Best Malay Restaurants in Penang

Written by Updated ago

Malay food is a common staple enjoyed by locals in Malaysia thanks to its amazing flavours. Herbs and spices like ginger, garlic, lemongrass and chilies are used to create a distinctive and vibrant cuisine. The style and taste of Malay food can vary depending on its geographical location - the ones in the northern states tend to be spicier with fresh and dried spices prepped to create special 'rempah'. So if you're into delicious 'rempah' and spicy taste, do check out these great stops in Penang!

Rankings of all participants as visible on our listings are solely voted by you, our beloved readers. With that said, we would encourage you to please vote for your preferred participants in order to ensure their rightful positions ranking-wise on our portal. Thank you!

  • #1
    31 likes

    Thank you so much for the rating. Liked what you read? Like or share it to your friends!

    Closed Now

    Jawi House Cafe & GalleryHalal a81b201f94b2180a29928950eefa06850871fc85c2ba8fcb39753bdbcdfb49cfCertified
    halal

     This unassuming cafe-cum-art gallery is a wonderful eatery to visit, mainly for the eye-catching decor and Western-fusion meals. Jawi House offers a unique composition of meal involving Jawi/Peranakan main courses complemented by delectable European inspired desserts. Many patrons visit here for the Lemuni Rice, which comes with a bowl of Chicken Curry, some crisp and crunchy deep fried Anchovies, Hard Boiled Egg along with their home-made Sambal Chili Paste. Some signature dishes worth trying are Laksa Lemak and Roti Jala. Dessert-wise, you can opt for the yummy Red Velvet and Lemon Tart!
    Tips

    The rice meal of the day is a great choice and for only RM16, you can choose between beef rendang or chicken.

    Things to expect

    Simple but charming, fine Malay cuisine.

    Best with

    The Lemuni Rice, a healthy version of a typical Nasi Lemak.

    Price

    RM7.00 to RM20.00

    Featured image

    Jawi House Cafe & Gallery View restaurant

    85 Armenian Street, George Town, Penang Island 10200, Malaysia, 10200, Georgetown, Penang
    View in Google Maps

    042613680

    Closed Now
    Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
    11:00AM—09:30PM
    More info
  • #2
    3 likes

    Thank you so much for the rating. Liked what you read? Like or share it to your friends!

    Open Now

    D'DaporHalal a81b201f94b2180a29928950eefa06850871fc85c2ba8fcb39753bdbcdfb49cfCertified
    halal

    D'Dapor is located in a historic building along Union Street. The interior of D’Dapor Express is impressive with decor consists of many charming, classic antiques and art portraits. The lavish ambience is complemented with an extensive menu, boasting many Malay dishes along with a few additional selections of Thai and Chinese inspired dishes. Although a number of the dishes are prepared with a modern twist with non traditional ingredients, the overall delicacy and tradition are still preserved. Many have come to love the Fish Head Curry with richly-spiced gravy that it's a norm to simply flood your rice plates with its delicious gravy. The restaurant occasionally has various lunch and dinner deals every month, so be on a lookout for those if you are looking for some fancy, affordable meals.
    Tips

    There are ample parking bays along Union Street, or else head the multi storey carpark after Malayan Banking Berhad.

    Things to expect

    Classic and traditionally-decorated Malay restaurant.

    Best with

    Fish Head Curry.

    Price

    RM8.00 to RM29.00

    Featured image

    D'Dapor View restaurant

    7, Lebuh Union, George Town, 10200 Pulau Pinang, 10200, Georgetown, Penang
    View in Google Maps

    042629323

    Open Now
    Every day
    12:00PM—10:00PM
    More info
  • #3
    2 likes

    Thank you so much for the rating. Liked what you read? Like or share it to your friends!

    Closed Now

    Kedai Makanan LidianaHalal a81b201f94b2180a29928950eefa06850871fc85c2ba8fcb39753bdbcdfb49cfCertified
    halal

    Lidiana's stall offers very basic Nasi Melayu with a really extensive spread of dishes laid out on a long countertop.  There are six different types of keraby to choose from. The ikan goreng is a must-pick regardless of it being boney  -  tantalising sambal stuffing packed in the soft meat reciding within the crispy crust. To battle the common hot and humid weather, we suggest a glass of coconut water before tucking into your scrumptious Nasi Melayu!
    Tips

    Located in Medan Selera Tanjung Bunga, which sits on a slope near a hilly neighbourhood in Tanjung Bungah, directly opposite Penang Floating Mosque.

    Things to expect

    Warung-style Malay food.

    Best with

    Fried ikan cencaru sumbat sambal and deep-fried ikan terubuk!

    Price

    RM3.00 to RM10.00

    Featured image

    Kedai Makanan Lidiana View restaurant

    Arked Tanjong Bungah (No. 5), 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang, 11200, Tanjung Bungah, Penang
    View in Google Maps

    More info
  • #4
    2 likes

    Thank you so much for the rating. Liked what you read? Like or share it to your friends!

    Open Now

    Koo Boo CafeHalal a81b201f94b2180a29928950eefa06850871fc85c2ba8fcb39753bdbcdfb49cfCertified
    halal

    Koo Boo Kafe promotes their Nasi Kandar well by introducing Nasi 7 Benua (7 Continents) which is a visually-appealing dish consist of seven coloured rice balls made from natural coloring and flavors. The colours are matched to flavours like White Rice, Nasi Lemak, Tomato Rice, Herbed Rice, Peanut Rice, Buttered Rice and Spicy Buttered Rice. The dishes that accompanied the rice are almost similar to most of the Malay stalls. You can enjoy free iced lemon tea or hot tea when you dine in.
    Tips

    Finding the place might be a little tricky for some. Drive along Jalan Dr. Tun Awang from Penang International Airport and head towards Bukit Jambul. This place should be on your left, opposite to sPICE.

    Things to expect

    A decent place to satiate your Nasi Kandar crave.

    Best with

    The Beef Rendang is a great topping when spooned all over the rice.

    Price

    RM5.00 to RM18.00

    Featured image

    Koo Boo Cafe View restaurant

    231 Jalan Tun Dr Awang, Opposite Sg Ara football field, Bayan Lepas, Penang Island 11900, 11900, Bayan Lepas, Penang
    View in Google Maps

    0174397617

    Open Now
    Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
    11:30AM—11:00PM
    More info
  • #5
    Like

    Thank you so much for the rating. Liked what you read? Like or share it to your friends!

    Closed Now

    Minah RestaurantHalal a81b201f94b2180a29928950eefa06850871fc85c2ba8fcb39753bdbcdfb49cfCertified
    halal

    One of the long-time running Malay cuisine outlet in Penang is Restoran Minah. This is an favourite among both the elderly and the young. Savour tempting savoury dishes here all hand-cooked using 64-year old, brought-down recipes. The grilled fish is amazing and an even perfect match with the sambal belacan (prawn paste). Other highlights include the chilli paste petai with prawn, gado-gado, fried mixed vegetables, deep-fried chicken and kerabu.
    Tips

    Specially ordered ayam goreng somehow tastes better than the ones at the dishes.

    Things to expect

    Homey malay food with absolutely fabulous 'lauk' with fantastic 'kuah'.

    Best with

    Ayam Goreng.

    Price

    RM4.00 to RM25.00

    Featured image

    Minah Restaurant View restaurant

    Jalan Batu Feringgi,, Taman Tun Sardon, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, 11700, Gelugor, Penang
    View in Google Maps

    046581234

    Closed Now
    Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
    11:00AM—03:00PM
    More info
  • #6
    Like

    Thank you so much for the rating. Liked what you read? Like or share it to your friends!

    Closed Now

    Cargas CafeHalal a81b201f94b2180a29928950eefa06850871fc85c2ba8fcb39753bdbcdfb49cfCertified
    halal

    Somewhere after the Penang International Airport, there is a mamak shop named Cargas Cafe which cooks up one of the best Nasi Kandar in town. The stall is often crowded with people queuing up for self service. As a typical Nasi Kandar dish, you'd get a plate of white rice, along with side dishes picked to your own preference. The curry served is a little different from the usual coconut-base curry, but nonetheless loved by the patrons. The fried chicken is exceptionally popular as well. A recommended combination plate is the curry beef, a fried chicken drum stick, boiled egg with curry sauce, eggplant and some ladies finger. All this would only cost at a mere price of RM7.50, which is super affordable considering the large amount of side dishes!
    Tips

    The fried chicken here is best eaten when hot, so try to dine in.

    Things to expect

    Self-service Nasi Kandar.

    Best with

    Fried chicken all the way!

    Price

    RM4.00 to RM25.00

    Featured image

    Cargas Cafe View restaurant

    978 Jalan Bayan Lepas, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang, 11900, Bayan Lepas, Penang
    View in Google Maps

    0124261169

    Closed Now
    Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday
    08:30AM—04:00PM
    More info
  • Looking for more?

    Dear readers, please note that our listing as you currently see it is/are all the participant(s) in which we discovered. Feel free to give us a buzz if your favourite place is missing! Thanks!

    Send your suggestion

Freshly Added