Penang Moves to Safeguard Best Local Foods; 10 Dishes to be Officially Gazetted

On Dec 10, 2025, the Penang state government gave approval to gazette 10 iconic dishes as intangible cultural heritage so they can be guarded against hijacking experience, as is the case with nasi lemak in other states. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow declared the relocation as part of the Penang2030 plan, which is measured against the sociocultural experts and approved by the State Heritage Council. The cuisines, nasi kandar, pasembor, char kuey kak, oh chien (oyster omelette), kerabu bihun, Hokkien mee, mee udang, mee sotong, mee Jawa, roti benggali, are the multicultural foods that Penang has received due to Malay, Chinese, and Indian influence. There are also six practices such as the kopitiam culture and Thaipusam which have also been safeguarded, which has enhanced a boom in tourism education of UNESCO heritage status.

Iconic Dishes List

Gazetted Penang dishes include Hokkien mee’s prawn gravy and pasembor’s peanut sauce.

Heritage Protection Goals

Gazetted Penang dishes preserve recipes passed down through generations, preventing origin disputes.

Cultural Promotion Impact

State initiative spotlights street food globally, supporting Madani economy aspirations.

Official Social Embed

Embed The Star official Instagram on gazetted Penang dishes: 

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