With Michelin Guide inspectors already making their rounds in Malaysia and presenting the first list of 4 One Star Michelin restaurants, foodie fans were also shared a host of places to savour amazing delicacies according to the guide.
While not everything is about Star and expensive dining, the Michelin Guide also offers something for everyone, on every occasion and in every price bracket, like bistros, pubs, street food and food stands. In its Bib Gourmand, the review is all about reasonable meals with quality.
Included in the latest Michelin Guide review of Malaysia, here are 17 establishments with great food available in Penang.
Bridge Street Prawn Noodle is a family run business that started in the 60’s, and has become a favourite spot for locals to enjoy hearty Hokkien prawn mee. The spicy prawn broth, loaded with exceptional flavours, is now prepared by the third generation.
Communal Table by Gēn presents modern dishes that melds Peranakan and Malaysian flavours made with local ingredients. Aged duck breast in a steamed bun, the signature here, is appraised with crispy skin and a tangy sauce.
Duck Blood Curry Mee’s discreet location in a Malaysian-style café hasn’t stopped customers from visiting. Their mee in a savoury-sweet white curry base made with coconut milk is phenomenal. It is best enjoyed with roasted pork and their homemade chilli sauce.
Green House Prawn Mee & Loh Mee gets a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand for more than three decades of loyal fandom. The Hokkien prawn mee and lor mee here attracts a crowd thanks to the deep umami in their soups.
Ivy’s Nyonya Cuisine is a simple Peranakan restaurant serving set menus of great value. The restaurant is famous for its Kapitan chicken curry that exhibits balanced taste and tender flesh and Joo Hoo Char (stir-fried mixed veggies in chili paste) that packs serious heat.
Ming Qing Charcoal Duck Egg Char Koay Teow celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2022. Regulars queue up here before it opens for the koay teow that is stir fried with duck egg over charcoal fire. The noodles demonstrate exceptional wok hei and is best enjoyed with an extra over-easy egg.
Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay founded in 1933, is no stranger to locals for its authentic kuih. In 2016, the family’s second generation opened this spot with al fresco seating behind the factory. Kuih Lapis, Kuih Talam, Ang Ku Kueh and Nyonya Chang are on offer – all freshly handmade.
Neighbourwood serves European dishes with Asian influences and chargrilled choices. The menu changes regularly but the three dishes meant for sharing always stay: Half roast chicken, Berkshire pork loin and Fish en papillote.
Penang Road Famous Laksa earned its fame with the sardine broth that exudes exceptional depth and flavours. The char koay teow with duck egg is unmissable too.
Rasa Rasa’s Nyonya combo sets guarantee for a fulfilling dining experience. The pandan nasi lemak is plated nicely on banana leaf served with a choice of toppings and homemade sambal.
Sardaarji presents Northern Indian dishes at its store in Little India. Must try dishes are: Amritsari made with red snapper, black lentil soup, and gulab jamun just to name a few. Live performances of Indian instruments add to the experience.
Taman Bukit Curry Mee gets a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand for its curry mee. For more than 40 years, this stall has prided itself for the curry mee soup that is made from coconut milk and spicy curry paste. Gourmets can never get enough of their half-cooked cockles loaded with briny sweet taste and juice.
Teksen is a no-frills joint that has won the hearts of many with its traditional Cantonese fare and fusion creations with a local twist. A long queue at peak hours wait to sample the deep-fried homemade tofu, as well as dishes seasoned with assam tumis or sambal.
Thara is helmed by a native Thai kitchen team, and the food here is authentic and prepared with the freshest ingredients. The tom yum seafood soup and appetiser Miang Kam are especially good.
Theeni Pandarams offers generous portions with their biryani on banana leaf that gives good flavour and texture. Fish dishes served in claypot is not to be missed, with choices including stingray, shark and king mackerel.
Tho Yuen gets a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand for its Cantonese cuisine. Standing firm for eight decades, this teahouse still makes their dim sum the traditional way – every morning at 3:30am. Apart from dim sum, fried noodles, bee hoon and fish balls are also good to try.
Wan Dao Tou Assam Laksa’s secret family recipe of over 50 years is passed down to the third-generation owner. The famous laksa soup strikes a fine balance between sweetness, sourness and spiciness.
Source: Michelin Guide Malaysia
