Best Otak-otak in Penang

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Otak-otak is a well-loved Nyonya and Malay dish that is commonly spotted along the streets, night markets and even highly-rated restaurants. Let us answer your curiosity first. The name translates as a brain in Malay, yet fret not, it only appears like one but no brains are part of the ingredients. The tawny concoction of grounded fish, coconut milk, chopped onions, assorted herbs and spices is held hostage by banana leaf, then grilled over a charcoal fire till succulent succes. Perfect appetite-whetter or a good dish on its own, no matter whichever way you look at it, otak-otak downright delivers. Looking at the complex workload, we are most likely to pass up trying at home, therefore let’s leave it to the experts below. 

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  • #1
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    Sin Kim San Cafe

    Just walking into this full-of-life food court will hog you with foodgasm, looking at the epic amount of food choices on offer. If you’re hankering for something simple and delicious, head over to the curry mee stall, as they offer otak-otak too, delicious otak-otak to be exact. Certainly a must-have for those of you who claim to have zero appetite as the marriage of spices and succulent chunks of fish cake will leave you wanting more. As it’s pretty affordable, there is just no reason not to grab some back home too. Bang for the bucks! 

    Tips

    Parking is a common trouble, park a little far and walk over

    Things to expect

    Never-ending choices in a typical kopitiam ambience

    Best with

    Kopi O

    Price

    RM3.00 to RM10.00

    Featured image

    Sin Kim San View restaurant

    168 Jalan Macalister, 10400, George Town, Penang
    View in Google Maps

    0124512354

    Closed Now
    Every day
    06:00PM—02:00AM
    More info
  • #2
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    New World Park Halal a81b201f94b2180a29928950eefa06850871fc85c2ba8fcb39753bdbcdfb49cfCertified
    halal

    New World Park has garnered a strong following over the years thanks to the wide selection of both local and Western delights in a clean and comfortable atmosphere. Looking at the options available, opting for otak-otak may seem just not right yet upon panning your sight at the tables, the bundles of banana leafs are easily spotted. The texture of the fish is absolutely moist and the employment of spices isn’t only visible in colours, in does impress in terms of flavours too. Some patrons prefer pairing their otak-otak with a mound of yam rice, you can try it too. 

    Tips

    Runs out fast during weekend

    Things to expect

    Spacious ambience

    Best with

    Juice

    Price

    RM2.80 to RM10.00

    Featured image

    New World Park View restaurant

    New World Park, Jalan Burma,, 10050 , Georgetown, Penang
    View in Google Maps

    Closed Now
    Every day
    10:00AM—07:00PM
    More info
  • #3
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    Khuntai RestaurantPork free d90bfb235d64e73ff14d8ad65b89aaab71a3af43962907cb9cd494af0a63fa21Alco free 9fb1f2c65edc2c1eaf4e8b24402d108dd33cc2bc71f0fb0022a54c3c390a66c8

    This renowned restaurant is a great place to tantalise your taste buds with authentic Thai fare. But when you’re not sipping down fiery Tomyam and resoundingly munching fried squid morsels, do look forward to seafood otak-otak. As per the name, it’s certainly not a cookie-cutter version as flavours are augmented with a mishmash of ocean goodness. Either you chomp it down all alone, or partake it into the series of sides, you’re never disappointed. Besides, it’s aesthetically presented with fresh salad and chopped chillies. Granted the beautiful beach right before the restaurant, it's also a perfect grub for a short leisure walk.



    Tips

    Get in early during weekends

    Things to expect

    Authentic Thai cuisine

    Best with

    Sugar Cane Juice

    Price

    RM5.00 to RM20.00

    Featured image

    Khunthai Restaurant View restaurant

    1052, Mukim 9, Pasir Belanda, Teluk Kumbar, 11920, Penang
    View in Google Maps

    046251155

    Closed Now
    Every day
    11:00AM—12:00AM
    More info
  • #4
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    Annathai-Kitchen

    Another reliable contender in the Thai food scene that constantly draws a diverse crowd over. Needless to say, the menu boasts with a plethora of authentic Thai dishes yet either to whet your appetite or wrap up your meal, their otak-otak is a good playing card. Here, the delectable fish cake is steamed in individual metal bowls and once done, it’s crowned with thick coconut milk, chopped chillies and kaffir lime leaves. The fish meat just flakes off with the mildest touch while the curry paste employs a nice tang to your taste buds. On a side note, it works really well with steamed white rice. 

    Tips

    Opt for extra chillies

    Things to expect

    Authentic Thai fare in a nice atmosphere

    Best with

    Tomyam

    Price

    RM5.00 to RM10.00

    Featured image

    Annathai-Kitchen View restaurant

    26 Jalan Moulmein, Pulau Tikus, 10350, Georgetown, Penang
    View in Google Maps

    042277599

    Closed Now
    Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
    12:00PM—02:30PM
    Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
    06:00PM—09:00PM
    More info
  • #5
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    Seed Natural Food Cafe

    In comparison to other eateries in the list, one might stop short looking at a vegetarian restaurant but this is surely not your average healthy food spot. Creativity is the name of the game here, which is why their otak-otak is not to be missed. By using bean curd as the base of the dish and not skimping the medley of spices and herbs, this vegetarian bundle does not pale away from the original version. Full of fragrance, cooked to custard-like smoothness and visually arresting, this otak-otak downright washes away your previous notions that vegetarian food is rather unambitious or dull. 

    Tips

    Do call before heading over if otak-otak is available, as its only done twice to thrice per week and according to orders

    Things to expect

    Neat and clean space with quick service

    Best with

    Juice

    Price

    RM5.00 to RM15.00

    Featured image

    Seed Natural Food Cafe View restaurant

    12, Lorong Abu Siti, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, 10400 , Georgetown, Penang
    View in Google Maps

    042297903

    Closed Now
    Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
    11:00AM—03:00PM
    Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
    05:30PM—09:00PM
    More info
  • #6
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    Nyonya Baba Cuisine (Dragon King EST 1976)

    Staying true to the name, this well-patronised restaurant scores authentic Nyonya in both the atmosphere and extensive menu. Just like any good Nyonya eatery, the menu is not complete without a nod to savoury sides, where their otak-otak is among the frontrunners. Encased in the banana leaf to safeguard the aroma and intrinsic identity, the fish ensemble within is worth scuttling over for seconds or even thirds. The unison of spices, herbs and the moist fish cake is an exemplary. If you’re on a budget, all you need is a mound of rice to get you going. 

    Tips

    Parking is scarce during lunch hours

    Things to expect

    Charming and nostalgic ambience

    Best with

    Nutmeg juice

    Price

    RM5.00 to RM20.00

    Featured image

    Nyonya Baba Cuisine (Dragon King EST 1976) View restaurant

    7, Jalan Ismail Nagore, Kampung Gelugor, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, 10050, Georgetown, Penang
    View in Google Maps

    Closed Now
    Every day
    11:00AM—03:00PM
    Every day
    06:00PM—10:00PM
    More info
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