Gurney Drive Hawker Centre – Best Street Food by the Sea in Penang
About Gurney Drive Hawker Centre
Located along the seafront in George Town, Penang, Gurney Drive Hawker Centre is one of Malaysia’s most famous food destinations. This open-air food court is a haven for street food lovers, offering a wide range of iconic Penang dishes such as Char Kway Teow, Asam Laksa, and Hokkien Mee—all in a vibrant and bustling night market setting.
Location & How to Get There
- Address: Persiaran Gurney, 10250 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
- Opening Hours: Daily from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM (some stalls till midnight)
- Getting There:
- By bus: Rapid Penang 101, 102, 103, or 304
- By car or Grab: Ample parking near Gurney Plaza
- Walking distance from Gurney Plaza and G Hotel
What to Eat at Gurney Drive Hawker Centre
Penang is a UNESCO food city, and Gurney Drive Hawker Centre offers some of the best street food in Malaysia. Here are the top must-try dishes:
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Char Kway Teow | Stir-fried flat noodles with prawns, cockles & egg – smoky & savory |
| Asam Laksa | Penang-style spicy & tangy noodle soup with mackerel and tamarind |
| Hokkien Mee | Prawn and pork noodle soup with rich, flavorful broth |
| Oyster Omelette (Oh Chien) | Crispy egg batter with plump oysters & chili sauce |
| Pasembur | Shredded vegetables, seafood, and sweet peanut sauce |
| Rojak | Mixed fruits & veggies tossed in shrimp-paste sauce |
| Lok Lok | Skewers of meat and seafood dipped in hot soup or sauces |
| Satay | Marinated grilled skewers of chicken or beef with peanut sauce |
| Cendol / Ice Kacang | Traditional icy desserts with red beans, syrup, jelly, and coconut milk |
Why Gurney Drive Hawker Centre Is So Popular
- Seaside dining with views of the Penang coast
- One-stop hub for all classic Penang hawker dishes
- Located near Gurney Plaza & Gurney Paragon shopping malls
- Perfect for night food trips and casual dining
- Family-friendly and open-air environment
Insider Tips for Visitors
- Arrive early (before 7 PM) to avoid long queues
- Grab a table first, then order from surrounding stalls
- Most stalls are cash-only, so bring small notes
- Ask for prices before ordering—especially for seafood and Pasembur
- Share small portions so you can try more dishes
Nearby Attractions
Gurney Drive isn’t just about food—it’s located in one of George Town’s liveliest areas. Here’s what else you can explore nearby:
- Gurney Plaza – Upscale shopping and entertainment
- Gurney Bay (Phase 1) – New seafront public park (opened in 2024)
- G Hotel & Gurney Paragon – Great for stays and luxury dining
- George Town Heritage Zone – Short ride from the hawker centre
- Penang Avatar Secret Garden – Magical night-time lights
Famous Food Stalls at Gurney Drive (2025)
| Stall Name | Specialty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ah Chui Laksa | Asam Laksa | Rich, tangy, and authentic |
| Song River Café | Satay, Roasted Meats | Traditional Chinese-style dishes |
| Lok Lok Corner | Lok Lok skewers | Variety of meat, seafood, and sauces |
| Fatty Boy Chicken Rice | Hainanese Chicken Rice | Simple and satisfying |
| Oyster Omelette King | Oh Chien | Crispy and generously loaded with oysters |
Local Favorites & Alternatives
While Gurney Drive is very popular, locals may suggest other hawker experiences too:
- New Lane Hawker Centre – Smaller, cheaper, and very local
- Chulia Street Night Market – Iconic backpacker area with street food carts
- Air Itam Market – Great for authentic laksa and economy rice
MyTrip User Review
⭐ Rating: 4.2/5
“Foodie heaven by the sea. Bit crowded and slightly more expensive than other places, but totally worth it for first-timers. Loved the Char Kway Teow and Cendol. Tip: Don’t skip the oyster omelette!”
Final Thoughts
Gurney Drive Hawker Centre is an essential stop for any food lover visiting Penang. Whether you’re craving the savory sizzle of Char Kway Teow or the refreshing sweetness of Ice Kacang, this hawker hub lets you taste Penang’s best under one starry sky.
Comments are closed.