Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings

Penang Island , Malaysia

Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings

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About this experience

Penang is a diverse hub of culinary traditions, and the sheer breadth of local dishes can seem daunting at first. Worry not. Our curated Penang food tour offers a comprehensive introduction to some of George Town's most beloved dining spots, many of which are hidden gems not easily stumbled upon alone. During the tour, you'll take a deep dive into Penang's rich food culture and history, seeing how it has shaped the current gastronomic scene. You'll encounter the people behind the meals, salivate over 15+ tastings, and discover the key ingredients that have created this island's vibrant food scene.

Available options

Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings

What's included

15+ food tastings included, more than any other Penang food tour

Bottled water and local soft drinks included

4 hours of feasting around the old George Town

Led by professional foodie guides

Maximum of 8 exclusive guests on each tour

Detailed itinerary

Our feasting tour of 15+ tastings invites guests on a culinary experience around the backstreets of old George Town. It's a carefully curated foodie experience led by a team of professional Penang food guides.

Before we get started, our tour reflects the local cuisine and the limitations of street food vendors means we unfortunately cannot cater for every dietary restriction. Here's an honest appraisal for the tour so no-one is disappointed ✘ Unsuitable for vegetarians, vegans, no-pork diets and those who follow a vegan diet ✘ Unsuitable for severe allergies. ✘ Unsuitable for severe gluten intolerances / coeliac, there are traces of gluten in soy sauce. ✔ Suitable for lactose intolerances. ✔ Suitable for no beef diets. If you are feeling adventurous for a foodie journey, read on!

Many are unaware of Penang’s unique culinary history, a mouthwatering mishmash of Malay, Indian and Southern Chinese culminating in a unique Nyonya cuisine. Penang might be one of South East Asia’s lesser visiting spots, but the culinary scene more than measures up to its neighbors.

Four hours of feasting on our curated daily food experience awaits. Master your chopstick skills over sizzling plates of Hokkien char and char ho fun, dip lok lok in simmering aromatic hot pots, mop up daals and vegetable curries on banana leaf thalis and discover what colourful Nyonya kueh are among more than a dozen more sumptuous tastings at places you’d struggle to find alone.

The tour concludes at Kimberly Street Night Market in all its foodie glory. Enjoy local hospitality and meet new friends along the way. End the tour armed with the knowledge you'll need to continue eating across Penang and Malaysia.

What's not included

Alcoholic drinks excluded

Pick up and drop off from your hotel excluded

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

49 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

361 reviews

5★

353

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1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

The tour starts from the courtyard of the Pinang Peranakan Mansion. It's easy centrally located in George Town and easy to reach from most hotels in the city.

About Penang Island

Penang Island, known as the 'Pearl of the Orient,' is a vibrant blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. With its UNESCO-listed George Town, stunning beaches, and diverse cuisine, it offers a unique Southeast Asian experience.

Top Attractions

George Town

A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colonial architecture, street art, and rich cultural heritage.

Historical/Cultural Full day Free to explore, individual attractions may have entry fees

Penang Hill

A popular hill station offering panoramic views of the island and cooler temperatures.

Nature/Adventure Half day MYR 12 (Funicular ride)

Kek Lok Si Temple

One of the largest and most famous Buddhist temples in Malaysia, known for its stunning architecture and the 30.2-meter tall bronze statue of Kuan Yin.

Religious/Cultural 2-3 hours Free, donations welcome

Batu Ferringhi Beach

A popular beach known for its white sand, water sports, and vibrant night market.

Beach Half day or full day Free, water sports and activities may have fees

Penang National Park

A protected area with diverse wildlife, hiking trails, and Monkey Beach.

Nature/Adventure Half day or full day MYR 5 (entry fee)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Char Kway Teow

Stir-fried rice cake strips with prawns, cockles, bean sprouts, and eggs, seasoned with soy sauce and chili.

Dinner Contains seafood, eggs, and soy. Can be made vegetarian.

Nasi Kandar

A meal of steamed rice served with a variety of curries and side dishes, often including meat, fish, and vegetables.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat and fish. Vegetarian options available.

Roti Canai

A flaky, layered flatbread served with curry, often made from wheat flour, water, and ghee.

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Contains wheat and ghee. Vegetarian options available.

Penang Laksa

A spicy noodle soup made with rice noodles, prawns, fish cakes, and a tangy tamarind-based broth.

Breakfast/Lunch Contains seafood and fish. Vegetarian options available.

Popular Activities

Hiking at Penang Hill Water sports at Batu Ferringhi Beach Exploring Penang National Park Beach relaxation at Batu Ferringhi Spa treatments Tea plantation tours in Cameron Highlands Exploring George Town's street art Visiting temples and museums

Best Time to Visit

December to February

This is the dry season with cooler temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

24-32°C 75-90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Malay
Widely spoken: English, Chinese (Hokkien, Mandarin, Cantonese), Tamil
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

240VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Penang is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing services
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services

Getting there

By air

Penang International Airport • 15 km from George Town

By bus

Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and reliable, with a network of buses covering most parts of the island. Easy to use with a single ticket system.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

George Town Batu Ferringhi Chulia Street Gurney Drive

Day trips

Butterworth

4 km from George Town • Half day

A town on the mainland opposite Penang Island, known for its historic buildings, ferry services, and the famous Kek Lok Si Temple.

Langkawi

60 km from Penang • Full day or overnight

A tropical island known for its beautiful beaches, duty-free shopping, and lush landscapes.

Cameron Highlands

200 km from Penang • Full day or overnight

A highland region known for its cool climate, tea plantations, and lush landscapes.

Festivals

George Town Festival • Late July to early August Chinese New Year • January or February (varies by lunar calendar) Hari Raya Aidilfitri • Varies by lunar calendar (usually May or June)

Pro tips

Explore George Town's street art on foot for a unique and immersive experience
Try local street food at hawker centers for an authentic and affordable culinary adventure
Visit Penang Hill for panoramic views of the island and cooler temperatures
Experience the vibrant night market at Batu Ferringhi for shopping, street food, and entertainment
Take a ferry to Butterworth for a day trip to explore the mainland and its attractions