A foodies haven, Georgetown is where you can whizz around the world via food in between bouts of yummy hawker street food or famous Penang offerings. UNESCO-listed, Georgetown's streets are a chaotic hodgepodge of architectural styles and food from its multicultural local community. You will find an eclectic mix of cooking tainted by the nationalities that have trodden over this land—Malay, Chinese, Indian, Thai, and British. Georgetown is a world of edible treats, from its grungy hawker stall-laden streets to its fresh markets and upmarket restaurants.
Hawker Stalls
Half of the fun of being in Georgetown is to experience its food-cart culture. Curbside dining here is one that you won't forget—tamarind-infused Asam Laksa, the nutty-flavored Nasi Lemak that's a dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, Penang's iconic Char Koay Teow (stir-fried rice noodles with prawns, chives, eggs, and bean sprouts), and happily walk around the streets munching on Kueh Pie Tee, a crunchy shell of bamboo shoots, veggies and prawns for that one mouthful of perfection.
Halab Penang
381 Chulia St, Georgetown
A taste of the Middle East that will set your taste buds jingling, Halab Penang is a heavenly retreat from the steamy street where you can indulge in your hankering for authentic dishes. From Shawarma chicken to plates of grilled delights, flavorsome biryani, and succulent kofta, numerous other dishes are characterized by copious and fragrant spices, olive oil, and nuts, and finished with creamy elements. The gorgeous décor of the restaurant reflects the high quality of the fare and the service.
Il Bacaro Penang
Campbell House,106 Lebuh Campbell, Georgetown
A feast of Italian blissful moments, Il Bacaro, could be sitting in the back alley of a city in Venice. The décor will make you believe that a bustling canal is outside the windows instead of the searing pavements of Georgetown. The menu with a daily specials board will complete this illusion, as it's authentic Italian fare from locally sourced seafood and vegetables combined with Italian products and dished up with flair and gorgeous presentation. Enjoy each mouthful with gluttonous pleasure, from the light gnocchi pillows to the last sweet mouthful of tiramisu. It's the definition of 'good food needs no words'—Il cibo buono non ha bisogno di parole.
The Pinn Georgetown
58 Pengkalan Weld, Georgetown
Located opposite the Clan Jetties of Penang, the historic Chinese floating villages standing on the waterfront of Georgetown, The Pinn opened its doors in 2023 opposite the Lee Jetty. If you want to experience some of the best Malaysian-Chinese dishes in the whole of the town and pig out in air-conditioned comfort, The Pinn is a tiny restaurant with a shop-door entrance that fits the bill. Think about dumplings that keep you returning for more, homemade mackerel fish balls, and plenty of noodles to slurp up, such as the smoked duck scallion noodle dish. After ordering, your table will end up a maze of tempting dishes with as much chili on the side as you desire for an added punch.
The Red Garden Food Paradise
20 Leith Street, Georgetown
Behind a bright red wall that you simply can’t miss and virtually next door to the historical landmark of ‘Cheong Fatt Tze,' known as The Blue Mansion, The Red Garden is a foodies' paradise where the cost won't break the bank. A vibrant hawker's center that overflows with hungry hordes at night, you will find Penang's famous dishes showcased and some international fare to satisfy hungry hordes from about 30 different hawker stalls. Frequented by tourists and plenty of locals, the Red Garden even puts on entertainment to keep the drinks flowing—sorry, only beer and soft drinks are on the drink list here. The entertainment may not be to everyone's taste as it's an eclectic mix of Asian pop music, Chinese ballads, and Country and Western music that will tempt you to join in the hilarious line dancing. The hole-in-the-wall kitchens offer Malaysian, Indian, Chinese, Thai and even pizzas. It's a night of good food and frivolity.
The Olive Kitchen & Bar Penang
3J, Jln Penang, George Town
From mouthwatering Indian curries and traditional tandoori delights to crunchy pakora and spicey kofta—The Olive Kitchen & Bar will satisfy the lusty appetite of the most discerning food lover. Upon walking into this restaurant with a somewhat 'pub' atmosphere and a large television on the wall for footie games, your mouth will begin to water when waiters appear in a delectable aromatic haze. For those not into Indian food (rogan josh or paneer butter masala), there's a European selection, such as braised lamb shank and typical Penang dishes of excellent Char Koay Teow on the extensive menu.
Bali Hai Seafood Market
Persiaran Gurney, George Town
'If it swims, we have it' is the seafood restaurant branding, an extravaganza of swimming critters waiting to be cooked just how you like it. The concept is unique—a complete wall of bubbling water tanks overflowing with live ocean delights greets you as you walk into this casual eatery that buzzes with guests stuffing their faces. From crabs to lobster, fish of all types, to big and small prawns, I have never seen such a display of swimming, crawling, and scuttling seafood ready to be thrown into a pot. Chefs assemble creations in any way you wish to eat your chosen critter; traditional Nyonya, Teochew, or Thai style. The dish not to miss out on is the stir-fried crab with salted egg yolks—you feel like you have gone to foodie heaven.
Gail Palethorpe, a self proclaimed Australian gypsy, is a freelance writer, photographer and eternal traveller. Check out her website Gail Palethorpe Photography and her Shutterstock profile.
