Cecil Street Market George Town Penang
George Town's bustling hawker hub, offering legendary Penang street food at affordable prices in a vibrant local market setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds
Cecil Street Market George Town Penang
Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
George Town's bustling hawker hub, offering legendary Penang street food at affordable prices in a vibrant local market setting.
"A beloved breakfast haunt, bustling with energy and the aroma of sizzling woks."
🎯 Arrive Early for Seats
Popular stalls get busy fast! Aim for an early morning visit to secure a table and avoid long queues.
🍜 Try the Legendary CKT
Don't miss the Barefoot Char Koay Teow for its incredible smoky wok hei flavor.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Barefoot Char Koay Teow
Cecil Street Market Hawker Centre
Legendary smoky wok hei flavor, a must-try Penang hawker dish that lives up to its reputation.

Pasar Lebuh Cecil Atmosphere
Cecil Street Market
Experience the vibrant energy of a local Penang market, a true taste of authentic street food culture.

Kareem Pasembur Rojak
Lebuh Union (near Cecil Street Market)
A legendary Pasembur stall offering a delicious mix of ingredients, a local favorite for a reason.

Chee Cheong Fun
Cecil Street Market Hawker Centre
Freshly made from rice flour, this dish boasts a soft, smooth texture that's a delightful treat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Morning Rush
Navigate the Culinary Maze
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Seats
Popular stalls get busy fast! Aim for an early morning visit to secure a table and avoid long queues.
🍜 Try the Legendary CKT
Don't miss the Barefoot Char Koay Teow for its incredible smoky wok hei flavor.
💰 Affordable Local Eats
Enjoy a wide variety of Penang hawker dishes at budget-friendly prices.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond Food
The market also sells fresh produce and traditional prayer items.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Seats
Popular stalls get busy fast! Aim for an early morning visit to secure a table and avoid long queues.
🍜 Try the Legendary CKT
Don't miss the Barefoot Char Koay Teow for its incredible smoky wok hei flavor.
💰 Affordable Local Eats
Enjoy a wide variety of Penang hawker dishes at budget-friendly prices.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond Food
The market also sells fresh produce and traditional prayer items.
🥵 Beat the Heat
It can get hot and humid, especially during peak hours. Stay hydrated!
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking is limited and mostly outdoors, so consider walking or using ride-sharing.
🧼 Clean Facilities
Good news: the hawker center has clean toilets!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cecil Street Market is a beloved local institution, celebrated for its vast array of affordable and authentic Penang hawker dishes, especially its legendary Char Koay Teow. Visitors appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the chance to eat like a local, though some find certain dishes average and navigating crowds and heat can be challenging.
"Pasar Lebuh Cecil is a popular place we always go each time we come to Penang. It offers vast variety of local food at reasonable cheaper price compare to other shops around George town.
There is too many choices that you are not able to try all of them. Roast pork is highly recommended, it is very crunchy and fresh from oven!"
TAI pristine
"Pasar Lebuh Cecil is a beloved breakfast haunt among Penang locals, and it’s easy to see why. Bustling with energy, the air is thick with the aroma of sizzling woks and simmering broths from the moment you arrive. Come early, or you’ll be met with queues at almost every popular stall—it’s part of the experience!
On our visit, I tried two very different dishes. The Mei Wanton Mee, though much talked about, didn’t quite live up to its reputation. The noodles were springy, but the overly generous sauce lacked flavour, and the char siew was rather ordinary. Still, it’s a budget-friendly pick that clearly has its fans.
But then came the Barefoot Char Koay Teow, and that’s when the morning took a delicious turn. As I queued, the constant bombardment of fragrant wok hei filled the air—it made my mouth water even before I tasted a bite. When I finally did, it was smoky, rich, and full of depth. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes Penang food legendary.
Pasar Lebuh Cecil remains a go-to spot for locals not just because of the food, but because of the atmosphere—no-frills, fast-paced, and full of character. If you’re in Penang and want to eat like a local, start your day here."
Crumpled Nomad
"Pasar Lebuh Cecil is one of the well-known local markets in Penang, offering a lively atmosphere that blends traditional charm with daily convenience. The market is popular for its fresh produce, where you can find vegetables, fruits, meats, and seafood at affordable prices. Many locals frequent the place early in the morning, so it can get crowded during peak hours. Parking is quite limited and mostly outdoors, which can be a challenge if you plan to drive, especially on weekends.
Aside from fresh groceries, the market also has stalls selling Chinese prayer items such as joss paper, incense, and candles, making it a one-stop place for household and cultural needs. This adds to the traditional feel of the market, as it caters not only to daily cooking but also to religious practices.
Pasar Lebuh Cecil is also known for its variety of food stalls offering classic Penang hawker dishes, although I have yet to try them myself. Many locals consider it a hidden gem for breakfast or brunch. Overall, it’s a vibrant community spot that reflects the daily life and culture of Penang, perfect for those seeking both fresh produce and a taste of local tradition."
alex cheong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cecil Street Market is located at Lebuh Cecil, 10300 George Town, Penang. It's easily accessible by Grab or taxi. Many visitors also find it a walkable distance from other attractions in George Town, as noted by travelers exploring the area.
Parking is available but can be limited and is mostly outdoors. It's often a challenge, especially on weekends, so arriving early or considering alternative transport is recommended.
Walking is a great way to see George Town's heritage sites, and Cecil Street Market is often a stop on these explorations. Consider a Grab for longer distances or if you're short on time.
While specific bus routes can vary, George Town is generally well-served by local buses. However, many visitors opt for ride-sharing services like Grab for convenience and direct access.
Yes, it's conveniently located within walking distance of many of George Town's heritage sites and attractions, making it an ideal stop for a meal during your exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cecil Street Market is a public market and hawker centre, so there are no entrance fees or tickets required to enter. You only pay for the food you order.
The market generally operates daily from 7 AM to 5:30 PM, with some food stalls having slightly different hours, like the Curry Mee stall open from 1 PM to 5 PM (closed Mondays).
Yes, the market is open on weekends, but it tends to be more crowded. Arriving early is highly recommended if you plan to visit on a Saturday or Sunday.
To avoid the biggest crowds, try visiting on weekday mornings before 9 AM or in the late afternoon. Weekends and peak breakfast hours (9 AM - 11 AM) are generally the busiest.
No, there is no admission fee for the hawker centre. You can freely browse the stalls and order food.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Highly recommended dishes include the Barefoot Char Koay Teow for its smoky wok hei, Chee Cheong Fun for its smooth texture, and Kareem Pasembur Rojak. Many locals also rave about the Prawn Noodle Soup and Duck Noodle Soup.
Absolutely! It's a beloved local breakfast haunt, bustling with energy and offering a wide array of classic Penang hawker dishes. Come early to experience it at its liveliest.
While many dishes are meat-based, you can often find options like Indian Rojak which can be customized, or some noodle dishes where you can request no meat. It's best to ask the vendors directly.
Food prices are generally very affordable, offering great value for money compared to restaurants in George Town. You can enjoy a hearty meal without breaking the bank.
Indian Rojak is a salad of fried fritters, potatoes, and other ingredients served with a sweet peanut sauce. It's a popular choice at Cecil Street Market, offering a unique blend of flavors and textures.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant chaos of the market, close-ups of sizzling woks, colorful food displays, and the interactions between vendors and customers. The morning light can be great for atmospheric shots.
Generally, it's acceptable to take photos of food and the general market scene. However, it's always polite to ask for permission before taking close-up shots of vendors, especially if they are busy.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is excellent for capturing the vibrant atmosphere. If you have a camera, a versatile lens like a 35mm or 50mm prime lens can be great for street photography.
Early mornings offer a lively atmosphere with vendors setting up and the first customers arriving. Late afternoons can also be good as the light softens, though some stalls may be closing.
Focus on visually appealing dishes like Char Koay Teow with its dark noodles and vibrant garnishes, the colorful assortment of Indian Rojak, or the steaming bowls of noodle soups.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that it's a hawker centre, so seating might be communal and tables can be hard to come by during busy periods. The market also has clean toilets, which is a plus for families. While not specifically a 'kid zone,' the experience of trying new foods in a bustling local setting can be a memorable adventure for older children.
💰 Budget Travelers
Embrace the local experience by trying various stalls. The affordability extends to fresh produce if you're self-catering. Just be prepared for the bustling environment and potentially limited parking if you're driving, which might encourage using more economical transport options like walking or local buses.
🍜 Food Enthusiasts
Engage with the vendors, observe the cooking process, and savor the complex flavors that define Penang's culinary landscape. While some dishes might be more hyped than others, the overall quality and authenticity make it a rewarding experience for anyone passionate about street food.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Culinary Heart of Cecil Street Market
The market truly comes alive in the morning, earning its reputation as a beloved local breakfast spot. The air is thick with the aromas of countless sizzling woks and simmering broths, creating an unforgettable sensory experience. While some visitors note that certain dishes might not live up to expectations, the sheer variety and affordability make it a worthwhile exploration for any food lover.
Beyond the famous dishes, explore stalls like Kareem Pasembur Rojak for a taste of another local legend. The market's atmosphere is a key part of its charm – it's a no-frills, fast-paced environment where you can truly eat like a local. Be prepared for the heat and humidity, and embrace the lively chaos as part of the authentic Penang experience.
Beyond the Food: The Market's Traditional Role
Adding to its traditional charm, you'll also find stalls selling Chinese prayer items such as joss paper, incense, and candles. This makes Cecil Street Market a convenient one-stop destination for both household needs and cultural practices, reflecting the daily life and traditions of the Penang community.
The market's lively atmosphere is a testament to its importance in the local community. It's a place where people gather not just to shop and eat, but to connect and experience the pulse of George Town. For visitors, it offers a genuine glimpse into the local culture, far beyond just a tourist attraction.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit