The street markets of Penang in Malaysia capture some of the best aspects of the unique and unmistakable culture of the country. You can find almost anything you fancy here, such as handmade jewellery and crafts, produce, clothes and so much more, all at affordable prices. A multitude of food stalls selling a wide range of mouthwatering local dishes and snacks are also prominent features of these markets. One of the biggest selling points of a night market is not just the items for sale, but the lively atmosphere and the cheerful vibe as well. So whether you’re staying in one of the best homestays or you’re in a heritage hotel in Penang, it’s best that you visit any of these night markets to fully experience what this Malaysian State is all about. Read on to find the best night markets in Penang, Malaysia.
Upcoming events in Penang:
- Celebrate the vibrant colors of autumn on September 17, 2024, at the Mid-Autumn Festival. Enjoy the festivities while eating delicious moon cakes and lighting Chinese lanterns.
- Book lovers will enjoy visiting Penang during the lively George Town Literary Festival from November 28 to December 1, 2024.
For more events and other information on Penang, visit its official tourism website.
Tip from tour guide
Food night markets and night markets are different. Night markets are more for household items, clothing, toys, knick-knacks, souvenirs, accessories and even shoes. Some food is found in night markets as well, but if its only food that you're looking for, then go to the food markets. We have a number of streets that have the food stalls arrayed and open for business at night. My personal favourites are those in Jelutong Night Street Food (Jalan Penaga off Jalan Jelutong). During the Durian and local fruit season, you will also get a good selection of fruits here.
1. Kimberley Street Food Night Market
Kimberley Street Food Night Market in George Town is a major street food place and a foodie paradise. It is open from the early evening until late at night, so you can have a six-hour dinner as you make your way down the street. They have numerous great local food stalls, as well as dessert shops. There are tables and chairs scattered all around the street, where you can order at the stalls and have the piping hot food delivered straight to you.
The market is known for its ‘Four Heavenly Kings,’ or four popular street foods available here, including kway chap, koay teow soup, char koay teow and si koh soup. And one of its most popular outlets is Traditional Home Of Desserts, which serves yummy sweet almond soup with ginko nuts.
This market is also well connected to major areas and attractions in Penang, such as Chinatown Penang, which is a four-minute walk away. Upside Down Museum is also only a two-minute walk away. Personally, I love exploring new places, so the fact that a visit to this market would bring me closer to so many other hotspots is a fun plus!
Kimberley Street Food Night Market
Address: 1, Jalan Sungai Ujong, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening hours: 5pm - 11pm (daily)
Also See: 17 Must try street food places in Ipoh
2. Nibong Tebal Sunday Night Market
This open-air market is only open on Sundays, hence the name. It is one of the longest street markets in Penang. They sell the usual goods and necessities, but they are most famous for a wide variety of delectable local dishes, and all local favourites as well. If you’re looking for the best local dishes, you can find many here, such as the kueh teow soup (rice noodles soup), nasi lemak, Assam laksa, and the kuih sayur (chives and radish cakes).
Do note that since this market’s patrons are majorly Chinese, the food might not be halal.
This market is on the mainland and not on Penang Island, so you’ll have to take a ferry to come over between 7am and 11pm. Luckily, trips from Penang to the mainland are free!
Nibong Tebal Sunday Night Market
Address: 14, Jalan Sungai Daun, Taman Nibong Tebal Jaya, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening hours: Sun: 7pm-10pm
3. Tanjung Bungah Night Market
Tanjung Bungah Night Market is yet another market, this one open on Tuesdays. While relatively smaller compared to other bigger night markets, you can still find just as much great local food here. The reasonable prices are what the crows flock to the market for. The food is definitely unique; you can find Peking duck and xiao long bao here! One of the highly recommended snacks is the aligot cheese, which is mash potato and cheese melted in a cup, so sinful but so delicious! If, like me, you’re a fan of tea, you might want to stop by the bubble milk tea trucks in the market.
The market opens outside the wet market building in Tanjung Bunga, away from the main road of the neighbourhood. Menara Asas bus stop is minutes away on foot from here, and you can use routes 101, 102 and 104 to get there.
Tanjung Bungah Night Market
Address: Jalan Tanjung Bungah, Taman Tanjung Bunga, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Penang, Malaysia
Opening hours: Tue: 5:30pm - 10pm
4. Farlim Night Market
Farlim Night Market is one of the biggest night markets in Penang and is located on a spacious field at Medan Angsana, Bandar Baru Air Itam. You can get here via bus routes 202 and 203.
It has a much wider range of food stalls and food trucks, with many classic local favourites that you must try. Some fan-favourites include the fried radish cake, Yong Tau Foo (seafood balls served with chilli and sweet sauce), as well as grilled satay. Visitors also favour the Thai-style fried chicken and char koay kak (fried radish cake). If you prefer something light, try the flavourful Everlyn Popcorn. Later, grab some dessert or quench your thirst with a sugar cane drink while you peruse the stalls selling goods and souvenirs.
Since it’s close to a residential area, you’ll see lots of locals in the crowd while you enjoy exploring the stalls and food trucks here.
Farlim Night Market
Address: 27-75, Medan Angsana, Bandar Baru Ayer Itam, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening hours: Wed: 5pm - 11pm
Penang Tour Guide
Ang Chin Boon
Hello...I am ANG. Licenced Tourist Guide by Ministry of Tourism Malaysia. I was born and raised in George Town, Penang. I just love Guiding! I have been actively doing guiding all these years. Drive my guests to interesting places in Penang Island, Sharing my knowledges & experiences of George Town. I wish their trip becomes story worth sharing. Will you be one of my esteemed guests ?
Tours by Ang
Penang Tour Guide
Fong Seok Kong
I am a licensed tourist guide of Malaysia specialising in the English language, though I am also able to communicate in the Chinese dialects of Mandarin, Cantonese, Taishanese, Hokkien and my country's national language of Malay. I do all tours inbound of Penang island such as walking tours, food tours, drive tours, historical tours, hill & temples, etc. I am a tourist guide with passion an... Read more
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Penang Tour Guide
Shazriza Rais
Hey there! I'm Shaz, your go-to tour guide for exploring the best of Malaysia. Born and raised in this vibrant country, I've got a deep passion for sharing its wonders with travelers from all walks of life. I've been in the game for 7 awesome years, leading tours across Malaysia's hottest spots like Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Penang, and Langkawi. Whether you're a solo adventurer or a big family cr... Read more
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Penang Tour Guide
Beth Chong
My interest in travel started from childhood and when I was a teenager, I went for my first solo backpacking trip to Paris and London. It resulted in my working in the Tourism Industry and eventually becoming a nationally licensed Tourist Guide of Malaysia. I managed to go to almost to every corner of my country and now, have become a trainer of Tourist Guides imparting knowledge and experience... Read more
Penang Tour Guide
Hon Seng Phuah
Hello. I am Hon Seng Phuah from Penang. I am a freelance tourist guide since 2013. My tour service includes Penang around island and George Town heritage walking tours. You may experience the Penang multi-culture and best foods like Penang assam laksa, nyonya cuisine, nasi kandar and to name a few, traditional business activities, colonial buildings, modern living city and last least the greene... Read more
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5. Pasar Malam Van Praagh
Pasar Malam Van Praagh, also known as Night Market on Friday, is a popular night market and one of the biggest here in Penang. They only open on Fridays in the populated Taman Kheng Tian, along Van Praagh Road. The stalls along the main road sell mostly clothing and household items, while the food stalls at the smaller roads offer some of the best local hawker food in Malaysia, and at extremely affordable prices. As a student myself, I can definitely see this being a favourite for those with a limited budget.
After shopping and you’re still craving for more Malaysian delicacies, check out this list of the best places to eat in Penang.
Pasar Malam Van Praagh
Address: Taman Continental, 11600 Jelutong, Penang, Malaysia
Opening hours: Fri: 6pm - 10:30pm
Visited this place?
6. Jelutong Night Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Experience the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of the Jelutong Night Market in Penang. This popular street market comes alive as the sun sets, offering a feast for the senses and the best night food in Penang. Explore a labyrinth of stalls stretching along the streets buzzing with tourists and locals alike and filled with various goods and delectable street food.
Browse various products, from clothing and accessories to household items and electronics, all at bargain prices. Indulge your taste buds with an assortment of local delicacies and international flavors, including mouthwatering street food such as the popular Chinese dessert of muar chee and cendol. Muar chee does have peanuts, so those with allergies might want to avoid this. Immerse yourself in the lively ambiance as vendors entice you with their wares and the aromas of delicious food fill the air. The Jelutong Night Market is not only a shopper’s paradise but also a cultural experience, providing a glimpse into Penang’s vibrant local life and culinary delights.
If you’d like to use public transport to get here, the closest bus stations are near Klinik Comfort and Old Town Cafe. Both stops are less than five minutes from the market on foot.
Jelutong Night Market
Address: Jalan Van Praagh, Jelutong, 11600, Penang, MALAYSIA
Opening hours: Fri: 7pm - 11pm
7. Bayan Baru Night Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Savour the best Malay street food at night in Penang by visiting the Bayan Baru Night Market, known locally as Pasar Malam Bayan Baru. As the sun sets, the streets come alive with this lively market, offering a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and flavours.
Stroll through the bustling lanes, where local vendors display an array of goods, from fresh produce to clothing, accessories, and street food. Indulge in a gastronomic adventure as you sample the delicious local delicacies and street snacks, including char kway teow, satay, and fresh seafood. Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the market as you bargain and haggle for unique finds and souvenirs. Later, you can enjoy your food at Queens Waterfront Viewing Spot, just a 12-minute drive away.
Bayan Baru Night Market is not just a shopping destination but also a cultural experience, allowing you to connect with the local community and discover the essence of Penang’s street culture.
Visitors should note that finding a parking spot near this market can be troublesome. Luckily, this market is also close to public transport options. For instance, there is a bus stop at Masjid Sungai Nibong Kecil, just a 14-minute walk away.
Bayan Baru Night Market
Address: 24, Lorong Mahsuri 7, Bayan Baru, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening hours: Thu: 5:30pm - 10pm
8. Paya Terubong Night Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Paya Terubong Night Market is one of the smaller night markets in Penang and mostly caters to the locals in the area. But as someone who loves exploring hidden gems, its smaller size only adds to its appeal for me. Everyday items are sold here, such as slippers, watches, wallets and some jewellery. There are also some food stalls, which are unique to this specific market and you may not be able to find them elsewhere. The rojak sold here is a favourite: sold uniquely on a food skewer instead of on a plate. They also sell some local tidbits and junk food.
There are other eateries in the area, so if you don’t find anything to your liking in the market, you can visit outlets such as Hong Kong 97 Cafe and Restoran 1688 to soothe your hunger.
To get around, use the bus services. Buses on routes 201, 202 and 502 go here, and you can catch one at the stop at Desa Permata.
Paya Terubong Night Market
Address: 1228l, Jalan Paya Terubong, Bandar Baru Air Itam, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening hours: Wed: 6:30pm - 11pm; Sun: 5:30pm - 10:30pm
9. Macallum Street Night Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Macallum Street Night Market is one of the more well-known night markets here in Penang, often hailed as one of the must-visits of the city. This place can make even drab Mondays fun with its large variety of stalls and energetic atmosphere. Other than classic local hawker food, such as grilled satays and pickled nutmegs, you can also find other snacks such as flavoured popcorn, waffles and fried chicken. Of course, other cheap goods and daily necessities can be found here too. One of the biggest draws of this place is that you can find wholesale clothes here. So if you’ve been wanting to update your wardrobe, now is your chance!
To get here, take bus routes 12 or 303 and get off at Pejabat Pos Macallum. From there, it’s only a three-minute walk to the market.
Macallum Street Night Market
Address: Lintang Macallum 1, Pengkalan Weld, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon: 7pm - 11pm
Tip from tour guide
This is my current favourite night market and operates only on Mondays. It isn’t as crowded as some others, but it has a wider representation of food from all communities. My favourite is the snack called Lekor. It’s a popular deep-fried fish-based finger food that is either a crispy cracker or like a sausage, eaten with a yummy sweet and spicy sauce. It's prominent in the Malay community and originally from the Eastern Coast state of Terengganu, which faces the South China Sea.
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10. Sungai Dua Night Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Sungai Dua Night Market is located opposite Tesco in Sungai Dua and stretches towards the inner roads. Tesco also has a bus stop, serviceable by buses travelling along routes 301, 303, 304 and 308, and two minutes away from the market on foot.
They offer amazing hawker food, from Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisines, as well as clothes, local snacks, and basic necessities. One of the most famous dishes includes the kebab, which has been localised with Malaysian flavours and is a definite must-try! Other foods include nasi lemak, ketupat, and a fresh cup of sugar cane drink. You can also find seafood, fruits and vegetables to buy and cook on your own.
Sungai Dua Night Market
Address: 1, Jalan Sungai Dua, Sungai Dua, 13800 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening hours: Sat: 5pm - 10pm
Visited this place?
11. Batu Feringghi Night Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Batu Ferringhi is a beautiful beach area near Tanjong Bungah and where you’ll find some of the best hotels with private beach in Penang. I’d love to visit the night market here as there’s so much to see nearby as well! The stalls sell all sorts of jewellery, souvenirs and accessories, such as phone covers and chargers, swimwear for the beach, and sports goods. Its most popular products also include t-shirts and handbags. Like most night markets, there is also the culture of haggling, so don’t be surprised at the flexible prices. There are food stalls selling local snacks, as well as a McDonald’s at the end of the street.
People can also indulge in some beach activities during the daytime, such as swimming and sun tanning.
Using public transport to get here? There’s a bus stop right by the night market, which you can get to using buses on routes 101 and 102.
Batu Feringghi Night Market
Address: Jalan Pantai Batu, Taman Pantai Batu, 11200 Tanjong Bungah, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening hours: 7pm - 11pm (daily)
Book Tours : Private Half-Day Discovery Tour of Penang Island
A must-visit in Penang
Whether you’re looking for some affordable souvenirs, the best local dishes, or just want to get a glimpse of true Malaysian culture, the street food night markets in Penang (affectionately referred to as Pasar Malams) are the best places to be. I love both energetic crowds and quieter hidden gems, so all the markets mentioned above are fascinating to me. If you’re intrigued too, don’t forget to add these to your itinerary!
To help you out further, here’s a suggestion for a 2D1N itinerary for exploring Penang.
Tip from tour guide
Here are some of my recommendations when visiting night markets:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. Most of the markets are located on tarred roads, therefore it isn’t even terrain.
- Although it's an island, we do not have people walking around in beachwear unless it’s the Batu Ferringhi night market. Wear shorts and t-shirts.
- Payment for most items is in cash (Malaysian Ringgit), but some traders use the cashless Touch & Go system. Most things sold at night markets are not expensive.
- As it's crowded, do be aware of your personal belongings. Avoid wearing jewellery.
- Photography is generally ok, but do ask permission.
- Bring wet wipes and tissues if you intend to have a meal.
- Prices are displayed as per trade law. So, even if you can’t speak the local language, you will know the price.
- Each night market has a slight variation in the cost of things as per their target market. Batu Ferringhi has what we call “tourist prices,” while the others are for the locals.
- Haggling is not usually practised here.
- If there is a storm, chances are very high that the night markets will not operate.
Frequently asked questions about night markets in Penang
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