Penang Culture holds the distinguished honor of being Singapore's first Penang-themed halal restaurant, opening its doors on June 6, 2012, at Century Square Mall before expanding to five strategic locations across the island including NEX, JEM, VivoCity, and Changi Airport Terminal 1. Founded with the ambitious vision of bringing authentic Penang street food flavors to Singapore's Muslim community, this pioneering establishment has successfully bridged the gap between Malaysia's rich culinary heritage and Singapore's diverse dining landscape. Under the expert guidance of Penangite Head Chef Wong Thin Lipp, who brings over two decades of culinary experience from Penang itself, the restaurant ensures that every dish captures the authentic spirit of George Town's legendary street food culture.
The menu at Penang Culture celebrates the bold, complex flavors that define Penang cuisine, featuring signature dishes like their Penang Fried Kway Teow ($10.90) with its perfect balance of spicy wok hei, fresh prawns, cockles, and aromatic chili paste, alongside the fragrant Kam Heong Clams ($18.80) and innovative Penang Fish Skin Rojak ($8.90). The kitchen excels in recreating the authentic taste profiles of Penang classics including Char Kway Teow, Nasi Kandar, and various Laksa preparations, while also introducing creative variations that incorporate modern ingredients like cheese to appeal to contemporary palates. Each dish reflects the restaurant's commitment to value-for-money pricing while maintaining the complex flavor layering that makes Penang cuisine so distinctive.
As Singapore's only halal-certified caterer specializing in Penang street food, Penang Culture has expanded beyond restaurant dining to become a cultural ambassador for Malaysian cuisine, bringing authentic flavors to corporate events and private functions through live chef stations and flexible catering menus. The restaurant's MUIS halal certification has made previously inaccessible Penang flavors available to Singapore's Muslim community, while its presence in high-traffic locations like airports introduces international visitors to the best of Malaysian street food culture. Penang Culture continues to serve as a bridge between Singapore and Malaysia's shared culinary heritage, proving that authentic street food flavors can thrive in modern dining environments without losing their essential character.
The food quality was disappointing. As shown in the photo, the lady’s fingers (okra) were so tough a
The food quality was disappointing. As shown in the photo, the lady's fingers (okra) were so tough and rubbery that we couldn't even chew them; it felt like chewing plastic. We had to spit them out. The texture clearly showed they weren't fresh. We informed the staff, and they served another portion, but this time it was undercooked and still tasted raw. On top of that, the food was served very slowly. Overall, I wouldn't recommend dining here.
Cheryl Tan
Haven't eaten at Penang Culture since the last outlet at Whitesands closed down. Was very disappoin
Haven't eaten at Penang Culture since the last outlet at Whitesands closed down. Was very disappointed with the food, especially the steamed fish which was very fishy and the chap chye which was very watery. We forced ourselves to finish it because I hate to waste food.
Ravina S.
We went after lunch hour on a Sunday. The place was quite quiet. We usually enjoy their omelette and
We went after lunch hour on a Sunday, and the place was quite quiet. We usually enjoy their omelette and salted egg chicken with rice. This time, we tried the white kopi chicken and stir-fried beans with minced chicken. The white kopi chicken was so-so. The chicken in the beans was not cooked, so after we alerted the staff, they immediately replaced it. Of course, the pie tee was fantastic, not forgetting the amplang juice. But next time, we will stick to our usual favourites.
Positive Reviews
Eng Soon Lee
Not bad for a meal but a little pricey. 2 of us have a chao kuey tiao, nasi lemak, fish and veg for
Not bad for a meal, though a little pricey. Two of us had char kway teow, nasi lemak, fish, and vegetables for $60. Taste-wise, it's okay. The environment is good as the place seems very new. Recommended if you like local Asian dishes.
Gavin
Food is not the best I have tried but still considered not bad. Felt that the char kway teow could b
The food isn't the best I've tried, but it's still considered not bad. I felt the char kway teow could be better with more 'wok hey'. The white kopi chicken is unique. The mapo tofu was the best of all the dishes we tried.
Bella Goh
First time trying the branch here in Compass One. Together with our parents, we had a great dining e
First time trying this branch at Compass One. Together with our parents, we had a great dining experience. They were very satisfied with the quality and taste of the food. The pricing is reasonable too.
Clarence Tan
Penang Culture is located at lvl 3 of Compass One atrium. They share the shop with Woke Ramen, from
Penang Culture is located at level 3 of Compass One atrium. They share the shop with Woke Ramen, from the same group too.
While Penang Culture supposedly serves authentic Penang food, I have some reservations about it. The tastes and style of cooking seem catered more towards Singaporean tastes.
Nonetheless, the dishes tasted great. I love the beef ball soup; it's rather flavourful.
The oyster omelette is also well cooked, and the egg is addicting.
The coffee chicken is slightly sweet for me and it is really hard and tough. Taste-wise, it is acceptable.
Overall, their price point is quite reasonable and rather affordable. The taste is great too. They have lots of options to choose from, so don't be afraid to try it out!
#JomHalal
Did enjoying Penang Culture SG60 feasts. Promo from 01 June till 31 August. Had tried PC Nasi lemak.
Did enjoy the Penang Culture SG60 feasts. Promo from 01 June till 31 August. I had tried their PC Nasi Lemak. The plate came with 2 chicken wings and a spoonful of sambal. Amazing taste! Next, their Assam Laksa is one that's not found many places in Singapore. It has a modern taste, surely similar to Penang taste . They even have fried CWT & mixed rojak. The King of Chendol is a great food dessert to end the meal .
