A Chocolate (and food) Lovers Guide to Penang, Malaysia

More eating than sipping...but still...

Feb 23, 2026

Salam!

SIPS by Ultimate Hot Chocolate is back! I know I’ve been quiet for a bit. I’m still sipping, and working on some exciting things, but for personal reasons needed to take a break. The good news is that I have a lot of fantastic things to share with you! Many trips, interviews, products and a surprise or two. I also have a book coming out this year! So, I hope you’ll come along for the ride (and bring a few friends along too). Let’s start with something familiar, a good old trip report. Thanks for following, and happy sipping.

In January, we made a very last minute decisions (just three days before hand) to spend two weeks in Malaysia. We knew that Penang Island had to be one of our stops, and it did not disappoint. As a family that travels for both chocolate and food, we chose Penang because it is known as the food capital of the country. The historic central area of George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, since 2008. Founded in 1786 as a port to serve British interests, the city become a hub for global trade where Malay, Chinese, Indian and European cultures met and coexisted. This rich cultural blend shaped its unique food and lifestyle. The multicoloured shophouses throughout the central area are long and narrow since land taxes were once based on street footage. Most host local artists and artisans, cafes and restaurants, as there is a rule against large corporations from setting up shop so that it doesn’t risk losing its cultural charm.

Penang is also known for its beaches, but since I live in the city with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, we chose to focus solely on the food.

Cacao grows in Penang

I’ll share more about cacao in Malaysia in future posts, but the short answer is yes, cacao grows across Malaysia, including in Penang. However, it is clear that many farmers prefer palm oil, which is everywhere. We came across many houses in the countryside that had a tree or two growing in the backyard. You can also see cacao growing at the Penang Tropical Fruit Farm.

Where to sip

Penang has some pretty amazing coffee shops sourcing beans from around the world and roasting them on site. A few, thankfully, had pretty great drinking chocolates too.

Osso Roastery & Brew serves two options of single origin, Malaysian cacaos for their hot chocolate. One, Kelantan, has notes of apple, red bean and sweet potato and the other, Kota Marudu, has notes of sea hawthorn and red fruits (apparently, I didn’t taste any of this, but loved them both).
OME by SpaceBar Coffee If you are looking to pick up some chocolate made with Malaysian cacao, here you can buy Malaysian craft chocolate maker Chocolate Concierge’s chocolate. They also use this chocolate in their drinks.
Norm Micro Roastery, housed in a stunning repurposed warehouse, offers drinks made with Australia’s own Mork chocolate, each served with a freshly roasted, house made marshmallow.

Click here for more hot chocolates in Penang.

What to eat in between sips

The food in Penang is outstanding. If you’re planning a trip, consider adding days just so you can eat more!. For a full selection of dishes we tried and recommend, visit @Lucaloveslunch. Here are a few highlights.

Samosas from Penang’s Famous Samosas, a small food stall in Little India.
Order a selection of small dishes from Nyonya lah by Javu, including blue rice, eggplant and long bean with soy sauce, Kopitan curry chicken and a local favourite, stinking bean (which tastes infinitely better than it sounds).
Penang Asam Laksa, a tangy, spicy, fish based noodle soup. Every vendor has their own approach, so try a few from the road stalls, especially the night market, and pick your favourite.
Curry at Hameediyah Restaurant. Forget the fork and instead enjoy them with your hands (right hand only, of course).
Pani puri at Tea Kadai. The original savoury version has a nice little kick to it, but they also have a slightly less traditional chocolate version that is a must! Best paired with a glass of teh tarik.
Cendol from Penang Road Nyonya Cendol (or any other cendol stand). Shaved ice with coconut milk, palm sugar, red beans, and green jelly noodles (if this doesn’t sound particularly good to you, trust me, it’s amazing)
Nutmeg juice made with Penang grown nutmeg and available on roadside stalls or at Chowrasta Market.
Don’t miss Kimberley Street Food Night Market.

What to do

If you are visiting for the first time, find a place to stay in the UNESCO Heritage Precinct and spend your days wondering up and down the streets in this area.

The street art! George Town is one large open air gallery, with murals and sculptures everywhere. Many are on main streets but they are also down little laneways, higher up on walls.
Visit the Hin Bus Depot, a fantastic space that has been transformed into a makers market but also has a number of great stores for those that love unique fits. My favourite: Kazimi Paper where you can make your own personalised notebook made.
Beryl’s Chocolate Story is a Malaysian favourite. They have a museum in the central area which is free to visit. Georgetown Herittage Chocolate (yes, with two ts) also has a small museum. Both offer a range of very sweet, flavoured confections which don’t use local cacao, but do use local palm oil and infused flavours.