Best Eats in Historic Georgetown
Welcome to a culinary journey through the UNESCO World Heritage core and buffer zone of George Town, Penang—a place where history, culture, and gastronomy converge. The list of Best Eats in Historic Georgetown. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, this vibrant district encapsulates centuries of multicultural heritage, reflected in its architecture, lifestyle, and, most importantly, its food. The UNESCO core zone is bounded by streets such as Beach Street, Chulia Street, and Armenian Street, while the buffer zone stretches further out to include places like Prangin Road and Jalan Transfer.
This historic enclave boasts a dynamic mix of influences, from the flavours of Chinese and Indian immigrants to the Malay and Peranakan communities that have called George Town home for generations. Within its narrow streets and colourful shophouses, you’ll find iconic dishes like Penang laksa, nasi kandar, and char kway teow being served in heritage buildings and timeless hawker stalls. Every meal here is steeped in history, with recipes passed down through generations and eateries that have stood the test of time. Whether you’re seeking a steaming bowl of Hokkien mee, a plate of crispy roti canai, or traditional Nyonya kuih, this list will guide you through the best eats in George Town’s UNESCO core and buffer zone. These are not just meals; they are experiences that pay homage to Penang’s legacy as a melting pot of cultures.
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PenTree Georgetown Lunch
Beef Noodles, Pork-Free
- RM20 - RM50 per pax
Chiefeater Lucia Lai tried the food at PenTree Georgetown after having seen an ad of their place
Kedai Kopi Xiao Shi Koay Teow Th’ng
Koay Teow Th'ng, Street Food, Non-Halal
- Under RM20 per pax
Chiefeater William Tan gave the Koay Teow Th'ng at Kedai Kopi Xiao Shi a try and he licked the bowl clean
Hwa Pin Coffee Shop Tomyam Noodles
Tomyam Noodles, Street Food, Non-Halal
- Under RM20 per pax
Chiefeater Hedges Liang rarely has tomyam even at Thai restaurants but decided to try the Tomyam Noodles at Hwa Pin Coffee Shop
Seng Thor Coffee Shop Wantan Mee
Wantan Mee, Street Food, Non-Halal
- Under RM20 per pax
Chiefeater Hedges Liang had the wantan mee with char siew at Seng Thor Coffee Shop which sells for only RM5.50
Chulia Street Hawker Food Lunch
Street Food, Non-Halal
- Under RM20 per pax
Chiefeater Jaimy Yee enjoyed a variety of street food for lunch at Chulia Street Hawker Food
Hazrul Cafe Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak, Street Food, Pork-Free
- Under RM20 per pax
Chiefeater Hedges Liang enjoys a pack of Nasi Lemak Bungkus and Kopi at Hazrul Cafe which operates on the street at Penang Street
Sri Weld Food Court Food and History
Noodles, History, Non-Halal
- Under RM20 per pax
Chiefeater Hedges Liang not only enjoyed his noodles at Sri Weld Food Court but also the the history that surrounded the area
Cafe Rio Fried Rice
Fried Rice, Street Food, Non-Halal
- Under RM20 per pax
Chiefeater Russ King Karl came to what used to be Cafe Rio on King Street for what he considers the best Fried Rice
Sood by Chef Ton New Opening
Thai, Pork-Free, Fine Dining
- RM100 - RM200 per pax
Celebrity Chef Ton opened his first restaurant in Malaysia, Sood by Chef Ton, at Penang's Farquhar Street in December 2024
New Season Kopitiam Ee Fu Mee
Ee Fu Mee, Street Food, Non-Halal
- Under RM20 per pax
Chiefeater Hedges Liang found the Ee Fu Mee at New Season Kopitiam on Lebuh China very suitable to his preference
Pennapra Private Dining is More Than Fine
Thai, Fine Dining, Pork-Free
- Above RM200 per pax
Chiefeater Peter Yeoh had a fine dining dinner at Pennapra Private Dining and enjoyed the modern Thai cuisine they served
Khaosan Tapas Bar Dinner
Thai, Fine Dining, Non-Halal
- RM100 - RM200 per pax
Chiefeater William Tan enjoyed the fine dining dinner set at the stylish Khaosan Tapas Bar on Jalan Campbell
