In Malaysia, “lontong” commonly describes a meal comprised of rice cakes nestled in a coconut-infused broth like sayur lodeh that enriched with a medley of vegetables such as chopped cabbage, turnip and carrots along with shrimp. Its flavor profile is further enhanced with a variety of condiments that are either incorporated during the cooking process or added to individual servings.
Lontong have been causing quite a sensation and we’ve managed to track down 7 spots for you to try them! These extras can range from fried tempeh and tofu to hard-boiled eggs and even include spicy elements like dried cuttlefish sambal or fried shredded coconut known as serunding kelapa. One can also find variants topped with fried chicken that amplifying the dish’s hearty nature. Here are the top 7 best Lontong in Penang.
Is Ketupat And Lontong The Same?
Both ketupat and lontong are made with white rice. Ketupat is usually wrapped in a case made of coconut leaves that are weaved into beautiful patterns and then boiled. Lontong is usually wrapped in banana leaves and then boiled. So, they are pretty much the same but the difference is on the wrapping.
What Is Lontong Gravy Made Of?
Lontong Sayur is an Indonesian dish made of compressed rice cake in the form of a cylinder wrapped inside a banana leaf pairing with thick peanut sauces and curries. It serves as the base for this savory morning favorite, a coconut-milk curry made with young papaya, soy-braised tofu and hard-boiled eggs.
5 Best Lontong in Penang 2025
1. Mews Cafe
Mews Cafe is the perfect spot for intimate family gatherings or casual hangouts with friends. Renowned for its inviting ambiance and delicious cuisine, it has become the chosen venue for memorable events like birthdays and bachelorette parties. The restaurant exudes warmth and maintains an exceptional level of cleanliness. While not its signature dish, their lontong stands out for its delightful taste that invites repeated visits.
Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 11:00 am, 12:00 pm – 8:30 pm (Daily)
Address: 77, Muntri St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Phone No: 04-263 6125
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kafemews/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mewscafe77/
2. Kesum Art Restaurant
Kesum Art Restaurant set against the backdrop of classic Malay music exudes a welcoming vibe. Adorned with tasteful paintings and local crafts that are available for purchase, it offers a unique dining experience. The quality of the dishes such as the Gado Gado, Satay, Lontong, Nasi Lemak and Laksa Johor along with desserts like Pudding Pulut Hitam and Pengat Pisang are impressive. The waiting time is reasonable that making it a delightful place for a family lunch.
Operating Hours:
12:00 pm – 8:30 pm (Tuesday – Friday)
8:30 am – 5:00 pm (Saturday & Sunday)
Closed on Mondays
Address: 104, Jln Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 04-262 5757
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KesumArtRestaurant/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kesum_art_restaurant/
3. Simple Cafe Penang
Nestled at the intersection of Jalan Dato’ Koyah and Clarke Street, Simple Cafe is one of the rare gems in Penang that serves an exquisite Lontong. Their rendition includes nasi himpit (compressed rice cakes), soaked in a flavorful sayur lodeh, a soupy turmeric-infused coconut milk-rich vegetable gravy which is unforgettably spicy and delicious.
Operating Hours:
7:00 am – 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Monday – Saturday)
Closed on Sundays
Address: 41, jalan dato koyah, Georgetown, 10050 George Town, Penang
Phone No: 017-542 0002
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
4. Rumah Lontong
Rumah Lontong is known for serving the best lontong in town that comes highly recommended particularly by those with Johorian roots. At a reasonable price of RM 8, you can enjoy their lontong with added side dishes. Their rendang is also a must-try. The restaurant prides itself on its social media presence, so don’t forget to tag them in your posts!
Operating Hours:
8:30 am – 12:00 pm (Wednesday – Monday)
Closed on Tuesdays
Address: Number 5 Astaka, Lorong Kulit, 10460 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 019-405 3119
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079948347833
5. Park n’ Meet Cafe
Situated at the end of a row of shops, Park n’ Meet Cafe shares its location with Botanica Dim Sum and Speedmart 99. The Lontong and Arabic rice served here are scrumptious and offer value for money. The excellent service with courtesy of the friendly and helpful staff further enhances the dining experience that making it a highly recommended place for a memorable meal.
Operating Hours:
3:00 pm – 8:30 pm (Wednesday – Monday)
Closed on Tuesdays
Address: 32A, Kampung Jalan Baru, 11000 Balik Pulau, Penang
Phone No: 019-548 1485
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parknmeet/
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Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.asia. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
