On a Budget? Here Are Six Cheap Eats You Can Try in Penang

Malaysia is a nice place to visit when you’re craving something truly Asian. From their signature classics, nasi lemak and laksa, to dishes from neighboring countries like satay and roti canai, this country boasts a rich culinary tapestry like no other.
Besides Kuala Lumpur, there’s another place in Malaysia that’s worth visiting for its amazing food scene. This is Penang, located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Known as the country’s food haven, this island is home to mouthwatering eats that are light on your pocket but big on flavor.
There are several ways to get to Penang from the capital. If you don’t mind commuting, there are buses that leave KL Sentral, TBS, and Hentian Duta terminals to Penang’s Sungai Nibong, which costs about RM35 to RM50. This may take about four to five hours, but you can also take a train from the city center to Penang’s Butterworth station for about RM60, for faster travel time.
If you prefer comfort and shorter travel, you can also book a flight via AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, or Batik Air, which will approximately take only an hour and cost about RM100. You can also drive there, which will take about three to four hours. However you get to Penang, we assure you it's a gastronomical experience you wouldn't want to miss.
In this article, we gathered some of the best places to eat delicious food in Penang without messing up your budget, from local street food to hidden hawker stalls. Make sure to come hungry, because your taste buds are in for a treat!
Siam Road Char Koay Teow

Though they’re only offering one dish, this Michelin Guide eatery sees long lines for their stir-fried koay teow. This wok-fried flat rice noodle dish is topped with cockles, bean sprouts, chives, and pork lard, priced at only RM8 (regular) and RM11 (large). But what makes it so famous is that despite its cheap price, this koay teow boasts quality ingredients, a savory and well-seasoned taste, and a charcoal aroma that will make you want seconds.
Siam Road Char Koay Teow’s stall is only open for half a day. Make plans to queue early because they run out of this koay teow pretty quickly!
Location: Siam Road Char Koay Teow, 84, Jalan Siam, 10400 George Town, Penang
Operating hours: 12 PM to 6 PM (Tuesday to Saturday)
Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak

Serving another Penang delicacy is Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak, which, as its name suggests, offers koay kak only. This dish is quite similar to koay tew, except instead of glass noodles, it uses rice cake and is cooked with soy sauce, bean sprouts, and spices.
Like Siam Road Char Koay Teow, this stall is also in the Michelin Guide list and is popular among locals and tourists because of their savory, spicy, and hearty koay kak, which only costs RM4 per serving. You can also order it with egg for only an additional RM1 or with hot sauce, depending on your preference. Expect long queues, too.
Location: Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak, 96, Lorong Macalister, Georgetown, Penang
Operating hours: 7 AM to 12 PM (Saturday to Tuesday)
Aki Pancake

This is not your regular pancake! Located at the Super Tanker Food Court, Aki Pancake is popular for their crunchy and mouthwatering ban chien kueh. Traditionally, this Hokkien pancake is filled with crushed peanuts, sugar, and margarine, but this stall offers a wider variety of fillings, such as pork, sausage, tuna, seafood, peanut butter, corn, coconut, chocolate, raisins, and banana, among others.
Their filled pancakes go for as low as RM1.80, with the most expensive ones priced at only around RM6.50. Expect a long waiting time though because these pancakes are cooked fresh — honestly a good sign that you're getting something truly amazing that's worth lining up for!
Location: Aki Pancake, Lengkok Nipah 2, Taman Lip Sin, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang
Operating hours: 4 PM to 8:30 PM daily
Pinxin Vegan
Searching for vegan dishes in Malaysia can be quite challenging given that most traditional dishes are meat-based. Thankfully, Penang has a place where you can get your fix for vegan, traditional dishes that are also easy on the wallet. This restaurant offers a menu that boasts authentic Peranakan/Nyonya taste. This ranges from their special Pinxin nasi lemak to noodle dishes and soups, plus several options for kids and some snack items, all priced below RM30 only!
Pinxi Vegan is open from 11 AM to 8:30 PM daily. They also sell ready-to-eat frozen food that you can order via their website.
Location: Pinxin Vegan, 38, Lebuh Tye Sin 10300, Georgetown, Penang
Operating hours: 11 AM to 8:30 PM daily
Penang Road Famous Laksa

Visiting Malaysia wouldn’t be complete without tasting laksa, a traditional spicy coconut noodle soup that boasts a unique and bold taste. In Penang, one of the most popular places to get this dish is Penang Road Famous Laksa. What people love about their version is that despite its sardine-based broth, their assam laksa (RM7.50) is not too fishy, and its lai fun noodles are soft and easy to slurp.
Aside from laksa, they also serve char koay teow, which perfectly complements their main offering.
Location: Penang Road Famous Laksa, No 5 & 7, Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town, Malaysia
Operating hours: 9 AM to 5:30 PM daily except Wednesday and Thursday
Fatty Loh Chicken Rice

As one of the top ten restaurants with the best Hainan Chicken Rice, Fatty Loh prides itself on its tender and velvety deboned chicken, cooked with innovative roasting techniques, plus its fragrant rice that complements the roasted chicken’s sauce very well. A half chicken costs around RM20 while a whole one costs about RM40, which is a good deal considering its taste.
You can also find other chicken dishes here, including chicken curry, intestines, claws, liver, and gizzard. There are also pork and vegetable options, as well as soups and sides that are equally delicious.
Location: Fatty Loh Chicken Rice, 21, Jalan Fettes, Penang
Operating hours: 9:30 AM to 5 PM
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