The cuisines of Pakistan and India are often complex for people to identify. This misunderstanding is common among outsiders unfamiliar with the two countries histories. Before modern-day manifestations of the country, the people residing on the continent shared a common history, resulting in both cuisines having comparable spicy, aromatic, and rich-tasting characteristics. Pakistani cuisine has several characteristics that are distinctive to its culture while receiving various influences from neighbouring nations.
Since alcohol and pork are prohibited in Islam, the cuisine has evolved to incorporate new flavour profiles offered by other meats and spices. Pakistani cuisine is dominated by lamb, chicken, and fish rather than pork. Pakistanis do not share the Indian reverence for cattle, which has traditionally been kept for kings and other well-off households. There are several Pakistani eateries in Ipoh that provide the same distinct flavour. Here we list the top 5 Pakistani restaurants in Penang.
What distinguishes Pakistani cuisine?
Despite tasting remarkably similar to Indian food, it has a distinctive flavour resulting from centuries of Islamic culture combined with numerous cuisines introduced by conquerors like the Mongol empire, Persians, Turks, and more! Pakistani cuisine is genuinely distinct from the rest of the globe due to the blend of fragrances and spices.
When attempting a Pakistani restaurant, what should we watch out for?
When it comes to Pakistani cuisine, the rule of thumb is that the hotter the weather, the spicier the meal. Locals commonly pair spicy foods with yoghurt-based beverages to balance off the heat. Apart from giving a cooling break from the heat, these yoghurt-based beverages also symbolise Pakistanis’ fondness for fresh fruit and milk-based delicacies, which the Mongols initially brought.
5 Best Pakistani Restaurant in Penang 2025
1. d’Tandoor Restaurant Penang Island
d’Tandoor Restaurant Penang Island is the best spot in Penang for Pakistani cuisine. In addition to Pakistan, they also serve dishes from North India and the Middle East. The location is around 4-5 kilometres from Georgetown. There is paid parking on the property and free parking in the adjacent building. Their bestsellers include biryani, chicken masala, and ice cream, which you should try. You may also ask them to cook based on your preferences.
Operating Hours:
11:00 am – 10:30 pm (Monday -Thursday)
11:00 am – 10:30 pm (Friday – Sunday)
Address: 10-C-22, Precinct, 10, Jalan Tanjong Tokong, 10470 Tanjung Tokong, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 019-430 2020
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DTandoorRestaurantPenang/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dtandoorpenang/?hl=en
2. Hassan BRIYANI & CHAPATI
Another well-known Pakistani restaurant in Ipoh is Hassan Briyani & Chapati. According to customer reviews, the lamb Karahi here has an authentic taste. The biryani is a must-try for briyani aficionados. This eatery engages its guests, allowing you to dine in comfort. All the dishes will come with complimentary raita, fresh salad, dhal curry, and mixed veggie curry.
Operating Hours: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Address: 196, Jalan Transfer, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 016-448 9060
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HassanBiryaniHouse/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hassan_briyani_house/?hl=en
3. Al-Aziz Briyani House
Al-Aziz Briyani House is the place to go if you don’t mind eating at a nondescript restaurant. There is always a line for their biryani since everything is fresh and the chicken is perfectly cooked. Basmathi biryani rice is fragrant and savoury, made according to a traditional method, and served with chicken curry. Another must-try food at Al-Aziz Briyani House is the Kashmiri naan, which is exceptionally soft and flavorful.
Address: 58-B Jalan Batu Ferringhi Batu Ferringhi, 11100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 017-433 0700
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alazizbriyanihouse/
4. Danish Briyani House
Danish Briyani House serves excellent Pakistani cuisine and provides friendly service. Servers are non-Malay persons who are expected to be foreigners. Hence it would be helpful for you to communicate with them in English. Even though it is a non-airconditioned restaurant, you can dine in windy and cool shaded sections. There is indoor and outdoor seating available, and you may choose to sit in or out of nature for a relaxing atmosphere. Indulge in many types of biryani with significant portions and great flavour!
Operating Hours: 10:30 am – 11:30 pm (Monday -Sunday)
Address: Eden Parade, 1-1G, Jalan Sungai Emas, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 016-804 6010
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Karim1006/
View website5. Pak Asian Food
Pak Asian Food serves real tandoori chicken and naan. The restaurant features an unpretentious atmosphere, ‘ mamak’ restaurant feelings, and decent meals. The restaurant is located in the Plaza mall, making it easy to get to. You may have your Pakistani lunch here and then go for a walk around Penang. The Biryani and beef Karahi are popular dishes at this restaurant that you should try.
Operating Hours: 4:00 pm – 12:00 am (Monday-Sunday)
Address: 2-1-12B, Plaza Ivory, Halaman Bukit Gambir, Sunway Bukit Gambier, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 017-433 0700
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
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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.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
