The 10 Best Halal Restaurants in Penang that Promise a Feast of Senses!
There’s a reason why Penang is considered Malaysia’s food capital. Its rich culinary heritage means you’ll find a diverse selection, from authentic Malay cuisine to global favourites.
And when you’re looking for halal establishments where food is prepared under Islamic principles, it won’t be tough. But not all places cook up delicious food that will make your taste buds dance in gastronomic bliss.
That’s fine, because my team and I are finally sharing our favourite halal restaurants in Penang, Malaysia. Get ready for next-level deliciousness that will make you come back for more, from no-frills spots to refined destinations. Eat up!
Hameediyah Restaurant
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Address: 164 A, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10100 George Town
Contact: +60 4-261 1095, [email protected]
Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: 10 am – 10 pm
- Friday: 10 am – 1 pm & 3 pm – 10 pm
- Saturday: 10 am – 10 pm
Pricing: $
When searching for one of the best halal restaurants in Penang, one of the first recommendations you’ll hear is Hameediyah Restaurant. Don’t be surprised, as this has been a staple for decades.
As Penang’s oldest place for nasi kandar (it opened in 1907), it’s no secret that it serves one of the best nasi kandar you’ll taste in Peninsular Malaysia. It’s aromatic with the right blend of flavours, the perfect authentic Malaysian comfort food on any given day.
It’s easy to spot, as the yellow exterior stands out, and you’ll most likely see a queue. Don’t worry about the crowds because the line moves at a good clip.
| Pro Tip: For first-time visitors, start at one shop where you see people lining up to order. Place your order there and pay, then move a couple of doors to the other shop to dine. |
Deens Maju Nasi Kandar
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Address: 170, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town
Contact: +60 12-425 2421
Hours:
- Saturday – Thursday: 12 pm – 10 pm
- Friday: Closed
Pricing: $
Local favourite, Deens Maju Nasi Kandar, always has a line out front, and for good reason. It serves Indian Muslim halal cuisine that’s so delicious, diners are willing to get burned up by the sun just to get a bite.
It’s a choose-your-own-food experience. Basically, you’ll select your curries, meats, and vegetables—you can end up with a heaping plate, depending on your choices. If you fancy Nasi Kandar, we recommend it with chicken, boiled egg, and okra.
It doesn’t skimp out on gravy, so expect your rice to be covered in curry sauce, which is exactly how you want your Nasi Kandar to be. If you aren’t sure what to get—or feel overwhelmed by the choices—go for the set meals.
| Pro Tip: Wear sunscreen, bring an umbrella, and carry a water bottle. The line outside can take half an hour during lunch and dinner, sometimes longer. |
Jawi House Cafe Gallery
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Address: 85, Lbh Armenian, George Town, 10200 George Town
Contact: +60 4-261 3680
Hours:
- Wednesday – Monday: 11 am – 9:30 pm
- Tuesday: Closed
Pricing: $$
Tucked away in the historic Armenian Street, Jawi House Cafe Gallery serves Malay cuisine inspired by Middle Eastern flavours. This halal restaurant is one of the Michelin-recognised restaurants in Malaysia, so you’re sure you’re getting good food.
And you 100% will! It continues to preserve our culinary heritage with delectable dishes that will take your taste buds on a Malaysian journey. The variety of selection will even have you deciding on what to get longer than you anticipated.
Our picks? The Prawn Briyani, served with basmati rice, three prawns, and cooked with all sorts of spices that bring deep and complex flavours. Another highlight is the Beef Rendang, with its tender meat cooked in coconut milk.
| Pro Tip: Make an advanced booking to secure a table. It gets crowded here during peak dining hours, especially for dinner. |
Bee Hwa Cafe
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Address: 10, Lebuh Dickens, George Town, 10050 George Town
Contact: +60 12-854 0005, [email protected]
Hours:
- Sunday – Friday: 7 am – 3 pm
- Saturday: Closed
Pricing: $
Bee Hwa Cafe is where comfort food was born… okay, not necessarily, but the menu is filling, familiar, and screams Penang cuisine. It’s like visiting your favourite auntie, who will serve you the best dishes, cooked with extra care.
It’s not halal-certified (for reasons we don’t know), but it doesn’t serve pork, lard, and alcohol, and the chicken is slaughtered under the dhabihah method. You’ll also find Penang favourites, such as char kway teow and nonya.
What do we recommend? The Char Kway Teow with fried egg, of course! The noodles are chewy yet soft, while the flavours are perfectly fragrant and have the right balance—not super oily and not overwhelming to taste, too.
| Pro Tip: Arrive before lunch hour, when the customers start to trickle in. This way, you can avoid queuing up. |
Cafe Lagenda
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Address: 2, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town
Contact: +60 4-251 9300, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Tuesday: 12 pm – 10 pm
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday – 12 pm – 10 pm
- Friday – Sunday: 12 pm – 11 pm
Pricing: $$
The cosy interior of Cafe Lagenda is one of the reasons why we enjoy dining here. But it was the food that had an irresistible pull, as it serves Malaysian cuisine with Western influences that will make you ask for a second serving.
The Lagenda Cafe Chicken Satay is a good starter, as it’s sweet and creamy when dipped in peanut sauce. Another one we tried is the Counter Hall Beef Burger, which was surprisingly satisfying, with a nicely seasoned, tender beef patty.
Since this is a cafe, ordering a drink is a must. The mocktails are interesting, but we tend to stick with Naughty Nutty Latte, because it’s decadent but not overwhelmingly sweet.
| Pro Tip: Better commute, or book a Grab, because parking is difficult here. |
Restoran Tajuddin Hussain
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Address: 45-63, Queen St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town
Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 11 am – 3:30 pm & 6:30 pm – 10 pm
- Sunday: Closed
Pricing: $
One of Penang’s popular halal restaurants doesn’t need fancy decorations and paid advertisements because the food speaks for itself. Restoran Tajuddin Hussain is a no-frills spot with an exterior that’s a bit rough around the edges, but that doesn’t matter.
Here, the food is the star. You’ll be introduced to flavours that are so rich yet balanced. The Nasi Kandar tastes authentic, with tender meat and gravy that is dancing with all sorts of spices—authentically Penang, exactly like how it should taste.
Aside from the Nasi Kandar, we suggest trying out the tasty Ayam Ros, which is chicken with gravy made with tomato, as it’s tender and fragrant and a comforting dish that pairs well with Roti Canai.
| Pro Tip: The place gets busy, so avoid lunch and dinner hours. Arrive before the crowds start flocking in to secure a table. |
Dulang
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Address: 145, Muntri St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town
Contact: WhatsApp
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm & 5:30 pm – 10 pm
- Friday – Sunday: 11:30 pm – 10 pm
Pricing: $$
When you’re craving authentic Malay food in Penang, there’s a spot that won’t let you down: Dulang. This Muslim-owned place cooks up a storm in the kitchen, resulting in traditional flavours that will give you a taste of Malaysia’s culinary heritage.
Dining here will turn into a feast because of the many dishes you’re going to want to try—so bring your family or friends! The menu has a lot of variety, including our favourite Masak Lemak Cili Api, a spicy yellow curry that we like to order with prawns.
We suggest you take the spiciness seriously, though. Some dishes may be too hot for you, so stick to mild spice and order a cold dessert to drown out the heat.
| Pro Tip: Order a Thai Milk Tea or Milo to help you with the spicy food. |
Sutera Restaurant
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Address: 98, Lbh Armenian, George Town, 10300 George Town
Contact: +60 19-417 9003, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Sunday: 12 pm – 10 pm
Pricing: $$
At the charming Armenian Street, you’ll find the lovely Sutera Restaurant, a halal spot that serves an exciting combination of Malay, Chinese, and Western cuisine. The menu has something for every craving, whether you’re a local or a tourist.
Our recommendation is the Buttermilk Chicken with Rice, which sounds like a simple dish, right? But it’s creamy without being heavy, and adds a nice variety to your table. The Dimsum Platter is worth a try as well, since you’ll get three kinds in one order.
The place feels cosy, too. The painting on the wall is eye-catching, and the decor is chic but not too busy for the eyes. It’s a solid place to bring your friends.
| Pro Tip: Visit late in the afternoon before dinner to avoid the sun on your way to the restaurant. Note that there’s limited parking here, too. |
The Tamarra by Irama Dining
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Address: 36A, Jln Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 George Town
Contact: +60 4-262 0982, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Sunday: 12 pm – 11 pm
Pricing: $$$
Located on Millionaire’s Row, The Tamarra is a modern Malay halal restaurant that knows how to serve up epicurean delights. The vibe feels high-end, the decor is opulent, and the menu brings a symphony of flavours.
Your dining experience here will be unique, as it adds a refined twist to traditional Malay cuisine. The Tenderloin Salai Lemak Cili Kampung has a delicate texture yet rich in flavours, but it is a pricey one—it’s worth a try if you’re willing to splurge.
Don’t miss out on seafood meals! The Udang Gulai Nenas Turun Temurun is a prawn dish that’s the perfect mix of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours. As usual, this one goes really well with rice.
| Pro Tip: Ask for outdoor dining when it isn’t hot out, so you can enjoy waterfront views. |
Garden Lebanon Restaurant
Media credit: lebanonrestaurant
Address: 15, Jalan Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Tanjung Bungah
Contact: +60 4-891 7228
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 12 pm – 10 pm
Pricing: $$$
Lebanon Restaurant will take you on a culinary expedition, where the flavours of the world are within reach in one location in Penang. Expect an assortment of cuisines that will indulge your cravings, perfect for locals and tourists who want to try something new.
The food will not disappoint you, as it serves traditional Malay cuisine, as well as Asian, Middle Eastern, and Western favourites. You can find briyani, kebab, pizza, pasta, and more.
One of our top recommendations that made us return is the Chicken Briyani for its deep flavours that don’t taste overwhelming. It’s hearty, with properly cooked rice and chicken—the chef got the tenderness just right.
The Mixed Grilled is another pick of ours, composed of chicken kebab, shish kebab, shish tawook, and beef tikka. This one’s best for groups, allowing everyone to taste different kinds of meat.
| Pro Tip: Avoid rush hours to get a parking spot. There’s limited space, and it’s quick to fill up. |