Penang has long been hailed as a food haven – it’s even been Lonely Planet-certified. Here’s a guide to the must-eats you just have to try when you’re in Penang.

1. Assam Laksa

One of Penang’s most well-known dishes, Assam Laksa is a spicy, rich fish-based noodle broth. Made from tamarind juice, chilli paste and lemongrass, and finished with prawn paste and fish (usually mackerel or sardine) flakes, the broth has tangy, sour undertones. It is then served with either white or yellow noodles.

2. Char Koay Teow

Easily Penang’s most recognised and beloved dish, and coincidentally another noodle delight. Char Koay Teow comprises wide, flat noodles that are stir-fried to perfection with prawns, cockles, beansprouts, egg, soy sauce, as well as chilli and belachan paste. For an extra treat, some stalls serve the dish with duck eggs, giving it a creamier dimension.

3. Penang Rojak

A traditional Asian fruit and vegetable sald, ‘rojak’ in Malay literally translates to mixture. Penang Rojak resembles a fruit salad, but with a twist; its ingredients include cucumber, pineapple, raw mangoes, guava, squid fritters and cuttlefish all mixed in a thick, prawn sauce. It truly is a mixture of tastes and textures, and will leave you wanting more!

4. Cendol

When in Penang, sampling this famous local dessert is a must! Cendol is a bowl of shaved ice topped with green jelly, red beans, fresh coconut milk, creamy corn and a dash of brown sugar syrup. This refreshing dessert is just what you need if you’re looking for some respite from the heat.

5. Oh Chien

Oh Chien is the Hokkien name for Fried Oyster Omelette. A quintessential Chinese dish, Oh Chien is made using tapioca flour, and contains garlic, chili paste and shallots aside from the eggs and oysters. This omelette dish is often served with a sweet chili sauce.

If you are tight on time, you can savour the best of Penang’s street food all under one roof at the Gurney Drive Hawker Centre. You’ll be spoilt for choice as you’ll find just about every mouth-watering dish here!