Penang might be known for its phenomenal take on the laksa and other popular hawker fare, but those who want something a little more upmarket will not be disappointed to find that some of the best fine dining restaurants in Malaysia are found in Penang.
Famed as the food capital of Malaysia, the island of Penang is a bold celebration of diverse Malaysian flavours. While the iconic cendol, laksa, and char kuey teow spring to mind, contemporary restaurants are pulling their own weight when it comes to the culinary scene. In Penang, you will discover a unique take on both Asian and Western food, only this time you’ll get to dress up and rediscover the exciting concepts that the island offers. Bookmark these places and make your reservations at these classy spots the next time you want a fine dining experience on the island.
The best fine dining restaurants in Penang today:
Restaurant Blanc Penang
Image credit: Restaurant BLANC Penang
Formerly known as the Dining Room, BLANC serves a French-Asian menu that’s worth exploring. Pick between the BLANC menu degustation and the Menu De Saison by Chef Benny Yeoh. The menu comprises a 3-course meal featuring the former comprises canapes, a choice of mains and desserts, while the latter presents an omakase-style gastronomic journey. Consider this a sweet surprise as the chef will reveal the courses upon your visit.
228, Jln Macalister, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia; +60 19-239 9818
Orinea Restaurant
Image credit: @orinea_restaurant/Instagram
Located in the heart of Gurney Bay at Sunrise @ Gurney, Orinea Restaurant is where you can indulge in a sensorial journey. Go ahead and make a reservation for the Ultimate Chef’s Tasting Menu. You will find that each dish is a work of art fusing technique and innovation. In addition, the restaurant offers a breathtaking view of Gurney Wharf.
Known for its iconic location, the Indigo restaurant located in the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion offers a dining experience like no other. Besides the beautiful blend of old-world charm and modern touches, Indigo is famed for merging Eastern and Western flavours. The seven-course tasting menu comprises Freshly Shucked Oysters, Bluefin Tuna Capellini, Grilled Wild Caught Jumbo Prawn, Pan-Roasted Hokkaido Scallop, Seared Foie Gras and beyond. Pick your mains between the Australian Wagyu Striploin, Lamb Rack and Pan-Roasted Atlantic Cod. If you can’t make it for dinner, try out the three-course lunch.
Discover the historical compound of the Hin Bus Depot if you’re planning a trip to the one Michelin-starred Restaurant Au Jardin. This restaurant serves Franco-Asian cuisine with the freshest ingredients available in season. Head Chef Kim Hock believes in sustainable sourcing, making your meal a satisfying experience. As for the menu, this eatery can cater to your dietary request. If you’re a vegetarian, check out ‘The Green’ Degustation with dishes such as the Russet Potato ‘Mille-Feuille’ and Kimchi Espuma. The degustation menu offers heavenly dishes like Butter Roasted Hens in the Wood and ‘Grand Caviar’ au Jardin. Discover the menu here.
If you’re thinking of spending a blissful short weekend getaway from Singapore to Desaru, why not stop at one of the many budget-friendly seafood restaurants in the seaside town of Desaru?
The seaside views at some of these restaurants are not bad either!
Plus, it is an only quick drive (under an hour) from Desaru to Singapore too!
And other than deliciously best seafood restaurant in Desaru, there are some other places you might want to check out in this list of best food in Desaru!
11 Best Desaru Food and Restaurant
1. Lotus Seafood Restaurant
This affordable Desaru seafood restaurant is part of and within the compound of Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa and faces the ocean in an open chalet-style structure.
Malay, Thai, Indonesian, Korean, Western and even Indian cuisine feature on the menu.
Notable dishes include:
Garlic butter lobster
Fish head curry
Lamb bulgogi
Kam Heong crab.
It is best to come here during the cooler evening to enjoy the lights of boats reflected in the water while listening to the live music performances!
Beer towers are available here!
2. Nelayan Seafood By The Coast
What to eat near Hard Rock Hotel Desaru?
Nelayan Seafood By The Coast is just 5 minute drive from the hotel.
It is one of the best seafood in Desaru offers a casual environment to enjoy seafood!
There is plenty of seating to go round (maximum capacity is 400 people)!
You will have some pretty good views of the sea from this restaurant as well!
Tip: Try to avoid peak times during the weekend if you want to worry less about parking. Those reasonably low prices can draw quite a crowd!
Location: 54 Jalan Kerisi, Kampung Sungai Rengit, 81620 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia Contact: +607-826 5460 Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Friday: 11:00am – 3:00pm & 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Saturday to Sunday: 11:00am – 10:00pm Closed On: Mondays Facebook
6. Ayam Penyet Z&Z
This restaurant has a wide selection of Nasi Penyet with chicken, fish, prawn & squid in Malay-style cuisine.
The chicken is served with rice, fried tofu, tempeh and a small bowl of soup. The chicken is perfectly cooked – criso, tender, juicy juicy, tender and crisp.
Dishes to try:
Ayam penyet
Deep fried fish
7. The Elephant & The Butterfly
Quite pricey but that is not surprising since this beautiful and colorful restaurant is at a Hard Rock Hotel!
The restaurant boasts a Mexican menu. Food comes in decent portions. Try their burgers!
Sit by the hotel poolside in one of the bright and spacious couches and enjoy the view! Maybe, with one of their very special in-house cocktails in hand too!
They can even make one just for you if none of the ones on their menu suits your taste!
Wine enthusiasts will also find the wine selection at this establishment delightfully adequate!
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, Jalan Pantai 3, Desaru Coast, 81930 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia Contact: +607-838 8888 Opening Hours: 11:00am to 10:30pm Facebook
8. Super Lobster Restaurant
Another halal option, Super Lobster Restaurant is not your usual traditional Desaru Chinese restaurant!
One of their signature dishes is the herbal lobster which is well worth the price!
You can expect the restaurant to put out only the freshest seafood (like shrimp, lala, squid, crabs and of course lobsters!) dishes here. As they get their supply a few times a day!
This is a good alternative to the overly popular Jade Garden!
Other dishes to try:
Crab with salted egg yolk
Butter lobsters
Assam seabass
Tofu hotplate
Tip: Weekend crowds are crazy!
Location: 7, Jalan Jenahak, Kampung Sungai Rengit, 81600 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia Contact: +607-824 6108 Opening Hours: 11:00am to 10:00pm Facebook
9. Fruit Buffet At Desaru Fruit Farm
Depending on which fruits are in season, visitors to Desaru Fruit Farm can pick all the fruit they desire!
They have different tropical fruits at the farm – Guava, longan, jackfruit, dragon fruit, passion fruit, banana, pineapple, mangosteen, rambutan, etc.
And the staff will serve the fruit all cut up and ready to eat at the fruit buffet.
There are even some pickled fruit options!
The in-house cafe has some creative dishes that feature fruits!
It’s worth trying their:
Passion fruit chicken
Pineapple sweet and sour prawns
Fresh papaya chicken soup
Deep fried squid with dragon fruit
They have plenty more!
Location: 92, 82200 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +6012-772 1817
Opening Hours: 8:30am to 6:30pm
Facebook
10. Sengat Seafood Restaurant
If you happen to be anywhere between Desaru and Kota Tinggi in Johor, it might be worth stopping at this inconspicuous restaurant in a tiny fishing village called Teluk Sengat.
Especially if you are planning to drop by the crocodile farm nearby.
Sengat Seafood restaurant is furnished very simply – think typical kampung style (that means no air conditioning).
But the fresh seafood here makes it worth the drive!
Must-try dishes include:
Nyonya steamed fish with Assam paste
Sambal kangkung
Chilli Crab
Zhao Pai Mian (noodles)
Claypot tofu
Salted egg yolk crab
Deep fried buns (dip in gravy)
Location: 58, Jalan Belanak, Teluk Sengat, 81900 Ayer Tawar, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +6019-729 0303
Opening Hours: 11:30am to 9:30pm
11. Ostrich Farm Restaurant
Come to the Desaru Ostrich Farm and meet some of the hundreds of ostriches here at Malaysia’s largest ostrich farm!
Understandably, you might not want to have a meal with ostrich meat after seeing a real life ostrich!
But this is one of the few places in Johor where you can try dishes made with ostrich meat!
So if you don’t mind, then the restaurant (more like a stall) at the farm has some ostrich meat delicacies you might want to try:
If you are planning a trip to this food capital in Malaysia and have no idea where to start your food journey the best Malacca street food that you must try.
Melaka or Malacca, as it is also known, is a beautiful city located in the southern part of Malaysia. It is a popular tourist destination that is rich in history and culture. However, one of the main reasons people flock to Melaka is for its food. The city is famous for its unique blend of cultural and colonial cuisine, which can be found right in the heart of the city.
The many specialities of Melaka include ayam pong teh, which is a chicken dish cooked with soybean paste and dark soy sauce. It is known for its rich and savoury flavour that is sure to leave your taste buds tingling. While another popular dish is satay celup, which is a skewer made with either seafood, chicken, beef or vegetables cooked in peanut sauce. This dish is a must-try for anyone visiting Melaka and is often considered one of the city’s signature dishes.
Apart from these dishes, Melaka is also famous for its Kristang cuisine, a fusion of Portuguese, Peranakan, Indian, European, and Malay ingredients. It is a unique blend of different flavours and is a testament to the city’s rich history and cultural diversity. Melaka also boasts a variety of street food that is not only delicious but also affordable.
So, whether you are a foodie or just someone who loves to explore new cultures, Melaka is the perfect place for you. With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and mouth-watering cuisine, Melaka is truly a food lover’s paradise.
Must-try Malacca street foods if you’re looking for a scrumptious meal
Low Yong Moh Restaurant
Image credit: Instagram/ @pthoographyA family-run restaurant, this place is known for its tasty old-school dim sum, which has become a popular in Malacca street foods. This compact restaurant serves typical dim sums with sufficient varieties such as Custard Bun or Liu Sha Bao, Char Siew Bun, and glutinous rice. Other dishes include steamed pork ribs, pork buns, pork porridge, steamed bean curd rolls, and many more. Visit this place for a mouthful of tasty and greasy dishes!
Low Yong Moh Restaurant is a well-known and family-owned establishment in Melaka that serves up delicious and authentic dim sum dishes. Its popularity stems from the restaurant’s ability to offer a wide variety of dishes that include traditional delicacies such as custard buns, pork buns, and pork porridge, as well as other mouth-watering options like steamed pork ribs and steamed bean curd rolls. The restaurant is small and compact, making it the perfect spot to grab a quick, satisfying meal. Its cosy atmosphere combined with its scrumptious offerings makes it a must-visit place for anyone exploring the street food scene in Melaka.
Address:Â 32, Jalan Tukang Emas, 75200 Melaka
Operating hours: 7.30 AM – 11.30 AM (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Chung Wah Chicken Rice Ball
Image credit: Instagram/ @_maryyongChung Wah Chicken Rice Ball is a renowned Hainanese chicken rice shop in Malacca that has been serving customers for over 50 years. It has gained immense popularity among locals and tourists alike and is considered a must-visit place for anyone exploring the street food scene in Melaka. The restaurant is often crowded on weekends due to its reputation for serving up the most delicious chicken rice balls in the city.
Apart from its signature dish, the chicken rice balls, Chung Wah also serves super soft chicken that is cooked to perfection and served with homemade chilli sauce. The combination of the fluffy rice balls and succulent chicken meat makes for a mouth-watering experience that is sure to leave you craving more.
Address:Â 20, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka
Operating hours: 9.30 AM – 2 PM (closed on Mondays to Wednesdays)
Image credit: YouTube/ Food Hunter 探食Restaurant Chuen How is a casual eatery that specializes in chap fan or economy rice, a popular local dish that consists of packed rice with various sides. Despite being located outside the city centre, the restaurant offers a comfortable kopitiam-style seating area, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a tasty meal. For those seeking a taste of the local cuisine, Restaurant Chuen How is definitely worth a visit.
One of the must-try dishes at this eatery is the char siew, a unique roasted BBQ pork that is both tender and flavourful. In addition to this signature dish, the restaurant also serves scrumptious roast pork and assam gulai fish that are best enjoyed with economy rice. The combination of these dishes creates a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please any food lover.
Address:Â 347, Jalan Merak, Taman Melaka Baru, 75350 Melaka
Operating hours: 11 AM – 1.30 PM (closed on Thursdays)
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Capitol Satay Restaurant
Image credit: Instagram/ @foodieonabittenappleCapitol Satay Restaurant is a well-known eatery in Malacca street foods that is highly regarded for its delicious satay celup, which is one of the city’s most famous street foods. The restaurant is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and it is often crowded due to its unique self-service pattern. Customers can choose from a wide range of 80 different skewered seafood and vegetables from refrigerated counters, assisted by a waitress.
This self-service feature allows patrons to customise their meals according to their liking, making it an excellent venue for those who have specific dietary requirements or preferences. The hot satay celup is served with an aromatic peanut sauce, which makes it a must-try dish for anyone visiting Malacca. The combination of the succulent skewered seafood and vegetables with the rich and flavourful peanut sauce creates a taste sensation that is sure to delight any food enthusiast.
Address:Â 30, Jalan KPKS 3, Kompleks Perniagaan Kota Syahbandar, Kota Syahbandar, 75200 Melaka
Operating hours: 4 PM – 11.30 PM (Sundays to Thursdays, closed on Mondays), 4 PM – 12 AM (Fridays and Saturdays)
Aunty Koh Cendol
Image credit: Instagram/ @foodiefrommalaysiaAunty Koh Cendol is a small food stall tucked away inside the Nyonya house compound in Bukit Rambai, and while it may be a little challenging to find, it is undoubtedly worth the effort. The compact stall offers a range of healthy and hygienic dishes that are specially prepared by Aunty Koh herself, using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients available.
However, what Aunty Koh Cendol is truly famous for is their Nyonya cendol, a dessert that has won the hearts of thousands of visitors to the town. The dish is made with a combination of ice, coconut milk, palm sugar, rice flour jelly, and a hint of ginger, resulting in a creamy and refreshing dessert that is sure to delight your taste buds.
Despite its simple appearance, the Nyonya cendol is a complex blend of flavours that perfectly captures the essence of Melaka’s culinary heritage. The dish is a popular choice among locals and tourists alike and is considered one of the best desserts that Malacca street foods has to offer.
Address:Â 183, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75250 Melaka
Operating hours: 8 AM – 5 PM (closed on Mondays)
Image credit: Instagram/ @waniencsRestaurant Ming Huat is a popular, yet budget-friendly eatery that offers a taste of both Asian and Malaysian cuisines to both locals and tourists. As one of the most well-known restaurants in Melaka, it has gained a reputation for serving up delicious, authentic dishes that reflect the city’s unique blend of cultural influences.
Among their many offerings, Restaurant Ming Huat is particularly renowned for its signature dish, the nasi lemak, which is known as Malaysia’s national dish. This fragrant rice dish is cooked with coconut milk and pandan leaf and is prepared with the influence of Nyonya style, which adds a unique flavour and spice to the dish. The dish is served with the typical Melakan sambal gravy and spices, which perfectly complement the rich, savoury flavour of the rice.
Address:Â Jalan Ujong Pasir, Melaka, 75050 Malacca
Operating hours: 7 AM – 10 PM (closed on Fridays)
Geographer Cafe
Image credit: Instagram/ @harrytan_nGeographer Cafe is a highly sought-after restaurant located in the bustling Chinatown district of Malacca. This eatery is well-loved by both locals and travellers alike, and it’s easy to see why. Their menu boasts an impressive array of Asian fusion dishes that are both healthy and delicious, making it a top choice for foodies looking for a satisfying meal.
One of the standout items on their menu is their signature dish, the nasi lemak. This fragrant rice dish cooked with coconut milk and pandan leaf is served with a mix of Nyonya-style spices and sambal gravy, which adds an extra kick of flavour to the dish. Another popular item is their kangkung fried rice, which is a healthier take on the classic fried rice dish, featuring water spinach as the main ingredient.
In addition to their delectable food, Geographer Cafe also offers a wide selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. This makes it an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy a cold drink after a long day of exploring the city.
Address:Â 83, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka
Operating hours: 12 PM – 10 PM (Sundays to Thursday, closed on Wednesdays), 12 PM – 12 AM (Fridays and Saturdays)
Tengkera Duck Noodles
Image credit: Unsplash/ Melanie LimTengkera Duck Noodles is a well-known and popular local restaurant in Malacca street foods that is famous for its signature dish, the delicious and crispy duck drumstick noodles. This dish is a combination of crispy duck drumstick and rice vermicelli that are cooked together with a robust gravy and served with spicy herbs. In addition to this popular dish, the restaurant also offers other scrumptious dishes such as crispy pig ears with gelatinous skin, braised duck meat, pork slices, and eggs. The restaurant’s offerings are a true testament to the city’s rich culinary heritage, and anyone looking for an authentic local dining experience in Melaka should definitely give this place a try. With its cosy atmosphere and mouth-watering dishes, Tengkera Duck Noodle is a must-visit restaurant that is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling satisfied and happy.
Address:Â Taman Kota Laksamana, Jalan Kota Laksamana 1/1, 75200 Melaka
Operating hours: 7 AM – 1.30 PM (Mondays to Sundays, closed on Tuesdays)
Image credit: Instagram/ @the_chef_sisters_msiaJonker 88 is a well-known and beloved local eatery situated in the vibrant city of Malacca. This popular hotspot is renowned for its diverse selection of mouth-watering local cuisine and desserts, making it a must-visit destination for any food lover exploring the street food scene in Melaka.
The restaurant’s vintage style and historical theme create a unique and charming ambience, with different sections for food and desserts that are self-served. This allows customers to have the freedom to customise their meals according to their preferences, making it an excellent choice for those with specific dietary requirements or preferences.
Among the many dishes on offer, their assam laksa and cendol are standout choices that are highly recommended by locals and tourists alike. These two dishes are a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Malacca, combining unique and complex flavours that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
However, due to its immense popularity, Jonker 88 can get quite crowded during peak hours, so be prepared to wait for a table. Despite this, the restaurant’s delectable food and charming ambience make it a must-visit spot for anyone exploring the diverse of Malacca street foods.
Address:Â 88, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka
Operating hours: 9.30 AM – 6 PM (Sundays to Thursdays), 9.30 AM – 7.30 PM (Fridays and Saturdays)
Restaurant Tong Sheng
Image credit: Instagram/ @kamlaijiakRestaurant Tong Sheng is a well-known restaurant in Melaka that has gained a reputation for its seafood delicacies. As a popular zi char-style establishment, it offers a great variety of seafood dishes at reasonable prices. Their signature dish is the cheesy prawn served with rice vermicelli, which is a must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant. In addition to this popular dish, they also serve other mouth-watering delicacies such as fried fresh squid with garlic, salted egg yolk bean curd, and fresh milk crabs, among others. The restaurant’s extensive menu ensures that there is something for everyone, whether you are a seafood lover or not.
Despite its popularity, Restaurant Tong Sheng can get very crowded during peak hours due to its delectable offerings. However, the long wait is worth it as the food is always fresh and cooked to perfection. The restaurant’s cosy atmosphere and friendly service make it a great spot to enjoy a satisfying meal with family and friends.
Address:Â 377 & 378, Jalan Melaka Raya 6, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka
Operating hours: 11.30 AM – 2 PM, 5.30 PM – 10 PM (closed on Mondays)