$Street Food
This shop in a market serves Penang-style curry mee at friendly prices. The mee is cooked over charcoal, in a well-balanced soup with spices, chilli paste and coconut milk; tofu puffs and spring squid add contrasting textures.
$Street Food
There are many shops in Penang selling roasted duck, but this stall's tender braised duck is packed with flavour, including soy sauce, anise and cinnamon. They also serve braised pork belly, pork intestines, egg and bean curd.
🕐 Tu-Su 15:30-20:30
$Street Food
For 30 years, this small outlet has been serving Hokkien-style noodles in prawn soup. The soup has a beautiful rich red colour and sweet umami flavour. Add a little textural variety to your bowl with tasty options such as braised pork ribs or roasted pork – both highly recommended.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
888 Hokkien Mee in George Town is a Michelin-recommended street food stall known for its authentic flavors. Reviewers frequently praise the rich, savory broth and chewy noodles, noting the option to customize bowls with extras like roast pork. However, the experience is often marred by environmental and service issues. The venue is described as hot, stuffy, and lacking air conditioning, resembling a typical roadside coffee shop. Service complaints include long queues, slow meal pacing, and a self-service ordering system that can cause delays. While most find the food excellent, some long-time locals report a decline in quality, citing overly salty soup or less fresh ingredients. It offers great taste but limited comfort.
Ideal for flavor-focused diners comfortable with hot, crowded conditions; visit off-peak hours to avoid long waits.
🕐 Fr-We 15:00-21:30
$$$European Contemporary
This fine dining restaurant in an 18C castle-turned heritage boutique hotel boasts graceful architecture and a stunning dining room done up in a colonial style with royal blue walls, white window shutters and a giant faux white tree in the centre. The 8-course tasting menu cannot be faulted and á la carte options are also plentiful. Each dish incorporates a variety of Asian ingredients and is intelligently devised and balanced. Make sure you save room for the desserts that are too good to miss!
$$Peranakan
Fashion designer Richard Rivalee shares his passion for Nyonya culture and Peranakan food in this smart vintage joint, whose knickknacks and heritage premises are a nod to the Baba-Nyonya culture. Deceptively simple, homespun dishes are finessed with spot-on seasoning and loads of punch. Otak-otak, or savoury fish egg custard, combines a velvety texture with just the right amount of heat. To reduce food waste, most items are available in two portion sizes.
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.9/5 · 63 reviews
Richard Rivalee, located in Georgetown, serves Peranakan cuisine with an average rating of 3.9/5 from 63 reviews. Food quality is polarizing; while some praise dishes like chicken rendang and blue pea rice, others find them bland, overly salty, or too Thai-fusion, noting the absence of traditional ingredients like buah keluak. The ambiance features a charming, detailed old-house interior, though service and meal pacing receive criticism for being slow or inconsistent. Value is debated, with some finding it reasonable and others considering it overpriced for the experience. It offers a unique heritage setting but may not satisfy those seeking strictly authentic, traditional Peranakan flavors.
Suitable for travelers seeking a unique heritage ambiance and Peranakan-style dining, but those prioritizing strict authenticity or efficient service should manage expectations.
$$Dim Sum
This is the place to go for an authentic yum cha experience and tasty Cantonese dim sum. The room has historic appeal, with details worth appreciating such as the patterned tile flooring and the moss garden. But it’s the dim sum that sets it apart – try steamed har gow dumplings made with local shrimp, and the deep-fried yam puffs in airy honeycomb crust. The owner also runs a bakery, and their Chinese baked goods are excellent.
$Small eats
The Pinn moved to this spot opposite Lee Jetty in 2023. Like the room, the menu is small but powerful, offering Malaysian-Chinese dishes, dumplings and even some Taiwanese and Indonesian titbits. Homemade mackerel fish balls are their speciality and you can order noodles on top to make it a complete meal. The food tends to be slightly on the sweet side to suit local tastebuds.
$Street Food
The chef-owner started his own business after years as a chef in a larger restaurant. Open for three hours a day, the shop is famous for his roasted duck with deep-red skin and juicy meat, for which customers are prepared to queue. The roasted pork belly and char siew are tasty extras.
🕐 Mo-Sa 12:30-15:00
$$$European Contemporary
This casual neighbourhood dining spot started out as a steakhouse, but switched to serving European cuisine with Asian influences. Their signature kataifi prawn is tiger prawn wrapped in crispy noodles, fried and served in a prawn bisque sauce. Meat lovers should check out the Australian Wagyu ribeye which is cooked to perfection on a charcoal grill. It comes with a range of condiments but the wasabi works best. Wine is available by the bottle only.
$$Malaysian
The faux cement wall works well with the warm wood furniture in this casual, relaxing restaurant, which is all about traditional Malaysian cooking: think nasi lemak, rendang beef, laksa, satay etc. Their skin-on mutton curry is a particular standout with its melty texture, big aromas and spot-on seasoning, hitting a sweet spot on the spice-o-meter. All ingredients are certified halal.
$Noodles
The shop has been selling Penangese’ favourite fish ball soup for over 60 years and has been in this current spot since 2009. Fish balls are made daily in-house using flavoursome sea eel meat that complement their pork broth. Order “extra minced pork and fish ball” – minced pork refers to the flat pork balls – and top it with lots of crispy garlic bits. Homemade cakes and tarts end a meal perfectly, or take them home to enjoy later.
$$$Innovative
This cosy restaurant is where Chef Fung experiments with his novel Asian fusion fare that melds local traditions and modern gastronomy. There is a theatrical element to his approach (think smoke, dry ice or sparklers), evoking a feeling both of déjà vu and jamais vu. His 6- to 10-course tasting menus may include playful interactive creations such as crispy flatbread on a mini easel, on which diners apply sauces in five colours with a brush.
$$$Innovative
You need to look hard to find this place – there is no sign and the exterior looks barren. The stunning, moody interior is furnished in wabi-sabi style with lots of greenery, giving it a cosy and stylish ambience. The chef creates dishes underpinned by European techniques and punctuated by Malaysian twists. He offers three set menus that change every two months. Try the seven-course set to experience his vision in full glory.
$$Asian Contemporary
Located on a buzzy, vibrant street, Sambal serves a tantalising mix of Asian and European flavours. There’s a unique twist to the beloved Lap Mei Fun, with fragrant rice, Chinese sausage, char siew (honey BBQ pork) and crispy pork lard. The Udang Entangled claypot boasts a rich, creamy broth infused with Chinese wine, served with glass noodles and succulent prawns. The standout dessert is taro purée, a modern adaption of creamy Teochew yam.
$$Peranakan
Nestled in a neighbourhood rich in cultural heritage, Jawi House blends in seamlessly. The retro room sets the backdrop for the chef to experiment with recipes that combine Malay, Indian and Middle Eastern influences. On the menu, a good selection of biriyani with different ingredients are found alongside jawi laksa lemak (rice noodles with flaked tuna and mackerel in coconut milk broth) and papadum. Fish curry is always good; ask servers about the catch of the day.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.7/5 · 80 reviews
Jawi House is a Peranakan restaurant in George Town’s pedestrian street, holding a Michelin distinction. Food quality is generally praised for its authentic, home-style flavors, with dishes like Beef Rendang, Prawn Cucur Udang, and vegetarian options receiving high marks, though some critiques exist regarding meat preparation. Service is noted as efficient and friendly, set within a calm, historic ambiance. While many find the value excellent, a minority feel the price does not match the experience. Notably, the venue serves no alcohol, and guests must remove shoes to use the restroom, which some find hygienically questionable. Despite mixed views on value and specific dishes, it remains a recommended destination for traditional Nyonya cuisine, with reservations advised.
Suitable for travelers seeking authentic Nyonya cuisine who accept the no-alcohol policy and shoe-removal requirement.
$chinese, malaysian
“Tok Tok” is an onomatopoeia of the sound made by a chef when kneading noodle dough with a bamboo pole, a tradition still practised at the entrance of this shop. Cantonese wonton noodle soup is a must-try for its bouncy noodles and flavoursome shrimp filling. Blanched noodles tossed with dried shrimp roe, and Cantonese barbecue meats are also popular. Also try their Chinese pastry – both BBQ pork pie and pandan kaya dumplings are terrific.
🕐 Fr-We 09:30-19:30
$Noodles
Located on a street corner, the signage is inconspicuous, but its popularity with locals mean that it can’t be missed. This simple eatery has been open for some 30 years, but only in the mornings, which makes it just the ticket to sample the local breakfast. The signature dish, koay teow th'ng, is rice noodle soup with fish balls, deep-fried garlic, shredded chicken and lettuce. The tasty soup broth is made from hen and pork bones.
🕐 Mo-Sa 06:00-12:00
$Street Food
This shop with over 70 years of history serves not just Hainan-style chicken but also grilled chicken with chicken oil rice. The tangy chilli sauce made in-house cuts through the richness of the silky, juicy meat.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.0/5 · 80 reviews
Located in George Town, Goh Thew Chik serves Hainanese chicken rice primarily for lunch, closing once supplies run out. Many reviewers praise the tender chicken, fragrant rice, and excellent chili sauce, with some highlighting the apple lime juice. Service is generally friendly, though isolated complaints cite rude staff and poor handling of hygiene issues. Ambiance attracts locals, but food quality varies, with some finding the rice dry or bland. With an average rating of 4.0/5, it suits travelers seeking authentic local lunches, but visitors should verify opening hours and manage expectations regarding consistency.
Ideal for tourists seeking authentic George Town lunches; visit early to ensure availability.
$Street Food
This stall in Little India serves a delicious range of samosas, including mutton, chicken, sardine, egg and vegetable. Encased in a crispy shell, the flavoursome fillings are moderately spicy. Prices are fair, too, so no wonder customers are prepared to queue.
$$Peranakan
Ceki is decorated in a traditional vibe with antique clothing and knick-knacks that tell a story from the past. The extensive menu is chiefly composed of home-cooked style Peranakan cuisine and features interesting dishes that can be hard to find, such as too kwa kean. The high-quality seafood menu features signature dishes such as assam pedas fish and sambal goreng prawns paired with a knockout herbal sauce. With only a few large tables, booking is advisable.
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.9/5 · 54 reviews
Located in a heritage building in George Town, Ceki offers authentic Peranakan cuisine. Food quality receives mixed reviews; while many praise the delicious flavors and presentation, others find some dishes underwhelming or poorly executed. Service is generally attentive and knowledgeable, though aggressive upselling has deterred some guests. The atmosphere is quiet and elegant, reflecting its historic setting. Value is a significant concern, with several reviewers citing high prices relative to portion sizes. Additionally, slow meal pacing due to tableside preparation may inconvenience those in a hurry.
Suitable for diners seeking traditional Peranakan flavors who can tolerate slower pacing and higher costs.
$$Austrian
The Austrian owner opened this restaurant in 2022 to serve hearty family favourites from his homeland like Wiener schnitzel, a traditional deep-fried breaded pork chop with a crispy crust and juicy meat. A veal cutlet may also be available on request. Salzburger nockerl, a sweet fluffy soufflé with house-made lingonberry sauce on the side, is simply unmissable. Also a wine importer, the owner has curated a splendid selection of Austrian tipples.
$$$modern_malaysian, fine_dining
Gēn is Chinese for root. The owner-chef revisits his culinary roots and childhood memories with nostalgic flavours and a tasting menu driven by local seasonal produce, especially fish, whose courses never fail to surprise. The plating is particularly pleasing, and sometimes playful, such as the silky chicken soup in a glass bottle. The wine list boasts over 30 organic and biodynamic tipples that complement the food perfectly.
🕐 We-Su 12:00-22:00; Mo, Tu off
$$indian
Since 2014, this shop has been serving authentic Indian fare from all over the country. Its namesake signature biriyani is a must-try - pair with kongu nadu kozhi fry, or spicy dry-fried chicken with grated coconut, a Southern Indian speciality rich in tangy flavours. Also check the blackboard at the door for daily specials. Round off with house-made sweets or masala tea. Certain items are only served after 4 pm.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 80 reviews
Located in George Town, Bite N Eat Dindigul Biriyani holds a 4.2/5 average rating. Reviewers frequently praise the high food quality, generous portions, and affordable prices, particularly noting the extensive vegetarian options and flavorful curries and biryanis. Service is generally described as friendly and efficient, though some guests experienced language barriers or perceived unfriendliness. The atmosphere is simple and clean, suitable for quick meals, but lacks distinctive character. While isolated complaints exist regarding pacing and service attitudes, the restaurant remains a solid choice for budget-conscious diners seeking authentic Indian cuisine.
Suitable for travelers seeking high value-for-money and traditional Indian flavors.
$$Peranakan
The restored heritage building is home to a lavish restaurant with a high-ceilinged room, crystal chandeliers and scarlet velvet drapes. The concise menu showcases a good selection of Peranakan cooking alongside some vegetarian offerings. Meat lovers may try tamarind glazed grass-fed beef from down under, or the prawn geng curry that can be made vegetarian. Round it out with Markisa semifreddo. Also check out the competitively priced wine list.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Kebaya Dining Room in George Town offers refined Peranakan cuisine within a stately, heritage-rich setting, often enhanced by live Guzheng performances. Positive reviews frequently highlight the high food quality, attentive service, and elegant ambiance, describing it as a memorable luxury experience. However, negative feedback points to inconsistencies, including slow meal pacing, bland or overcooked dishes, and occasional hygiene or service issues. While the majority of diners appreciate the sophisticated atmosphere and creative menu, some express disappointment regarding value and culinary execution, indicating that experiences may vary significantly.
Suitable for diners seeking a refined Peranakan cultural experience and elegant ambiance, though maintaining open expectations regarding consistency is advised.
$$$Barbecue
The historic building with a lofty ceiling is furnished in faux industrial style, providing the perfect foil for the central open fire grill. Ask for counter seats to make the most of the smoky vibe and high flames. Both set and á la carte menus are available. Start with hay smoked seasonal mushrooms, followed by tiger prawn in sweet, tangy Nyonya sauce. Beef lovers cannot fail but find their favourite cuts here – consider pre-ordering the dry-aged steaks in advance.
$$Australian Contemporary
The discreet entrance and stairway may appear shabby, but the lofty, retro restaurant space on the upper floor of this heritage building (1937) is nothing short of sublime. The short Australian-inspired menu features over 10 appetisers and mains, made using organic produce from local indoor farms and its own garden. The speciality is seafood, and the crayfish and prawn étouffée tagliatelle stands out for its deep umami. Reservations are a must.
$$Italian
The concrete building hidden by lush greenery is easy to miss, but Chef Hong’s first-class slow food and artisan hand-made pasta are worth the hunt. Pappardelle with oxtail ragu boasts al dente noodles, balanced between richness and acidity, and generous dollops of fork-tender, melty oxtail ragu. The service can be slow, so just sit back and enjoy the music and wine between your orders. It doesn’t take reservations, so come early to beat the crowd.
$$Innovative
Once a factory, this space furnished in retro industrial style fizzes with energy – not only because of the sizzling charcoal grill in the open kitchen, but also the fun, passionate service team. Chargrilled meats, seafood, and vegetables are the main event; the wild-caught giant shrimps with crispy garlic crumbles and chilli oil are a very popular choice. The warm banana cake with Baileys ice cream presents interesting contrasts in temperature.
$$$Barbecue
Supervised by chef Benny Yeoh, Blacklinen serves expertly chargrilled food in a design-forward luxury hotel. At the door, the dry-aging fridge, where the premium meat is displayed, greets diners. The menu features dry- and wet-aged beef cuts, lamb and duck breast, rub shoulders with seafood, chicken and other steakhouse favourites. If in doubt, ask the attentive staff for suggestions. Be sure to save room for the tiramisu!
$malaysian
This halal stall only sells nasi lemak: the national dish of coconut milk rice wrapped in banana leaf, topped with sambal and one of the six toppings. Try anchovies with a hard-boiled egg. And go easy on the fiery sambal.
🕐 Mo-Sa 07:00-14:00; Su off
$$$Thai contemporary
A 150-year-old heritage building is home to this venture by the Thai chef of Le Du fame. The room, however, feels hip and lively thanks to a red colour scheme and a funky soundtrack. Sood means ‘ultimate’ in Thai and chef Ton imbues traditional Thai flavours with novel wow factors for a knock-out experience. Try his grilled Thai river prawns on salad greens with a sweet and spicy sauce. Head to the bar upstairs for live music after dinner.
$$Peranakan
It feels relaxing to sit in the glass-clad room drenched in natural light and furnished in faux-industrial style. In terms of food, they serve a neo-Nyonya menu with a strong East-meets-West concept. On top of Peranakan classics like otak-otak, Western influences are manifested in more adventurous creations such as laksa capellini. Even the desserts take a surprise twist, as in teh-ramisu that uses tea instead of coffee.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Located within Fort Cornwallis, Kota Dine & Coffee serves Peranakan and fusion cuisine. Reviews generally praise food quality and attentive service, highlighting dishes like chicken satay, Nasi Lemak, and a three-flavor crème brûlée. The venue offers indoor and outdoor seating with air conditioning. However, negative feedback frequently cites poor meal pacing, such as mains arriving before entrees, and inconsistent food presentation. Some guests found portions small and flavors bland, while others criticized the limited beverage options and confusing closing times. Although listed in the Michelin Guide, experiences vary significantly regarding efficiency and value.
Suitable for visitors interested in Fort Cornwallis history who can tolerate occasional service inconsistencies; verify opening hours and allow ample time for dining.
🕐 We-Mo 11:00-16:00, 18:00-22:00; Tu off
$$seafood
Bali Hai has been feeding seafood lovers with the freshest critters and best quality fish for over ten years. Pick your own catch at the live fish tank by the entrance. Specify the way you want them cooked – in Teochew, Nyonya or even Thai style. The must-try “cereal prawns” are tossed in butter and milky oat powder that forms a crispy crust. Stir-fried crab with salted egg yolks that strikes a balance between umami and saltiness is not to be missed.
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.7/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Kampong Makam, Bali Hai Seafood Market is renowned for its live seafood tanks and fresh ingredients. Reviewers frequently praise the high food quality, friendly service, and unique atmosphere, highlighting the diversity of exotic fish and innovative cooking. However, value is a significant concern. Many guests report high prices, lack of transparency in billing, and unexpected charges, such as fees for unused items or unclear per-weight pricing. While the culinary experience is often described as excellent, several diners feel it is overpriced compared to other options in George Town, labeling it a 'tourist trap' due to potential rip-offs. The restaurant offers a distinct seafood experience but requires caution regarding costs.
Suitable for budget-conscious diners seeking premium fresh seafood, but verify pricing details beforehand.
🕐 Mo 16:00-00:00; Tu-Su 08:00-14:30, 16:00-00:00
$chinese
Since 1966, this simple shop has been welcoming hungry guests who fancy home-style Malaysian food. Every dish is made à la minute and you can hear the wok sizzling after you place your order. Specialties include prawn curry – nice and thick, it has a good kick that goes well with the prawns. The fried threadfin with a sweet black sauce is not to be missed! The crispy fish fillet in sticky caramel soy sauce stands out, too. Arrive early to beat the crowd.
🕐 11:30-14:30,18:00-20:30 "Check Facebook"
$chinese, Chicken_Rice
Into the third generation, this shop famous for Hainanese chicken rice also serves other Southeast Asian favourites. Chicken that boasts springy skin and velvety flesh can be ordered in halves or standard portions.
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.4/5 · 74 reviews
Located in Tanjung Tokong, Fatty Loh Chicken Rice is known for its antique decor and historic ambiance since 1969. Food quality is polarizing: while many praise the succulent poached and roasted chicken rice and herbal soup, others report hygiene issues such as sticky utensils and dirty tables, with extreme complaints about foul smells or burnt meat. Service utilizes WeChat/Alipay scanning for efficiency, though experiences vary. The restaurant attracts visitors via its Michelin recognition and unique interior, but consistency in food safety and taste remains debated. It suits travelers seeking a nostalgic atmosphere who can overlook potential hygiene inconsistencies.
Suitable for diners seeking a nostalgic antique atmosphere and Michelin recognition, provided they accept potential inconsistencies in hygiene and taste.
🕐 Mo-Su 09:30-17:00
$$$European Contemporary
Sweeping ocean views are nicely framed by brick-red curtains, walls and upholstery. Since 1973, Feringgi Grill has attracted a discerning following and the room retains its old-world romantic charm. On the menu, seafood and Aussie Wagyu beef are popular choices, and nothing starts a meal more theatrically than the tomato soup – prepared tableside and, flambéed with a splash of gin for extra fragrance. The private room seats 20, making it perfect for banquets.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Feringgi Grill, located within the Shangri-La Rasa Sayang resort in Batu Ferringhi, offers European contemporary cuisine and steaks. Based on 80 reviews averaging 4.5/5, positive feedback highlights attentive service (59 mentions) and food quality (53 mentions), with specific staff members like Rosidi and Katherine praised for their excellence. The ambiance is described as elegant and suitable for special occasions. However, criticisms focus on meal pacing (16 mentions), perceived low value for money (9 mentions), and occasional service inconsistencies (7 mentions). Some guests found the food merely average or the pricing high, while one review cited a dress code dispute. Overall, it provides a refined dining experience, though service reliability varies.
Suitable for travelers seeking refined European dining with high service standards and flexible budgets.
$$Peranakan
Restaurant
$thai
Thai
🕐 We-Mo 12:00-22:00
$$italian
Italian
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
Il Bacaro in George Town holds an average rating of 4.4/5 from 80 reviews. Positive feedback highlights authentic Italian cuisine, high-quality ingredients, and attentive service, with specific praise for steaks, tiramisu, and extensive gluten-free options. The atmosphere is described as welcoming, complemented by a reasonable wine list. Conversely, negative reviews cite recent ownership changes linked to declining food quality, mediocre service, and slow pacing. Some guests reported poor pizza, hard bread, and unappealing cheese plates. While generally regarded as a solid dining choice, experiences vary, with some finding it overrated or inconsistent compared to its past reputation.
Suitable for diners seeking authentic Italian cuisine and a friendly atmosphere, though checking recent consistency reviews is advised.