Best Street Food to Try While in George Town, Malaysia

Lebuh Presgrave, Georgetown, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.
Lebuh Presgrave, Georgetown, George Town, Penang, Malaysia. Photo by Wan San Yip on Unsplash

George Town, the capital of the Malaysian island of Penang, has established itself as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia in recent years. A major reason for that is the city’s food offering, which has been hailed by many publications, food bloggers, and everyday tourists.

George Town has a particularly exciting street food culture, which is considered the best in the entire country. So next time you’re there, make sure to hit the city’s street food stalls and try some of the following dishes.

Nasi Lemak

Nasi lemak is often considered the national dish of Malaysia. It consists of rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf. Nasi lemak is usually served for breakfast alongside fried chicken, ikan bilis (anchovies), or eggs.

Mee Goreng

Mee goreng is a type of fried noodle that are popular all across Southeast Asia. The noodles are fried alongside veggies, eggs, tofu, or meat with added condiments like spices, tomato sauce, or soy sauce.

Roti Canai

Roti canai is a flatbread that has many variations. When prepared without any addition, it is served alongside curry dishes. However, it can also be made with various fillings, including meat, veggies, and eggs.

Chendol   

After you have your main dish, it’s time for dessert. While there are many tasty treats on the streets of George Town, chendol might be your best choice. The main ingredients include rice flour jelly, shaved ice, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup.