Top 20 Michelin-Approved Street Food Spots in George Town, Penang
Introduction
Penang’s capital, George Town, isn’t just a UNESCO World Heritage Site — it’s Malaysia’s ultimate street food capital. Here, food transcends class and culture, served from generations-old hawker stalls that have caught the eye of the Michelin Guide.
These 20 spots represent the best of authentic, affordable Penang cuisine, each one a symbol of Malaysia’s multicultural food heritage.
| No. | Food Spot |
|---|---|
| 1 | Goh Thew Chik Hainan Chicken Rice |
| 2 | Siam Road Char Koay Teow |
| 3 | Ali Nasi Lemak Daun Pisang |
| 4 | Penang Road Famous Laksa |
| 5 | Air Itam Sister Curry Mee |
| 6 | Fatty Loh Chicken Rice |
| 7 | Wan Dao Tou Assam Laksa |
| 8 | Duck Blood Curry Mee |
| 9 | My Own Café |
| 10 | Jit Seng Hong Kong Roasted Duck Rice |
| 11 | Green House Prawn Mee & Loh Mee |
| 12 | Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak |
| 13 | 888 Hokkien Mee |
| 14 | Lum Lai Duck Meat Koay Teow Th’ng |
| 15 | Air Itam Duck Rice |
| 16 | Ghee Lian |
| 17 | Super Star Koay Teow Soup |
| 18 | Ravi’s Famous Apom Manis |
| 19 | Penang Famous Samosa |
| 20 | Serabai Istimewa |
🥢 1. Goh Thew Chik Hainan Chicken Rice
One of Penang’s most iconic eateries, Goh Thew Chik is synonymous with authentic Hainanese chicken rice. Tender, juicy chicken served over aromatic rice cooked in chicken broth — the simplicity is its perfection. Add chilli and ginger sauce for balance.
| Name | Goh Thew Chik Hainan Chicken Rice |
|---|---|
| Go For | Hainanese and grilled chicken rice |
| Address | 338A-338B Lebuh Chulia, George Town |
| Timings | 10 AM – 4 PM (Closed Wednesday) |
| Insider Tip | Try the roasted chicken for its smoky skin and savoury depth. |
🍜 2. Siam Road Char Koay Teow
A global street food legend, Siam Road Char Koay Teow is helmed by an elderly uncle who still stir-fries over charcoal. Each plate brims with smoky aroma (“wok hei”) and the richness of prawns, egg, and bean sprouts.
| Name | Siam Road Char Koay Teow |
|---|---|
| Go For | Stir-fried koay teow |
| Address | 82 Jalan Siam, George Town |
| Timings | 12 PM – 6 PM (Closed Sunday & Monday) |
| Insider Tip | Go early; queues start before noon for the first batch. |
🍛 3. Ali Nasi Lemak Daun Pisang
A staple breakfast choice, this humble stall at Sri Weld Food Court serves nasi lemak wrapped in banana leaves — coconut rice, spicy sambal, and crispy anchovies unite for Malaysia’s most loved meal.
| Name | Ali Nasi Lemak Daun Pisang |
|---|---|
| Go For | Nasi lemak with sambal and anchovies |
| Address | Sri Weld Food Court, 19 Lebuh Pantai |
| Timings | 7 AM – 2 PM (Closed Sunday) |
| Insider Tip | Ask for extra sambal — it’s the stall’s secret weapon. |
🐟 4. Penang Road Famous Laksa
Known for its tangy asam laksa, this iconic stall offers a complex mix of tamarind, mackerel, and lemongrass flavours. It’s a Michelin favourite for its intensity and tradition.
| Name | Penang Road Famous Laksa |
|---|---|
| Go For | Assam laksa (sardine broth with lai fun noodles) |
| Address | 5 Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town |
| Timings | 9 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed Wednesday) |
| Insider Tip | Pair it with a bowl of Penang cendol nearby. |
🍲 5. Air Itam Sister Curry Mee
Run by two elderly sisters, this Air Itam legend serves Penang-style curry mee with rich coconut milk and spicy chilli oil. Every bowl tells a story of generations preserving heritage.
| Name | Air Itam Sister Curry Mee |
|---|---|
| Go For | Curry mee with tofu puffs and cuttlefish |
| Address | 612T Jalan Air Itam |
| Timings | 6:30 AM – 12 PM (Closed Tuesday) |
| Insider Tip | Go early; they sell out by mid-morning. |
🍗 6. Fatty Loh Chicken Rice
Known for its comforting Hainanese-style chicken rice, Fatty Loh delivers tender chicken paired with fluffy rice and savoury garlic sauce — a Penang classic for over 30 years.
| Name | Fatty Loh Chicken Rice |
|---|---|
| Go For | Hainanese chicken rice |
| Address | 21 Jalan Fettes, Tanjung Bungah |
| Timings | 9:30 AM – 5 PM |
| Insider Tip | Order a mix of steamed and roasted chicken for contrast. |
🍋 7. Wan Dao Tou Assam Laksa
Wan Dao Tou is a local favourite for Assam Laksa, balancing tangy tamarind broth with spicy mackerel-based flavours. Michelin recognised it for its authenticity and freshness.
| Name | Wan Dao Tou Assam Laksa |
|---|---|
| Go For | Assam laksa and starter platter |
| Address | 1 Jalan Gottlieb, George Town |
| Timings | 10 AM – 9 PM |
| Insider Tip | Add prawn paste (“hae ko”) for a richer finish. |
🌶️ 8. Duck Blood Curry Mee
One of the most unique dishes in Penang, Duck Blood Curry Mee serves a white curry soup with tofu, noodles, and cubes of duck blood — creamy, spicy, and unforgettable.
| Name | Duck Blood Curry Mee |
|---|---|
| Go For | White curry mee with duck blood and chilli oil |
| Address | 223B Jalan Burma, George Town |
| Timings | 12 PM – 10 PM (Closed Thursday) |
| Insider Tip | A must-try for adventurous foodies seeking local rarity. |
🍜 9. My Own Café
Located along Lebuh Cannon near street art murals, My Own Café is known for its asam laksa and Nyonya laksa — both creamy and spicy with aromatic herbs.
| Name | My Own Café |
|---|---|
| Go For | Asam laksa, Nyonya laksa, fried spring rolls |
| Address | 2 Lebuh Cannon, George Town |
| Timings | 10 AM – 4 PM (Closed Wednesday) |
| Insider Tip | Perfect lunch stop after visiting Armenian Street. |
🦆 10. Jit Seng Hong Kong Roasted Duck Rice
For Cantonese-style roasts, Jit Seng delivers tender duck with glistening crispy skin, served with char siew over hot rice — a Michelin-approved comfort meal.
| Name | Jit Seng Hong Kong Roasted Duck Rice |
|---|---|
| Go For | Roasted duck, char siew, and rice |
| Address | 246 Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town |
| Timings | 12:30 PM – 3 PM (Closed Sunday) |
| Insider Tip | Ask for the mixed roast combo for variety. |
🍤 11. Green House Prawn Mee & Loh Mee
This hawker joint is known for its late-night Hokkien prawn mee and loh mee. Locals love the rich broth, made with prawn shells and pork bones.
| Name | Green House Prawn Mee & Loh Mee |
|---|---|
| Go For | Prawn mee, loh mee |
| Address | 223 Jalan Burma, George Town |
| Timings | 4 PM – 10 PM (Closed Monday) |
| Insider Tip | Mix both broths — the “half-half” order is legendary. |
🧄 12. Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak
Fried radish cake, or char koay kak, shines at this family-run stall. Crisp edges, soft centers, and smoky soy sauce make it a breakfast essential.
| Name | Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak |
|---|---|
| Go For | Fried radish rice cakes |
| Address | 96 Lorong Macalister, George Town |
| Timings | 7 AM – 12 PM (Closed Wed & Thu) |
| Insider Tip | Add extra egg for texture and flavour. |
🍤 13. 888 Hokkien Mee
Bold, spicy, and prawn-rich — 888 Hokkien Mee serves one of the most flavourful noodle soups in Penang, topped with pork ribs and sambal.
| Name | 888 Hokkien Mee |
|---|---|
| Go For | Hokkien noodles in prawn broth |
| Address | 67-A Lebuh Presgrave, George Town |
| Timings | 3 PM – 9:30 PM (Closed Thursday) |
| Insider Tip | Customise your spice level — the sambal is potent. |
🍲 14. Lum Lai Duck Meat Koay Teow Th’ng
A traditional favourite, Lum Lai serves comforting duck noodle soup. Light, savoury broth with tender duck slices — perfect breakfast fare.
| Name | Lum Lai Duck Meat Koay Teow Th’ng |
|---|---|
| Go For | Duck meat koay teow soup |
| Address | Pasar Lebuh Cecil, 24 Lebuh Cecil |
| Timings | 7 AM – 5 PM |
| Insider Tip | Pair with fried garlic and chilli oil for extra punch. |
🦆 15. Air Itam Duck Rice
This stall near Air Itam Market serves braised duck rice steeped in soy-based sauce. The tender meat and caramelised gravy are irresistible.
| Name | Air Itam Duck Rice |
|---|---|
| Go For | Braised duck and pork belly |
| Address | Jalan Pasar, Air Itam Wet Market |
| Timings | 3:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Closed Monday) |
| Insider Tip | Try adding duck egg for richer flavour. |
🍜 16. Ghee Lian
Seaside dining meets local flavours at Ghee Lian, serving green tom yum and fried noodles. Ideal for a relaxed evening meal with a sea view.
| Name | Ghee Lian |
|---|---|
| Go For | Tom yum soup, fried noodles |
| Address | Lot 39, Medan Renong Padang Kota Lama |
| Timings | 4 PM – 11 PM |
| Insider Tip | Visit at sunset for cool breezes and great lighting. |
🍥 17. Super Star Koay Teow Soup
Simple, light, and savoury — this koay teow soup stall on Lebuh Kimberley serves one of the most comforting dinners in George Town.
| Name | Super Star Koay Teow Soup |
|---|---|
| Go For | Koay teow soup with chicken |
| Address | 78 Lebuh Kimberley, George Town |
| Timings | 5 PM – 11 PM |
| Insider Tip | Add fish balls or extra garlic oil for depth. |
🥞 18. Ravi’s Famous Apom Manis
Dessert time! Ravi’s stall is famous for Apom Manis, thin pancakes cooked over charcoal with a hint of coconut milk — crisp outside, soft inside.
| Name | Ravi’s Famous Apom Manis |
|---|---|
| Go For | Sweet apom pancakes |
| Address | 319 Jalan Burma, George Town |
| Timings | 6 PM – 10 PM (Closed Mon & Thu) |
| Insider Tip | Try watching Ravi make them — it’s a performance. |
🥟 19. Penang Famous Samosa
Crispy, golden, and generously filled, these samosas are perfect for a quick snack. Flavours range from potato to lentil, each fried to perfection.
| Name | Penang Famous Samosa |
|---|---|
| Go For | Fried samosas |
| Address | 45 Lebuh Queen, George Town |
| Timings | 10:30 AM – 7 PM |
| Insider Tip | Pair with mint chutney for a flavour kick. |
🥥 20. Serabai Istimewa
A rare treat, Serabai is a traditional Malay rice pancake served with coconut syrup. Lightly fermented, soft, and subtly sweet — it’s nostalgia in a bite.
| Name | Serabai Istimewa |
|---|---|
| Go For | Serabai (traditional coconut pancake) |
| Address | 18 Astaka Taman Tun Sardon |
| Timings | 6:30 AM – 10 AM (Closed Monday) |
| Insider Tip | Best enjoyed hot with extra coconut syrup. |
🌶️ Conclusion
Penang’s Michelin-approved hawker stalls embody Malaysia’s culinary identity — humble, diverse, and deeply flavorful. Each stall preserves heritage recipes and community culture, proving that excellence doesn’t need fancy decor — just dedication, flavour, and heart.
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