Char Kuey Teow – Wok-Fired Perfection
Penang’s legendary Char Kuey Teow features flat rice noodles stir-fried with prawns, Chinese sausage, and bean sprouts in soy sauce. The dish gets its distinctive smoky “wok hei” flavour from being cooked over high heat in a well-seasoned wok. It’s considered the benchmark dish that food enthusiasts use to judge a hawker’s skill.
Where to Try It: Lorong Selamat Char Koay Teow
Location: 108, Lorong Selamat, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Distance from St. Giles Wembley: 12 mins walk; 800 m
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Asam Laksa – Tangy Seafood Soup
Penang’s iconic Asam Laksa is a fish-based soup made tangy with tamarind and spicy with chili paste. Thick rice noodles are served in this complex broth alongside mackerel flakes and fresh herbs. The dish perfectly balances sour, spicy, and savoury elements in each bowl.
Where to Try It: Pasar Air Itam Laksa
Location: Jalan Pasar, Paya Terubong, 11500 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Distance from St. Giles Wembley: 16 mins drive; 6.6 KM
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Hokkien Mee – Prawn-Infused Comfort
Penang’s Hokkien Mee features yellow noodles and rice vermicelli in a rich prawn broth. The soup is topped with slices of pork, prawns, hard-boiled eggs, and crispy fried shallots. This hearty dish showcases the Chinese influence on Penang’s diverse food scene.
Where to Try It: 888 Hokkien Mee
Location: 67A, Lebuh Presgrave, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Distance from St. Giles Wembley: 6 mins walk; 450 m
Must-Try Addition: Add a spoonful of their homemade chili paste for an extra dimension of flavour!
Nasi Kandar – Curry Combinations
Nasi Kandar features steamed rice served with a selection of curries and side dishes. The magic happens when servers splash different curry sauces over your rice – a technique called “banjir” (flooding). This dish represents the Indian Muslim influence in Penang’s culinary landscape.
Where to Try It: Nasi Kandar Line Clear
Location: 161 & 177, Jln Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Distance from St. Giles Wembley: 4 mins walk; 250 m
Rojak – Sweet and Savoury Salad
Penang’s Rojak is a fruit and vegetable salad that combines cucumber, pineapple, and jicama, all tossed in prawn paste dressing and topped with crushed peanuts. The dish balances sweet, sour, spicy, and savoury in each bite. It’s the perfect refreshing counterpoint to Penang’s heavier dishes.
Where to Try It: Gurney Drive Hawker Centre
Location: 172, Solok Gurney 1, Pulau Tikus, 10250 Jelutong, Pulau Pinang
Distance from St. Giles Wembley: 10 mins drive; 4.5 KM
Best Time to Visit: Early evenings are perfect for soaking in the lively atmosphere while enjoying your meal.
There you have it, foodies! From the fiery wok theatrics of Char Kuey Teow to the complex spice harmonies of Asam Laksa, Penang offers a culinary playground with each dish telling its own unique story of the island’s diverse heritage. Our team at St. Giles Wembley is always ready to point you toward these local favourites and share insider tips to enhance your food journey. Happy eating, and don’t forget to bring your appetite – you’re going to need it!
