Plan a food trip through Penang
Penang is made for eating your way around. In George Town, the heritage lanes lead to char koay teow on Lorong Selamat, asam laksa off Penang Road, Hokkien mee and Nyonya cooking, then on to the hawker stalls of New Lane and Chulia Street after dark. Go up to Air Itam for curry mee, Kek Lok Si and Penang Hill. Balik Pulau has laksa and mee udang, Batu Ferringhi has an evening on the beach, and Butterworth is a short ferry ride across the water.
Places below come from our own research using public map data. Opening hours and details change, so please check before you go.
George Town
888 Hokkien Mee
George Town (Lebuh Presgrave) · Hokkien mee (prawn noodles) · $
Hokkien mee stall on Lebuh Presgrave, named for Penang's prawn-broth noodles. OSM lists afternoon to evening hours and closed on Thursday.
Checked by Foodpace on 2026-10-18. Details can still change.
Chulia Street Night Hawker Stalls
George Town (Lebuh Chulia) · Hawker street food · $
Night hawker stalls at the Chulia Street and Lebuh Carnarvon end of the old town. OSM lists Tuesday to Sunday from 18:00 to midnight; a classic after-dark snack crawl.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Hameediyah Restaurant
George Town (Lebuh Campbell) · Indian-muslim (nasi kandar style) · $
Indian-Muslim restaurant on Lebuh Campbell. Rice with a spread of curries is the order here; OSM lists daily hours until 22:00.
Checked by Foodpace on 2026-10-18. Details can still change.
Kafe Joo Hooi
George Town (Lebuh Keng Kwee) · Kopitiam · $
Kafe Joo Hooi, a coffee shop on Lebuh Keng Kwee beside the cendol and laksa stops. A handy lunch base in the old town.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Night Food Court Red Garden
George Town (Lebuh Leith) · Hawker food court · $
Red Garden night food court on Lebuh Leith, a short stroll from the heritage core. Lots of stalls in one place, which makes it an easy pick for a group dinner.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Penang Road Famous Laksa
George Town (Lebuh Keng Kwee) · Asam laksa · $
Asam laksa shop on Lebuh Keng Kwee, named for the tangy fish-broth noodles Penang is known for. OSM lists Thursday to Tuesday daytime hours. OSM carries a diet:halal=yes tag for this place; not verified here, check on site.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul - Ais Kacang
George Town (Lebuh Keng Kwee) · Cendol and ais kacang · $
Cendol and ais kacang stall on Lebuh Keng Kwee, just off Penang Road. A cold, sweet pause between heritage walks.
Checked by Foodpace on 2026-10-18. Details can still change.
Pulau Tikus Wantan Mee House
Pulau Tikus (Jalan Burma) · Wantan mee · $
Wantan mee shop on Jalan Burma in Pulau Tikus. An early-morning noodle stop; OSM lists 06:00 to 16:00 and closed on Thursday.
Checked by Foodpace on 2026-10-18. Details can still change.
Pusat Penjaja Anjung Gurney
Gurney Drive (Persiaran Gurney) · Hawker centre · $
Anjung Gurney hawker centre on the Gurney Drive seafront. A breezy evening stop with plenty of stalls to share around the table.
Checked by Foodpace on 2026-10-18. Details can still change.
Red Hat Aunty Char Koay Teow Lorong Selamat
George Town (Lorong Selamat) · Char koay teow · $
Char koay teow stall on Lorong Selamat for a plate of Penang's wok-fried flat noodles. OSM lists midday to early evening, closed on Tuesday.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Tapak Penjaja Sementara Lorong Baru
George Town (Lorong Baru / New Lane) · Hawker street food · $
The New Lane hawker strip on Lorong Baru, mapped in OSM as a temporary hawker site. Stalls fire up from late afternoon, so come hungry and graze your way down the lane. OSM lists Thursday to Tuesday evenings.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Tek Sen Restaurant
George Town (Lebuh Carnarvon) · Chinese · $$
Chinese restaurant on Lebuh Carnarvon with separate lunch and dinner sessions per OSM. Order a few dishes and share them family-style.
Checked by Foodpace on 2026-10-18. Details can still change.
Tho Yuen Dim Sum
George Town (Lebuh Campbell) · Dim sum · $
Dim sum house on Lebuh Campbell for an early start. OSM lists 06:00 to 15:00 and closed on Tuesday.
Checked by Foodpace on 2026-10-18. Details can still change.
Toh Soon Cafe
George Town (Lebuh Campbell) · Kopitiam · $
Toh Soon Cafe, a small coffee stall on Lebuh Campbell. Good for kopi and a light breakfast; OSM lists Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday.
Checked by Foodpace on 2026-10-18. Details can still change.
Wan Dao Tou Assam Laksa
Gurney Drive (Jalan Gottlieb) · Asam laksa · $
Assam laksa shop on Jalan Gottlieb near Gurney Drive. OSM lists Tuesday to Sunday daytime hours; a sour, spicy bowl to pair with a Gurney stroll.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Ivy’s Nyonya Cuisine
George Town (Jalan Kedah) · Nyonya (peranakan) · $$
Nyonya restaurant on Jalan Kedah, tagged Peranakan in OSM. A sit-down meal of Straits Chinese dishes, with lunch and dinner sessions and closed on Monday. OSM carries a diet:halal=yes tag for this place; not verified here, check on site.
Checked by Foodpace on 2026-10-18. Details can still change.
Woodlands Vegetarian Indian Restaurant
George Town (Little India, Lebuh Penang) · Indian vegetarian · $
Vegetarian Indian restaurant on Lebuh Penang in Little India, open all day per OSM. A gentle, meat-free meal in the middle of the heritage zone.
Checked by Foodpace on 2026-10-18. Details can still change.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
George Town (Lebuh Leith) · Culture & heritage · $$
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, the indigo-blue courtyard mansion on Lebuh Leith. OSM notes guided tours at set times; book or check the schedule first.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Chew Jetty
George Town (Chew Jetty) · Culture & heritage · $
Chew Jetty, the largest of the clan jetties: wooden houses on stilts over the water. Residents live here, so walk quietly.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Photo: Gryffindor, CC BY 2.5 (resized)Kota Cornwallis
George Town (Padang Kota Lama) · Culture & heritage · $
Fort Cornwallis (Kota Cornwallis), the old star fort on the George Town waterfront. OSM lists daily hours, shorter on Tuesday.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi
George Town (Medan Cannon) · Culture & heritage · $
Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, an ornate clan house and temple hidden off Cannon Square. One of the richest heritage interiors in the old town; entry is ticketed.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Photo: Mohammed Al-Naser, CC BY 2.0 (resized)Masjid Kapitan Keling
George Town (Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling) · Culture & heritage · $
Masjid Kapitan Keling, the grand old mosque on the Street of Harmony. Visitors should check prayer times and dress rules before entering.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Penang Botanic Gardens
Penang Botanic Gardens (Jalan Kebun Bunga) · Sights & nature · $
Penang Botanic Gardens, a wide green valley for an easy walk among old trees. OSM lists 05:00 to 20:00 daily.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Pinang Peranakan Mansion
George Town (Lebuh Gereja) · Culture & heritage · $$
Pinang Peranakan Mansion on Lebuh Gereja, a richly decorated house museum of Straits Chinese life. OSM lists 09:30 to 17:00 daily.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Asiatika Blind Reflexology and Massage
George Town (Jalan Penang) · Relax · $
Reflexology and massage centre on Jalan Penang, mapped as a massage shop in OSM with daily hours to 23:00. A restful break for tired feet.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Olundus Reflexology
Jelutong (Lebuh Tunku Kudin 1) · Relax · $
Reflexology centre in Jelutong, south of the old town, mapped as a massage shop in OSM and open 11:00 to 23:00. Call ahead for a slot.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Batu Ferringhi & Teluk Bahang
Apom Balik Station
Batu Ferringhi (Jalan Batu Ferringhi) · Apom balik (peanut pancake) · $
Apom balik stall on the Batu Ferringhi strip for the folded, crispy peanut pancake. OSM lists afternoon to late evening, closed on Wednesday.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Kafe Long Beach
Batu Ferringhi (Jalan Batu Ferringhi) · Hawker food court · $
Kafe Long Beach, a food court on the Batu Ferringhi main road near the beach hotels. An easy evening hawker stop after a day by the sea.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Khew Min Yew Koay Teow Soup
Tanjung Bungah (Lebuh Sungai Kelian) · Koay teow soup · $
Koay teow soup shop in Tanjung Bungah on the way to Batu Ferringhi. A clear, comforting breakfast bowl; OSM lists 06:00 to 13:00 daily.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Mr Boat Steamboat & Grill
Tanjung Bungah (Jalan Tanjung Bungah) · Steamboat and grill · $$
Steamboat and grill restaurant in Tanjung Bungah, tagged seafood in OSM and open evenings only. Cook-it-yourself at the table, which suits groups. OSM carries a diet:halal=yes tag for this place; not verified here, check on site.
Checked by Foodpace on 2026-10-18. Details can still change.
Pantai Batu Feringgi
Batu Ferringhi (beach) · Sights & nature · $
Batu Ferringhi beach, the long stretch of sand along the island's north coast. Best in the late afternoon for a sunset walk.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Photo: Syed Abdul Khaliq, CC BY 2.0 (resized)Taman Negara Pulau Pinang
Teluk Bahang (Penang National Park) · Sights & nature · $
Penang National Park (Taman Negara Pulau Pinang) at the island's north-west tip: forest trails and quiet coves. Register at the entrance and start early.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Batu Feringghi night market
Batu Ferringhi (Jalan Batu Ferringhi) · Culture & heritage · $
The Batu Ferringhi night market along the main road, mapped in OSM as an attraction. Stalls appear in the evening; days are not recorded, so check locally.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Tropical Spice Garden
Teluk Bahang (Jalan Teluk Bahang) · Sights & nature · $$
Tropical Spice Garden on the coast road at Teluk Bahang, a hillside garden of herbs and spice plants. Check opening times before you go.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
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Air Itam & Penang Hill
Air Itam Duck Rice
Air Itam (Jalan Pasar) · Duck rice · $
Duck rice shop on Jalan Pasar by the Air Itam market. OSM lists late-afternoon to evening hours, Tuesday to Sunday.
Checked by Foodpace on 2026-10-18. Details can still change.
Sister's Curry Mee
Air Itam (Jalan Paya Terubong) · Curry mee · $
Curry mee stall on Jalan Paya Terubong in the Air Itam area, a morning bowl before Kek Lok Si or Penang Hill. OSM lists 07:30 to 13:00 and closed on Tuesday.
Checked by Foodpace on 2026-10-18. Details can still change.
Photo: Hzh, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)Bukit Bendera
Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera) · Sights & nature · $$
Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera), the cool green summit above George Town, reached by the funicular from Air Itam. Go for the views over the city and strait; check railway times before you go.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Photo: Photo Dharma, CC BY 2.0 (resized)Kek Lok Si Temple
Air Itam (Bukit Paya Terubong) · Culture & heritage · $
Kek Lok Si, the great hillside temple complex above Air Itam, with pagodas and sweeping views. OSM lists 08:30 to 18:30 daily; dress modestly.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
The Habitat Penang Hill
Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera) · Sights & nature · $$
The Habitat, a rainforest nature trail and treetop walk on Penang Hill. OSM lists 09:00 to 21:00; entry is ticketed.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
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Seberang Perai
HONG KEE KOPITIAM @ BM
Bukit Mertajam (Jalan Kulim) · Kopitiam · $
Coffee shop on Jalan Kulim in Bukit Mertajam, open 07:00 to 15:00 per OSM. A morning stop on the mainland side.
Checked by Foodpace on 2026-10-18. Details can still change.
Restaurant Hoe Yu
Butterworth (Jalan Raja Uda) · Chicken rice · $
Chicken rice restaurant on Jalan Raja Uda in Butterworth, tagged for chicken rice in OSM. A quick, filling mainland lunch.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Sin Bee Chew Restoran (Makanan Hailam)
Butterworth (Bagan Luar) · Hainanese · $
Hainanese restaurant in Bagan Luar, Butterworth, with lunch and dinner sessions per OSM (closed on Sunday). Worth the ferry hop to the mainland.
Checked by Foodpace on 2026-10-18. Details can still change.
Madam Priya's House of Curries
Perai (Jalan Chain Ferry) · Indian curries · $
House of curries on Jalan Chain Ferry in Perai, tagged Indian in OSM and open daily until late evening.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Penang Bird Park
Seberang Jaya (Jalan Todak) · Sights & nature · $$
Penang Bird Park in Seberang Jaya on the mainland, a family stop with aviaries and garden paths. OSM lists 09:00 to 18:00.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Balik Pulau
Nan Guang Laksa
Balik Pulau (town centre) · Laksa · $
Laksa shop in Balik Pulau town, on the quieter west side of the island. Pair it with a drive through the countryside.
Checked by Foodpace on 2026-10-18. Details can still change.
Balik Pulau Malay Laksa
Balik Pulau (Jalan Kuala Jalan Bharu) · Malay laksa · $
Small laksa stall on the road to Kuala Jalan Bharu, named for Balik Pulau's Malay-style laksa. A simple, local bowl.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Kak Ani Mee Udang
Balik Pulau (Jalan Bharu) · Mee udang (prawn noodles) · $
Mee udang shop on Jalan Bharu in Balik Pulau, named for prawn noodles. A hearty stop on the coastal side.
From public sources and not yet checked by us, so details may have changed.
Pak Wan Kari Sembilang Kuala Jalan Bharu
Balik Pulau (Kuala Jalan Bharu) · Kari sembilang (catfish curry) · $
Kari sembilang (eel-tail catfish curry) eatery at Kuala Jalan Bharu, named for its signature dish. A taste of the island's kampung cooking.
Checked by Foodpace on 2026-10-18. Details can still change.
Bayan Lepas
Lam Huat Roasted Chicken Rice
Batu Maung (Lintang Batu Maung) · Chicken rice · $
Roast chicken rice shop in Batu Maung, near the airport side of the island. OSM lists 07:00 to 15:00 daily.
Checked by Foodpace on 2026-10-18. Details can still change.
Maxim Dim Sum Pekaka
Sungai Dua (Lebuh Pekaka 1) · Dim sum · $
Dim sum restaurant at Pekaka in Sungai Dua with a morning and an evening session per OSM. Good for a relaxed group breakfast.
Checked by Foodpace on 2026-10-18. Details can still change.
Where to base yourself
Areas, not hotels. Price bands are a rough guide only.
- George Town heritage core · $$
Walkable old town with hawker lanes, clan houses and cafes on your doorstep; the base for a first Penang trip. - Gurney Drive / Pulau Tikus area · $$$
Seafront side of the city near the Gurney hawker centre and Pulau Tikus breakfast shops; a few minutes by car to the old town. - Batu Ferringhi beach area · $$$
Beach strip on the north coast with the night market and food court nearby; handy for the National Park and Teluk Bahang. - Air Itam / Penang Hill area · $
Local town at the foot of Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si; an early start for the hill is easy from here. - Balik Pulau area · $
Rural west side with laksa shops and coastal kampung food; quiet stays and a car are best. - Bayan Lepas / airport area · $$
Close to the airport for early or late flights, with Batu Maung and Sungai Dua food nearby. - Butterworth / Seberang Jaya area · $
Mainland base near the ferry, Penang Sentral and the bird park; good value for travellers arriving by train or road.
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