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Top 5 Must-Visit Hawker Centres in Penang
Hop In The Car · 10 Sep 2025
When it comes to food, Penang is known as the street food capital of Malaysia. From sizzling char koay teow to aromatic asam laksa, the island is home to countless hawker stalls that capture the true spirit of Penang. If you’re planning your food adventure, here are the top 5 must-visit hawker centres in Penang that deserve a spot on your itinerary.
01. Gurney Drive Hawker Centre
Located along the famous Gurney Drive seafront, this hawker centre is one of the most iconic in Penang. You’ll find all the classics here — Penang laksa, rojak, grilled seafood, satay, and fried oysters. With the sea breeze and bustling atmosphere, it’s a perfect dinner spot to taste multiple Penang specialties in one place.
📍 Location: 72, Solok Gurney 1, Pulau Tikus, 10250 Jelutong, Penang
⏰ Hours: Monday – Sunday, 3PM – 12AM
02. Chulia Street Night Hawker Stalls
For night owls, Chulia Street is where the magic happens. As the sun sets, the street transforms into a lively night market filled with hawker carts serving wanton mee, curry mee, char kuey teow, and hokkien mee. The street itself is a historic part of George Town, making it a great stop for both culture and food lovers.
📍 Location: Chulia Street, George Town, Penang
⏰ Hours: Monday – Sunday, 3PM – 12AM
03. The Fisherman Wharf Food Court
A more modern setup by the waterfront, The Fisherman Wharf is a blend of hawker-style food and trendy dining. It’s family-friendly with plenty of seating and a mix of local favourites like satay, noodles, and seafood dishes. With its seaside vibes, it’s a great alternative to the busier hawker centres.
📍 Location: 92A, 1, Lebuh Sungai Pinang, 11600 Jelutong, Penang
⏰ Hours: Monday – Sunday, 830AM – 12AM
04. Sungai Pinang Food Court
This is a local favourite hawker centre, less touristy but packed with authentic flavours. The char koay teow, Hokkien mee, and loh bak here are highly recommended. If you want a more laid-back, local dining experience without the huge crowds, Sungai Pinang Food Court is the place to be.
📍 Location: Lebuh Sungai Pinang Jelutong, 11600 George Town, Penang
⏰ Hours: Monday – Sunday, 4PM – 1AM
05. New Lane Hawker Centre (Lorong Baru)
A must-visit for foodies, New Lane (Lorong Baru) is one of the most famous hawker spots in Penang. The lively street is lined with vendors selling chee cheong fun, grilled chicken wings, oyster omelette, and curry mee. The atmosphere is energetic, and the variety is unbeatable — it’s a true Penang street food experience.
📍 Location: Lorong Baru, 10450 George Town, Penang
⏰ Hours: Monday – Sunday, 4PM – 11PM, Closed on Wednesday
Explore All the Must-Eats — Without the Parking Hassle
Penang hawker centres are more than just dining spots — they’re where culture, history, and community come together. Each stall often has decades of history, with recipes passed down through generations. Eating here means you’re tasting Penang’s heritage on a plate.
Looking for a hassle-free way to explore all these food spots in one trip? Book our private transfer in Penang in Penang and let us handle the driving while you enjoy the food.
Book Your Food Tour with Us Today!
Ready to plan your food trip? Contact us today and start your Penang hawker journey!
