Although Italian cuisine is quite possibly the most well-known of European fare in Penang, the island also offers diners with insights into other European culinary cultures.

Cuisine from the British Isles, France, Germany, Spain and Switzerland are available at several restaurants around the island, under the general description of 'continental cuisine'

Despite its history of being a British colony, Penang does not house many venues offering cuisine from the British Isles. The more commonly-found dishes might include boiled or roasted beef cuts or lamb, and panfried, poached or grilled fish.

French cuisine is noted for its refinement and creativity, experimenting with a variety of sauces for flavouring meat, fish and vegetable dishes. Its terrines and pates are also much sought-after.

Few restaurants here offer an extensive range of French provincial cuisine, but classic dishes like coq au pin (chicken in white wine), bouillabaisse (fish boiled with herbs) and boeuf bourguignon (beef in red wine) are quite easily available.

Germany, meanwhile, is well-known for its extensive range of hot and cold sausages. There is the frankfurter, eaten with a round roll and mustard, sausages for sandwich spreads, and sausages for poaching like the weisswurst made from veal, beef and parsley.

The Spaniards have been credited with discovering how chill peppers could be used in cooking, and introducing this to the rest of Europe together with various tomato-based dishes.

Paella is one of the most famous dishes of Spain, comprising rice coloured golden yellow with saffron, served with meats, seafood and vegetables.

Swiss cuisine is largely influenced by French and German culinary styles, with many a dish revolving around dairy products or beef. Swiss cheese and Swiss chocolate are world-famous.