Penang Culture - Penang Style Dishes With Buffet Options

Singapore has no shortage of Malaysian food options, but Penang Culture stands in a league of its own. Since opening its very first halal-certified outlet on 6th June 2012, this restaurant has been on a mission — to serve up the soul of Penang's iconic street food scene without anyone needing to cross the Causeway. With kitchens helmed by Penangite Head Chef Wong Thin Lipp, who cut his culinary teeth in the very streets that inspire every dish, what diners get here is the real deal.

What makes Penang Culture especially noteworthy is its distinction as Singapore's first Penang-themed halal-certified restaurant. That means more Singaporeans than ever get to experience the depth and complexity of Northern Malaysian flavours — rich prawn broths, pungent belachan, tangy assam, and all the wok hei — without compromise.

Penang Fried Kway Teow (~S$10.50–S$12)

The classic benchmark of any Penang eatery, and Penang Culture delivers it with confidence. Flat rice noodles are wok-fried over high heat with garlic, beansprouts, and a homemade sambal chilli paste, resulting in the kind of smoky, char-kissed bite that instantly evokes the bustling hawker stalls of Gurney Drive. The light soya sauce adds depth, and the wok hei is unmistakably present. A must-order on every visit.

Penang Hokkien Prawn Noodles (~S$12)

The broth is the hero here. Thick and dense with a beautifully prominent prawn flavour, this plate transports diners straight to the streets of Penang. Served with a sambal belacan dip that is done just right, this is the kind of comforting, flavour-packed dish that earns Penang its culinary reputation. It is best enjoyed piping hot, slurped up with full appreciation.

Penang Assam Laksa (~S$11.50)

A tangy, herby, and aromatic noodle soup that is unlike any laksa found in Singapore's hawker centres. The tamarind-soured broth carries a complex spice profile with the unmistakable kick of prawn paste, and it is aromatic enough to stop conversations mid-table. It pairs wonderfully with the provided sambal belacan on the side for those who like their bowl even bolder.

Penang Rojak (~S$9)

Not to be confused with Singapore Rojak, the Penang version is a distinctly different experience. Pineapples, cucumber, and turnip are cut into generous pieces, while the you tiao comes crispy and bite-sized. The sauce — mixed with assam and lemon — is thicker, darker, and tangier than its Singaporean counterpart. It is refreshingly complex and a wonderful way to start the meal.

Penang Cendol (~S$6–S$8)

A classic Malaysian dessert featuring shaved ice, coconut milk, kidney beans, palm sugar, and green rice flour jelly — it is the perfect sweet, cooling close to a hearty Penang meal. For durian lovers, the version topped with Mao Shan Wang and D38 durian pulp is the ultimate indulgence and well worth the upgrade.

The Compass One outlet at Sengkang is more than just another Penang Culture branch — it is home to something entirely unique in Singapore's F&B landscape. This outlet operates as the Penang Culture Claypot Edition, the country's first halal-certified Penang claypot concept, where traditional dishes are served in bubbling, hearty claypots that bring an extra dimension of warmth and flavour to the table.

If that already sounds like a great reason to make the trip to Sengkang, the all-you-can-eat buffet seals the deal entirely.

The Penang Culture Claypot Edition All Day Buffet is available daily from 10:30am to 9:00pm, making it one of the most accessible buffet experiences in the east — whether it is a lazy weekend brunch spread or a satisfying weeknight dinner feast. The spread features an array of beloved Penang signatures like Hokkien Mee, Char Kway Teow, Wok Hey Belacan Fried Rice, Assam Laksa, and Penang Prawn Noodles, along with a dessert station to cap things off on a sweet note.

Buffet Pricing:

At S$29.90++ for adults, this is genuinely strong value — especially for a spread that covers everything from noodle soups to wok-fried favourites to desserts, all under one halal-certified roof.

Important Notes:

The 90-minute window is generous enough to go through multiple rounds of the spread without feeling rushed. Come hungry, pace yourself with the noodles and wok dishes first, and save room for the dessert station.

With heritage recipes, a Penangite chef at the helm, halal certification, multiple convenient island-wide locations, and a menu that strikes the balance between tradition and creativity, there is every reason to make it a regular dining destination.

The Compass One outlet, in particular, offers something genuinely special with its Claypot Edition concept and all-day buffet — a rare chance to eat your fill of authentic Penang flavours without boarding a plane or enduring a long drive north.

Outlets:

Operating Hours: Daily, 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM (varies by outlet) Compass One Buffet Hours: Daily 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM (excl. Eve of PH & PH)

Website: penangculture.com.sg