Top 5 Places to Eat in George Town (Penang)

Written by Sandra Frank, Minh Nguyen
16/08/2025
A breathtaking aerial view of Georgetown, Penang highlighting the urban landscape and coastline.
Wilfried Strang, Pexels

George Town's culinary landscape is a vibrant tapestry, celebrated for its diverse street food and an evolving array of quality restaurants that reflect its rich multicultural heritage.

1. Siam Road Char Koay Teow

Cuisine: Local Hawker (Char Koay Teow)

Experience the iconic stir-fried flat rice noodles, cooked in a searing hot wok over charcoal, imparting a distinctive smoky 'wok hei' aroma. This Michelin Guide-recognized stall offers a savory plate with prawns, cockles, egg, bean sprouts, and chives, reflecting an authentic taste that draws continuous queues. It is recommended to arrive early as they often sell out.

Price: MYR 8-11 (approx. USD 1.70-2.35) per plate

Getting There: Located on Siam Road, it is within walking distance from many central George Town attractions. Be prepared for a queue, which is part of the experience.

2. Ali Nasi Lemak Daun Pisang

Cuisine: Local Hawker (Nasi Lemak)

Discover one of Penang's most beloved Nasi Lemak stalls, known for its fragrant coconut rice served in banana leaf packets. Choose from various toppings like fried chicken, fish, or the popular 'bilis telur' (anchovies and egg). The sambal chili paste is a highlight, offering a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. This spot is consistently busy, indicating its local popularity.

Price: MYR 1.80 onwards (approx. USD 0.40) per packet, depending on toppings

Getting There: Found within the Sri Weld Food Court on Beach Street, it is easily accessible by foot in the central heritage area.

3. Chulia Street Night Hawker Stalls

Cuisine: Diverse Local Hawker Cuisine

As evening descends, Chulia Street transforms into a bustling food paradise, offering a wide array of Penang's famous street food. You can find everything from Wanton Mee and Hokkien Mee to Char Koay Teow and Curry Mee. The vibrant atmosphere and numerous stalls provide an authentic street food experience, ideal for sampling multiple dishes.

Price: MYR 5-15 (approx. USD 1.00-3.20) per dish, generally very affordable

Getting There: Situated along Chulia Street, it is a prime central location in George Town's heritage zone, easily walkable from most accommodations. It comes alive in the late afternoon and evening.

4. Tek Sen Restaurant

Cuisine: Authentic Chinese

This restaurant is a George Town institution, highly regarded for its delicious and authentic Chinese 'sze char' (stir-fried dishes). Signature dishes include the caramelized pork belly and the deep-fried belachan chicken. The flavors are robust and consistent, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors. Expect a wait, especially during peak hours, as the food quality is excellent.

Price: MYR 20-50+ (approx. USD 4.25-10.65+) per dish, offering good value for a restaurant setting

Getting There: Located on Lebuh Carnarvon, it is easily reachable on foot from the heart of George Town's heritage district.

5. Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery

Cuisine: Peranakan (Nyonya) Cuisine

Recognized with a Michelin Star, this eatery offers exquisite authentic Nyonya dishes, blending Chinese ingredients with Malay cooking techniques. Must-try items include Nasi Ulam, Chicken Curry Kapitan, and Kueh Pie Tee. The atmosphere is cozy, providing a refined setting to experience Penang's rich Peranakan culinary heritage. Booking in advance is highly recommended due to its popularity.

Price: MYR 50-100+ (approx. USD 10.65-21.30+) per person for a full meal, on the higher end for Penang dining

Getting There: Situated on Bishop Street, it is centrally located within the heritage area and easily accessible on foot.

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