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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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
Auntie Gaik Lean’s Chinese New Year Menu
Nyonya, Pork-Free
- RM100 - RM200 per pax
Chiefeater Peter Yeoh and several privileged friends were given a sneak preview of the CNY 2025 menu at Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery
Tan Jetty Prawn Fritters & Loh Bak is Good
Lor Bak, Street Food, Non-Halal
- Under RM20 per pax
Chiefeater AS Lim had not been to Tan Jetty Prawn Fritters & Loh Bak and still finds the loh bak here to be Penang's best
Thai Forest Tomyam Noodle
Thai, Pork-Free
- RM20 - RM50 per pax
Chiefeater Lucia Lai enjoyed the seafood tomyam noodle she ordered at the newly opened Thai Forest on Lebuh Gereja
Thara Penang Dinner
Thai, Non-Halal
- RM20 - RM50 per pax
Chiefeater Hedges Liang was third time lucky at Thara Penang when he finally managed to score a table there
