Time Out Malaysia editors

Penang is a bit of an anomaly. It’s in the tropics but cannot boast of clear seas and powdery sand. Connected to the mainland by two iconic bridges and a rickety ferry service, the difference is apparent as soon as you step foot on the island. It’s by no means idyllic and its history dictates that what visitors see, taste and hear now is the result of centuries of colonisation, immigration and inter-racial connections. Food For Malaysians, Penang is synonymous with food – from roadside stalls and market treats to unique cuisine highlighting the centuries of cultural fusion. Considered the unofficial foodie capital of Malaysia due to the proliferation and variety of hawker food, the best places have withstood the test of time. Everyone has their favourite spot and many a (friendly) argument has been started about where the best char kuey teow stall is or whether the Nyonya cuisine in that restaurant really is that good or is it just for ‘tourists’. Our advice is, when in Penang try everything! Breakfast in Penang requires a hearty appetite and the ability to sniff out good hawker food. The Pulau Tikus Market is a bit of an institution for Penangites; it’s where our mothers and grandmothers bought their groceries and where chickens used to be slaughtered á la minute. It’s less wet now and the chickens are already dead, but the surrounding food stalls are still churning out the same cholesterol-inducing goodness they always have. Chee cheong fun, Penang prawn noodles and apam b

Ipoh, the charming capital of Perak, is home to a fantastic array of good food and places to eat. Many of these establishments have been around for generations and passed down to family members who continue the tradition of serving the kind of food everyone remembers and wants. However, not all places and stalls enjoy this fate; many are still manned by the older generation, as their children don’t want to take over. Unfortunately, this means that they won’t be around for long so you’d do well to check out these eateries while they're still going strong.

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