3 Hour of Penang Street Food Walkabout Tour The Heritage Site

5.0 (5 reviews) 3 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

5 reviews

5.0

Char Koay Teow — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Asam Laksa — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Penang is the melting pot of cultures (and therefore cuisines) with a very diverse cultural background blended and assimilated into a unique traditions and foods. It is very rare that one can find a harmonious mix of different cuisines of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous communities. As this city also has a big populations of foreigners and expatriates, there are also a huge varieties of different cuisines of different countries. I always encourage tourists and visitors to try all the food from the different communities - this is why you venture out to try new things. But at the same time if any of my guests missed their usual favorite home country food, I can recommend good eating places for food of their country of origin. Malaysia Truly Asia. Penang has it all. The international media and hospitality guide. Time Out has crowned Penang as the No. 1 Best Street Food City in Asia. Some highlights must-try classics are Char Kuey Teow, Assam Laksa, Roti Canai and Hokkien Mee.

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Walking Tours Street Food Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration: 3 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: Chinese, Malay, English
Operated by: Penang George Town UNESCO Heritage Walk

Ages: Children (3–12 years) · Adults (13–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Snacks
Included: Meals

Not included

Not included: Alcoholic Beverages
Not included: Lunch
Not included: Private transportation: This is a walking tour and therefore no transportation is required

Itinerary

Stop 1

Passing by

Free CAT Bus (Central Area Transit) is a free shuttle bus service that operates within George Town. It is the most common means of transportation for travellers to get to popular local attractions for free. Trips are at intervals of 15 minutes. Look out for Rapid Penang buses that bear a “Free CAT Bus” sign.
Stop 2

Passing by

Driven purely on manpower, the iconic trishaw is great for going around George Town. Opt for a trishaw ride if you enjoy breezy rides. Be sure to agree on a price before starting your journey. The average rate is RM80 per hour for two persons, depending on the distance between starting and ending points.

This option is only applicable to travelers who have mobility deficiency or those who do not prefer to walk from point to point during the walkabout tour within the Heritage site. Charges are applicable to an hourly fees of 80MYR.
Stop 3

10 min

This stall in Little India serves a delicious range of samosas, including mutton, chicken, sardine, egg and vegetable. Encased in a crispy shell, the flavoursome fillings are moderately spicy.

Only applicable for Route 2 (Afternoon) Session
Stop 4

Passing by

Hameediyah, which started business in 1907, is one of Penang’s oldest restaurants. It was started by Mr Nalla Kader who came from the Ramnad district in Tamil Nadu, India. Mr Nalla Kader arrived in Penang in 1890, and was an itinerant “nasi kandar” vendor until he bought the current spot at 164-A Campbell Street in 1907.

The ownership of Hameediyah was passed from Nalla Kader to his son, Muhammad, then to the great-grandson, Abu Baker after World War II. Abu Baker later passed the ownership to his relative Abdul Sukkoor, whose two sons, Seeni Pakir and Syed Ibrahim, run the restaurant today.

This outlet provides full meal and as such will only be recommended for travelers who needs a full complete meal and may not be suitable for sampling and tasting
Stop 5

15 min

Penang Road Nyonya Cendol is one of the two cendol stalls located opposite each other in Lebuh Keng Kwee. A short and narrow street that is a must-visit place in the itinerary of every visitor to Penang.

It was founded by Mdm Cheah Gaik Ling in 1958, making it one of the oldest cendol stalls in Penang.

The current proprietress, Ms Loh, took over the business from her father, Mr Loh Ewe Seng, to become the third generation family member to sell this much-loved iced dessert.

Besides cendol, ice kacang, ice balls, Taiwan Aiyu Bing and drinks are also available. Personally, I find the iced desserts here just as good as any. The service is fast and friendly.

Only applicable for Route 1 (Morning Session)
Little India - Penang

30 min

Lined with rows of shophouses, Little India is a haven for finding traditional Indian goods ranging from vibrant saris and intricate gold jewelry to handcrafts and religious artifacts. It's almost like taking a walk through a market in Mumbai or Chennai.

Travelers will get the taste a few of the delicacies here such as Samosa, Vadai, Pani Puri and Capati

Only applicable for Route 2 (Afternoon) Session
Street Art Penang

Passing by

Armenian Street is a narrow street in the city of George Town, Penang. Located within the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site, the road has gained popularity in recent years for its rich cultural offerings and street art.
Chew Jetty

30 min

As the most famous of George Town's clan jetties, Chew Jetty is a 100+ year-old Chinese settlement built over the sea that combines UNESCO-listed history, photogenic stilt houses, and vibrant local culture. There are Local Crafts and souvenir stalls selling handmade keepsakes and local snacks.

Adjacent to the entrance of the Jetty, there is a Coffee Shop that sells local delicacies such Char Koay Teow, Hokkien Mee and Asam Laksa.

Only applicable for Route 2 (Afternoon) Session
Sri Mahamariamman Temple

Passing by

Sri Mahamariamman Temple is situated in Queen Street, George Town and it is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang, Malaysia. Built in 1833, the Arulmigu Sri Mahamariamman Temple Penang features sculptures of gods and goddesses all over its main entrance and façade.

This is 1 of the 4 major places of worship within the Street of Harmony in George Town, showcasing how the 4 major religions of the people of Penang living harmoniously ever since the colonial era until now.
Goddess of Mercy Temple (Kuan Yin Teng)

Passing by

The Goddess of Mercy Temple, also known as Kuan Im Teng or Kong Hock Keong, is a Mahayana Buddhist temple within George Town in the Malaysian state of Penang. Located at Pitt Street, it was built in 1800, making it the oldest Chinese temple in the state.

This is 1 of the 4 major places of worship within the Street of Harmony in George Town, showcasing how the 4 major religions of the people of Penang living harmoniously ever since the colonial era until now.
Kapitan Keling Mosque

Passing by

The Kapitan Keling Mosque is a mosque built in the 19th century by Indian Muslim traders in George Town, Penang, Malaysia. It is situated on the corner of Buckingham Street and Pitt Street.

This is 1 of the 4 major places of worship within the Street of Harmony in George Town, showcasing how the 4 major religions of the people of Penang living harmoniously ever since the colonial era until now.
St. George's Anglican Church

Passing by

St. George's Church is a 19th-century Anglican church within George Town in the Malaysian state of Penang. The oldest purpose-built Anglican church in Southeast Asia, it was elevated by to the status of pro-cathedral in 2023.

This is 1 of the 4 major places of worship within the Street of Harmony in George Town, showcasing how the 4 major religions of the people of Penang living harmoniously ever since the colonial era until now.
Stop 13

20 min

This shop specialises in Nyonya kueh – an array of cakes, dumplings, puddings and pastries that can be sweet or savoury, and steamed, deep-fried or baked. All their treats are made just as they were back in 1933, when the owner's father opened a kueh factory. In addition to kueh lapis, kueh talam, ang koo and Nyonya chang, they also serve a few Nyonya dishes. Enjoy your meal beneath a glass roof and Penang-style umbrellas in the converted patio.

Applicable for both Route 1 (Morning) and Route 2 (Afternoon) Sessions
Chowrasta Market

10 min

Chowrasta Market is the oldest market in George Town to still be functioning in the same spot. That area has always been a pekan, or village heart, when it was populated predominantly by various Indian ethnic groups. Originally an open air market, Chowrasta received its first proper structure when the George Town Municipal Council erected a market building here in 1890. That building is quite similar in appearance to the historic Sia Boey market building that is still standing today. The present market building was erected in the 1960s. It underwent a major facelift in 2012, which included adding a multi-storey car park above the wet market area. This rear side makeover was completed in 2015, with full restoration was completed in January 2017.

Only applicable for Route 1 (Morning) Session
Stop 15

30 min

This is one of the big hawker centres in Penang. It is located along Kimberley Street, a major street food venues in George Town.

There are quite a number of hawker stalls at Bee Hooi Coffee Garden. In my opinion, the Yee Foo Mee sold here is quite good. Other hawker foods available at Bee Hooi include Lor Mee, Hokkien Prawn Mee, Char Koay Teow, Fried Rice, and more. On the street close to the hawker centre are a couple of stalls selling economy bihun and one selling Koay Teow Thng by the sidewalk.

Only applicable for Route 1 (Morning) Session
Stop 16

20 min

This friendly family-run shop, now in the second generation, specialises in koay teow th'ng, served in soup or dry. The broth is made from chicken and pork bones. The springy tendon balls have a nice ginger flavour. A tasty option is the braised chicken with bean sprouts.

Only applicable for Route 1 (Morning) Session
Stop 17

20 min

Roti Bakar Hutton Lane offers grilled breads with curries and toppings, using thick cut Roti Bengali and flaky roti canai, with a variety of curries

Only applicable for Route 1 (Morning) Session

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

This is the Meeting Point for Route 2 (Afternoon Session - 4.00pm)

Please wait at the entrance of the shop and look out for a tour guide with a cowboy hat.
This is the Meeting Point for Route 1 (Morning Session - 11.00am)

Go to the front of Chowrasta Masket, at the Chowrasta Market Bus Stop No 4 and look out for a tour guide with a cowboy hat.