Introduction
Georgetown, Penang, is a renowned culinary hotspot celebrated for its vibrant and diverse street food scene. Combining Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan influences, the city offers an irresistible array of dishes that delight locals and tourists alike. From savory noodle dishes to sweet tropical desserts, Georgetown’s street food is a true reflection of Malaysia’s multicultural heritage.
If you’re planning to explore Penang, these top 10 street foods in Georgetown should be at the top of your must-try list. Affordable, flavorful, and authentically local, these dishes are best enjoyed at hawker stalls, night markets, and food courts scattered throughout the city.
1. Char Kway Teow
This smoky stir-fried noodle dish is one of Penang’s most iconic eats, loved for its bold “wok hei” aroma. Served hot with fresh prawns, eggs, and bean sprouts, it’s a flavor-packed street food classic.
- Location: Lorong Selamat, Georgetown
- Opening Hours: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Must Try: Char Kway Teow with prawns and Chinese sausage
- Price: RM 6 – RM 10 per plate
- Highlights: Signature Penang dish with charred noodles, fresh seafood, and authentic wok-fried taste.
2. Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul
A refreshing dessert perfect for tropical weather, chendul is a sweet, icy treat with pandan jelly and rich coconut milk. This Penang Road stall is legendary for serving one of the best versions in Malaysia.
- Location: Penang Road, Georgetown
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Must Try: Classic Teochew Chendul with gula Melaka syrup
- Price: RM 2.50 – RM 4 per bowl
- Highlights: Creamy coconut milk, fragrant palm sugar, and soft green jelly for a cooling delight.
3. Assam Laksa
Bold, tangy, and aromatic, Assam Laksa is Penang’s signature noodle soup made with tamarind fish broth. It’s a must-try for those who love strong flavors and a little spice in their meals.
- Location: Air Itam Market, Georgetown
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Must Try: Assam Laksa with mackerel fish broth
- Price: RM 4 – RM 6 per bowl
- Highlights: Spicy-sour soup with mackerel, mint, pineapple, and thick rice noodles.
4. Roti Canai
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, roti canai is a Malaysian flatbread served with curry. In Georgetown, you’ll find some of the most skillfully made roti canai that pairs perfectly with dhal or meat curry.
- Location: Transfer Road, Georgetown
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Must Try: Roti canai with dhal or chicken curry
- Price: RM 1.50 – RM 3 per piece
- Highlights: Flaky bread, rich curry, and a satisfying breakfast option.
5. Wan Tan Mee
This springy noodle dish is topped with barbecued pork, wontons, and leafy greens. It’s a comforting street food with a subtle soy-based flavor that’s both savory and light.
- Location: Campbell Street, Georgetown
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Must Try: Wan Tan Mee with char siu and wontons
- Price: RM 5 – RM 8 per plate
- Highlights: Chewy egg noodles, sweet BBQ pork, and plump dumplings.
6. Duck Kway Chap
A rare and comforting street dish, Duck Kway Chap is a combination of flat rice sheets and herbal duck broth. It’s warming, flavorful, and best enjoyed at night markets.
- Location: Kimberley Street Night Market, Georgetown
- Opening Hours: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Must Try: Duck Kway Chap with herbal broth
- Price: RM 7 – RM 10 per bowl
- Highlights: Aromatic broth, tender duck, and soft rice sheets.
7. Hokkien Mee
This noodle soup is known for its rich prawn and pork-based broth, enhanced with fried shallots and chili paste. It’s a Penang favorite for breakfast or lunch.
- Location: Cecil Street Market, Georgetown
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Must Try: Prawn and pork-based Hokkien Mee
- Price: RM 4 – RM 7 per bowl
- Highlights: Flavor-packed soup with prawns, pork ribs, and boiled egg.
8. Apom Manis
A sweet street snack, Apom Manis is a thin, crispy pancake with a soft, fluffy center. It’s light, fragrant, and often enjoyed as a quick dessert.
- Location: Macallum Street Night Market
- Opening Hours: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Must Try: Apom Manis with coconut and palm sugar
- Price: RM 1 – RM 2 per piece
- Highlights: Crispy edges, soft middle, and rich coconut sweetness.
9. Satay
Smoky, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, satay is grilled meat on skewers served with peanut sauce. It’s a street food classic loved across Malaysia.
- Location: Chulia Street Night Hawker Stalls
- Opening Hours: 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Must Try: Chicken and beef satay with peanut sauce
- Price: RM 0.70 – RM 1.20 per stick
- Highlights: Chargrilled meat, spicy peanut sauce, and cucumber slices.
10. Nasi Kandar
A true Penang staple, Nasi Kandar is rice served with an assortment of curries and side dishes. It’s hearty, flavorful, and a must for curry lovers.
- Location: Transfer Road, Georgetown
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Must Try: Nasi Kandar with mixed curries and fried chicken
- Price: RM 6 – RM 12 per plate
- Highlights: Steamed rice drenched in rich curry blends with a variety of meat and veggie sides.
Final Thoughts
Exploring the street food in Georgetown, Penang offers a rich culinary adventure filled with bold flavors and authentic local culture. Whether you prefer savory noodle dishes, refreshing desserts, or hearty curries, Georgetown’s hawker stalls promise something delicious around every corner. Don’t miss visiting bustling areas like Chulia Street, Kimberley Street Night Market, and Penang Road for an unforgettable food journey.
