6 Must-Eat Dishes at First Genting Kopitiam, Penang's Hidden Gem

Tucked away from the usual tourist trails, First Genting Kopitiam is one of those places locals quietly keep to themselves—and for good reason.

If you’re looking for flashy interiors or Instagrammable plating, this isn’t it. But if you want authentic Penang flavours that hit the spot every single time, First Genting Kopitiam delivers—no fuss, no frills, just seriously good food.

After relocating from a humble corner shoplot in Island Glades, the kopitiam—now known as First Genting Cafe—has just celebrated its 2-year anniversary in its current space. The move has clearly paid off. Business has been nothing short of impressive, with the place almost always packed during its operating hours from 6am to 4pm. Whether it’s early morning breakfast crowds or the steady lunch rush, the strong turnout is a clear reflection of its loyal following and consistently good food.

Personally, this has become my go-to weekend tapao spot. There’s something comforting about swinging by, picking up a few familiar favourites, and heading home knowing the meal is going to be satisfying.

What to Eat (Don’t Miss These)

One of the best things about First Genting Kopitiam is the variety. Multiple stalls operate under one roof, each specialising in their own dish—and most of them are worth trying.

Curry Mee

One of the standout stalls here is the Island Glades branch of the famous Kuantan Road Curry Mee, run by Tan Teong Seng—better known as Ah Seng. He is the younger brother of Tan Teong Ban, a well-known name who operates at the corner of Kuantan Road and Dato’ Keramat Road.

Their story goes back decades. The brothers are sons of Tan Boon Eng, an itinerant curry mee hawker who laid the foundation of the family’s legacy by selling from a humble pushcart in the 1960s. Today, that heritage continues—right here in First Genting Kopitiam.

Located within this bustling coffeeshop, Ah Seng’s stall starts drawing a crowd from the early hours. Regulars know to come early, as the queue builds up quickly once word spreads that he’s open.

What makes Kuantan Road Curry Mee so special is its consistency. The balance of spices and the richness of the coconut milk-based broth are always “just right”—a hallmark that has kept generations of Penangites coming back.

Each bowl is a comforting mix of beehoon and yellow noodles, served in a fragrant coconut milk-pork-prawn broth. It’s generously topped with cuttlefish strips (jiu hu), fresh blood cockles (hum), tofu puffs (taupok), and cubes of pig’s blood pudding (too huek). A spoonful of sautéed chilli paste crowns the bowl—stir it in, and you get that extra punch of heat that elevates the entire dish.

Chee Cheong Fun

This isn’t your usual chee cheong fun. The version here has built a strong following over the years, especially for its distinctive peanut sauce—something you don’t always find in Penang’s typically savoury-style chee cheong fun.

The rice rolls are silky smooth and delicately soft, made fresh and cut into bite-sized pieces that soak up the sauce beautifully. What really sets it apart is that rich, nutty peanut sauce layered over the rolls, adding a creamy depth and slight sweetness that balances perfectly with the savoury elements.

If you’re used to the classic Penang style, this is a refreshing twist—and one that keeps many regulars coming back just for this stall alone.

Nasi Lemak

The nasi lemak here is a quiet standout, especially if you appreciate variety and balance. Unlike pre-packed versions, this stall offers a wide selection of freshly prepared dishes, so you can customise your plate just the way you like it—whether you’re in the mood for something light or a more indulgent spread.

The coconut rice is fragrant but refreshingly not overly rich, making it easy to enjoy even in the morning without feeling too heavy. Each grain is fluffy with just the right hint of santan, letting the other elements shine.

What really ties everything together is the sambal. It’s flavourful, slightly sweet, and gently spicy—perfect for those who want a kick without overwhelming heat. The balance makes it very approachable, and you’ll find yourself going back for more without it becoming too jelak.

Koay Teow Th’ng

For something lighter yet deeply satisfying, the Cambridge duck meat koay teow th’ng is a must-try. This stall has earned a loyal following for its clean, flavourful broth that may look simple but delivers surprising depth with every sip.

The highlight here is the tender duck meat, sliced generously and layered over silky smooth koay teow. The duck is well-prepared—soft, slightly rich, and without any overpowering gaminess—making it approachable even for those who don’t usually go for duck.

The soup itself is clear yet aromatic, subtly infused with the natural sweetness of the duck and slow-simmered ingredients. It’s the kind of bowl that feels comforting and nourishing, especially if you want a break from heavier dishes like curry mee.

Topped with fresh garnishes and served piping hot, this is classic Penang comfort food at its finest—simple, honest, and quietly satisfying.

Chicken Rice

A kopitiam staple, but the chicken rice here punches above its weight. It’s the kind of stall that doesn’t try to reinvent anything—just focuses on getting the fundamentals right, and it shows in every plate.

The chicken is tender and juicy, with smooth, silky skin that’s lightly seasoned to bring out its natural flavour. Whether you go for steamed or roasted, the meat remains succulent and satisfying.

The rice is equally important—and here, it delivers. Fragrant and fluffy, each grain is infused with chicken stock and aromatics without being overly oily. It complements the chicken perfectly without feeling too heavy, making it easy to finish the entire plate.

Of course, no chicken rice is complete without the sauces. The chilli-garlic dip packs a punch, while the accompanying soy-based sauce adds that savoury depth. Together, they elevate the dish, tying all the elements into a comforting, familiar favourite.

It’s simple, reliable, and exactly what you want from a good kopitiam chicken rice—something you can eat again and again without ever getting tired of it.

Mua Chee

The mua chee here is one of those simple pleasures that quietly steals the show. Freshly prepared in small batches, each portion has that perfect balance of soft chewiness and slightly elastic bite, giving it a really satisfying texture that doesn’t turn sticky or clumpy.

What makes it stand out is the generous coating of finely crushed peanuts mixed with sugar, sometimes with a hint of toasted aroma that really lifts the flavour. The peanut mixture is not just a topping—it clings to every piece, ensuring each bite is rich, nutty, and lightly sweet without being overwhelming.

It’s also worth noting that the mua chee stall has a more limited schedule compared to the rest of the kopitiam. The friendly uncle only operates on weekends, and he’s often seen working alongside his son-in-law, who helps keep things running smoothly during the peak crowd.

Bring the Kopitiam Experience Home

If First Genting Kopitiam makes you crave Penang-style comfort food, you can also recreate that hawker-style experience at home. One simple upgrade is using traditional-style tiffin carriers, which are not only practical for packing meals but also add a nostalgic kopitiam feel to your food routine.

More importantly, these tiffin carriers help reduce single-use plastic waste, making them a more sustainable choice for daily tapao meals. They are also BPA-free, giving you peace of mind when storing hot dishes like curry mee, nasi lemak, or koay teow th’ng.

You can check them out here:

• Lazada tiffin carrier (eco-friendly, BPA-free option): https://s.lazada.com.my/s.Z0fHOJ

• Lazada tiffin set (durable multi-tier food carrier): https://s.lazada.com.my/s.Z0fHgq

Perfect for anyone who enjoys packing food from their favourite kopitiam while keeping things sustainable and organised.