Gurney Drive Hawker Centre
Penang's iconic open-air hawker centre, serving a vast array of affordable and authentic street food classics.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Gurney Drive Hawker Centre
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Penang's iconic open-air hawker centre, serving a vast array of affordable and authentic street food classics.
"A bustling hub for authentic Penang street food, offering a taste of local life."
🎯 Order from Multiple Stalls
Don't stick to one! Try different dishes from various vendors for a true hawker feast.
🚶♀️ Finding a Table
It can be challenging! Come early or be patient. Weekdays are better.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Char Koay Teow
Various Stalls (e.g., Stall 71, Stall 99)
Flat rice noodles stir-fried with prawns, cockles, and bean sprouts. Look for stalls with a good queue!
Oyster Omelette (Oh Chien)
Various Stalls
Crispy, savory omelette packed with plump oysters. A classic Penang hawker delight.
Assam Laksa
Stall 79
A tangy and spicy fish-based noodle soup, a true taste of Penang.
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Pasembur
Various Stalls
A Malaysian salad with shredded vegetables, seafood, and a sweet peanut sauce.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for the Best Bites
Embrace the Hawker Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Order from Multiple Stalls
Don't stick to one! Try different dishes from various vendors for a true hawker feast.
🚶♀️ Finding a Table
It can be challenging! Come early or be patient. Weekdays are better.
💰 Affordable Eats
Most dishes are very reasonably priced, offering great value for authentic flavors.
🌶️ Spice Level Check
Some dishes can be quite spicy. Ask vendors if you're sensitive to heat.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Order from Multiple Stalls
Don't stick to one! Try different dishes from various vendors for a true hawker feast.
🚶♀️ Finding a Table
It can be challenging! Come early or be patient. Weekdays are better.
💰 Affordable Eats
Most dishes are very reasonably priced, offering great value for authentic flavors.
🌶️ Spice Level Check
Some dishes can be quite spicy. Ask vendors if you're sensitive to heat.
🚗 Traffic Alert
The area can get very congested, especially on weekends. Plan your transport accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gurney Drive Hawker Centre offers a bustling, affordable, and authentic taste of Penang's street food scene, with a wide variety of classic dishes. While some find it a must-visit for its iconic flavors, others note that quality can vary between stalls and that it can get very crowded, with traffic being a significant issue.
"Tried both 71 (no lard) and 107 char okay teow side by side. My brother prefer 71 while I prefer 107 so it's really up to personal preference. Both has wok hey, might not be the best plate of ckt in penang but better than most ckt outside penang. We also had assam laksa (quite decent) , popiah (portion abit small, 1 serving only 3 pieces) and pasembur which turn out to be a very huge plate of savory rojak."
Yvonne Yee
"Everything is about average.. if you know which store is good then maybe food is decent.. if you pick the wrong one.. maybe not as good as penang has pretty high standards.. honestly I would come for convenience but not purposefully. The stretch is long and you have many vendors of each food to choose from."
Kenneth Tan
"Visited in Nov 2024. Had the duck egg fried kuay teow, duck egg oyster omelette, malay satay, nasi lemak kukis cilibilis, fried chicken drumstick, and Aiyu lychee drinks. Generally above average. Fairly priced.
The meal average a 2.8/5"
Ray Sim
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Gurney Drive Hawker Centre by taxi, Grab (ride-sharing app), or local buses. It's located next to Gurney Plaza. Be aware that traffic around the area can be heavy, especially on weekends.
Parking can be difficult due to the popularity of the area. It's often easier to use ride-sharing services or public transport.
Taking a Grab or a local bus is often more convenient than driving yourself, as parking is limited and traffic can be severe.
If you're staying nearby, walking is an option, but it depends on your accommodation's location. It's a popular spot, so expect crowds.
Several local bus routes serve the Gurney Drive area. It's best to check with your accommodation or use a local transit app for the most up-to-date route information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Gurney Drive Hawker Centre is free. You only pay for the food you order from the individual stalls.
The hawker centre is typically open daily from around 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM (midnight). Some stalls may have slightly different hours.
Going earlier (around 5:30 PM) can help you avoid the biggest crowds and secure a table more easily. Late night visits are also an option for a quieter experience.
Gurney Drive Hawker Centre is generally open daily. However, individual stalls might close on certain days, so it's not uncommon for some favorites to be unavailable.
No, the seating area is communal and free to use. You order food from the stalls and then find a spot to eat.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Must-tries include Char Koay Teow, Oyster Omelette (Oh Chien), Assam Laksa, and Pasembur. Many visitors also enjoy satay and fried chicken.
Yes, there are many halal options available, and the number of halal stalls has increased. Look for stalls that explicitly state 'Pork Free' or 'Halal'.
Food is very affordable, with most dishes ranging from RM 5 to RM 15. You can enjoy a full meal without spending too much.
Yes, you order from individual stalls and then find an available table in the communal seating area.
It's common for popular stalls to have queues. You can either wait, try a different stall, or come back later.
While many dishes are meat and seafood-based, you can often find options like vegetable stir-fries or vegetarian versions of noodle dishes. It's best to ask the vendors.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant food displays, the bustling atmosphere, and the colorful stalls. The evening lights add a great ambiance.
Yes, it's generally acceptable to take photos of the food and the general atmosphere. Be mindful of people's privacy if you're focusing on individuals.
The evening, as the lights come on and the hawker centre becomes lively, offers the most atmospheric shots.
Dishes like Char Koay Teow with its dark noodles and vibrant prawns, or the colorful Pasembur, make for great photos.
It's best to use natural light or ambient lighting as much as possible. If you must use flash, do so discreetly.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for stalls with simpler options like fried rice or chicken wings. While some dishes are spicy, many vendors can adjust the spice level if you ask. It's a great place to introduce children to authentic Malaysian street food in a casual setting.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize your budget, try sampling small portions from multiple stalls rather than ordering large meals from one. This allows you to taste more without overspending. Weekday visits can also mean slightly less competition for tables and potentially quicker service.
🍜 Food Enthusiasts
+1Engage with the vendors, ask about their specialties, and be open to new taste sensations. While some popular stalls have long queues, it's often worth the wait for a truly memorable culinary experience. Consider exploring other hawker centres in Penang as well to get a broader perspective.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Penang Hawker Experience
When you visit, the key is to embrace the 'hawker' style of dining. You order your food directly from the individual stalls, which are often specialized in just one or two dishes. After ordering, you find an available table in the communal seating area. Don't be surprised if you have to share a table during peak hours! This communal dining aspect is part of the charm and a great way to soak in the local vibe.
While Gurney Drive is famous, it's worth noting that some locals suggest other hawker centres might offer more authentic or less tourist-centric experiences. However, for a first-time visitor, Gurney Drive remains an essential stop to sample a wide variety of Penang's best street food in one convenient location.
Navigating the Culinary Delights
+1Another classic is the Oyster Omelette (Oh Chien), a crispy, eggy delight packed with fresh oysters. For something soupy, the Assam Laksa offers a unique tangy and spicy flavor profile from its fish-based broth. Don't overlook Pasembur, a Malaysian salad with shredded vegetables, seafood, and a sweet peanut sauce, where you can often pick your own ingredients.
Beyond these icons, explore options like Roti Babi (a marinated meat sandwich),
Nasi Lemak, and various fried chicken stalls. Many stalls are halal-certified, making it accessible for Muslim visitors. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit