Cecil Street Market
A bustling Penang hub for authentic hawker food and a vibrant wet market, offering delicious, no-frills local eats at affordable prices.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the lunch rush
Cecil Street Market
Best Time
Beat the lunch rush
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.
"One of the best places for delicious local hawker food and wet market. Authentic no frills local eat."
🚗 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!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
Food Court
Iconic stir-fried flat noodles with a smoky wok hei flavor. Look for stalls with long queues!
Nyonya Kuih
Food Court
Colorful and sweet traditional Malaysian cakes. Perfect for a delightful snack or dessert.
Wet Market Produce
Market Section
Fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood. A glimpse into local daily life and culinary ingredients.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Timing is Key for Parking & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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!
💰 Affordable Eats Galore
Expect delicious food at very reasonable prices. Great value for money!
🌶️ Embrace the Local Flavors
This is authentic Malaysian Chinese street food, catering to local tastes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 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!
💰 Affordable Eats Galore
Expect delicious food at very reasonable prices. Great value for money!
🌶️ Embrace the Local Flavors
This is authentic Malaysian Chinese street food, catering to local tastes.
🚶♀️ Explore Both Sections
Don't miss the wet market section for fresh produce alongside the food court.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Parking is very limited and can be challenging, especially during peak hours. It's advisable to arrive early or consider alternative transportation.
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.
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.
Cecil Street Market is situated in the bustling Lebuh Cecil area of George Town, a well-known district for local markets and food.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
Yes, Cecil Street Market is typically open on weekends, but it will likely be very crowded with locals enjoying their meals.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
Cecil Street Market primarily serves Malaysian Chinese street food, which is generally not Halal. There are non-Halal options available.
Prices are very reasonable and affordable, offering great value for authentic local hawker food. Expect to pay local prices.
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.
Yes, the food court opens in the morning and is a popular spot for breakfast, offering a variety of local dishes.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
Stalls with colorful Nyonya Kuih, sizzling Char Koay Teow, or beautifully presented Duck Meat Noodle Soup are often very photogenic.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
💰 Budget Travelers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Culinary Adventure: Must-Try Dishes
Beyond these stars, explore other local favorites like Hokkien Prawn Mee, Braised Pork Rice, Otak-otak (fish cake), and Pasembur (Malaysian salad). For those with a sweet tooth, the vibrant and delicious Nyonya Kuih offers a delightful array of traditional cakes. Many stalls also serve economy rice, allowing you to pick and choose your dishes, making it a flexible option for any palate.
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.
Navigating the Market: Beyond the Food
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. 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.
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.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit