A visit to Penang is incomplete without sampling some of its best Nyonya cuisine. The food here is a combination of Malay, Chinese and Indian influences with a distinctive Peranakan touch that makes the dishes unique and flavorful. From unpretentious eateries to elaborate restaurants, these places serve authentic home cooked Nyonya dishes using recipes that have been passed down for generations.
A top choice among locals, Mum’s Nyonya Best nyonya restaurant in Penang restaurant is a must-visit for the best nyonya cuisine in Penang. It is a small restaurant in a converted Nyonya style terrace home with indoor and outdoor seating. The interior is beautifully decorated with white and blue embroidered curtains, beautiful knick knacks and traditional Nyonya wares. The restaurant is always crowded with tourists and locals who come to enjoy authentic Nyonya cuisine. Some of the dishes that are worth trying include ikan purut or fish belly dish cooked with herbs, jiu hu char or stir fried dish with carrots, finely-julienned jicama, shiitake mushrooms and pork and a hint of dried cuttlefish which is renowned for its umami flavors and delicious crunchiness.
Another popular choice is the kuih paiti, also known as top hats. These savory bites are served in crispy pastry shells that resemble top hats. They are filled with a mixture of thinly sliced turnips, bamboo shoots and french beans, which is then topped with a tangy homemade chili sauce. The contrast of textures between the crunchy pastry shells and the juicy fillings make it one of the most satisfying snacks you can try while in Penang.
The food in this quaint little restaurant is absolutely mouth-watering. It is run by a mother and daughter team who specialize in making delicious, authentic home cooked Nyonya food with recipes that have been handed down for generations. The dishes here are very reasonably priced and they have a number of set meals on offer during the week that are great value for money. Some of their best offerings are roti canai, lor bak tu, tau yu char and gulai prawn.
This is a great place to stop for lunch while exploring the street art on Armenian Street. The food is delicious and the staff are very friendly. The only downside is that the restaurant has limited seating so it would be wise to avoid peak times.
This is a popular choice among the locals for its authentic home cooked Nyonya dishes and friendly service. It is a family owned and operated restaurant that specializes in a variety of classics like otak otak, kapitan chicken and gulai prawn. They also have a great selection of desserts like bubur cha cha, gula melaka and soya bean pudding. The gula melaka is especially good and they have it in both sweet and unsweet versions. You can also ask for their special sambal brinjal that is made with over eight ingredients including fresh saffron. The restaurant has a very warm and cozy atmosphere that is perfect for enjoying some authentic Penang Nyonya cuisine.