TIME OF VISIT: JUNE 2023 / FEBRUARY 2024
DURATION OF VISIT: ONE WEEK/ 3 DAYS
BUDGET SPENT: 550£ IN ONE WEEK ALL INCLUDED / £200 IN 3 DAYS ALL INCLUDED
If you are a foodie and eating on a budget is your thing, Penang is definitely the place to visit in Southeast Asia. Keep reading for our Penang food guide and itinerary.
Why we love Penang
We ended up in Penang almost by accident. We were looking for a quick, affordable escape from Bangkok, and my husband suggested Penang. Honestly, I wasn’t convinced at first — but I’m so glad we went.
The flight from Bangkok takes just 1 hour and 40 minutes, and with budget airlines like AirAsia flying from Don Mueang, it can be surprisingly cheap. Before we knew it, we had swapped Bangkok’s chaos for something completely different. The airport is small and efficient, and in just 20 minutes by taxi you’re right in the heart of Georgetown’s historic center — surrounded by colorful shophouses, street art, and the smells of food sizzling from every corner.
We loved it so much that we went back just six months later for another long weekend. (For practical tips about our travel and stay and our detailed budget, just keep scrolling to the end).
What makes Penang — and Georgetown in particular — so special to us is its incredible cultural mix. Within just a few street corners, you’ll find the influences of Malaysian, Chinese, and Indian communities, alongside touches of British colonial history. And nowhere is this melting pot more alive than in the food. From steaming bowls of curry mee to delicate Chinese dim sum, from sizzling Indian roti to delicious smoky char koay teow noodles , Georgetown is basically a feast of cultures all laid out in one walkable town.
Why Penang is a dream for a Foodie on a budget
One of the best things about Penang is that you don’t need a big budget to eat like royalty. The street food scene here is legendary — not only for the flavors but also for the prices. For just a couple of pounds (or a few dollars), you can sit down to a steaming bowl of laksa, a plate of char kway teow cooked fresh in front of you, or some melt-in-your-mouth roti with curry.
What makes it even better is that you don’t feel like you’re “cheap eating.” The hawker stalls and little kopitiams (coffee shops) are where the real magic happens — this is the food the locals eat every day, made with recipes passed down for generations. It’s not about fine dining or Michelin stars (though Penang has those too if you want them), it’s about honest, delicious food that tells the story of the island’s mixed cultures.
So if you’re traveling on a budget, Penang is basically a foodie’s jackpot. You can eat your way through the city without breaking the bank — and still leave with a full belly and an even fuller heart.
Penang Food Walking Map: Eat Like a Local
Breakfast (Indian delights near Little India)
- Where: Roti Canai & Apom, Lebuh Queen Georgetown
- What to try: Roti canai with chicken, flaky parathas, chai tea, and lamb or vegetarian samosas
- Description: This place is just magical in the morning. Metal tables and plastic chairs line the side of the road near a Hindu temple, with men cooking away and locals stopping by for breakfast. Everything tastes fresh, authentic, and — best of all — costs just a few pennies. Grab a samosa or two to complete your breakfast, and suddenly you’re in heaven.
- Budget: £1–2 / $1–3
- Tip: Arrive early to see the locals enjoying their morning routine and get the freshest food.
Brunch (Dim Sum at Tai Tong, Georgetown)
- Where: Tai Tong Dim Sum Restaurant, George Town
- What to try: Prawn dumplings, steamed buns, a mix of savory and sweet dim sum, with jasmine green tea or chrysanthemum tea
- Description: If you fancy a different style of breakfast or a proper brunch, Tai Tong is perfect. It’s a bit pricier than street stalls but still very affordable — around $10–15 for two people. The restaurant is bright, clean, and welcoming, with dim sum displayed for you to grab. Order a pot of tea, then pick your food from the display; some items are ready to eat, others are cooked and delivered to your table. The dim sum is fresh, tasty, and filling — we loved the prawn dumplings and steamed buns.
- Budget: $10–15 for two people (£8–12)
- Tip: Go mid-morning to avoid the busiest crowds and enjoy a relaxed brunch experience.
Lunch (Bamboo Noodles at Tok Tok Mee, George Town)
- Where: Tok Tok Mee Bamboo Noodle, 37 Lebuh Campbell, George Town
- What to try: Signature Tok Tok Mee (dry or soup), prawn dumplings, crispy pork, and their famous pastries
- Description: This is one of the best noodle dishes we’ve ever tried. We sampled both the soup and dry versions, with beef and pork. The meat is tender and melts in your mouth, and the flavor is rich and balanced. What we love is that you can watch them making the noodles through a glass window as you enter. It’s a peaceful spot for lunch, offering refreshing juices and teas, big portions, along with delicious snacks available at the front of the restaurant.
- Budget: Approximately RM7.50–18 (about £1.50–3.50) per bowl, depending on size and toppings
- Tip: Arrive early to avoid the lunch rush and enjoy a leisurely meal.
Snack Break
- Where:
- Penang famous samosa – the best lamb samosas we have ever tried and so cheap
- Hema Hema Ice Cream, Penang Road – A must-try for a refreshing ice cream treat on a hot day.
- Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul – A traditional dessert of shaved ice, coconut milk, green jelly noodles, and palm sugar syrup.
- Kopi Coffee – Don’t forget to grab a cup of local Kopi at street-side coffee stalls. This strong, sweet, and rich coffee is the perfect pick-me-up between meals or while exploring Georgetown.
- Tip: Stop mid-afternoon to cool down and recharge before more walking
- Budget: £1–2 / $2
Dinner (Chulia Street Hawker Centre, George Town)
- Where: Chulia Street Hawker Centre, George Town
- What to try: Char koay teow, beef and chicken satay, seafood omelettes, wan tan mee, and fresh juices like lychee, watermelon, mango, or salty plum
- Description: This place is pure magic. Head to Lebuh Carnavaron early in the evening and just soak in the atmosphere. There are many restaurants around — like the famous Tek Sen with delicious fusion Chinese food and always packed with very long queues — but we love strolling to the corner with Chulia Street, grabbing a seat at one of the tables, and ordering a drink while we wait. This is not a typical big hawker centre, it is just a little corner where you can step in, sit down, grab a drink and just wait for the magic to happen: waiters from the different stalls come by with menus, and you simply pick what catches your eye. The food is incredibly cheap, so you can order a few dishes to share, and it’s unbeatable — the char prawns kway teow, satay, seafood omelettes, and wan tan mee are just spectacular. It’s unassuming, lively, and hands-down some of the best food we’ve had in Penang.
- Budget: £3–5 / $4–6 per person (depending on how much you share)
- Tip: Go early to secure a table, and don’t rush — half the fun is watching the action around you and sampling a little bit of everything.
Alternative Dinner: D Krishna’s Villa Restaurant, George Town
- Where: D Krishna’s Villa Restaurant, George Town
- What to try: Dosa, naan, paratha, a variety of curries served in metal tubs, and chai tea
- Description: The place might look humble and super local, but don’t let appearances fool you. There are a few big tables full of locals — just grab a seat, share the table, and dive into the food. They have a menu, but also curries in metal tubs at every table. Watch the local cooks preparing fresh dosas, naans, and parathas right at the front of the restaurant as you walk in. Try a little of everything — the curries are rich and flavorful, and the chai tea is the perfect finish. It’s so affordable that we barely spent $8 between the two of us. Simple, authentic local Indian food at its best.
- Budget: ~$8 for two people (£5)
- Tip: Go with an empty stomach and share the dishes — you’ll get to try a variety without overspending.
Alternative Dinner: Gurney Drive Hawker Centre, Penang
- Where: Gurney Drive Hawker Centre, Penang
- What to try: Laksa, roti canai, nasi lemak, satay, oyster omelettes, coconut water, and other Malaysian favorites
- Description: A short taxi ride from Georgetown, Gurney Drive sits next to a fancy shopping center — perfect if you want to browse shops in the air-conditioning and take a break from the heat. This hawker centre is bigger and more touristy than Chulia Street, with a huge variety of stalls. We tried classic Malaysian dishes like laksa, roti canai, nasi lemak, satay, and oyster omelettes — all tasty and satisfying. The atmosphere is lively and fun, though for us it didn’t quite beat the charm and taste of Chulia Street Hawker Centre.
- Budget: £3–5 / $4–6 per person
- Tip: Go in the evening for the best vibe, and consider stopping at the shopping center for a quick break from the sun before diving into the food.
Where We Stayed: Hotel Kooning, Georgetown
In Georgetown, we stayed at Hotel Kooning, a unique and modern hotel right on Lebuh Campbell, making it super central and perfect for exploring the city on foot. The cheapest rooms, around £20 ($25) per night, are small and unusual with loft beds, so they’re not ideal if you’re not comfortable climbing a steep staircase to sleep.
We loved that the rooms were clean, modern, and bright, and the location meant we could step out of the hotel and immediately wander the charming streets, colorful heritage houses, and bustling food spots. It was a convenient base for trying the delicious meals at street stalls, cafés, and restaurants nearby — perfect for a foodie walking adventure in Georgetown.
If you’re okay with loft beds, this is a great budget-friendly option with a fantastic central location, putting you right in the heart of all the action.
Free Things to Do While Exploring Georgetown
One of the best things about Penang is that you don’t need to spend a single penny to enjoy the charm of Georgetown. Simply wandering the streets is an experience in itself. The town is full of colorful heritage houses, quirky street corners, and vibrant murals — perfect for photography or just soaking in the atmosphere. The street art is famous worldwide, with murals by local and international artists bringing life, humor, and stories to the walls. Keep your eyes peeled as some of the most iconic murals are tucked away in narrow alleys and side streets.
Take a stroll around the Little India area, where the streets are buzzing with locals shopping for curry spices, teas, and other fragrant ingredients. You can also pick up some amazing souvenirs without breaking the bank, especially spices and teas. We love visiting Mohamed Meera Sahib grocery store — stepping inside feels like entering a whole new world, full of colorful jars, bags of fragrant spices, and local goodies. Little India is also wonderful if you want to shop for a sari, get a henna tattoo, or pick up traditional Indian items, soak in the vibrant colors, and watch the streets come alive with locals going about their day.
Nearby, you’ll find the Chinese quarter, with traditional shops selling teas, herbs, and souvenirs. Keep walking and you’ll reach the waterfront and the famous Clan Jetty, a row of stilted houses built by Chinese clans over a century ago. Each jetty represents a different family clan, and you can still see locals living there today, making it a living piece of Penang’s history. Walking along the jetty is free, and it’s a wonderful spot for photography, enjoying the sea breeze, and appreciating the historical and cultural significance of these unique homes.
One corner of Georgetown is especially unique: at the junction of Chulia Street and Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, you can see a mosque, a Chinese temple, and the Sri Mahamariamman Hindu temple all within a stone’s throw of each other — a perfect snapshot of Penang’s multicultural spirit.
As you wander, keep an eye out for hidden street art, tiny coffee shops, and little handicraft stores selling souvenirs, postcards, and gifts. Even if you don’t buy anything, the sights, smells, and colors make walking around Georgetown a truly unforgettable experience — and it’s all completely free.
💡 Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, carry a bottle of water, and leave time to just get lost in the streets — some of the best discoveries are the little alleyways, murals, and corners tucked away from the main roads.
Relaxing by the Sea: Batu Ferringhi
If you want a break from the buzz of Georgetown, hop in a taxi and head about 25 minutes north to Batu Ferringhi, a seaside town on Penang’s northern coast. While the town itself doesn’t have the historic charm of Georgetown, it’s perfect for relaxing by the beach and enjoying a slower pace.
We stayed at the Bayview Beach Resort, a 4-star hotel that, while a bit dated, was very comfortable and welcoming. We asked if we could upgrade to a partial sea view room, and they kindly accommodated us. Our room was spacious and beautifully appointed, with a fantastic view where we enjoyed spectacular sunsets over the ocean every night. The price was very reasonable for a 4-star hotel — about £50 ($60) per night, without breakfast.
For meals, there are a few local restaurants across the street where we enjoyed roti canai for breakfast, satay, noodles, and delicious rice dishes for lunch at very cheap prices. We also discovered a Chinese restaurant in town at Andrews Kampung, serving some of the best and most affordable Chinese food we’ve ever had. The hotel has a small convenience store, perfect for grabbing drinks and snacks to enjoy on the balcony.
The best feature of the hotel is its pool and magnificent gardens. We spent hours swimming, lounging, and enjoying peaceful naps surrounded by the lush greenery with views of the sea. The beach itself is lovely for a stroll, especially at sunset, though the water isn’t crystal clear for swimming. We visited in June for a week and only had one night of rain.
Overall, while Batu Ferringhi isn’t the place for crystal-clear waters or the variety of food options you’ll find in Georgetown, we loved the relaxing pace, the sunsets, and the peaceful vibe — a perfect complement to the vibrant city streets.
Tips for Traveling in Penang
- Money: At the airport, withdraw cash from the ATM — we used our Starling Bank card and paid no fees. We withdrew £250 ($300), which was enough for 6 nights since our hotels were already paid via Booking.com. Cash is useful for small meals, street food, and souvenirs.
- Transport: Download the Grab Malaysia app — taxis are cheap, reliable, and easy to use. For short distances around Georgetown, walking is ideal, but Grab is perfect for reaching Batu Ferringhi or other outskirts.
- SIM/Wi-Fi: Grab a local SIM at the airport for very cheap data, or use an eSIM. Relying solely on Wi-Fi is doable in cafes and hotels, but having mobile data is much more convenient for maps and rides.
- Safety: Georgetown is very safe — you can walk around freely, day or night. Keep an eye on your belongings as with any city, but generally, locals are friendly and helpful.
- Reviews & Food Choices: We rely on Google Reviews and TripAdvisor when checking restaurants, but sometimes the best finds are the busy street stalls and cafés you stumble upon — if locals are queuing, just go for it!
- Shopping & Bargaining: Many small shops and markets allow for bartering, especially in Little India and souvenir stores. Be polite but confident — it’s part of the local experience.
- Relaxing Stays: If you want a hotel with a pool while staying in Georgetown, options are limited and a bit pricier compared to budget hotels. But if relaxing in a pool is important, it’s worth paying a little extra.
- Walking: Wear comfortable shoes — Georgetown is best explored on foot. Take time to wander alleys, discover murals, and peek into small shops.
- Weather: Penang is hot and humid, so carry water, sunscreen, and a hat for exploring the city streets.
💡 Extra Tip: Plan your food stops around your walking route — it’s the best way to discover hidden gems and make the most of the multicultural culinary scene.
What we spent
| Category | GBP (£) | USD ($) |
|---|
| Flights (return, 2 people) | 100 | 120 |
| Batu Ferringhi hotel (4* for 4 nights) | 200 | 240 |
| Georgetown hotel (2 nights) | 40 | 48 |
| Taxi / Grab rides | 50 | 60 |
| Gifts & souvenirs | 40 | 48 |
| Food | 120 | 144 |
| Total | 550 | 660 |
Still wandering? If you like this post, join our adventures in Sri Lanka, Zambia and West Java.
