Best Grilled Chickens in Penang

This hidden gem has been reaping up positive reviews both online and offline. Upon stepping in the sparsely-lid eatery, you would be hard pressed to find an empty spot on the wall and tables without a signature, which is downright Instagram-worthy!  Among the wonders from the kitchen is their Grilled Chicken Linguine. Deftly grilled to perfection, a huge chicken thigh sits on a bed of silky smooth pasta laced with tomato sauce and finished with a sprinkling of cheese and herbs. Delicious! 

What constitutes a good tandoori chicken? If you ask any true blue Penangite, he or she would just say, the way Kapitan does it. This renowned establishment is rather a meat mecca where a range of grilled meats is churned out from the well-loved tandoor oven, along its best buddy, billowy naans. Their tandoori chicken is served in an appealing crimson-red hue with charred speckles that tow a fine smoky aroma. Paired with sweet-spicy chilli sauce, mint chutney, a wedge of lime, julienned onions and carrot, you would polish the bird bone clean within a blink of an eye. Each mouthful is certainly worth the wavering waiting time and bustling ambience.  

Judging by the name, if you’re heading to this eatery expecting a sheer spread of freshly brewed coffee and complementing cakes, you’ll be never disappointed. If you’re one who worries about your waistline yet not giving up on flavours, their  Caesar salad is the best match for you. Grilled chicken chunks are scattered on coral greens, butterheads, rockets, chicken ham, cherry tomatoes, half-boiled omega eggs, a dusting of parmesan cheese and concluded with drizzles of natural yoghurt. Done taking in the beauty, grab a fork and dig in the beautiful mess. 

Definitely not an ordinary canteen - this out-of-the-box one would make you forget each and every canteen you’ve been before. With an artistic patchwork of industrial decorations and rustic backdrop, it’s pretty tough to tear yourself apart from Instagram, till the mouth-watering menu greets you. Grilled chicken is certainly a mainstay on the menu, either it’s topped on a nest of ramen lounging in a subtle soup, tossed into a nourishing salad, served with a Spaghetti in Black Olive Pesto or aromatic Paleo Rosemary Chicken – one thing is for sure, your taste buds would be utterly satisfied. The bird is shown lots of love on the grill, delivering it to the table juicy, tender and gently charred. And be sure of saving some space for desserts. 

Housed in a luxury boutique hotel, Noor & Dean’s Kafe is widely regarded as a must-visit to quell your cravings for local and Western delights that score both in taste and presentation. The interior is spectacular as it retains the Peranakan style decorations and ornaments that send you back in time. Food-wise, you may be spoilt for choices but among the winner on the menu is their Grilled Chicken Arrosto – a pleasantly grilled chicken thigh perched atop creamy mashed potatoes, colourful greens and ladled with homemade rosemary sauce. Each mouthful of the meat oozes with additional flavours, thanks to the marination beforehand by the chef.

Classic, comfort and classy are words that come to your mind once you’ve stepped in this beautiful restaurant. Do yourself a favour; spend some time strolling through the garden filled with lush greenery and potteries to make up an appetite as you’re sure to be satiated with their scrumptious menu. Among the best sellers here is their Chermoula Grilled Chicken – plump piece of chicken with desired chars is garnished with debris of Harissa sauce, spiced couscous, tomato salad and a wedge of lime. The bird is utterly tender and dabbling in the bright sauce could only cherish your taste buds to a higher degree. 

You’ll feel weak at knees walking into this cavernous food court which is draped with never-ending choices of food that won't drain your bank account. Either to whet your appetite or wrap up your meal, grilled chicken wings is a must here. Smoky, succulent, slides off the bone with ease and coupled with a chilli sauce, how to order less than a dozen?  

With an encouraging name, you know they don’t mess around with birds. Speaking off being out of the box, the walls are blanketed with pages of classic fairy tales and children books - surely to boost your Instagram likes straightaway. Among the pride of the kitchen is their Loaded Hen – where juicy and pleasantly charred grilled chicken thigh is crowned with smoked chicken slices, mozzarella, cheddar, coriander, tomato, onions and baked to lip-smacking perfection. Cheesy and meaty – two holy words to have you mopping the plate clean. Another new addition is their Tropical Chicken - perfectly grilled chicken breast baked with mozzarella and bananas then finished with fruit sauce. Sounds a little peculiar yet it does please your taste buds. 

Pretty much a new kid on the Western food scene yet has been drawing a diverse crowd. Backdropped with wooden decorations and furniture with colourful knick knacks, cafe nomads and hipsters would certainly give a big uptick. Their grilled chicken chop is a real standout with a satisfying portion and delish flavours. The plump chicken thigh is grilled till seductively charred on the outside yet retains the juiciness within, then basted with thick BBQ sauce and accompanied with assorted greens and corn. You wouldn’t spare a drop of the sauce which is greater than good, and the tender meat just takes advantage of it.

Housed along Irrawadi Road, Ahmo is one of the best cafes in town that hits the sweet spot between a charming setting and soul-warming meals. The menu is pretty extensive and if chicken is your jam, you’ll surely be excited looking at the varieties. Their grilled chicken is a dish that is super flavourful and colourful. The grilled bird plays host to a bed of crunchy greens and roasted potatoes and ladled with BBQ sauce and sprinkle of sesame seed. Despite being muddled between a bevy of ingredients, the flavour of the chicken absolutely stands out, blame in on the herbs and spices marination. Jazz up your dining experience with their signature juice blends.

Relatively a newcomer to the Western fare scene yet this kids-friendly restaurant has taken the local crowd by storm. And if you’re an aficionado of grilled chicken, you’re in safe hands. Having that said, what not to be missed is their rempah chicken, oh yes it’s a rhythm to ears if you need that Malaysian punch on your chicken. Marinated and grilled to perfection, the sumptuous chicken is bathed with a thick and savoury sauce that has a tinge of sweetness that somewhat reminds you of Ayam Percik. Butter rice and garden greens come as consorts. Another grilled bird variation comes with a mash of the day, assorted greens and homemade salsa. In a nutshell, expect gamey goodness at its best.