New Lane Hawker Centre
A bustling open-air hawker centre in Penang, famous for its iconic charcoal-fired Char Koay Teow and diverse street food offerings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, get food fast
New Lane Hawker Centre
Best Time
Beat the crowds, get food fast
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling open-air hawker centre in Penang, famous for its iconic charcoal-fired Char Koay Teow and diverse street food offerings.
"The aroma surrounding this place is amazing, with yummy variety from brain to oyster."
🎯 Go Early to Avoid Queues
Arrive by 5 PM to snag popular dishes like Seafood Char Koay Teow before the massive lines form.
🅿️ Parking & Seating Challenges
Parking is tough. Consider nearby cafes for seating (may have a small fee).
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Charcoal-Fired Char Koay Teow
Various stalls, look for the charcoal fire
Experience the smoky, umami-rich wok hei of this iconic Penang noodle dish. Often has long queues!
BBQ Chicken Wings & Drumsticks
Look for the grilling stations
Juicy, perfectly grilled chicken with a delicious smoky char. A must-try for meat lovers.
Lok Lok & Satay Skewers
Various stalls
A fun variety of grilled skewers, perfect for sharing and sampling different flavors.
Durian Delights
Dedicated durian stalls
Indulge in the king of fruits, with various types available when in season.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Bites
Navigating Crowds and Seating
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go Early to Avoid Queues
Arrive by 5 PM to snag popular dishes like Seafood Char Koay Teow before the massive lines form.
🅿️ Parking & Seating Challenges
Parking is tough. Consider nearby cafes for seating (may have a small fee).
💰 Great Value for Money
Delicious food at affordable prices. You get a lot for your money here.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Main Lane
Don't be afraid to try stalls slightly off the main path for hidden gems.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go Early to Avoid Queues
Arrive by 5 PM to snag popular dishes like Seafood Char Koay Teow before the massive lines form.
🅿️ Parking & Seating Challenges
Parking is tough. Consider nearby cafes for seating (may have a small fee).
💰 Great Value for Money
Delicious food at affordable prices. You get a lot for your money here.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Main Lane
Don't be afraid to try stalls slightly off the main path for hidden gems.
🥤 Don't Forget Drinks!
Try local favorites like Milo or Leng Chee Kang to complement your meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
New Lane Hawker Centre is a beloved spot for authentic Penang street food, praised for its delicious variety and great value. While the vibrant atmosphere and tasty dishes are major draws, visitors should be prepared for significant crowds and potential queues, especially for signature items like the charcoal Char Koay Teow.
"Good vibes. Great food stalls. It's not a very big one, but the location is central , next to the subway hotel. All the stalls we had tried here were tasty. Great value and clean. The q to the quey two cart was massive and I didn't bother to line up."
Denise Leung
"New Lane Street Food stalls next to Macalister Road. Yummy yummy variety. Brain brain (Otak Otak) was not bad. Do try the char kueh teow and fried oyster. Even the drinks and leng chee kang were yummy. The aroma surrounding this place is amazing"
Fr Andrew Kooi
"Interesting but a tad short lane to try out some of the local iconic dishes. Pick a stall, order their food, sit in the nearby cafe, order a drink or pay up some seating fee. I would suggest go early. Like, 5pm that kind of early. We got our food almost instantly."
Hii Wei Wei
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
New Lane Hawker Centre is located off Macalister Road in George Town, Penang. It's easily accessible by Grab (ride-sharing) or local buses. Some locals refer to it as 'Sunway' due to its proximity to the Sunway Hotel.
Parking can be very challenging in this busy area. It's often recommended to use ride-sharing services or public transport.
If you're coming from further afield, Grab is a convenient option. For those on a budget, local buses that frequent Macalister Road will get you close.
Yes, it's within walking distance of many heritage sites in George Town, making it a great stop after a day of exploring.
Taxis are readily available in Penang and can drop you off directly at the entrance of the hawker centre.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance tickets required for New Lane Hawker Centre. It's an open-air street food area.
The hawker centre typically opens in the late afternoon, around 5 PM, and operates until late evening, usually around 10 PM or 11 PM.
There is no admission fee to enter the hawker centre itself. You only pay for the food and drinks you order.
No, tables are on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to its popularity, it's advisable to go early or be prepared to wait.
The hawker centre is located along Lorong Baru, which is a side street off Macalister Road. You'll see the food stalls set up along the lane.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Must-tries include the charcoal-fired Char Koay Teow, BBQ chicken wings, Lok Lok, Satay, and if in season, Durian.
Prices are very reasonable, offering great value. A plate of Char Koay Teow might cost around RM11-RM13, with other dishes also affordably priced.
While many dishes are meat-centric, you can often find options like Rojak (fruit and vegetable salad) or vegetarian versions of noodle dishes. It's best to ask the vendors.
Local favorites include Milo, fresh juices, and Leng Chee Kang (a refreshing dessert soup).
Many visitors find the unique smoky flavor from the charcoal fire makes it worth the wait, but be prepared for potentially very long queues.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant atmosphere, the sizzling woks, the colorful array of food, and the bustling crowds. The charcoal grills offer a dramatic visual.
Late afternoon as the stalls are setting up offers softer light. Evenings provide a lively, atmospheric glow from the food stall lights.
The Char Koay Teow with its dark noodles and vibrant ingredients, the golden-brown BBQ chicken wings, and the colorful skewers are all highly photogenic.
Use a wider aperture for low-light shots to capture the ambiance. A faster shutter speed can freeze the action of cooking. Consider a tripod for sharper night shots.
It's always polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their stalls. Most are happy to oblige.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great opportunity to introduce children to authentic Malaysian street food in a lively setting. Be prepared for crowds and potentially limited seating, which can be a challenge with younger children. Going earlier in the evening, around 5 PM, might offer a slightly more manageable experience. Consider ordering a variety of smaller dishes to share, allowing everyone to try different things.
💰 Budget Travelers
Focus on trying multiple dishes from different stalls to get the best value and variety. Drinks are also reasonably priced. Remember that parking can be expensive, so opting for public transport or ride-sharing is often more economical.
🍜 Foodie Explorers
Engage with the vendors, ask about their specialties, and be open to trying new flavors. The sheer variety and quality of food available make it an unforgettable culinary journey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Char Koay Teow Experience
Be prepared for long queues, especially for the most popular stalls. Some visitors suggest arriving right at opening time (around 5 PM) to get ahead of the rush.
While the charcoal version is a highlight, other stalls also offer delicious Char Koay Teow. It's a quintessential Penang street food experience that you shouldn't miss when visiting New Lane.
Navigating the Hawker Centre Atmosphere
+1It's not just about the food; it's the vibrant energy of the place. You'll see locals and tourists alike mingling, ordering, and enjoying their meals. Due to its popularity, it can get quite crowded, and finding a seat might require some patience or a small fee if you use a nearby cafe's seating.
The experience is about immersing yourself in the local culture, trying a variety of dishes, and enjoying the lively, communal dining environment. It’s a sensory overload in the best possible way.
Beyond the Noodles: Other Must-Try Foods
Don't miss out on Lok Lok and Satay skewers, offering a fun way to sample various meats and seafood grilled to perfection. For those with a sweet tooth or adventurous palate, the durian stalls are a must-visit when in season, offering the pungent but beloved fruit.
Other popular items include Oyster Omelets, Popiah (fresh spring rolls), and refreshing desserts like Leng Chee Kang. The variety ensures there's something to satisfy every craving.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit