08 Nov 2025
GEORGE TOWN: Penang is the best island in South-East Asia for food, according to a new list of the region’s “best islands” by National Geographic.
In its Travel section, the publication said Penang earned the second place in its list due to its food, blending heritage, culture and world class dining.
“As far as Southeast Asian culinary escapes go, it does not get much better than Penang, connected by two bridges to Malaysia’s west coast,” it said.
“The action centres on the Unesco-listed George Town, a former British East India Company port that attracted Chinese and Indian traders,” it added.
It said that both communities left their mark on the cuisine, “and today you will find cheap street eats and Michelin starred glamour alike.”
The report highlights the one-star Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery, famous for nasi ulam priced at RM35.
It also spotlights the bustling Kimberley Street Food Night Market where visitors can sample koay teow soup and duck kway chap.
In the list, Thailand’s Koh Chang came in as South-East Asia’s best island due its beaches, while Cat Ba in Vietnam ranks third for adventure, while Komodo in Indonesia comes fourth for wildlife.
Panay in the Philippines is fifth for festivals, Isla Verde in the Philippines sixth for scuba diving and Java in Indonesia seventh for temples.
Don Khong in Laos is eighth for cycling.
On this, Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the recognition reaffirms Penang’s reputation as a global food destination rooted in heritage and diversity.
“Penang food has long transcended the realm of mere culinary enjoyment,” he said.
“They have become cultural symbols and timeless imprints that embody our shared memories and the spirit of multicultural harmony,” he added.
“With every bite, one does not only taste the flavours of Penang, but also experiences the very soul and essence of our city,” he said.
Wong said the state government has submitted an application to the National Heritage Department to nominate 10 traditional Penang dishes.
He said the aim is to list them as part of Malaysia’s Heritage Foods.
“These 10 iconic dishes are nasi kandar, pasembur, char kuey kak, mi Hokkien, mi Jawa, oh chien, mi udang, mi sotong, kerabu bihun and roti benggali,” he said.
He added that many classic Penang dishes are already inscribed under the National Heritage List in accordance with the National Heritage Act 2005.
Among them are Penang char kuay teow, asam laksa, cendol and air batu campur.
https://www.thestar.com.my/
