A Travel Guide to Penang – The Malaysian city of George Town is a destination filled with a rich history, incredible food, and intricate street art. If you are a fan of these things you must make a pit stop here on your trip to Malaysia! A UNESCO World Heritage destination, George Town is bound to be any history lovers dream. We came to the island of Penang in search for some killer street food and an ultimate cultural experience.
Back in the day, George Town was established as a trading post by the East India Trading Company and under British rule. With just one look at the intricate architecture of the buildings around us, it was clear to see the British influence in the colonial style of buildings.
Today, Penang serves as a melting pot of a city. Culturally diverse, with influences from Chinese, Indian and Malay. When the harmony of these cultures come together it makes for one beautiful town.
A Travel Guide to Penang
Things To Do
Relax
With our stay in Penang being 6 days, we took the time to relax and enjoy what George Town had to offer. That, and it was also 35c! Which meant staying in the pool, or around AC. Either way, if you come to George Town, you’ll find it easy to relax, there are a ton of coffee shops and small historical building where you can sit down read and watch the world go by.
Explored the Town
Throughout George Town there are murals and graffiti, these make for a great excuse to get out and walk around town. They are all located within walking distance to each other and are often points of interest on a map, so you wont be hard pressed to find them. Our favourite ones were the “cultural girls”, a pizza man proposing to a girl with pizza and a “love me like your fortune cat”.
The Food
Oh my goodness, the street food in Penang was incredible, with all types of soups and noodles, along with great seafood choices, there was so much to eat. The one thing that we have notices with Malaysia is that the food is incredible where ever you go and George Town is a notable addition to that.
A Travel Guide to Penang
What To Eat
Fired Oyster Omelette
Exactly as it sounds and slightly more. Also known as Oh Cien, the omelette is made as most omelettes are but with the addition of tapioca or starch, with gives the omelette a gooey consistency. Warning, if you are not aware of this before eating you definitely will be after, as you will wonder why your omelette is slightly slimy, but so tasty. Finally they will use fresh oysters which are grilled, these are incredible, but your milage may vary as it is different place to place.
Popiah
This can be a great snack or small meal if you’re feeling a little peckish. Any lover of spring rolls will love Popiah. Essentially the same thing, but using crepes instead and is placed on a plate like a sandwich. Popiah contains all manor of ingredients from omelette, shrimp paste to hoisin sauce, but mainly shredded turnips. If you’re walking around town and you see a food stall selling Popiah then definitely give it a try!
Wan Tan Mee
Noodle lovers beware because your love for noodles will grow so much more with this dish. Served dry, or with a broth, this dish is a treat for breakfast lunch or dinner. A yellow noodle in soy sauce, oyster sauce and sesame oil accompanied with leafy vegetables. This is a great way to start the day. When served in a broth there can also be dumpling hiding in the noodles. Always a great surprise if you’re not expecting them.
Char Koay Teow
A stir fried flat noodle, Char Loay Teow is made with shrimps, cockles, eggs, bean sprouts and other ingredients. Its a hearty meal for any sea food lover, and definitely for any street food lover.
A Travel Guide to Penang
Where To Stay
We stayed at two hotels, the first was at Rope walk guest house and the second was Norrdin Mews. Centrally located they are both great choice. Rope Walk however doesn’t have a private bathroom, which for hanna when she got food poisoning was a severe problem. So the substantial upgrade to Noordin Mews was a no brainer. Large private rooms with a 1950’s feel, what more could you want. A pool? Yes, it had a great pool too! We definitely needed to get her some TCL after her sick night.
For the latest availability and prices on Rope walk check here.
For the latest availability and prices on Norrdin Mews check here.
Read our full blog on Norrdin Mews here.
Overall, our experience in Penang was relaxing and a great place to experience some great food. If you’re passing by you should definitely stop off here for a few days. Exploring the town and finding the local art is a perfect little adventure for anyone. Definitely gets a thumbs up from us.
Very nice sharing…