Penang is world-renowned for its hawker food culture, a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan influences that has shaped the island’s culinary identity. If you’re visiting or even living in Penang, no trip is complete without exploring its bustling hawker centres. These open-air food courts are the heartbeat of Penang’s food scene, where locals and travelers gather over bowls of noodles, plates of char kway teow, and cups of kopi.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best hawker centres in Penang, what dishes to look out for, and insider tips to make the most of your experience.
Why Penang Hawker Centres Are a Must-Visit
- One stop, many dishes: Try multiple local favourites without moving from place to place.
- Affordable eats: Most dishes cost between RM5–10, making it budget-friendly.
- Cultural melting pot: Chinese, Malay, Indian, Nyonya and international flavours all in one space.
- Atmosphere: The sound of sizzling woks, the smell of charcoal grilling, and the hum of diners create an unforgettable food experience.
Top Hawker Centres in Penang
Cecil Street Market (Lebuh Cecil)
Morning hawker centre meets wet market — an immersive Penang local experience.
Best time to visit: Breakfast and lunch (7 am – 2 pm)
Must-try: Koay Teow Th’ng, Wan Tan Mee.
Presgrave Street Hawker Stalls
One of George Town’s legendary night food spots. It’s been around for decades and still draws big crowds.
Best time to visit: Dinner till late (7 pm – midnight).
Must-try: Oyster Omelette, Hokkien Mee, Char Koay Kak.
Goodall Cafe (Pulau Tikus)
A favourite among locals and expats, especially for dinner. Spacious, with plenty of stalls and late-night vibes.
Best time to visit: Dinner till midnight.
Must-try: Laksa, Char Koay Kak, Oyster Omelette.
Sungai Pinang Food Court
Beloved by locals for supper — fewer tourists, more authentic vibes.
Best time to visit: Dinner till midnight.
Must-try: Grilled Seafood, Thai food
Reservoir Garden Hawker Stalls
More off the beaten path, this is where locals head for affordable, authentic hawker food.
Best time to visit: Dinner till night.
Must-try: Hokkien Mee, Laksa, Oyster Omelette, Char Koay Kak
New Lane Hawker Centre (Lorong Baru)
A George Town hotspot at night, with rows of stalls dishing out local staples.
Best time to visit: Dinner till night.
Northam Beach Cafe
Right by the sea, offering both local and international hawker fare. It’s a food court with a scenic view, perfect for families and groups.
Best time to visit: Dinner till midnight.
Eight Heng Food City (Paya Terubong)
A newer, organized food court that brings together hawkers in a cleaner, more comfortable setting.
Best time to visit: Dinner till midnight.
Must-try: Pipa Duck Rice, Rojak, Jawa Mee
Fisherman’s Wharf Food Court (Jelutong)
A modernized hawker centre by the water, combining traditional Penang hawker food with international options.
Best time to visit: Dinner till midnight.
Super Tanker Food Court (Bayan Baru)
A go-to for those living in southern Penang Island, popular with families.
Best time to visit: Dinner till night.
Tips for Visiting
- Prepare cash: Some stalls don’t accept e-wallets, and definitely do not accept cards
- Go with friends: Sharing lets you try more dishes in one visit.
Penang’s hawker centres are the soul of the island’s food culture. They’re not about one famous stall or viral dish — they’re about choice, variety, and community. Whether it’s a seaside setting like Northam Beach Cafe, a bustling classic like Presgrave Street, or a modern food court like Eight Heng Food City, each one brings together flavours that define Penang.
If you only have time for one food experience in Penang, make it a hawker centre — because that’s where you’ll taste it all.
