Penang is well-known for being Malaysia's food haven where not only tourists but even locals go to experience mouth-watering, authentic Malaysian cuisine. Every weekend the roads are filled with cars and there are lines of people outside restaurants and cafes all dying to get a slice of local cuisine.
But if you're a Malaysian who has been to all the local food spots in Penang and is tired of all the lines, how about trying some of the foreign cuisine spots on the island? I can't guarantee you that there won't be long lines but the lines will be significantly lower than the ones at local food spots.
So, if you're looking to expand your palate and try something new, here are the spots in Penang with foreign cuisines you can try:
#1 Two Frenchies Cafe Bistro - French Cuisine
This cafe is run by 2 local French friends who came up with a spontaneous plan to bring French cuisine to Penang on one lazy afternoon and they followed through with their plan. Thanks to them, we now get to experience real French cuisine without even leaving this tiny island we're on.
Address: 36, Lebuh Bishop, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Opening hours: 11:30am - 10:30pm from Tuesday to Friday, 9am - 10:30pm on weekends, Closed on Monday
#2 Via Pre Penang Italian Restaurants - Italian Cuisine
With premium ingredients flown in all the way from Italy including their cured meat, wines, coffee and even cheese you get to try authentic Italian food. Be sure to try their various types of bread that are baked fresh every day.
Address: 20e, Lebuh Penang, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Opening hours: 12pm - 10pm daily, Closed on Tuesday
#3 Halab - Middle Eastern Cuisine
Get some of your favourite Middle Eastern dishes like Baba Ghanoush, Shawarma, Hummus, and grilled meat at this hot spot that is frequented by locals almost every day. Their food is rich in spices and their meats are grilled and smoked to perfection.
Address: 381, Chulia St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 10:30am - 12am daily
#4 Khunthai Restaurant - Thai Cuisine
If there's one thing locals love, it is the spicy goodness of a delicious bowl of Thai tomyam soup. Get your cravings for Thai food fixed at this authentic yet affordably priced Thai restaurant located by the beach at Teluk Kumbar.
Address: Mukim 9, 1052, Pasir Belanda, 11920 Teluk Kumbar, Pulau Pinang
Opening hours: 11am - 10:30pm daily
#5 Rubin Mardini Cafe & Restaurant - Turkish Cuisine
This Turkish owned spot in Penang serves meat but also vegan options like foul medames, fresh hummus, hand-made falafel and much more. The food is packed with flavour from all the herbs and the portions are huge so make sure you come with an empty stomach.
Address: 591 Jalan Batu Ferringhi Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Pulau Pinang
Opening hours: 12pm - 11pm daily, Closed on Tuesday
#6 Indochine Cafe - Indo-China cuisine
People often mistakenly assume that this cafe only serves Vietnamese food but it is actually a fusion of Laotian, Cambodian and Vietnamese cuisines. Not only will the variety of dishes impress you but also the taste and best of all the presentation of the dishes will wow you.
Address: 515a, Jalan C M Hashim, Tanjung Tokong, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang
Opening hours: 5pm - 10pm daily, Closed on Wednesdays
#7 Holy Guacamole - Mexican Cuisine
If you love Mexican food, then you need to visit Holy Guacamole because they serve up some of the best tacos, nachos, quesadilla and more here. We've tried it, and click here for our honest review!
Address: 65, Love Lane, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 12pm - 12am daily
Do you know of any other foreign food spots in Penang Island? Tell us in the comments section below, we'd love to try it!