Authentic Food Quest Authentic Food Quest Authentic Food Quest Authentic Food Quest
  • About
    • What is Authentic Food Quest
    • Work With Us / Media
    • Contact Us
  • Destinations
  • Eat
    • Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Street Food
    • Restaurants
  • Drink
  • Recipes
  • Shop
    • Food Itineraries
    • Books
    • International Food
    • Cookbooks
  • Resources
    • Accommodations
    • Cooking Classes
    • Food & Wine Tours
    • Food Traveler Tips
    • People in Food
Authentic Food Quest Authentic Food Quest
  • About
    • What is Authentic Food Quest
    • Work With Us / Media
    • Contact Us
  • Destinations
  • Eat
    • Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Street Food
    • Restaurants
  • Drink
  • Recipes
  • Shop
    • Food Itineraries
    • Books
    • International Food
    • Cookbooks
  • Resources
    • Accommodations
    • Cooking Classes
    • Food & Wine Tours
    • Food Traveler Tips
    • People in Food
Sep 26
Food Museum Penang Authentic Food Quest

Feast Your Senses on the World First Amazing Food Museum

  • Rosemary
  • 38 Comments
  • Malaysia, Dishes
362shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Yummly

Penang is best known as the food capital of Malaysia and it is one of the best cities in the world for street food. To celebrate Malaysia food’s heritage and its food capital, Penang opened the World’s First Food Museum in November 2015.

The Wonderfood Museum is located in the core of Georgetown or Penang Old Town.  It is a museum that not only embraces the food cultures but also celebrates Penang’s art culture.

With no expectations, we visited The Wonderfood Museum to learn more about Penang food. With eyes wide open eyes and hungry bellies, we enjoyed a salivating visit.

If you’ve ever wondered, what a food museum is like, feast your senses on a tour of the world’s first amazing food museum!

Authentic Food Quest Page_Break
Entrance Food museum Penang Authentic Food QuestVisit the Wonderfood museum in Penang

Table of Contents

  • Celebrating Penang Food Cultures
  • Super Realistic Giant Food Sculptures
  • Food in Quotes
  • Food is Art
  • The Dark Side of Food at the Food Museum Penang
  • Summary
    • Practical Information
  • Love it? Pin it!

Celebrating Penang Food Cultures

The food in Malaysia is a wonderful collision of flavors that includes Malay, Chinese, Peranakan and Indian flavors. When we first arrived in Penang, we were surprised to find the different cultural influences stirred into one delicious “melting pot.” Indeed, we discovered 9 reasons why you should feast on Penang food.

Right from the start, the museum introduces you to the uniqueness of Malaysian traditional cuisine through the different communities.

There is a Chinese saying that says “food is the basic necessity of all mankind”. Therefore, the best way to get to know a country or her people is by knowing the local foods.

This museum brings you into Malaysian food and the cultural diversity from its multi-ethnic population.

“You have to taste a culture to understand it”  – Deborah Cater

Indian food is brought to life in wall art that shows the different traditional Indian foods.

Indian Indulgences Food Museum Penang Authentic Food QuestIndian indulgences

To discover more about India and the rich culinary heritage, a visit to Rajasthan, one of the most colorful and vibrant states in the country is a must. Known as the former “Land of the Kings”, you’ll find majestic forts, golden sand deserts, wildlife, authentic cuisine and much more. Book a Rajasthan Tourism Package, for an awe-inspiring trip.

Peranakan food which is a blend of Chinese and Malay cooking is highlighted on a beautiful centerpiece, with dishes, desserts, spices and the traditional cooking pots.

Perakanan Buffet Food museum Penang Authentic Food QuestA tempting spread of Peranakan dishes and desserts

The flavors of Malay are hung on a giant wall tapestry. The names of the traditional Malay dishes are sketched out including dishes, snacks, and sauces. Next to it, are replicas of the actual dishes.

With the wall hangings right next to each other, you can easily identify each food and then see the realistic version of the food.

Malay Flavors Food museum Penang Authentic Food QuestMalay flavors including dishes, desserts and snacks.

The Chinese foods and temptations are presented in a similar manner. On one wall are the sketches of the foods and desserts. And, right next to it are realistic representations of each of the dishes.

ChineseTemptations Food museum Penang Authentic Food QuestA range of delicious Chinese foods

Walking through this section and seeing the sketches of the food and the realistic dishes right to it, helps you understand the different cultures and their contributions to the overall delicious Malaysian cuisine.

Super Realistic Giant Food Sculptures

Stepping into this section is one of the most sensorially stimulating culinary journeys. Everywhere you look at are some of Malaysia’s and the world’s most amazing foods in a visually stimulating manner.

With the giant and ultra realistic food replicas you are literally taken into the food.

Penang Asam Laksa, one of our beloved and best Penang foods is presented as giant bowl of soup that invites you to dive into.

Penang Asam Laksa Food museum Penang Authentic Food QuestGiant bowl of Penang Asam Laksa

Cendol, the ice dessert, is tempting in its giant form. In the heat of Penang, the thought of taking a big slurpy bite to cool off is the first thing that comes to mind.

Cendol Food Museum Penang Authentic Food QuestGiant Cendol

Sweets from Penang and around the world are featured in their own separate room. The colors, flavors and scents make you want to lick one of the giant lollipops on display.

Sweets Room Food museum Penang Authentic Food QuestThe "sweets" room

Food in Quotes

Throughout the museum are quotes about food hanging on the walls. These quotes reference the importance of food in daily life and in building community. They are all presented in a visually interesting manner.

Quote Love Food Food museum Penang
Hungry Quote Food museum Penang Authentic Food Quest
Quote Love Food Food museum Penang Authentic Food Quest

Food is Art

The world’s priciest foods are displayed as replicas in an opulent setting. In this lavish room are the most expensive plates of food ranging from $1,000 and up.

Expensive Food at Food museum Penang Authentic Food QuestThe most expensive foods in the world in one setting

On the table is a replica of a pizza for $4200, created by Scottish chef dedicated to James Bond.

Named the Pizza Royale 007, this 12-inch pizza is filled with lobsters marinated in cognac, caviar soaked in champagne sauce, Scottish smoked salmon, prosciutto, venison medallions and vintage balsamic vinegar.

This incredible pizza is topped with 24-carat edible gold flakes.

In 2008, Paris pastry shop Ladurée teamed up with Marni fashion house to create a delectable pastry that fuses food and fashion. They created two-bite sized chocolate macarons made of 100% premium ingredients. To lavish it even further, each macaron is covered in sheets of precious and edible gold.

One box was sold for $100.00.

Gold macarons Food Museum PenangThe most expensive macarons in the world

This Golden Opulent Sundae was sold for $1,000.00 It is made with Tahitian Vanilla Bean Ice cream and Amedei Porcelana dark chocolate from Tuscany, the most expensive chocolate in the world. Taking it further, this sundae features 24-karat edible gold and dessert caviar topping.

Sundae Food museum Penang Authentic Food QuestOpulent Sundae made with the most expensive chocolate in the world

Art comes to life as food in the very creative illustration of the world famous Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci. Looking at how different ingredients are placed creatively on the table to recreate this famous painting is simply amazing.

Mona Lisa Food museum Penang Authentic Food QuestArt is food...the Mona Lisa ingredients

This room is quite fascinating as it elevates food to an exclusive art form. Food does more than satiate the body, it can be a multi-sensorial experience presented in a very delectable fashion.

The Dark Side of Food at the Food Museum Penang

The Wonderfood Museum also puts a spotlight on the negative impact of excessive food and habits.

One of the most shocking exhibits showcases the consequence of shark finning, an issue that is common in Asia and one that few Westerners might be aware of.

In China, shark fin soups is a luxury item and its demand has dramatically increased with the recent wealth of the Chinese population. As a result, sharks are hunted for their fins and this hunting results in the endangering of the shark species, causing a threat to the ecosystem.

Shark fins Food museum Penang Authentic Food QuestShocking Sharks exhibit to raise awareness of the dangers of shark finning

The museum also tackles food waste, another negative consequence of food. This enlightening exhibit brings awareness to food waste the waste which is a leading cause of hunger worldwide.

Food Waste Food museum Penang Authentic Food QuestThe paradox of food waste and hunger on the spotlight

The exhibit also touches on the current threat to our society around obesity, diabetes, and the excess of sugar in processed foods.

Sugar Poster Food museum Penang Authentic Food QuestThe many deceptive names of sugar found in our foods
Authentic Food Quest Page_Break

Summary

The Wonderfood museum is one of the most interactive and fun learning experience you will have in Penang!

You get to understand the Malaysian food culture through art and realistic replicas that will leave you hungry.

The museum takes you on a culinary experience that shows the power of food in bringing people and communities together. Furthermore, the pleasurable and artistic side of food is balanced with the dangers of waste excess.

Don’t miss this the food museum Penang on your travels to Malaysia.  While the visit will take about one hour of your time, you will be left with lasting and satisfying memories.

On your way out, grab a food guide and map on recommended places of where to eat the local specialties. The museum experience will leave you hungry and the map will be your best guide to eat what you looked at and touched on the inside.  

Food Guide Food Museum Penang Authentic Food QuestYour food guide for Penang

Practical Information

Wonderfood Museum

Address: 9, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10200 George Town

Hours: Everyday from 9 am to 6 pm. Last visit at 5 pm.

Fees: RM25 per adult (about $5.95 USD)  and RM15 per child ($3.55USD).

 

Have you visited a food museum before? Tell us which one in the comments below.

QUIZ: What kind of food traveler are you? Take our quiz and get your food traveler profile in minutes!

Savor the Adventure!

 

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below are Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our website link, we will get a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you in advance for your support in helping us continue our quest for authentic food!

Love it? Pin it!

Pinterest Food Museum Penang Authentic Food Quest
Rosemary

Rosemary, ex-marketing and advertising strategist, is a digital nomad and content creator at Authentic Food Quest. Since 2015, with her partner, Claire, they travel the world in search of the best local food experiences. Their mission is to help you enjoy the best local specialties on your travels or via recipes in your home kitchen. Favorite country for food: Peru. Favorite local dish: Bacalhau. Favorite way to keep fit: Running. Rosemary is the chief content writer and strategist on Authentic Food Quest. She is also co-author of Authentic Food Quest Argentina and Authentic Food Quest Peru, available on Amazon.

    38 Comments

    1. Josie
      September 27, 2017 at 11:52 am · Reply

      I will be in Penang in a few months and of course our visit will be all about the food. This is somewhere else we can go in between meals!

      • Authentic Food Quest
        September 29, 2017 at 2:16 pm · Reply

        Hi Josie,

        You will love Penang and the Wonderfood Museum. Don’t forget to check out the website for more on the local foods not to miss. Enjoy your trip 🙂

    2. Kelly | @DiningDuster
      September 27, 2017 at 12:08 pm · Reply

      oh my goodness! This looks like a lot of fun! The perfect thing for a foodie!

      • Authentic Food Quest
        September 29, 2017 at 2:17 pm · Reply

        Thanks Kelly, the museum is a great experience…the opportunity to learn about culture through food. Thanks for stopping by!

    3. Laura
      September 27, 2017 at 1:39 pm · Reply

      It’s always interesting to learn about different cultures and their cuisine! I particularly love the sweet room!!!!

      • Authentic Food Quest
        September 29, 2017 at 2:19 pm · Reply

        Thanks Laura, all the rooms were fascinating. Though you were are right, the sweet room was quite tempting 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.

    4. Meg Cale
      September 27, 2017 at 1:42 pm · Reply

      I love the food diagrams! One of the hardest parts of trying a new style of food is picking which dish to choose. The diagrams would be so helpful to learn about the different foods and how to eat them.

      • Authentic Food Quest
        September 29, 2017 at 2:22 pm · Reply

        You’re right Meg, the food sketches are really helpful. And when paired with the replicas, it makes it really easy to identify the food on the streets. Thanks so much!

    5. Sarah
      September 27, 2017 at 6:37 pm · Reply

      This look very interesting, It makes me very hungry though. 🙂

      • Authentic Food Quest
        September 29, 2017 at 2:22 pm · Reply

        Thanks, Sarah!

    6. weekendhaven
      September 28, 2017 at 3:41 am · Reply

      Omg, now I’m salivating for Malaysian food. We used to cross the borders of Singapore to Malaysia just to eat and back. 😀

    7. maninder
      September 28, 2017 at 11:57 am · Reply

      Oh wow, I love the concept of this museum. Looks so realistic and delicious!

    8. Candiss
      September 28, 2017 at 12:44 pm · Reply

      What an interesting museum and perfect place for it since Malaysian cuisine is such a mix of different cultures. I appreciate that the museum also highlights some of the different problems that come with speciality foods.

      • Authentic Food Quest
        October 3, 2017 at 10:59 am · Reply

        We agree, Candiss, having a balanced perspective about the positives and negative foods was a great feature! A truly interesting museum and worth visiting if your travels to take you to the region.

    9. Janine Good
      September 28, 2017 at 3:30 pm · Reply

      Everything looks so darn tasty! Though I think I would love to try the opulent sundae. My wallet would never forgive me though haha!

      • Authentic Food Quest
        October 3, 2017 at 11:01 am · Reply

        That’s funny Janine..everything on the world’s most expensive foods looked delectable…but for the wallet, it’s another story..lol. Thanks for stopping by.

    10. maegan
      September 28, 2017 at 10:55 pm · Reply

      OMGOSH I had no idea what some of these items were! Those macaroons are FANCY!

      • Authentic Food Quest
        October 3, 2017 at 11:03 am · Reply

        Indeed lots of fancy dishes on the expensive food table. Many are familiar like hamburgers, macarons, ice cream and more. It’s the unique ingredients and quality products that make them stand out. A real treat to see 🙂 Thanks Maegan.

    11. Fiona Maclean
      September 30, 2017 at 4:29 pm · Reply

      I lived in Malaysia when I was a kid and I still remember the food. This museum sounds quite amazing and I totally agree you’d need to find somewhere to eat afterwards!

      • Authentic Food Quest
        October 3, 2017 at 11:05 am · Reply

        That’s awesome that you lived in Malaysia as a kid. Was it in Penang? I’m sure much has changed, but the food is still as delicious. Fortunately, delicious food surrounds the museum, making it easy to eat after the experience. Cheers.

    12. Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie
      September 30, 2017 at 4:47 pm · Reply

      Somehow, I always read your posts on a tortuous empty stomach! After reading your posts on food in Penang, I’ve been researching flights so it looks like I’ll be back at it again after this read! I’m seriously drooling over the Lakhsa! This museum looks like an interesting way to learn. I love the diagrams/wall hangings showing the cultural influences on Malayasian food. It’s been added to the Penang musts list, but only after I’ve gotten good and full on some of those delicious dishes.

      • Authentic Food Quest
        October 3, 2017 at 11:09 am · Reply

        That’s funny Jackie, we suffer the same hunger pangs while writing the articles. Torturous indeed 🙂 Penang is certainly with worth visiting. The museum is a great place to start and then prepare to eat…and eat!! Cheers.

    13. Miranda
      October 2, 2017 at 10:23 am · Reply

      I think it’s SO true that you need to taste a culture’s traditional foods to truly learn. I’m not a museum fan typically, but this is totally my kind of museum! I love how the displays are set up, and I think it’s fantastic that the museum gives you a map that shows where to try these foods!

      • Authentic Food Quest
        October 3, 2017 at 11:12 am · Reply

        This museum is so unique in many ways. It is truly an immersive experience where you learn about the culture through the delicious food. Yes, the map of where to find the food was key 🙂 Thanks, Miranda.

    14. Tami
      October 2, 2017 at 2:50 pm · Reply

      What an interesting idea for a museum, but I kept waiting to see if they give you samples. I guess not! I’d be wanting to try all the different foods they displayed!

      • Authentic Food Quest
        October 3, 2017 at 11:15 am · Reply

        Hi Tami, unfortunately, no samples of the food, but the map was key to finding the food afterward. A unique and fun concept indeed. Cheers.

    15. amit
      October 2, 2017 at 3:04 pm · Reply

      haha this is amazing, a food museum – I would get so hungry walking around here looking at this amazing food 😀 but saying that I have just added it to my to do list in Malaysia 😀

      • Authentic Food Quest
        October 3, 2017 at 11:16 am · Reply

        Awesome for adding this museum to your list of things to do. You will love it!!

    16. Paige
      October 3, 2017 at 1:32 am · Reply

      This sounds like such an interesting museum! I love that there are so many different, unique facets. I think it’s really interesting to have the dark side of food on display as well, probably quite enlightening. This is definitely on my Penang list now!

      • Authentic Food Quest
        October 3, 2017 at 11:18 am · Reply

        The museum did a great job of presenting the positives and negatives of food. It makes you think holistically about food and the role it plays in society. It’s definitively a must-visit in Penang!! Thanks for stopping by Paige.

    17. Claudia
      October 3, 2017 at 5:12 pm · Reply

      What a great museum, such a great way to learn more about Malaysian food! And the name Wonderfood is fabulous too. Shocked a bit that there are 56 names for sugar – wow. I’ll have to remember this museum when we visit Penang, thanks for the tips!

      • Authentic Food Quest
        October 5, 2017 at 1:04 pm · Reply

        You are right Claudia, we were just as surprised to see the many cryptic names for sugar as well. Quite eye opening 🙂 Indeed, if your travels take you to Penang, the Wonderfood museum is a great place to learn about Malaysian food and culture. Thanks for stopping by.

    18. Megan Jerrard
      October 3, 2017 at 10:15 pm · Reply

      What a great way to celebrate Malaysia food’s heritage; I’m honestly surprised that this is the first food museum of its kind – it’s a brilliant idea! I love the flavors of Malay giant wall tapestry – what a unique display! It’s fantastic that they’ve gone to great lengths to make sure every type of cuisine which makes up Malaysia’s rich food scene has been represented in some way.

      I love the food in quotes, and how they have incorporated art throughout the museum with food. Though also a very good opportunity to highlight the dark side of food – obesity, diabetes, and the excess of sugar in processed foods is becoming a huge problem throughout nearly all societies, so I’m glad that the museum is raising education and awareness, as well as celebrating their cultural identity through food.

      Sounds like a really fun and interactive experience!

      • Authentic Food Quest
        October 5, 2017 at 1:08 pm · Reply

        Thanks Meg for your feedback. A really unique concept for a museum. We totally agree, Wonderfood museum did a great job of showing the role of food in society -the good and the bad. The artistic displays and food quotes made for a fun experience. A must visit if your travels take you to Malaysia. Cheers.

    19. Vicky and Buddy
      October 4, 2017 at 10:37 am · Reply

      Wow, this is my kind of museum! I love how realistic all of the food looks. And I can’t believe how expensive that pizza was! I love pizza, but I could never spend that much. Even if it has gold! lol

      • Authentic Food Quest
        October 5, 2017 at 1:11 pm · Reply

        That’s funny…lol…the most expensive food was simply outrageous 🙂 A great museum to visit -education and fun. Thanks Vicky!!

    20. carla
      October 4, 2017 at 9:36 pm · Reply

      My first visit to Georgetown was in 2014 so I missed the 2015 opening! I love Georgetown and its street and building art! And how the quiet sleepy side streets converts into a giant street food party where everyone knows everyone!

      Laughing at that giant chendol LOL!

      • Authentic Food Quest
        October 5, 2017 at 1:19 pm · Reply

        Totally agree, Carla, eating on the streets is really one big giant outdoor fest. With incredibly delicious food 🙂 What were your favorite foods? Check out the museum on your next…a really fun and interactive experience!! Thanks for stopping by.

    Leave a reply Cancel reply

    Post a Comment

    We love to hear from you, so tell us what you think.

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked.

    I accept the Privacy Policy

    Claire and RosemaryHi! Welcome to Authentic Food Quest. We are Claire and Rosemary. Our goal is to help you explore local culture through food. As digital nomads, we travel to share authentic food recipes and food guides from around the world so you can savor them during your travels or in your home kitchen. Learn More

    Get Authentic Food Quest Books

    Authentic Food Quest Peru Book Authentic Food Quest Argentina Book

    CONNECT WITH US

    Connect With Us

    Partner With Us

    To discuss ways to advertise or partner, please visit our media page.

    Disclosure

    Authentic Food Quest participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program designed to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

    Don’t Miss These Popular Links

    • Food and Travel in Mexico
    • Eating in Portugal
    • Get Tasty UK Snacks & More Delivered To Your Home
    • Make Chilean Pisco Sour at Home
    • Food in Vietnam
    • Recipes
    © 2015-2020 - All Rights Reserved - Authentic Food Quest ™ | Terms | Privacy
    362shares