Penang has been ranked as Southeast Asia's top island for food by National Geographic, with the publication declaring that as far as Southeast Asian culinary escapes go, it doesn't get much better than this Malaysian island connected by two bridges to the country's west coast.
The recognition centers on UNESCO-listed George Town, a former British East India Company port that attracted Chinese and Indian traders whose communities left lasting marks on the local cuisine, creating a unique gastronomic landscape where travelers can find both cheap street eats and Michelin-starred glamour in one destination.
National Geographic highlighted establishments like the one-star Michelin restaurant Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery, which combines elements of multiple culinary traditions and serves signature dishes such as nasi ulam (herbed rice) for just 35 Malaysian ringgit (approximately six British pounds), showcasing Penang's ability to deliver exceptional quality at accessible prices.
The publication also recommended Kimberley Street Food Night Market, considered the city's best, where visitors can graze on authentic local specialties including koay teow soup (rice noodles with fishballs) and duck kway chap (duck in a spiced broth with rice noodle sheets), exemplifying Penang's vibrant street food culture.
This recognition places Penang ahead of seven other notable Southeast Asian islands featured in National Geographic's selection, including Thailand's Koh Chang for beaches, Viet Nam's Cat Ba for adventure, Indonesia's Komodo for wildlife, and the Philippines' Panay for festivals, cementing Malaysia's culinary capital status in the region's competitive tourism landscape.
