Penang: A Diner’s Paradise

Penang is a beautiful island in northern Malaysia famous for its food, culture and numerous tourist attractions. It is also included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Acclaimed by Lonely Planet as one of the top food destinations in the world, Penang’s cuisine reflects the ethnic mix of Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions in Malaysia. It is especially famous for street food served al fresco.

Must-try dishes include char kuey teow (wok fried rice noodles), Penang laksa (a sour spicy noodle broth that was named one of the best dishes in the world by Lonely Planet), nasi lemak (rice cooked in coconut milk with curry), nasi kandar (a variety of curries with rice), rojak (spicy fruit and vegetable salad) and cendol (a shaved ice dessert featuring palm sugar).

Feeling hungry? Penang-style restaurants can also be found in Kuala Lumpur. Be sure to ask members of our APVRS 2017 co-host, the Malaysian Society of Ophthalmology, for their recommendations!