The Top 10 Street Food Stalls in Penang That Can Satisfy Your Appetite!
I wandered through the streets of George Town late one night, drawn by the smoky scent of char kway teow sizzling over a roaring flame. I remember sitting on a plastic stool, taking that first bite, in deep appreciation of how Penang’s street food is something special.
There’s something unique about the way these dishes are made—with speed, skill, and a dash of soul that no restaurant can quite replicate. Can you blame me for being so passionate about this food scene?
Well then, if you’re ready to dive in where every bite tells a story, here are my highly recommended food stalls in Penang. Brace yourself and be ready for a short culinary adventure that will make you pay a visit to Penang right away!
Chulia Street Hawker Food
– Media credit: bensonlim8787
Address: Chulia St, Georgetown, 10450 George Town
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 4:30 to 10:30 PM
Cost: $
If you’re hunting for street food in Penang that hits hard on flavour, Chulia Street is where you’ll want to be after sundown. The buzz kicks off as stalls open along the road, and you’ll find everything from char kway teow to wantan mee served right to your seat.
The duck egg char kway teow here is a standout—it’s smoky, savoury, and not overly oily. Wantan mee is another must—the noodles are springy and come with both crispy and boiled wontons, plus a bit of crunch from pork lard if you’re into that.
Prices are fair considering how packed with flavour everything is, and you don’t even have to walk around—vendors will take your order at your table. It’s street dining at its most efficient and casual.
| Pro tip: Try the moo ping from Andy’s kitchen. Those grilled pork skewers are tender, sweet, and slightly charred, and you’ll get a free one if you order five! |
Penang Famous Samosa
– Media credit: just.717.in
Address: 45, Queen St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town
Contact details: +60164017595
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10:30 AM to 7 PM
Cost: $
You’ll spot this stall by the steady queue of people and the trays of piping hot, golden snacks out front. It’s small, no tables or seats, but you’re not here to sit—you’re here to grab and go.
The samosas are the highlight, and if you can only choose one, go for the egg or sardine. But honestly, you should also try the vadai kacang—it’s crunchy, lightly spiced, and one of the most satisfying tea-time bites around.
Prices are easy on the wallet (most under RM2), and the stall even has a drive-by setup where locals pull over while waiting at the light. It’s a fast, no-nonsense stop that delivers big on flavour.
| Pro tip: The mutton samosa usually sells out fast, so try going earlier in the day if you want to catch it fresh. It’s got a cult following for a reason. |
Ravi’s Claypot Apom Manis
– Media credit: northcountryboy
Address: 317, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10350 George Town
Contact details: +60124707019
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, Friday to Sunday – 6 to 10 AM
Cost: $
If you’re up early in Penang, Ravi’s stall is where you want to be before the apom runs out. Made in clay pots over charcoal, these soft-centred, crispy-edged apoms are light, eggy, and subtly scented with coconut.
They’re served hot off the clay pot and wrapped in banana leaf, which gives them an extra layer of aroma and keeps them warm. It’s a simple snack, but the kind you’ll think about long after you leave.
You’ll be sharing the space with other stalls, so grab a seat and enjoy the mix of smells, sounds, and flavours. The vibe’s chill, the prices are low, and Ravi and the team keep things moving with calm, friendly energy.
| Pro tip: Ask if they’re doing a batch with added banana or egg. It’s not always available, but it gives the apom a bit of extra depth and texture that’s worth the wait. |
Heng Kee Presgrave Street Corner Char Koay Teow
– Media credit: atastewithtess
Address: 67D, Lebuh Presgrave, 10300 George Town
Email: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 4 to 9:30 PM
Cost: $
This little corner stall near 888 Hokkien Mee keeps things honest and flavourful with one of the best evening char kway teow options around. It’s run by a young lady behind the wok now, and honestly, she’s got the wok hei game down.
Their char koay teow leans a bit wetter than usual but still carries that smoky edge you’re probably chasing in Penang. Duck egg or mixed egg versions are worth trying—they give the dish more body and richness.
They also serve a surprisingly solid salted fried rice, which locals say is just as worthy. Seating can be limited and stuffy, so don’t feel bad if you end up taking it to go—it still hits the spot.
| Pro tip: If you’re flying out later in the day, pack a serving for the road. The flavours hold up well and make a pretty satisfying airport meal. |
Fatty Boom Boom
– Media credit: fattyboomboomcafe
Address: 13, Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town, 10100 George Town
Contact details: +60183974806
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday – 10 AM to 7:30 PM
Cost: $$
Fatty Boom Boom leans more toward modern street snacks than traditional hawkers, but that’s what makes it a fun stop. You’ll spot it by the giant spiral of tornado potatoes being deep-fried and dressed in cheese or spicy powder.
The enoki mushroom fries are crunchy, salty, and great for snacking while you walk around. If you’re hungry, grab their classic fried chicken wings—they’re crispy, juicy, and surprisingly flavourful for a simple stall setup.
They also serve cold Penang-style coffee and a few sweet treats like the strawberry chocolate stick that’s oddly addictive. Prices are reasonable for what’s essentially fair-style comfort food with local flair.
| Pro tip: Get your tornado potato made fresh and ask for a mix of cheese and chilli powder. It adds that extra kick you’ll definitely notice compared to the plain version. |
Popo Fried Oyster
– Media credit: sgmeekiaboy
Address: 245, Lebuh Kimberley, George Town, 10100 George Town
Contact details: +60135356333
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday – 11 AM to 8:30 PM
Cost: $
Popo Fried Oyster is all about wok-fried flavour, and you’ll smell it before you even see the stall. The oyster omelet here is done the old-school way—with large eggs, fresh oysters, and just the right amount of crisp at the edges.
You’ve got choices too—from the rich black salted egg version to the punchy laksa-style twist, each one cooked on the spot while you watch. They even serve golden oyster balls if you’re in the mood to snack while waiting.
The setup is simple yet tidy, and you’ll often catch the owners chatting with regulars like they’ve known them forever. Prices are decent, and the omelette-to-oyster ratio is generous enough to keep you full.
| Pro tip: Pair your oyster omelet with their jasmine milk drink. It cuts through the richness and balances the flavours better than you’d expect. |
Mother And Son Wonton Mee
– Media credit: thebelly_eats
Address: 2, Carnarvon Road, George Town, 10200 George Town
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Wednesday, Sunday – 4 PM to 12 AM
- Thursday – 4 to 10:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 3:30 to 10:30 PM
Cost: $
This humble roadside stall has earned its fanbase with a bowl that’s surprisingly loaded—firm, springy noodles topped with char siu, both steamed and fried wontons, greens, and crispy pork lard. You can go for the dry or soup version, but the dry one with their signature dark sauce is what most people come back for.
Despite the queues, the service is quick and the vibe is casual, with a clean setup by the road. Prices are fair for the portion size, and it’s one of those stalls where one bowl probably won’t be enough.
The flavour hits that sweet-salty balance well, and the crunch from the pork lard gives every bite an extra punch. It’s not fancy, just honest street food that’s clearly mastered by this mother-and-son duo.
| Pro tip: Try adding a small side of extra fried wontons if available. They’re golden and airy, and add a great contrast to the soft dumplings in your bowl. |
Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak
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Address: 96, Lorong Macalister, George Town
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday, Friday to Sunday – 7 AM to 12 PM
Cost: $
If you’re looking for a truly local breakfast, Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak stall is a solid way to start your day. It’s just a roadside setup, but you can grab a seat at the nearby kopitiam and they’ll bring the food right to you.
Their version of char kuay is soft, eggy, and full of wok hei—add a double egg if you want it extra fluffy and rich. The radish cake pieces are slightly charred but still tender, giving you that nice balance between crispy and chewy.
Service is friendly and moves quickly, even on a busy morning. It’s nothing fancy, but the flavours are exactly what you’d hope for from a dish that looks so simple.
| Pro tip: Ask for some sambal on the side. It’s not always offered upfront, but it gives the dish a nice heat that cuts through the richness just right. |
Luca’s Panzerotti
– Media credit: luca_panzerotti_penang
Address: 1F, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town
Contact details: +60124817075
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday – 12 to 10 PM
Cost: $
Luca’s Panzerotti is a rare find in Penang—a street-side spot serving authentic Italian panzerotti, fresh from the fryer and packed with flavour. The dough is light, slightly crisp on the outside, and just chewy enough inside to hold the rich fillings.
They’ve got both classic and creative options like the Luca favourite with aubergine and tomato, or you can load it up with extras like meatballs and cheese. Everything’s made to order, and you’ll taste that freshness right away.
They also serve small bites like arancini and potato cheese balls if you want something easy to share. The Italian chef and his Malaysian partner bring genuine warmth to the stall, and prices are solid for something this unique in George Town.
| Pro tip: Check their daily specials because some of the best panzerotti flavours (like those with sundried tomato sourdough) rotate and aren’t always on the regular menu. |
Popia Basah
– Media credit: nickyzainuddin
Address: Lebuh Pasar, George Town
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 9 AM to 12 PM
Cost: $
This humble stall serves up soft, fresh popia basah—vegetarian spring rolls filled with spiced potato, tofu, and their own sweet-savoury homemade sauce. It’s simple, filling, and just messy enough to make you want another.
At RM1.30 per roll, it’s one of the bestselling snacks you can grab on the go or enjoy at one of the nearby tables. The owners are genuinely warm and always take a moment to chat while prepping your order.
The texture’s something that you’ll remember—soft popiah skin wrapping up crunchy fillings with just the right amount of sauce. It’s meat-free but hearty, making it a reliable option for any time of day.
| Pro tip: Ask for a sprinkle of extra crispy shallots on top. They don’t always offer it, but it adds a little crunch that levels up the bite. |