Cecil Street Market - Image 1
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Cecil Street Market

4.1
·5k reviews·George Town, Malaysia

A bustling Penang hub for authentic hawker food and a vibrant wet market, offering delicious, no-frills local eats at affordable prices.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Beat the lunch rush

CrowdMedium
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Cecil Street Market - Image 1

Cecil Street Market

Best Time

Morning

Beat the lunch rush

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A bustling Penang hub for authentic hawker food and a vibrant wet market, offering delicious, no-frills local eats at affordable prices.

4.1
(5k reviews)

"One of the best places for delicious local hawker food and wet market. Authentic no frills local eat."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Limited Parking Alert!

Parking is scarce. Opt for Grab or arrive early to snag a spot.

🥢 Self-Service Seating

If your stall is far, you might need to fetch your food yourself. Be patient!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Duck Meat Noodle Soup

Duck Meat Noodle Soup

Food Court

A famous Penang dish with tender duck and savory broth. A must-try for many visitors!

Char Koay Teow

Char Koay Teow

Food Court

Iconic stir-fried flat noodles with a smoky wok hei flavor. Look for stalls with long queues!

Nyonya Kuih

Nyonya Kuih

Food Court

Colorful and sweet traditional Malaysian cakes. Perfect for a delightful snack or dessert.

Wet Market Produce

Wet Market Produce

Market Section

Fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood. A glimpse into local daily life and culinary ingredients.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Local Vibe

Cecil Street Market is a bustling hub for authentic Penang hawker food and a vibrant wet market. Expect a no-frills, local experience where delicious, affordable eats are the main draw. Come hungry and ready to explore!

Timing is Key for Parking & Crowds

Parking is notoriously limited, especially during peak lunch hours. Consider arriving early or using ride-sharing services like Grab. The market is busiest with locals seeking breakfast and lunch.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Beat the lunch rush
Crowd
Medium
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Fewer crowds, market still open
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

George’s Georgetown, DC 📍 #persiangirl #foodreview #FoodTok #ArabTikTok #shawarma #washingtondc #georgetown #Foodie #hiddengems #tiktoktravelcampaign
@kimiya.farr
37.3K likes • 356.8K views

🚗 Limited Parking Alert!

Parking is scarce. Opt for Grab or arrive early to snag a spot. Reddit

🥢 Self-Service Seating

If your stall is far, you might need to fetch your food yourself. Be patient! Reddit

Georgetown mourge scared us so bad #spookyseason #seattle #fyp
@maysennb
19.6K likes • 132.5K views
. Apparently, Cecil Street market is known to be one of the biggest food courts in George Town, Penang. #pasarlebuhcecil #penang #breakfast
where_is_eddy_rush
7 likes • 653 views

💰 Affordable Eats Galore

Expect delicious food at very reasonable prices. Great value for money! Reddit

🌶️ Embrace the Local Flavors

This is authentic Malaysian Chinese street food, catering to local tastes. Reddit

Crispy Roasted Pork in Penang 🔥 📍May Yong Marketing @ Cecil Street Market [Non-Halal] #penang #penangfoodie #penangfood
penangfoodie
3.1K likes • 215.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Limited Parking Alert!

Parking is scarce. Opt for Grab or arrive early to snag a spot. Reddit

🥢 Self-Service Seating

If your stall is far, you might need to fetch your food yourself. Be patient! Reddit

💰 Affordable Eats Galore

Expect delicious food at very reasonable prices. Great value for money! Reddit

🌶️ Embrace the Local Flavors

This is authentic Malaysian Chinese street food, catering to local tastes. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Both Sections

Don't miss the wet market section for fresh produce alongside the food court. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.1
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Cecil Street Market is highly praised for its authentic, no-frills local hawker food and reasonable prices, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. While the environment is basic and parking is challenging, the delicious and diverse culinary offerings, from Duck Noodle Soup to Char Koay Teow, make it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.

"One of the best place for delicious local hawker food and wet market. Authentic no frills local eat, mainly Malaysian Chinese street foods catered to local tastes. Prices are reasonable and food is good. There are tables to sit and eat.

The food stalls are open morning till afternoon while the wet market is opened afternoon onwards.

There is a diverse choice of local hawkers food. Must try Duck Noodle Soup, Jawa Mee (served in sweet potato soup/gravy), Fried Koay Teow, Fried Mee Sua, Hokkien Prawn Mee, Braised Pork Rice, Loh Bak (Pork Roll), Otak-otak (fish cake), Pasembur (Malaysian Salad), Apom Manis and Nyonya Kuih. There are many stalls offering economy rice as well. Crowded during lunch time, mostly locals.

Great place for breakfast and lunch. Great choice of food at affordable price. Limited parking, can opt come here by Grab."

E

"Craving for local Penang hawker food & some specialty?

This will be a right place for you to get a large variety of food over here:
White Curry Mee, Char Keow Teow, Asam Laksa, Nyonya Kuih, Duck Meat Noodle Soup, Pasembur, Jawa Mee, Loh Bak, Fried Oyster Omelette, Hokkien Mee, Lor Mee, Chee Cheong Fun, Won Ton Noodle, & etc..

The business hours here is from morning to evening. It will be pack & lack of parking lot during peak hours. For dining guest, you need to follow National Security Council (Malaysia) SOP."

Calvin

"One of the best char kuey teow in Penang. The place isn’t too comfy but the food is good enough to ignore the hot and dirty environment. The 古早味 stall has the best char kuey teow. Do try it."

Raymond Wong

What People Like

Authentic local food
Affordable prices
Diverse food options

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Basic environment
Crowded during peak hours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Cecil Street Market is located in George Town, Penang. Many visitors opt to use ride-sharing services like Grab due to limited parking. Public buses also serve the area, but check routes and schedules beforehand. Reddit

Parking is very limited and can be challenging, especially during peak hours. It's advisable to arrive early or consider alternative transportation. Reddit

From the heart of Georgetown, Grab is a convenient and quick option. Alternatively, you can take a local bus, but it might involve a short walk from the bus stop. Instagram

Depending on your starting point, it might be a walkable distance, but it can be quite hot and humid. A short Grab ride is often more comfortable. Instagram

Cecil Street Market is situated in the bustling Lebuh Cecil area of George Town, a well-known district for local markets and food. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Cecil Street Market is a public market and food court, so there are no entrance tickets required. You only pay for the food and goods you purchase. Instagram

The food court generally operates from morning until late afternoon, while the wet market section has different hours, often opening in the afternoon. It's best to check specific stall hours if you have a particular item in mind. Reddit

To avoid the peak lunch crowds, try visiting in the morning or later in the afternoon. Weekdays might also be slightly less crowded than weekends. Reddit

Yes, Cecil Street Market is typically open on weekends, but it will likely be very crowded with locals enjoying their meals. Instagram

While generally open daily, it's always a good idea to check local listings or ask around if you're planning a visit on a public holiday, as some stalls might have adjusted hours. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Highly recommended dishes include Duck Meat Noodle Soup, Char Koay Teow, Jawa Mee, Loh Bak, Nyonya Kuih, and Pasembur. Many stalls offer economy rice as well. InstagramReddit

Cecil Street Market primarily serves Malaysian Chinese street food, which is generally not Halal. There are non-Halal options available. Instagram

Prices are very reasonable and affordable, offering great value for authentic local hawker food. Expect to pay local prices. Reddit

While the focus is on meat-based dishes, you might find some vegetable-heavy options or economy rice stalls where you can select vegetables. It's best to inquire at individual stalls. Instagram

Yes, the food court opens in the morning and is a popular spot for breakfast, offering a variety of local dishes. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vibrant food stalls, the bustling atmosphere, close-ups of delicious dishes, and the colorful array of Nyonya Kuih. The wet market section also offers interesting visual textures. Instagram+1

Generally, it's acceptable to take photos of the food. If you plan to photograph vendors extensively, it's polite to ask for their permission first. Instagram

Morning light can be good for capturing the market's activity. However, the vibrant colors of the food are appealing throughout the day. Be mindful of the heat and crowds. Instagram

Stalls with colorful Nyonya Kuih, sizzling Char Koay Teow, or beautifully presented Duck Meat Noodle Soup are often very photogenic. Instagram+1

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm or a prime lens (e.g., 50mm) is great for capturing both wider scenes and food details. A phone camera is also excellent for quick snaps. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cecil Street Market can be a fun, albeit busy, experience for families. The variety of food means there's likely something to please picky eaters, and the lively atmosphere can be engaging for children.Instagram Some parents have noted their kids enjoyed picking out vegetables in the wet market section.Instagram

However, be prepared for crowds and limited seating, especially during peak hours. The heat can also be a factor. Consider visiting during off-peak times or opting for Grab to ease transportation. It's a great opportunity to introduce kids to authentic local street food in a vibrant setting. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

Cecil Street Market is a dream destination for budget-conscious travelers. The prices for food are incredibly affordable, offering a chance to feast on a wide variety of delicious local dishes without breaking the bank.Reddit You can easily enjoy a filling and authentic meal for just a few Malaysian Ringgit.

Beyond the food, the market itself is free to enter, and exploring the wet market section provides a cultural experience without any cost. It's the perfect place to sample multiple dishes and get a true taste of Penang's culinary heritage on a budget. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Culinary Adventure: Must-Try Dishes

Cecil Street Market is a paradise for food lovers, offering a diverse range of authentic Penang hawker specialties. Among the most raved-about dishes is the Duck Meat Noodle Soup, known for its tender duck and rich, flavorful broth.Reddit Another iconic must-try is Char Koay Teow, a stir-fried flat noodle dish with a distinct smoky 'wok hei' flavor that many seek out.Reddit Don't miss out on Jawa Mee, a unique dish served in a sweet potato soup/gravy, and Loh Bak, a savory pork roll.Reddit

Beyond these stars, explore other local favorites like Hokkien Prawn Mee, Braised Pork Rice, Otak-otak (fish cake), and Pasembur (Malaysian salad).Reddit For those with a sweet tooth, the vibrant and delicious Nyonya Kuih offers a delightful array of traditional cakes.Instagram Many stalls also serve economy rice, allowing you to pick and choose your dishes, making it a flexible option for any palate. Reddit

Remember that the food court is a bustling, no-frills environment. It's a place to savor authentic flavors and experience local dining culture. Be prepared for crowds, especially during lunch, and enjoy the lively atmosphere as you sample these culinary gems. Instagram

Navigating the Market: Beyond the Food

While the food court is the main draw for many visitors, Cecil Street Market is also a functioning wet market. This section offers a fascinating glimpse into local daily life, where you can find fresh produce, seafood, and various other goods. It's a great place to observe the local community and understand the ingredients that form the basis of Penang's famous cuisine.Instagram

Some visitors even mention that their children enjoyed picking out vegetables from the market to be cooked at home, highlighting the market's role in local households.Instagram This dual nature of the market – a place for ready-to-eat meals and a source for fresh ingredients – makes it a unique and comprehensive destination for experiencing Penang's culture. Instagram

When exploring, be mindful of the different sections and their operating times. The food court buzzes with activity for breakfast and lunch, while the wet market might have its own rhythm. It's this blend of culinary delights and everyday commerce that truly defines Cecil Street Market. Instagram

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