Best Beef Noodles in Penang

Possibly the most reputable beef noodles spot on the island. For decades, they made most of their name at an unassuming eatery close to the town’s fire station and have now moved over to a more commodious space at Carnarvon Street. What not to love about their beef noodles – generous with the portions and the quality of the broth, bouncy beef balls and slivers of tender meats are never compromised. The broth may look simple but it’s utterly satisfying, thanks to hours of simmering with bones, innards and meats. 

Among the most sought-after cafes in town, Ete Cafe is a must-visit if you’re craving for French pastries and desserts. By the same token, their Taiwanese beef noodle is another showstopper on the menu. Answering your curiosity, the cafe is under the stewardship of a Taiwanese couple and that’s where the influence comes in. Filled to the brim in a porcelain bowl, the silky noodles are laced with an aromatic broth and liberally loaded with moreish meats, resulting in a combination that really hit the spot. And no visit here is complete without a shot of their freshly grounded and brewed coffee. 

As per the name of the restaurant, beef is the name of game here. Expect a compendium of beef dishes and among the best sellers got to be their beef noodles, which ranges from RM6 to RM12. Silky kuey teow noodles are ladled with a clear broth. Despite the humble outlook, the broth packs a punch as it’s simmered with assorted beef parts for quite some time. It’s then topped with beef balls, slivers of meat and sprinkle of chopped spring onion. If the soup version isn’t up your alley, their Dry Fried Hor Fun is what you need. The thick and chewy noodles are quickly stir-fried over an intense fire and finished with moist and tender beef pieces. Smoky and flavourful. Condiments like chopped chilli padi and sauce are available for a dose of heat that the noodles lack. 

Housing series of scrumptious local delights, Ho Ping Cafe is known to be full-of-life during noon and dinners hours. Your salivary glands start to rumble upon entering the gastronomy scene and you’ll easy spot a stall churning out steaming bowls of beef noodles. Ignoring it would be insane. The dry version takes the lead over its counterpart here, where the slippery smooth noodles are slathered with dark sauce and scattered with minced beef and paired with a bowl of soup flooded with fresh beef balls with a sprinkle of chopped spring onions. For a real treat, be sure of adding up more meatballs to multiply the meaty fix. 

This well-loved Taiwanese establishment is an old steward that has magnetised all walks of life with their delectable fare. Among the mainstay on the menu is their beef noodles, a truly comforting and satisfying dish that urges you to come with an empty stomach. Sinking your teeth in the tender pieces of beef is absolute divine while the handmade noodles and handful of vegetables flooded in the delish broth bring the flavours up a level. 

This authentic Thai restaurant is located in the heart of Pulau Tikus and has always been reaping up positive reviews for their sumptuous spread of Thai goodness. As per the name of the restaurant, the real deal here is the beef noodles. Upon placing your order, you’ll be served a basket of raw basil leaves and bean sprouts that are meant to be added to the beef noodles. The aromatic fragrance of the flavourful broth, succulent meatballs and slurpy-good noodle of your choice gives a hypnotic appeal that turns you into a fan of this gorgeous dish. Do yourself a favour, opt for additional meatballs and dip them into the homemade chilli condiment. 

What to love besides their amazingly addictive breakfast and brunch delights, and photogenic interior - their braised beef with ramen noodles of course. Generously portioned, expect a handful of tender beef chunks and colourful greens perched atop springy smooth ramen noodles lounging in a delicious broth. And what better way to end your meal with a cup of quality cuppa while lazing around on their comfy couches boosting your Instagram likes. 

This cavernous food court is perpetually packed during breakfast and lunch hours as its chockfull with food options that knock your socks off. Among the stalls that constantly draw a loyal following is the beef noodle stall, where you can opt for both dry and soup versions. Pristine yet flavour-packed broth, poofy meatballs, diced tender beef and soft noodles seal up a sensational treat on your palate. Chopped chillies are also provided to play around your spicy scale. 

This no-frills restaurant is a crowd favourite as a myriad of mouthwatering stalls whip out meals that are easy on the wallet and joy to the palate. Not to be missed is the beef noodle which just wins your heart with a subtle balance of flavours despite the humble appearance. They are never skimp on the bouncy beef balls and tender slivers of meat which complements the slurp-worthy noodles. You’ll love it even more as it’s pretty affordable. 

This Taiwanese food chain needs no introduction on the island, you can easily bump into this bright-green eatery at renowned shopping malls. The best seller here is sure to make its way to your food of fame listing – Taiwan Original Beef Noodle Soup. If you’re a big eater, an upsize is a must yet the flavours absolutely charm your taste buds. Nest of chewy noodles are laden with soft beef balls, sliced beef meats, vegetables and soup. The soup is a little spicy, in a good way and the addition of pickled cabbage kicks in a sourish jolt to your palate. You’ll certainly feel like a champ after mopping this bowl clean. 

You’ll surely fall in love with this cafe upon stepping in, as the modest space is embellished with never-ending choices of local delights. And if you’re in for a beef noodle fix,  you'll never leave this place with regrets. The hearty bowl offers the pinnacle of pleasure with each mouthful, thanks to the bouncy meatballs, fork-tender braised beef slices, eminently slurpable noodles and luscious broth that packs a bold beefy flavour. Another scoring factor is their feisty chilli concoction that tags along.

This massive and impressive hawker hub certainly justify Penang as a food paradise. Every stall has a huge beeline and count yourself lucky if you spot an empty table within 15 minutes during peak hours. The beef noodle here is widely vaunted by the locals, and it certainly ticks all boxes for an exemplary version – succulent and tender meats, smooth noodles and aromatic soup. The chopped chillies only make it better.