stop.
The ingredients are simple (smoky, slightly charred flat rice noodles, stir-fried with prawns, eggs, bean sprouts, and a touch of chili). But Chef Uncle Tan has perfected this dish for over 60 years!
The only problem is that wait times can get ridiculously long. So you need to ask yourself: are you willing to stand in line for up to 2 hours for possibly the best plate of Char Koay Teow you will ever have?
The answer was yes for us!
Pro tip: Go after 3:30 pm to avoid the insanely long queues. But if you want the dish made by the master himself, you should go as soon as the shop opens, as Uncle Tan’s shift ends at 3:00 pm.
Siam Road Char Koay Teow At A Glance
| Cuisine | Hours | Location | Must-Try Dishes | Google Rating | Average Wait Time | Cash or Credit |
| Chinese | Tue-Sat 12:00 PM – 6:30 PM Sun-Mon Closed | 82, Jalan Siam, George Town | Char Koay Teow | 4.2 | 1-2 hours (lunch) | Cash Only |
Best Georgetown Penang Restaurants for Chinese Cuisine (Mid-Tier)
9. Bao Teck Tea House
Bao Teck Tea House is the kind of place where you can sip tea and feel like you’ve stepped back into George Town’s colonial past.
It’s a heritage shophouse where the wooden beams, vintage fans, and old-school Chinese decor make us feel like we’ve stepped into a cozy time capsule.
The menu is packed with classic Chinese dishes that hit the perfect balance of comforting and refined. Tender dim sum, rich braised pork, and flavorful stir-fries that taste homemade.
It’s a quieter alternative to the bustling street food scene but still packed with local flavor and warmth.
Insider tip: The afternoon tea set here is a lovely way to enjoy the atmosphere with some sweet and savory bites. Also, they accept reservations, so make sure to call ahead so you don’t have to wait.
Bao Teck Tea House At A Glance
| Cuisine | Hours | Location | Must-Try Dishes | Google Rating | Average Wait Time | Cash or Credit |
| Chinese | Mon-Thu 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Fri-Sun 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 25, Lebuh Melayu, George Town | Prawn roll with salted egg, Crystal seafood dumpling | 4.3 | None with a reservation | Both |
Best Georgetown Penang Restaurants for Chinese Cuisine (Fine Dining)
10. Chin’s Stylish Chinese Cuisine
If you want Penang’s authentic Chinese with a fine-dining experience, we highly recommend Chin’s Stylish Chinese!
Each dish looks as good as it tastes, making it a real feast for both your eyes and your palate.
And the interiors are moody but cozy, perfect for a romantic dinner.
Chin’s Stylish Chinese Cuisine At A Glance
| Cuisine | Hours | Location | Must-Try Dishes | Google Rating | Average Wait Time | Cash or Credit |
| Chinese | Daily 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM | 5, Pengkalan Weld, George Town | Spicy Fish, Lobster Noodle | 4.3 | 10-15 mins | Both |
Best Restaurants in Georgetown Penang for Indian Cuisine (Budget)
11. Roti Canai Gemas Road
Gemas Road Roti Canai was completely worth the trip for us, and it has become our most favorite breakfast place in Georgetown.
The place is super popular, so you’ll probably see a queue, but it moves fast and it’s totally worth the wait.
The roti canai with daging and kuah campur was incredible. The roti is soft and fluffy with just the right amount of crisp. The curry is full of flavour. The daging was so tender it just broke apart with a spoon.
The combination of everything on one plate is what makes this spot so good. Needless to say, we wiped our plates clean!
Roti Canai Gema’s Road At A Glance
| Cuisine | Hours | Location | Must-Try Dishes | Google Rating | Average Wait Time | Cash or Credit |
| Indian/Malay | Tue-Sun 7:00 AM – 12:30 PM Mon Closed | 61, Jalan Gemas, Taman Kampar, George Town | Daging Roti Canai, Dhal Curry, Kuah Kari | 4.3 | Up to 1 hour on weekends | Cash only |
Best Restaurants in Georgetown Penang for Indian Cuisine (Mid-Tier)
12. D. Sakra
Now the food at D. Sakra is nothing short of fantastic!
Every bite was full of flavour. The tikka masala gravy was rich and thick, the chicken was tender, and everything came out hot and fast. The portion sizes were generous, but we finished everything because it was just that good.
If you’re vegetarian, don’t worry. They’ve got tons of options like chilli gobi, paneer tandoori, and even a whole section of veggie curries.
D’Sakra is the kind of place we’d go back to in a heartbeat. Perfect for dinner with friends or even a casual date night.
If you’re in Penang and craving Indian food, this is the spot you need to try.
D. Sakra At A Glance
| Cuisine | Hours | Location | Must-Try Dishes | Google Rating | Average Wait Time | Cash or Credit |
| Indian | Mon – Thu 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Fri-Sn 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM | 83, Lebuh China, George Town | Biryani, Chicken Tikka Masala, Paneer Tikka | 4.8 | Usually not long, but better to make reservations during lunchtime | Both |
Best European, Western, and Fusion Restaurants in Georgetown Penang (Budget)
13. Smokepapa BBQ
If you’re in Penang and craving Western-style BBQ, SmokePapa BBQ will not disappoint you. It gets busy really fast, so either make a booking or come early. We went at 5.30 pm and barely got a table.
We had the Triplay combo, and it was solid! The pork ribs were smoky and tender, the pulled pork was juicy, and the mashed potatoes SO creamy and comforting!
We’ll be back for sure. Maybe next time we’ll finally leave room for dessert.
Heads up: Portions are generous, so bring your appetite and maybe a friend to share the feast. We also highly recommend booking ahead.
Smokepapa BBQ At A Glance
| Cuisine | Hours | Location | Must-Try Dishes | Google Rating | Average Wait Time | Cash or Credit |
| Western, BBQ | Wed-Mon 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tue Closed | 41, Lebuh Bishop, George Town | Smoked Ribs, Pulled Pork, Brisket | 4.8 | None if you book ahead | Both |
Best European, Western, and Fusion Restaurants in Georgetown Penang (Mid-Tier)
14. The Loft Love Lane
The Loft on Love Lane is our go-to pizza place in Georgetown. The pizzas are wood-fired, thin crust, and generous with cheese and toppings.
We also loved the carbonara, which was creamy and satisfying, and the lasagna, which came bubbling hot and full of flavour. Portions are big, so it’s great for sharing.
The place has a cozy, slightly upscale feel but is still very casual and friendly. Service was quick and warm, too.
The Loft Love Lane At A Glance
| Cuisine | Hours | Location | Must-Try Dishes | Google Rating | Average Wait Time | Cash or Credit |
| Western, Fusion | Daily 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM | 57, Love Ln, Georgetown | Bruschetta Chicken Pizza, Lasagna, Carbonara, Tiramisu | 4.5 | Usually not too long | Both |
Best European, Western, and Fusion Restaurants in Georgetown Penang (Fine Dining)
15. Au Jardin
We had an incredible lunch at Restaurant au Jardin. It was easily one of the best food in Georgetown Penang we’ve ever had.
The duck was out of this world: perfectly cooked, rich, and so tender it almost melted in our mouths. Every course was a surprise, with bold flavours, beautiful plating, and local ingredients used in such clever ways.
The private room gave us a quiet, cozy space to really enjoy the meal, and the service was just as impressive: warm, personal, and super attentive. Chef Kim Hock’s food truly lives up to the hype.
If you love a good fine dining experience, this is a must.
Pro tip: Reservations are a must, especially on weekends!
Au Jardin At A Glance
| Cuisine | Hours | Location | Must-Try Dishes | Google Rating | Average Wait Time | Cash or Credit |
| French, Fusion | Thu-Sun 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM 5:15 PM – 10:00 PM Mon-Wed Closed | 125, Jalan Timah, 10150 George Town | Horseshoe Crab, Tiger Prawns, Duck Confit, Roasted Cauliflower | 4.8 | None with a reservation | Both |
Honorable Mentions
16. Indigo at The Blue Mansion – Most Instagrammable Restaurant In Georgetown
The interiors of Indigo are as stunning as you would expect from the outside. What’s more, their food is just as aesthetic (and delicious) as the architecture.
And yes, we took a lot of photos.
17. Orinea by Farquhar Mansion – Best Restaurant in Georgetown with a View
The view alone at Orinea is worth the trip. We came just before sunset, and the sea views, combined with the romantic, classy ambiance of Orinea, were breathtaking.
The food is luxurious! You can choose from one of three curated menus with fusion Malay-French cuisine (4,6, or 8 courses).
Or better yet, go for their Grand Afternoon Tea and treat yourself to some fine tea and caviar with a fabulous view!
18. Pinxin Vegan Cuisine – Best Vegan Restaurant In Georgetown, Penang
We’re not even vegan, and we loved it here! The mushroom rendang was so rich and flavourful, and that sambal was so addictive!
Everything tasted like home-cooked food that was super comforting and satisfying.
Final Thoughts On Best Restaurants In Georgetown Penang
Georgetown is more than just a city with (insanely) good food. It’s a place where every meal is rich in history.
This list is meant to be a guide, and while it contains some of the best restaurants in Georgetown, Penang, it is far from exhaustive.
There is always something new and exciting to discover around every corner. And we honestly think that the best meals in Georgetown are the ones you stumble across spontaneously.
So don’t be afraid to let your senses sniff your way to something magnificent in some unexpected alleyway of Georgetown.
Selamat makan!
Here are some other helpful resources:
- 10 Best Places To Visit In Penang With Your Family – TREVO Stories
- Top 6 Things to do in Penang for a Fun Weekend Getaway – TREVO Stories
- 10 Things To Eat in Kuching You Should Try On Your Visit! – TREVO Stories
- 12 Best Halal Hot Pot Restaurants in Kuala Lumpur & Selangor – TREVO Stories
- 10 Best Buffet Dinners in Kuala Lumpur Every Foodie Must Try – TREVO Stories
FAQ on Best Restaurants in Georgetown, Penang
What food is Penang famous for?
Food in Georgetown Penang is diverse. But it is most famous for its street food like Paya Terubong Nasi Lemak, CY Choy Road Hokkien Mee, Air Itam Curry Mee, Transfer Road Roti Canai, Ai Yu Bing dessert, 888 Hokkien Mee, Chulia Street Hawker food, and Hock Seng Rojak.
What is the best street in George Town, Penang?
Armenian Street is most famous for its amazing street art and old colonial vibes. For beautiful architecture, check out Jalan Kek Chuan, known for its blend of Eastern and Western designs.
Is George Town, Penang, worth visiting?
Yes! George Town has lots of character, with colonial buildings, street art, temples like Kek Lok Si, Penang Hill, and street entertainers. It’s great for walking and soaking up culture. Also, Penang is ranked #39 on TasteAtlas’ list of the 100 Best Food Regions in the World!
How long to stay in George Town, Penang?
Plan at least 3 days to explore George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage area. For the whole island and its nature spots, like rainforests and hiking, you might want to stay for a week.
How to Get Around Georgetown Penang?
You can explore a lot of Georgetown Penang on foot, but walking can be inconvenient in the extreme heat, or when traveling with children or elders. It might be better to get a taxi or rent a car.
Explore Penang with Trevo
Trevo makes it easy to explore George Town’s amazing food scene. From famous street food stalls to hidden fine dining gems, you’ll want the freedom to go wherever your cravings take you.
Book a car with Trevo and discover the best bites in Georgetown, Penang.
