Jazz Service Suites Penang

This family business is now run by the third generation. Each aromatic plate of koay teow is fried to order and exudes wok hei. It tastes even better with a dab of chilli sauce. Optionally, add an over-easy egg or cheese on top.

Since 1920, this stall has been selling its famous apom: their crispy crêpes with a soft, puffy centre cooked in claypot over charcoal are fluffier and more coconutty than most. Come early – they tend to sell out by 9:30am.

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.

Run by a husband-wife team, Winn’s Cafe is situated in a detached house with dining rooms spread over two storeys, the upper floor of which exhibits work by local artists. The menu features Peranakan classics, such as otak otak fish cake seasoned with coconut milk and local herbs grown in their backyard and boasts silky smooth texture. Asam tumis stingray seduces with bouncy, flavoursome meat and a rich, complex sauce made with nine herbs.

Hidden in a Malaysian-style café, this shop serves mee in a savoury-sweet white curry base made with coconut milk that is freshly prepared every day. Among the various toppings offered, roasted pork is phenomenal. Make sure you try the homemade chilli sauce.

This simple restaurant has been run by a husband-wife team for over 15 years; Ivy helms the kitchen while her husband waits on the tables. Following a change of venue in 2024, the room is now bigger and better, but you can rest assured - the menu hasn’t changed one bit. Check out the sharing set menus that include their best-selling Peranakan dishes, like Kapitan chicken curry and Joo Hoo Char – spicy stir-fried mixed veggies in chili paste. Reservations recommended.

White curry mee is served in a coconut milk-based broth with a bowl of curry paste on the side so that you can adjust the heat to your liking. The curry paste is available for sale by the bottle; it takes two hours to hand-stir the spices with dried shrimps and chillies. Optionally, pair your mee with deboned steamed chicken, spiced loh bak or Teochew guang jiang. The clear broth noodle soup with chicken meatballs is also worth trying.