The Gurney Drive Hawker Centre in Penang is one of Malaysia’s most famous open-air food courts, situated along the scenic Gurney Drive seafront promenade in George Town. It’s an essential stop for anyone looking to sample the island’s legendary street food culture in one place.
Established since the early 1970s, this massive food hub features around 100 stalls, offering a vast array of authentic Penang delights, which has earned the area a spot on international ‘best streets’ lists. Must-try dishes include the smoky Char Kway Teow (stir-fried flat rice noodles), tangy Assam Laksa, savory Rojak (fruit salad with shrimp paste), and grilled Satay.
The atmosphere is lively, especially in the evenings, as locals and tourists crowd the area for dinner by the sea. While convenient, its popularity means prices can be slightly higher than in smaller neighborhood stalls. Visitors are advised to come prepared for crowds, find a table first, and then order from multiple stalls to truly experience the rich culinary diversity that makes Penang the “Food Paradise” of Malaysia.
