Bertam Resort and Water Park Penang

They serve three noodle dishes: the signature green tom yum, noodle soup and fried noodles. The fresh green tom yum hits the right balance of sour and spicy. The fried fish topping has a crispy outer layer and a succulent centre; the large prawns have a moreish umami flavour.

Since 1962, this cart outside Cathay Food Court has been serving only one dish – Apam Balik, or chargrilled pancake with sugar peanut filling. Made on the spot and served piping hot, it’s crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside.

Since opening its doors in 2006, this shop has been serving the owner’s family recipe. They pride themselves with their yam rice with pork soup – you can choose to have pork offal in the soup or not. The yam rice is nicely cooked, with strong shrimp flavour. The pork broth is briny-sweet and the pickled mustard green gives it a tangy depth. The offal is cooked to the perfect texture while the pork balls are peppery and flavoursome.

Despite the lack of fancy decor, this joint has built up a loyal fan base over the past 20+ years and can be busy into the night on Fridays and Saturdays. Koay teow is stir-fried with duck egg over a charcoal fire that lends exceptional wok hei. Add an extra over-easy egg or start with the blanched octopus appetiser before tucking into the noodle dish after which the shop is named – the tender mollusc is served warm with a tangy-sweet dip on the side.

Potted plants are set nicely against a background of exposed brick walls and industrial accents here. On top of the short à la carte menu, the Nyonya combo set built around pandan nasi lemak with your choice of toppings is especially popular. The rice is plated on a banana leaf and topped with mildly hot homemade sambal. Another speciality is Siam bihun – turmeric rice vermicelli with shredded omelette and sauces. Round out the meal with tub tim krob.

This shop specialises in Nyonya kueh – an array of cakes, dumplings, puddings and pastries that can be sweet or savoury, and steamed, deep-fried or baked. All their treats are made just as they were back in 1933, when the owner's father opened a kueh factory. In addition to kueh lapis, kueh talam, ang koo and Nyonya chang, they also serve a few Nyonya dishes. Enjoy your meal beneath a glass roof and Penang-style umbrellas in the converted patio.

Chinese couplets on the wall and red tablecloths lend the clean, simple space a festive vibe. Open since 1965, this no-frills joint has won the hearts of foodies, with well-made traditional Cantonese fare and fusion creations with a local twist. The deep-fried house-made tofu with dried local anchovies is a must – it's simply seasoned with soy sauce, but the umami is irresistible. Ask about the double-boiled soup of the day, which never disappoints.