For every food lover, Penang’s bustling, wet, and vibrant night markets are a haven of authentic local flavours. Skip the fancy malls and dive into these street food paradises to avoid tourist traps!
Our guide below takes you through the markets by day of the week. Each market has its own charm, so visit them on different days to experience the best Penang has to offer.
Monday
Macallum Street Night Market
Start your week at the Macallum Street Night Market—a local favourite renowned for its Char Kway Kak and Caramel Rojak. While savouring these classic Malaysian dishes, explore the stalls lining both sides of the street, offering a variety of food, as well as affordable clothes and phone accessories.
Address: Lintang Macallum 1, Pengkalan Weld, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Hours: 6pm to 11pm
Wednesday
Farlim Night Market
On Wednesdays, head to the Farlim Night Market. Indulge in a variety of Malaysian desserts and Lok Lok (skewered street food). Don’t miss the homemade dim sum, Thai-style BBQ pork skewers, and Taiwanese egg cake. If you’re up for something different, try the crowd favourite, Frankie Pizza.
Address: 27-75, Medan Angsana, Bandar Baru Ayer Itam, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang
Hours: 6pm to 11pm
Saturday
Sungai Dua Night Market & Hin Market
Saturdays offer two distinct experiences. Start at the Sungai Dua Night Market, where you can enjoy a range of foods, including fried cockles char kway teow, kebabs, fried dim sum, and various Malaysian, Chinese, and Indian snacks.
Sungai Dua Market
Address: Jalan Sungai Dua, 11700 Gelugor, Penang
Hours: 6pm to 11pm
For a change of pace, visit Hin Market at George Town’s Hin Bus Depot. This quirky weekend market is perfect for those who love handmade crafts, unique jewellery, and local artwork. You can also join art workshops or unwind with a cup of coffee. Each weekend brings a different experience with themed markets like Grow Market, Kung Bros Collectors Market, Makers Market, Pasar Hin, plus occasional pre-loved clothes markets.
Hin Market
Address: 31a, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Penang
Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 5pm
Sunday
Pulau Tikus Wet Market
Start your Sunday at the Pulau Tikus Wet Market, where you can enjoy the local atmosphere, shop for fresh produce, and savour popular Penang street food like char koay kak and curry mee.
Later, return to Hin Market, which continues its mix of shopping, art, and culture until 5pm. Discover quirky crafts, handmade jewellery, clothes, and local artwork. The market also features exhibitions, performances, and food stalls offering local and international cuisine.
Try The Huo Laksa’s Nyonya fusion laksa, made by two retirees with a twist—substituting mackerel with fish fillets. Another must-try is Opah’s Nasi Lemak, a classic Malaysian dish prepared by a matronly old lady. For dessert, enjoy Happy Thoughts Studio’s soft, chunky cookies in various flavours.
Hin Market is popular with tourists and locals. It’s busier on weekends but quieter on weekdays, and an adjacent open area is perfect for relaxing with friends or family.
Address: 3, Jalan Pasar, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Hours: 6am to 12pm
All week: Hawker centres
For those who prefer a more permanent setup, Penang’s food courts and hawker centres are open most days and provide a delightful alternative.
Chulia Street Hawker Centre
Perfect for late-night eats like wantan mee, curry mee, and apom balik (Malaysian pancake).
Address: Chulia St, Georgetown, 10450 George Town, Penang
Hours: 6pm to 1am
Kimberley Street Food Night Market
Try the duck koay chap, loh bak, and kway teow th’ng with chicken feet.
Address: Lebuh Kimberley, 10100 George Town, Penang
Hours: 6pm to 11pm
Cecil Street Food Court
Great for daytime meals, offering dishes like duck kway teow th’ng and curry mee.
Address: 40-48, Lebuh Cecil, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Hours: 8am to 6pm
All week: Wet markets
Chowrasta Market
For the early risers, Penang’s wet markets are a daily ritual. Recently renovated and always bustling, Chowrasta Market has been a staple since the 80s, offering fruits, vegetables, spices, dried fruits, and the island’s famous nutmegs. Don’t miss the char koay kak and the popular Nyonya dessert, bee koh moi (black glutinous rice).
Address: Jalan Chowrasta, 10100 George Town, Penang
Hours: 6am to 1pm
Campbell Street Market
Campbell Street Market is a food lover’s paradise. Try the Cantonese fried noodles, lam mee, in a hearty broth, a selection of kuih, and traditional Malaysian sweets.
Address: Lebuh Campbell, 10100 George Town, Penang
Hours: 7am to 1pm
Ayer Itam Wet Market
Ayer Itam Wet Market offers a glimpse into the daily life of Penangites as they shop for kitchen essentials and enjoy meals from nearby stalls. No visit to Ayer Itam is complete without trying the famous Air Itam Assam Laksa. Venture a bit further, and you’ll discover the renowned Sister Curry Laksa and a stall serving delicious char siew (roast pork).
Address: Jalan Pasar, 11500 Ayer Itam, Penang
Hours: 6am to 12pm
Experience local life as people shop for groceries and enjoy nearby food stalls. Each market showcases Penang’s rich food culture—from sizzling street food to fresh morning produce, every bite reveals why Penangites love their food. Unlike air-conditioned malls, Penang’s night markets offer a more authentic experience with unmatched affordability, especially for street food, which many consider the best in Malaysia.
