Whenever foodies visit Penang, they will not stop driving until they have crossed the Penang Bridge. After all, many of the good food spots are on the island. Is there anything the Penang mainland can offer to foodies?
Actually, there is! Lots, in fact, if you know where to look. The best part about the Penang mainland aka Seberang Perai? The food is just as good as on the island, but with far fewer crowds.
Sounds amazing? Well, we’re here to help you identify the next stops on your next trip to Penang. No need to cross the bridge, just enjoy the food.
Lunch hangouts
- Nasi Kandar Jeti
Image Credit: Nik 4616 on Google Review (Left), Kai Xian Chen on Google Review (Right)
Nasi kandar fans know all about Hameediyah and Kayu in Georgetown. One more place you should add to your list is this nasi kandar spot in Butterworth. It has been around since the 1950s and is still going strong.
Of its dishes, you should try the nasi kuah gulai ikan, daging masak hitam, bendi rebus, and ayam bawang. Whilst it is less crowded than the nasi kandar hotspots on the island, it is still popular enough to draw people from as far as Kedah, Perak and Kuala Lumpur.
Address: 3908, Jalan Pantai, 12100 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang
- Bee See Heong
Image Credit: Mark Phea on Google Review (Left), Boonhin Ang on Google Review (Right)
This Hainanese restaurant has been around since the 1960s. Its menu is quintessentially Malaysian, with its items featuring Malay, Chinese and Indian influence. The Choo family founded this place and continues to do so today.
Coming here on weekends during lunch hour will have you fighting for a table. Still, must-tries include the prawn curry and scrambled eggs with bittergourd. The prawns used for the curry are big and juicy river prawns, which absorb the curry greedily.
Address: 4166, Jalan Kampung Benggali, Kampung Benggali, 12200 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang
- Neighbourwood
Image Credit: Geoffrey L on Google Review (Left), Anasuya Roshan on Google Review (Right)
So far, most of the places listed here are hawker stalls or old-timey restaurants in the Penang mainland. So here’s a modern eatery which has gotten the attention of foodies recently. It is a Western fusion place located close to the St. Anne’s Minor Basilica.
The menu here rotates on a regular basis, but some dishes are constant favourites, such as the homemade sourdough bread. Guests can also see how their meals are prepared thanks to the open kitchen concept. Definitely a classy experience worth looking into.
Address: 3427, Jln Kulim, Taman Bukit Mas, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
Penang mainland’s teabreak spot
- BM Cathay Pancake
Image Credit: Dylan Philong on Google Review (Left), Wei Chun Loh on Google Review (Right)
It’s not every day that a simple hawker stall will be noticed by Michelin. Yet, this 63-year-old stall in Bukit Mertajam certainly has. It is all thanks to the beautifully made Chinese pancakes, or Ban Chien Kueh one can find here.
At present, the stall is run by an elderly couple. The current showrunner, Ng Weng Hian, is the son of the stall’s previous owner, who has since passed the mantle to Uncle Hian. His pancakes are made the traditional way, with nothing but hands and skill.
Address: 8, Jalan Aston, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
Noodle spots
- Ming Qin Duck Egg Char Koay Teow
Image Credit: David Teo on Google Review (Left), Beng Lee Tan on Google Review (Right)
If you choose to eat here, don’t inform your dietitian. A meal of the char koay teow here may be full of calories, but the taste is more than worth it. After all, this is considered one of the best spots for koay teow in the Penang mainland.
The uncle manning this stall uses nothing less than a charcoal fire to keep his wok hot. His koay teow uses the usual ingredients, but he can add a poached egg to crown your meal. As for sides, check out the baby octopus and Thai-style lala!
Address: 29, Jalan Betek, Sungai Rambai, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
- Peter Jawa Mee
Image Credit: Forest Winter on Google Review (Left), Evonne Ching on Google Review (Right)
For the perfect brunch meal, this famous stall is worth checking out. As the name indicates, it sells Mee Jawa, an Indonesian staple that has since been adapted to Malaysian tastes. It typically consists of yellow noodles, a sweet potato base, tomato sauce and prawn stock.
This place has been around for over a decade now, with crowds coming back for more. Generous portions contribute to this, as does the sprinkle of crunchy peanuts. The noodles are the perfect balance of sweet, sour and spicy, so give it a try.
Address: 1, Jalan Sentosa, Taman Sentosa, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
- Omar Mee Kuah Machang Bubok
Image Credit: Masmi Mohamad on Google Review (Left), Nur Wirdah on Google Review (Right)
Despite looking to be an unassuming warung, this eatery has drawn diners from far and wide with its fare. In fact, VIPs have dined here before, including top-level politicians and celebrities. So, what’s all the buzz about?
For the past five decades, the Malay restaurant has served delicious mee kuah aka stir-fried noodles in gravy. Each plate of noodles can come with juicy prawns or beef. Alternatively, you can order beef tendons, which are apparently a chewy treat.
Address: Jalan Gajah Mati, Machang Bubok, 14020 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
- Taman Bukit Curry Mee
Image Credit: Marcus Goh on Google Review (Left), Ian Tong on Google Review (Right)
Like many of the stalls on this list, this curry mee stall has been around for several years now. It is over 40 years old and is a third-generation business. Despite its age, it still draws a crowd, with lines building up as soon as it opens at 6 am.
The curry noodles are relatively cheap, with prices starting from RM6.50 and changing depending on additional ingredients. The cooks toss plenty of ingredients into the mix, including cockles, long beans, and the all-time favourite pork blood.
Address: Jalan Bukit Kecil, Taman Bukit, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
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Feature Image Credit: Mohd Fairus Mohd Yusof on Google Review