Famous Food in Georgetown: A Foodie’s Paradise

Georgetown, the capital city of Penang, Malaysia, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. But, it is the wondrous food scene that has put Georgetown on the map. From street food to fine dining, this city boasts delicacies that will tantalize your taste buds. Here are some of the famous foods in Georgetown that you must try when you visit:

1. Char Kuey Teow 🍤

Char Kuey Teow is a dish made of flat rice noodles, stir-fried with egg, bean sprouts, and shrimp. This savoury dish is often served with sliced Chinese sausages, chives and chilli paste. You can find this dish all over Georgetown, but the best place to try this delicacy is at the famous Padang Brown hawker centre.

2. Assam Laksa 🐟

Assam laksa is a fish-based noodle soup that is sour and spicy. This dish consists of shredded fish, chilli paste, tamarind, lemongrass, and noodles. The broth is tangy and refreshing, and it is served with fresh herbs and vegetables on the side. You can find the best assam laksa at the Air Itam Market, a famous hawker centre in Georgetown.

3. Hokkien Mee 🍜

Hokkien Mee is a dish made of thick yellow noodles, stir-fried with prawns, pork, and vegetables. The flavourful broth is made with prawn heads, pork bones, and dried squid, giving it a unique umami taste. This dish is served with a side of sambal chilli paste and lime. The best place to try Hokkien Mee is at the famous Gurney Drive Hawker Centre, where it is cooked over charcoal fire.

4. Nasi Kandar 🍛

Nasi Kandar is a famous Malaysian dish that originated in Penang. It is a meal consisting of steamed rice, served with a variety of curries and side dishes. You can choose from a range of meats such as chicken, beef, or fish, and complement it with vegetables and sauces. The most famous Nasi Kandar restaurant in Georgetown is Line Clear, which has been serving this dish for over 70 years.

5. Cendol 🍧

Cendol is a popular dessert in Malaysia, made with shaved ice, palm sugar syrup, coconut milk, and green jelly noodles. This refreshing dessert is perfect for hot and humid weather, and you can find it at most hawker centres and food courts in Georgetown. The best place to try cendol is at the famous Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul.

6. Rojak 🥗

Rojak is a traditional fruit and vegetable salad that is coated in a sweet and savoury dressing made of shrimp paste, lime juice, and sugar. The salad consists of a variety of local fruits such as guava, pineapple, and mango, along with vegetables like cucumber and turnip. The best place to try Rojak is at the Gurney Drive Hawker Centre.

7. Apom Balik 🍪

Apom Balik is a famous Malaysian pancake that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The pancake is made of flour, sugar, coconut milk, and eggs, and is usually filled with sweet corn, peanuts, and sugar. You can find this delicious pancake at most hawker centres in Georgetown, but the best place to try it is at the famous Jalan Burmah Night Market.

8. Mee Goreng 🍝

Mee Goreng is a popular Malaysian dish made with yellow noodles, stir-fried with vegetables, prawns, and eggs. The dish is flavoured with a mixture of chilli paste, tomato sauce, and soy sauce, giving it a unique sweet and spicy taste. You can find the best Mee Goreng at the New Lane Hawker Centre.

9. Satay 🍢

Satay is a popular Malaysian dish made of skewered meat, grilled over charcoal fire. The meat is marinated in a mixture of herbs and spices, and is served with a side of peanut sauce and cucumber. You can find satay at most hawker centres in Georgetown, but the best place to try it is at the famous Padang Kota Lama Night Market.

10. Ice Kacang 🍧

Ice Kacang is a Malaysian dessert made of shaved ice, topped with a variety of sweet syrups, condensed milk, and local fruits. This dessert is perfect for hot and humid weather, and you can find it at most hawker centres and food courts in Georgetown. The best place to try ice kacang is at the famous Joo Hooi Cafe.

11. Curry Mee 🍲

Curry Mee is a spicy noodle soup that is made with a combination of coconut milk and chilli paste. The soup is flavoured with a variety of spices such as lemongrass, turmeric, and cinnamon. The dish is served with a variety of toppings such as chicken, prawns, and tofu puffs. The best place to try Curry Mee is at the famous Kedai Kopi Sin Hwa.

12. Roti Canai 🥐

Roti Canai is a popular Malaysian flatbread that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The bread is made of flour, ghee, and water, and is served with a side of curry or dhal. You can find this delicious bread at most hawker centres in Georgetown, but the best place to try it is at the famous Transfer Road Roti Canai.

13. Chicken Rice 🍗

Chicken Rice is a popular Malaysian dish made of steamed or roasted chicken, served on a bed of fragrant rice. The dish is served with a side of chilli sauce and ginger sauce, and is often accompanied by a bowl of soup. The best place to try chicken rice in Georgetown is at the famous Chulia Street Night Market.

FAQs

1. What is the famous food in Georgetown?

Georgetown is famous for its food scene, with a variety of delicacies that will tantalize your taste buds. Some of the famous foods in Georgetown include Char Kuey Teow, Assam Laksa, Hokkien Mee, Nasi Kandar, Cendol, Rojak, Apom Balik, Mee Goreng, Satay, Ice Kacang, Curry Mee, Roti Canai, and Chicken Rice.

2. What is the best time to visit Georgetown for food?

The best time to visit Georgetown for food is during the evening, as most of the hawker centres and food courts start operating from late afternoon till late at night.

3. Where can I find the best hawker centres in Georgetown?

Georgetown has various hawker centres, but some of the best ones include Gurney Drive Hawker Centre, Padang Brown Hawker Centre, Air Itam Market, New Lane Hawker Centre, and Padang Kota Lama Night Market.

4. What is the cost of food at hawker centres in Georgetown?

The cost of food at hawker centres in Georgetown is relatively cheap, with an average meal costing around RM5 to RM10.

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

Yes, it is safe to eat street food in Georgetown. The food vendors have to adhere to strict hygiene standards set by the local authorities.

6. What is the best way to explore the food scene in Georgetown?

The best way to explore the food scene in Georgetown is to take a food tour, where you can taste a variety of local delicacies, and learn about the history and culture of the city.

7. What is the famous dessert in Georgetown?

Cendol is a famous dessert in Georgetown, made with shaved ice, palm sugar syrup, coconut milk, and green jelly noodles.

8. What is the best place to try Char Kuey Teow in Georgetown?

The best place to try Char Kuey Teow in Georgetown is at the famous Padang Brown Hawker Centre.

9. Can I find vegetarian food in Georgetown?

Yes, you can find vegetarian food in Georgetown, with many hawker centres offering a variety of vegetarian options.

10. What is the best way to get around Georgetown?

The best way to get around Georgetown is by walking, as most of the attractions and hawker centres are located within walking distance. You can also rent a bicycle or take a trishaw ride.

11. What is the famous Malaysian dish in Georgetown?

Nasi Kand