Best Fried Mushrooms in Penang

Spanning over 50 years, this hidden gem has been churning out homemade Cantonese fare that are pocket-friendly. Despite the unassuming outlook, patrons have been returning religiously since day one as flavours matter the most, always. Be spoilt with choices but make sure their stir-fried mushroom graces up your table too. Handful of button mushrooms are stir-fried with century egg and thick soy sauce, forming an interplay of flavour and texture at every mouthful, and it depletes way faster than other dishes on offer. If you’re on a budget, just a mound of white rice is enough to have you leaving with a wide smile. 

During breakfast and lunch hours, this modest restaurant is a must-visit to savour smorgasbord of Malay dishes and curries. The never-ending crowd is a dead giveaway that you need to make yourself present between the beeline. Among the crowd favourites here is the fried mushroom, which is constantly fried in the kitchen, adhering to its demand. Resoundingly crispy and succulent, it’s would definitely knock your socks off as soon as it lands in your mouth. If you’re looking for a dipping companion, their homemade sambal offers the best match to keep your jaw busy. 

One can never deny that fried mushrooms fit the bill to feature in the street food scene and among the best spots that epitomes this statement is Jelutong Night Market. Every Friday, once the sun slants towards the horizon, the streets evolve into an eating mecca. The fried mushroom stall usually draws a decent amount of crowd yet don’t be deterred as the service is pretty quick and the flavours do all the talking. The huge piece of mushroom holds a crunchy outer layer yet is chewy on the inside. Either to accompany your walk while ogling other meals or to keep you occupied on the couch, these golden morsels are real winners in both roles. 

Located along Burmah Road, this charming restaurant is no stranger to Italian food enthusiasts. There may be mushrooming competitors but Bella Italia is here to stay as they have brilliantly tied together hearty portions and authentic flavours to have you coming over and over again. Aside from the handmade pastas and pizzas, many find themselves hopelessly addicted to the Funghi Fritto – deep-fried breaded mushrooms served with a garlic mayonnaise dip. Crunchy on the outside with fresh button mushroom sitting snuggly on the inside, it tastes as good as it sounds and you’ll truly understand why it’s such a hit here.

Chin’s Stylish Chinese Restaurant takes pride in a delectable spread of Chinese cuisine in a picture-perfect atmosphere. The restaurant holds a posh outlook with authentic decorations, ornaments and portraits all the way from China, and glistening chandeliers as well as a splendid view of the harbour seafront. Food-wise, nothing on the menu is short of succulence and their Fried Golden Needle Mushroom is no exception. Generously portioned, the deep-fried enoki mushrooms is laced with onions and chillies, offering a melee of texture and taste at every mouthful, and with a price tag of RM9, it's a complete steal.

Zen Xin Vegetarian restaurant has been gathering positive feedbacks from locals and tourists alike for their astute choices of vegetarian delights that would have your meat cravings at bay. The Peranakan-style flooring, latticework and wood-themed tables and chairs set nostalgic vibes upon entering. If you’re a fan of mushroom, no visit here is complete till you’ve tried their deep-fried abalone mushroom. Served straight off the fryer, the golden hued morsels arrives at the table with a crispy exterior, guarding the chewy texture of the mushroom beneath. Dipping in the homemade chilli sauce only help steep the flavours a degree further. 

If you’re one of those who are looking for a spot to put your feet up and tear yourself apart from the bustling city, while savouring some classic cafe grubs and aromatic coffees, then Piknik cafe is your kind of retreat. Priding as one of the pioneers who kick-started cafe obsession in the island, this cosy joint has a cult following that has only seen an incline over the years. The waffle burgers are the main attraction here, but if you’re looking for a side/snack to get your appetite moving, their Fried King Oyster Mushroom is a must-have on the menu. The mushrooms are fried to crunchy goodness on the outside yet retains the tenderness within, and the mayonnaise dip ties together an amazingly addictive platter.  

Healthy meals may sound like biting a bullet to many as it’s either expensive or fails to perk up your palate. To change your frame of mind, Coya Healthy Cuisine would be a great starting point to leap into the healthy bandwagon. The interior is fairly simple, in a good way and fully air conditioned, while the menu is pretty extensive. If mushroom is your jam, sure you wouldn’t want to miss their deep-fried mushroom! It’s certainly a snazzier version of shiitake mushroom, which is thinly sliced and fried to crunchy goodness, then sprinkled with a handful of sesame seeds. As soon as you wrap your lips around the first piece, in a blink off an eye, all you see is a polished platter. 

Located at the water’s edge of Tan’s Jetty, this simple restaurant has made a name for itself with a myriad of Thai dishes that barely makes a dent in your wallet. Upon stepping in, pan your sight from left to right, and you’re sure to witness platters of fried enoki mushrooms and fried kangkung sharing space in every table. You’ll find no lack of crunchiness and flavour in each bite, thus you could go all day long munching to your heart’s content. And what better pleasure than scarfing down your meal with splendid views of a wood-planked jetty, rustic boats bobbing at the verge of the sea and gentle string of waves that create an oasis of calmness.