11 Best Night Markets In Penang, Malaysia - Updated 2024

night markets in penang
Nicole
Nicole 
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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:

  • If you'd like to add one more market to your itinerary, it should be KBJ Bazaar Ramadan. You'll find everything from delicious cuisine to trendy wear all in one place. This will be around till April 9, 2024, in Market Place, Kompleks Bukit Jambul. I love the energy of bustling crowds, so I wouldn't want to miss this!
  • 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.

1. Kimberley Street Food Night Market

Falling In Love With Malaysian Food Pic
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Victor Dam used under CC BY-SA 3.0

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

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2. Nibong Tebal Sunday Night Market

Night market food stall
Source: Pexels

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

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3. Tanjung Bungah Night Market

Aligot (mashed potatoes + Cantal cheese) @ La Ruche @ Montparnasse @ Paris
Source: Photo by Flickr user Guilhem Vellut used under CC BY 2.0

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

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4. Farlim Night Market

Night Market
Source: Pixabay

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

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Penang Tour Guide

Ang Chin Boon

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

Vincent Fong

Vincent Fong

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

Tours by Vincent

Penang Tour Guide

Hon Seng Phuah

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

Tours by Hon seng

Penang Tour Guide

Jenny Wan Kim Lim

Jenny Wan Kim Lim

Hi, I'm Jenny! I love showing people around Taiwan and Malaysia. I grew up in Penang and spend a lot of time in Tainan too. For the past few years, I've been a licensed tour guide for these 2 countries , sharing my passion for exploring. Being a guide isn't just a job to me, it's what I love doing. I enjoy finding hidden spots, introducing you to tasty local food, and making sure you have amazi... Read more

Tours by Jenny wan kim

Penang Tour Guide

Beth Chong

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

5. Pasar Malam Van Praagh

Enjoy night stroll on a night market
Source: Unsplash

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

Tip from tour guide

Ang

Ang
Penang

Pasar Malam Van Praagh is big and has lots of local cuisines. I recommend visitors to try each food with small packs on the spot, but if you are full, then get some for take away. Some food will even keep until the next day and are still delicious.
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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Tip from tour guide

Ang

Ang
Penang

There are Muslim stalls & non-Muslim stalls separated. Recently there are many youngster setup food stalls. It is also quite common now to pay by local e-Wallet.

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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)

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Private Half-Day Discovery Tour of Penang Island

Duration: 5 hours

A must-visit in Penang

Penang shopping at night
Source: Photo by Flickr user John used under CC BY-SA 2.0

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.

Frequently asked questions about night markets in Penang


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Nicole, a university student with a passion for both bustling metropolises and charming, undiscovered treasures, finds great delight in her travels. Her exploration of new places is enhanced by her...Read more

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