Penang Travel Tips Part 2 : Food

God….where do I begin!

I’ll just list the must-haves :

Nasi kandar

Shariff Nasi Kandar
The best nasi kandar in Penang and the whole freakin’ planet! Food is really really good. Very very cheap as well. The boys usually come and order 3 rounds not just because the food is most excellent, but also because it is soo darn cheap!
Location : In front of the 8 Pagi shop at Gelugor. As you come off the bridge, take the ‘GELUGOR’ exit. You should find yourself on Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah.You will pass by USM which will be on your left. This is the same route you take to go to Komtar and Ferringhi area. After the 1st traffic light, keep to the extreme left and at the 2nd traffic lights, turn left into the road. Not two seconds away, just after the post office, there will be a small turning on your left into a small lane (there will be an arrow pointing to the lane). Drive to the end of the lane and take a left…you will find yourself next to 8 Pagi. Aman Clinic should be on your right….you will be able to spot it from the main road (Azlan Shah). You can easily identify the stall (yes, it’s a stall!) by the long line of people formed in front of it.
Opening hours : Only open on weekdays. Usually opens by 5.30pm and food finishes pretty early, by 9pm.

Pelita
Now you might have Pelita’s all over the country but trust me when I say that it won’t taste as good as the one’s in Penang.
Location : There are a few. One is in front of USM. Now take note that USM has 4 gates. The main one, which is hardly used, is along Sultan Azlan. The popular one is at Sg Dua which is where the Pelita is located. From the bridge, you will see a 1st sign board saying ‘USM’…follow that exit. After that, take the ‘GELUGOR’ exit, not the ‘BAYAN LEPAS’ exit and keep to the right. At the final fork, follow ‘BAYAN LEPAS’ instead of ‘GELUGOR’. You will find yourself on Sultan Azlan heading in the opposite direction from above (Shariff). Keep right and at the 1st traffic lights, turn right and you will be on Sg Dua. Pelita is about a 5 minute drive from there, on your left.

The other famous one is the one at McCallister Rd in town. From Komtar, follow the signs to get to Mccalister Rd (road signs are very good!) and the Pelita should be on your right after the UMNO building.

Line Clear
Practically a Penang institution. The ‘ambiance’ may turn you off but the food is good. And in very big portions…which would explain it’s slighty higher prices compared to the others.
Location : Along Penang road. It’s right at the corner of the road leading to Chulia street. If facing Komtar, it is on your left. Cititel will be on your right. There is a Secure Parking directly opposite the shop (same row as Cititel) but parking here is exorbitant…RM3 per hour. Try and park along Campbell street or before Chowrasta which are just further down from the shop, heading towards Komtar. Or you can even park along Chulia.

Others

Kuey Teow Ganja
The most yummy kuey teow ever! We added the ganja cos it tastes so good, it’s as if the guy puts drugs in it. Tip : when you order, don’t say Kuey Teow Ganja cos they don’t know it’s called that! Say Char Keuy Teow. One plate will cost you RM3 and they put the big big prawns.
Location : along Sg Dua just in front of USM. The stall is called Sany and it’s at the left hand side, opposite USM. Once you get on the road, you will see a KFC to the left. Sany is just at the other end of that row. Also a stall with tables in front.
Opening hours : Opens at about 5.30pm or 6pm and is usually open till quite late especially the weekends. Can go up to 2am or 3 am.

Penang Road Famous Cendol.
Location : Along Penang Road. If you’re heading in the direction of Komtar, it is to the left after Chowrasta. Situated in a small lane off Penang Rd. don’t be fooled cos there are many other stalls which claim to be it. This one is at the lorong closest to Komtar. If I’m not mistaken, after Lorong Tamil. Again, you will be able to recognize it by the number of people standing in front of the stall. No tables or chairs. Either pack or stand there and eat!

Kallaiyamans
Ok I might have gotten the spelling wrong. Anyway this is, to me, one of the best Indian joints. I usually go there for the North Indian stuff. They do have banana leaf as well but not sure if it’s good or not. Air-conditioned.
Must try : Naan, Matter Paneer, Chicken Tikka Makhini (with gravy), Palak Panner, Aloo Ghobi, Mango Lassi
Price : Each dish will cost about RM6-7. Naans cost about RM2-3.
Location : Market street or Little India. Head towards the Jetty/Ferry. Behind Standard Chartered.

Veloo Villa
Excellent banana leaf rice. Very spicy though.
Location : if you’re facing Kalaiyammans, it’s on the left hand side across the road. Small blue shop

Gurney Drive
Huge array of food. There is a ‘halal’ area towards the right (closer to the McDonalds) as in it’s all malay stalls. Despite what people say that it’s more a touristy place, the food is actually good. Tip : avoid the Pasembur. Overpriced!!! Just a few things will cost you RM20 above!
Must try : Penang famous Kuey Teow (closer towards Gurney Plaza side…there will be an old old man cooking), Fish (next to the Kuey Teow), sugar cane water (same row), Rojak Buah, Mua Zhi (Chi) – closer towards the Malay side.
Location : follow the sign boards and head towards Batu Ferringhi direction. Before you go to Tanjung Bungah, you will come to a set of traffic lights. There should be a McD’s at the corner. If you come from town, take a right at the traffic lights. If from the bridge, go straight at the lights. You will come to the Gurney roundabout…take 3 o’clock and park anywhere. But make sure it’s a proper parking lot cos the stupid buggers will come around and saman! You can also park in Gurney Plaza and walk down (2 minute walk).

Crepe Café
Lovely little café which is actually a small house. They prepare all types of pancakes…even Cordon Bleu pancakes! Delicious! The desserts are also good. Limited seating though. Usually open at night.
Location : Just about a 2 minute drive from Gurney Drive. The same row as Gurney Plaza. If you’re facing Gurney Plaza, it’s towards the left, heading towards town. Have to keep your eyes open for it cos it’s so small and not well lit, you could miss it.

Stuffed fish
Western-style fish stuffed with ham and cheese which oozes out when you cut into it.
Price : RM7.50 if I’m not mistaken
Location : Bayan Baru food court. Same direction as with Pelita Sg Dua except that you don’t turn into Sg Dua, but keep going straight at the traffic lights until you come to the Bukit Jambul roundabout. Take 6 o’clock and at the Shell station on the left, take a left turn. The food court is right behind the Shell station. Free parking lot just further down on the left.
Belacan rice here is also good.

Jaya Catering
Indian food.
Must try : naan, tandoori and their mutton masala thosai (thosai stuffed with chunks of mutton)
Location : Same directions as with Shariff. After you turn left at the lights, go straight and make a u-turn and come back heading towards the lights. The shop is on the left just before the lights (facing the main road)

Tari Café
Western and local food. Cost a bit more than other places. Great ambiance…great music, huge screens to watch football. Gteat place to go after clubbing…opens till quite late.
Must try : the specialty burgers! Especially the Cheesy Burger.
Location : Heading towards Ferringhi on the left-hand side. About a 2 minute drive after passing Island Plaza, which will be on your right. Before you come to Tulang Corner which is on your right.

End of The World
A Chinese restaurant. Not sure of the name but it’s at the ‘end of the world’ as in the end of Ferringhi. Good food.
Location : Heading towards Balik Pulau from Ferringhi. Just keep driving past Parkroyal and Bayview Beach to the end until you come to a roundabout. Take 12 at the roundabout and go staright till you can’t go further. The restaurant is by the sea.

Sunset Bistro
Bar on the beach
Must try : Calimari, pizzas
Location : Next to Bayu Senja. After Parkroyal, take the 1st turning to the right. Go to the end of the road and take a left. The bar is right there.


I’m sure there are many more places to go but my knowledge is limited to these places. So if anyone else’s knows of other places, please please do recommend. Thanks

Next : Things to do

Part 1 was here