Best Cheap Food in Georgetown: A Guide to Delicious Meals on a Budget

Introduction

Georgetown is a hub of cultural and culinary diversity, with something for everyone. However, eating out in Georgetown can be expensive, and budget-friendly options can be hard to find. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through Georgetown’s best cheap eats, from street food to hidden gems.

Why Cheap Eats?

With rising food prices and a sluggish economy, finding affordable eats that are still delicious is becoming increasingly important. But cheap doesn’t have to mean bland or boring. In fact, some of the best meals in Georgetown can be found for under $10. So why not stretch your dollars a bit further and discover some new flavours?

What to Expect

In this guide, we’ve scoured the streets of Georgetown for the best cheap eats. From traditional hawker fare to fusion cuisine, we’ve got you covered. We’ve included a variety of cuisines, so whether you’re in the mood for Chinese, Malay, Indian or Western, there’s something for everyone. We’ll also provide tips on where to find the best deals and what to look out for when choosing a cheap eatery.

Our Criteria

Our criteria for selecting the best cheap eats in Georgetown were simple. First and foremost, the food had to be delicious. We also took into consideration affordability, ambience, and variety. We’ve tried and tested every eatery on this list, so you can be sure you’re in for a treat.

Best Cheap Food In Georgetown: A Comprehensive Guide

So, without further ado, let’s dive into Georgetown’s best cheap eats.

1. Nasi Kandar Line Clear 🍛

First on our list is Nasi Kandar Line Clear – a Georgetown institution and one of the most famous nasi kandar joints in Malaysia. Nasi kandar is a traditional Malaysian dish consisting of steamed rice served with a variety of curries and side dishes. At Line Clear, you can choose from a wide variety of curries, including chicken, fish, beef, and more. Be sure to try the signature sambal sauce, which packs a spicy punch. The best part? A plate of nasi kandar starts at just RM6.

Location:

177, Jalan Penang, Georgetown, 10000 George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Opening Hours:

24 hours daily

2. Kafe Roti Bakar Hutton Lane 🥪

If you’re in the mood for a quick snack, head over to Kafe Roti Bakar on Hutton Lane. This no-frills eatery serves up some of the best toasted sandwiches in Georgetown, made with thick slices of buttered bread and a variety of fillings, including cheese, ham, and tuna. The prices are unbeatable, with sandwiches starting at just RM2.50. Wash it all down with a refreshing glass of iced lemon tea.

Location:

28, Jalan Hutton, 10050 George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Opening Hours:

10:30am-8:00pm daily

3. Kedai Kopi Sin Hwa 🍜

Nestled in the heart of Georgetown, Kedai Kopi Sin Hwa is a must-visit for noodle lovers. This humble eatery serves up some of the best bowls of pork noodles in Penang, with generous portions of tender pork, chewy noodles, and flavourful broth. Prices start at just RM6, making it one of the most affordable meals in Georgetown.

Location:

329, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Opening Hours:

7:00am-3:00pm daily

4. Jalan Penang Char Koay Teow 🍲

No trip to Penang is complete without trying a plate of the famous char koay teow. This beloved dish consists of stir-fried rice noodles, shrimp, bean sprouts, and egg, topped with a savoury sauce. Jalan Penang Char Koay Teow is one of the best places in Georgetown to try this iconic dish, with prices starting at just RM5.

Location:

67, Jalan Penang, Georgetown, 10000 George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Opening Hours:

12:00pm-8:00pm daily

5. Ah Leng Char Koay Teow 🍤

Another great spot for char koay teow is Ah Leng Char Koay Teow, located in the heart of Georgetown. This stall has been serving up delicious char koay teow for over 30 years and is a favourite among locals and tourists alike. Prices start at just RM6, and the portions are generous.

Location:

325, Jalan Dato Keramat, George Town, 10150 George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Opening Hours:

3:00pm-7:00pm daily

6. Chowrasta Market 🍉

Chowrasta Market is a bustling hub of activity in Georgetown, with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to souvenirs. But the real draw for foodies is the food court, located on the upper floor. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of hawker stalls serving up all kinds of Malaysian and Chinese delicacies, from laksa to chicken rice. Prices are affordable, with most dishes starting at just RM5.

Location:

Jalan Penang, Georgetown, 10000 George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Opening Hours:

6:00am-6:00pm daily

7. New Lane Hawker Centre 🍢

New Lane Hawker Centre is another popular spot for foodies in Georgetown. This open-air food court features dozens of stalls selling everything from satay to oyster omelettes. Be sure to try the grilled seafood, which is cooked to perfection over an open flame. Prices are reasonable, with most dishes starting at around RM8.

Location:

Lorong Baru, George Town, 10450 George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Opening Hours:

5:00pm-12:00am daily

8. Kapitan Keling Mosque Biryani 🍛

If you’re a fan of biryani, then you won’t want to miss Kapitan Keling Mosque Biryani. This hidden gem is located near the historic Kapitan Keling Mosque and serves up some of the best biryani in Georgetown. The portions are generous, and the prices are affordable, with a plate of biryani starting at just RM6.

Location:

Lebuh Buckingham, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Opening Hours:

11:00am-9:00pm daily

9. Joo Hooi Cafe 🍨

No meal is complete without dessert, and Joo Hooi Cafe is the perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth. This iconic dessert shop has been serving up delicious cendol and ice kacang for over 70 years. Be sure to try the signature cendol, which features shaved ice, pandan jelly, and sweet red beans in a rich coconut milk sauce. Prices start at just RM2.50.

Location:

475, Jalan Penang, Georgetown, 10000 George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Opening Hours:

11:00am-6:00pm daily

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are these cheap eats halal?

Most of the cheap eats in Georgetown are halal, but it’s always a good idea to check with the eatery before you order.

2. How do I find these cheap eats?

Many of these cheap eats are located in hawker centres or food courts. Ask locals for recommendations, or use a food guide to plan your culinary adventure.

3. Is it safe to eat street food in Georgetown?

Yes, it is generally safe to eat street food in Georgetown. However, be sure to choose clean and hygienic establishments, and use your best judgement when it comes to food safety.

4. How much should I budget for meals in Georgetown?

It’s possible to eat well in Georgetown for under RM20