Joanna James
A visit to Penang should always include a visit to any one of its popular Hawker centres. A hawker is a collection of street food vendors with common seating tables serving some of the best local food one could dream of! For those looking to explore the sights and tastes of Penang street food, here are 5 must-try Hawker centres in the area.
New World Park Hawker Centre is a lively hub in Penang, known for its vast selection of street food. This airy and spacious food court offers visitors the chance to sample local favourites like Char Koay Teow, Laksa, and Otak Otak at affordable prices. The centre also includes a variety of cuisines including Indian and Chinese with stalls featuring everything from noodles and rice dishes to ice kachang (shaved ice dessert) and Indian rojak, it's a delightful spot to experience Penang's diverse culinary scene. The New World Park Hawker Centre is located in Georgetown and just a few minutes from The George Penang by The Crest Collection, one of the best Penang Road hotels in Georgetown. It’s perfect for a quick stop to enjoy the simple pleasures of local street food!
This bustling Hawker Centre is a street food haven for night owls. It opens daily at 4 p.m., transforming the street into a vibrant open-air food market filled with sights, smells and sounds of local street food. Some of the centre’s best sellers include Char Koay Teow, Chee Cheong Fun, Congee and other Chinese comfort food like chicken rice, noodle soups and seafood. With colourful tables and chairs at the roadside, the New Lane Hawker Centre offers a vibrant experience of the local street food culture in Penang.
Penang's Gurney Drive Hawker Centre transforms the evening scene at Gurney drive into a vibrant feast for the senses. Open from 6.00 p.m. onwards, this hawker centre is a paradise for adventurous street food lovers. The Centre boasts a dazzling array of Penang's signature dishes, including the ever-popular Char Kway Teow, Char Koay Kak, Asam Laksa, and Rojak. Visitors will also find a delightful mix of cuisines with several other stalls serving satay skewers, fried oysters, and clay pot chicken rice. With its lively atmosphere, friendly vendors, and endless culinary options, Gurney Drive Hawker Centre is a must-visit for anyone seeking Penang's vibrant food scene at night.
Just Food at Gurney Paragon does not offer a typical hawker centre experience. Located within the luxurious Gurney Paragon Mall, it provides a curated selection of Penang street food in a modern and upscale setting with spotless food stalls, comfortable seating, and air-conditioning. But despite its polished environment, Just Food stays true to its street food roots. Visitors can find the usual Penang favourites like Char Kway Teow and Asam Laksa, along with other signature dishes like Pan Mee and Maggi Tom Yum. Just Food stands out from other Hawker centres with an emphasis on delivering local street food favourites with a touch of finesses in a comfortable and upscale environment.
Presgrave Street Hawker Centre is a local favourite open-air haven in George Town that offers a down-to-earth and delicious experience for street food lovers. Hidden along Lebuh Pesgrave, a back alley in George Town, this Hawker Centre truly emulates the traditional and humble nature of Penang street food culture. It boasts a fantastic range of Penang classics including Char Kway and Hokkien Mee, a special favourite at Pregrave Street Hawker Centre. Often heavily populated, this Hawker Centre is perfect for visitors looking to interact with the local crowds, and stall owners and be part of the friendly atmosphere at Pregrave Street.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
