Penang Famous Samosa in George Town’s Little India
An amalgamation of glistening gold shells and comforting symphonies of warm spices within – samosas are like triangular treasures of palatable bliss. They are the perfect snack for many Malaysians.
But don’t let those calories go to waste with subpar samosas. Malaysia is teeming with places that craft such divine pastry parcels – so much so that one was even recognised in the prestigious Michelin Selected list of 2024.
Located in no other than the culinary haven that is Penang, Penang Famous Samosa is a no-frills roadside stall that carries the essence of centuries-old culinary heritage, with – as its name suggests – its most famous snack being the glorious samosa.
We recently dropped by the modest stall to try them out for ourselves and to bring you this review.
Michelin Selected Indian fried snacks stall
In the heart of the bustling Little India of George Town, where the aroma of spices perfuming the air mingles with the sprightly colours of silk sarees and flower garlands, there stands a humble snack stall beckoning with its display of savoury treats.
Small as it may be, the Penang Famous Samosa stall is a sensory oasis that draws passers-by in with its orchestra of colours, spices, and scents.
A brightly-coloured menu proudly displays the stall’s delectable offerings, which comprise a variety of Indian snacks – onion pakodas (RM2) glistening with oil, fluffy masala vadais (RM0.80), and crispy bajjis (RM1), each a delightful mosaic of vegetables coated in golden, crunchy batter.
It was also here that the magic of culinary artistry unfolded in the form of a simple yet enticing creation – samosa.
In the tiny makeshift kitchen, the vendor and chef – a skilled artisan in his own right – orchestrated a culinary symphony with a practised ease. His nimble fingers expertly folded delicate triangles of supple dough, cradling within it a harmonious concoction of aromatic spices and savoury fillings.
Flipping the fried delights with flair and dexterity, he then presented the freshly fried samosas into orange trays laid out by the counter with a flourish. The triangular pastry piled up fast, each holding a variety of fillings within its crisp embrace such as lamb, potatoes, chicken, sardine, and fragrant herbs.
Patrons gathered around the stall, allured by the irresistible fragrance the samosas exude.
Regulars chatted amicably with the vendors as they eagerly awaited their turn to place their orders, their faces aglow with anticipation at the flavourful journey ahead of them. Tourists approached the stall curiously, ogling in fascination at the divine spread, and then succumbing to a bag – or five – of glorious fried goodness.
Not wanting to miss out on the tantalising feast, we joined the party.
Our verdict
We enthusiastically pointed out our picks in a slight daze, blissful from the heady aroma of cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves mingling in the air. The vendor grunted at our orders and deftly tossed them into plastic bags that steamed up almost immediately from the piping hot goods.
Samosa Kambing.
Upon pulling a mutton-filled samosa (RM2.50) apart, steam escaped gently from the flaky crust, revealing within its crisp embrace a treasure trove of onions, tender mutton, and cilantro. Upon first bite, the golden encasing shattered gloriously, and a riot of flavours exploded on our tongues – a burst of spices, medley of herbs, and a crunch of textures.
Too entranced by the flavours to speak – admittedly, our tongues were burning too – we mmmed and ahhed repeatedly, our eyes wide with culinary awe, and our oil-stained fingers reaching into the bag for more.
Samosa Sardin.
We tried the Samosa Egg (RM1.50) and Samosa Sardin (RM1.50), which were both no less heavenly. The outer casings of the deep-fried pastries were as guilt-laden as any sinful indulgence, while the insides lie the welcoming cosiness of soft potatoes and sardines lusciously coated in spicy chutney.
Munch on Michelin-approved samosas at Penang Famous Samosa
Michelin Selected or not, Penang Famous Samosa deserves every recognition it gets.
In the simplicity of its samosas lie a richness that is more than just its taste – they are parcels of nostalgia, comfort and culture that’ll leave you drooling for more.
Address: 45, Queen St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 9.30am-8pm, Daily
Contact: 016-401 7595
For more food features, here’s Mon Chinese Beef Roti, viral Muslim crispy roti in KL and Chulia Street Night Hawker with decades-old stalls in Penang.
Photography by Jia-Ju.
Cover image adapted from:The Smart Local Malaysia