Best Thosai in Penang

Written by Updated ago

Among the most sought-after breakfast amid Malaysians is thosai, an Indian dish originated from Tamil Nadu. It fairly resembles a fermented crepe made with rice batter and wad of lentils. The batter is skillfully spread on a piping hot griddle which is fascinating to watch. The bottom half holds a crunchy texture while the top is a smooth and lures to be suffused with sides of curries and spicy chutneys. Hop into renowned spots below to get your thosai fix.

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  • #1
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    Market Cross Thosai ShopHalal a81b201f94b2180a29928950eefa06850871fc85c2ba8fcb39753bdbcdfb49cfCertified
    halal

    It’s easy to spot this quaint restaurant along Market Cross road, nothing striking in terms of appearance, yet hordes of voracious patrons make it full of life. Rub shoulders with locals, backpackers and travellers while chomping down piping hot vadais, spongy idlis and the main draw, their thosai. The batter which is fermented overnight leaves a tangy aftertaste that complements the crispness of the crepe. What sets them apart is their chilli powder, dabble in for a punch of heat. Wrap up your meal with a jubilant jolt of coffee and time to take on the day!

    Tips

    There is an opposite stall pisang goreng which are not to be missed

    Things to expect

    Simple and pleasant meals

    Best with

    Coffee

    Price

    RM1.20 to RM5.00

    Featured image

    Market Cross Thosai Shop View restaurant

    Market Cross (Lintang Pasar), Dato Keramat, 10460, Georgetown, Penang
    View in Google Maps

    Closed Now
    Every day
    06:00AM—12:00PM
    More info
  • #2
    10 likes

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    Chettiar's Tiffin CafeHalal a81b201f94b2180a29928950eefa06850871fc85c2ba8fcb39753bdbcdfb49cfCertified
    halal

    Relatively a new establishment at Little India, yet singing praises among locals and travelers. The ambiance is droll-worthy, filled with colourful lightings and artistic cornices that set the mood straightaway. Their thosai is spread paper thin and served with sides of assorted chutneys and curries. There are multifarious forms of thosais to dig in, from spicy masala potatoes to crunchy onions or the towering goodness, gather your convives and devour them all.

    Tips

    Their sweets are good too

    Things to expect

    Comfy ambiance

    Best with

    Coffee

    Price

    RM1.50 to RM5.00

    Featured image

    Chettiar's Tiffin Cafe View restaurant

    39, Lebuh , 10300, Georgetown, Penang
    View in Google Maps

    042622443

    Closed Now
    Every day
    08:30AM—10:00PM
    More info
  • #3
    2 likes

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    Veloo VilasPork free d90bfb235d64e73ff14d8ad65b89aaab71a3af43962907cb9cd494af0a63fa21Alco free 9fb1f2c65edc2c1eaf4e8b24402d108dd33cc2bc71f0fb0022a54c3c390a66c8

    Tucked in the heart of Little India, this renowned Indian restaurant has been magnetising patrons with their authentic banana leaf food and early morning breakfast fix. As soon as the door opens, the large griddle is constantly thumped with rice batters to form rave-worthy thosais. Their plain version is pleasing, yet hankering for a spicy kick? Get their masala thosai where a mound of hot potatoes is elegantly enveloped in the middle of the crepe. Ladle their aromatic curries and zesty chutneys onto your thosai, a fun interplay of texture and flavour hits clean till the last bite.  

    Tips

    Pair your meal with their fluffy vadai

    Things to expect

    Bustling restaurant

    Best with

    Tea with fresh milk

    Price

    RM1.20 to RM5.00

    Featured image

    Veloo Villas View restaurant

    No.22, Penang Street, 10200, Georgetown, Penang
    View in Google Maps

    042624369

    Closed Now
    Every day
    09:00AM—09:00PM
    More info
  • #4
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    Jaya CateringPork free d90bfb235d64e73ff14d8ad65b89aaab71a3af43962907cb9cd494af0a63fa21Alco free 9fb1f2c65edc2c1eaf4e8b24402d108dd33cc2bc71f0fb0022a54c3c390a66c8

    Jaya Catering needs no introduction in Penang, they have copious branches here and there, anywhere you prefer,their thosai is what locals crave for the first meal of the day. It’s a hearty serving, begging to be filled with spicy potatoes, fresh onions, spread of ghee or with egg. Besides the regular egg batter which is suffused on the crepe, you can choose a sunny-side egg. You know the trick, slither that yolk and mix it up with ranges of curries and chutneys offered.Complete your indulgence with a frothy cup of lathered tea, which kindles the aftertaste of spices.

    Tips

    Their Penang Road branch is sited at the heart of Georgetown

    Things to expect

    Amazing range of Indian delicacies

    Best with

    Teh Tarik or Coffee

    Price

    RM1.20 to RM5.00

    Featured image

    Jaya Catering Penang Road View restaurant

    Jalan Penang, 10000, Georgetown, Penang
    View in Google Maps

    Closed Now
    Every day
    07:00AM—11:00PM
    More info
  • #5
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    Sri Ananda BahwanPork free d90bfb235d64e73ff14d8ad65b89aaab71a3af43962907cb9cd494af0a63fa21

    Among the pillars of Indian delights in the island, Sri Ananda Bahwan is where to look at for a genuine gastronomic experience. Be it a stone’s throw to the breezy beach or the bustling Little India, the backdrop is your choice. Bringing thosai into a whole new level, try their chicken masala thosai, where chunks of chicken and potatoes are imbued with rich spices and swathed into the thosai. Never need a curry dip, eat it all alone. You have the tinge of sourness from the crepe, spice ride from the generous filling and pair it up with a glass of teh tarik to rouse that aftertaste at each sip.

    Tips

    If you're close to Georgetown, hit their Little India restaurant

    Things to expect

    Authentic Indian cuisine

    Best with

    Assorted Juices and Lassies

    Price

    RM1.20 to RM5.00

    Featured image

    Sri Ananda Bahwan Tanjung Bungah View restaurant

    14, Jalan Tanjong Bungah, 11200, Georgetown, Penang
    View in Google Maps

    048909771

    Closed Now
    Every day
    07:00PM—11:00PM
    More info
  • #6
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    KaraikudiPork free d90bfb235d64e73ff14d8ad65b89aaab71a3af43962907cb9cd494af0a63fa21Alco free 9fb1f2c65edc2c1eaf4e8b24402d108dd33cc2bc71f0fb0022a54c3c390a66c8

    Looking for a posh and authentic South Indian dining experience, make your way to the heart of Little India and spot a plush façade. Acoustic rhythms linger in the backdrop of lush ornaments and photos of traditional South India embellishing the interior; you’ll feel like being a part of India. Their naans and briyanis are show stoppers, yet thosais are worthy too. It’s ethereal, instilled with lentils and pairing them with rich and thick curries are absolutely amazing.

    Tips

    Make reservations if you're bringing in hordes

    Things to expect

    Fine dining expereince

    Best with

    Mango Lassi

    Price

    RM2.00 to RM10.00

    Featured image

    Karaikudi Restaurant View restaurant

    No.20, Lebuh Pasar, | Georgetown, Penang Island 10200, 10200, Georgetown, Penang
    View in Google Maps

    042631345

    Closed Now
    Every day
    11:00AM—11:00PM
    More info
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  • #7
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    Paal SangamHalal a81b201f94b2180a29928950eefa06850871fc85c2ba8fcb39753bdbcdfb49cfCertified
    halal

    Spanning more than few generations, this unassuming spot has been whipping out humble breakfast spread that is loved by all walks of life. The thosai master just never stops gyrating next to the sizzling griddle, churning out varieties of thosais. Among the crowd pullers are the ghee crepes, which offers ideal symmetry of sweetness and savoury that trumps your taste buds. Never forget to pair your crepe with its best pal, hot and fluffy vadais.

    Tips

    Their kesari is delicious, not to be missed

    Things to expect

    Humble dining experience

    Best with

    Tea with fresh milk

    Price

    RM1.20 to RM5.00

    Featured image

    Paal Sangam Cafe View restaurant

    533 Jalan Dato Keramat, , 10150, Georgetown, Penang
    View in Google Maps

    042267871

    Closed Now
    Every day
    06:30AM—09:00PM
    More info
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