Best Otak-otak in Penang

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! 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.