Sample Phenomenal Street Food, at a Hawker Center in Penang, Malaysia

Discover the Flavors of Malaysia: A Guide to Penang’s Best Hawker Centers

Introduction

Penang, a small island state in northern Malaysia, is renowned for its street food scene. The island is home to numerous hawker centers, each offering an incredible array of local delicacies that will tantalize your taste buds. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through one of Penang’s most popular hawker centers, where you can sample the most phenomenal street food in Malaysia.

Where to Visit: Hawker Centers

Penang is home to several iconic hawker centers, but two stand out from the rest:

New Lane Hawker Center

  • Address: Jalan New Lane, 11600 Jelutong, Pulau Pinang
  • Open daily from 5pm to midnight

This bustling hawker center is a must-visit for any food enthusiast. With over 70 stalls selling everything from char kway teow and hokkien mee to rojak and ais kacang, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Gurney Drive Hawker Center

  • Address: Gurney Dr, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang
  • Open daily from 5pm to midnight

Located near the famous Gurney Drive seafront, this hawker center offers an incredible array of local specialties. Try the famous Penang laksa or sample some delicious rojak at one of the many stalls.

What to Eat

Here are some must-try dishes when visiting a Penang hawker center:

  • Char Kway Teow: Stir-fried noodles with prawns, pork, and vegetables
  • Hokkien Mee: Fried noodles served with prawns and pork
  • Rojak: A fruit salad with peanuts, onions, and chilies
  • Ais Kacang: Shaved ice dessert topped with red beans, corn, and condensed milk

Where to Stay

Penang has a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget. Here are some recommendations:

Luxury:

  • The Ritz-Carlton, Penang
  • Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa

Mid-range:

  • Hotel Equatorial Penang
  • Bayview Hotel Georgetown

Budget-friendly:

  • Tune Hotel Downtown Penang
  • 99 Cottages Boutique Gallery & Cafe

Activities

Penang offers a wealth of activities for tourists, including:

  • Explore the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site: A must-visit for any history enthusiast
  • Visit the Penang Hill: Enjoy breathtaking views of the island from the top
  • Take a stroll along the Gurney Drive seafront: Watch the sunset over the ocean while enjoying local street food

Tips and Tricks

Here are some insider tips to make your trip even more enjoyable:

  • Haggle politely: When buying souvenirs or trying out street food, be prepared to haggle politely
  • Learn a few Malay phrases: Show respect for the locals by learning basic phrases like “terima kasih” (thank you) and “sama-sama” (you’re welcome)
  • Stay hydrated: Penang’s weather can get hot and humid, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day

By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to experiencing the best of Penang’s street food scene. So come and indulge in the flavors of Malaysia – we can’t wait to welcome you!