Good day, foodies! Our team wishes everyone a Prosperous Chinese New Year ahead! We get questions like “CNY got open ah?” a lot every year, but most of the time, they’re never answered. Driving to one place only to be greeted with disappointment? We feel you. Time to solve this once and for all. Below is a list of some of the most famous hawkers in Penang, scroll down to find out whether they’re open during this Chinese New Year 2020. (Read lah, don’t be lazy, you’ll thank us later)
Siam Road Char Koay Teow
Don’t tell anyone, ever, that you’ve visited Penang without trying out our local star dish, Char Koay Teow. Helmed by father and son duo, Siam Road Char Koay Teow has been known by locals for decades before it got ranked 14th in the Top 50 World Street Food Masters Awards in 2017. Bad news is, they’ll stop frying from the 22nd of January onwards and will not resume their business till 3rd of February. A bummer indeed, but hey, you can still try out other famous local fares, or, plan another trip to Penang anytime after.
Address: 82, Jalan Siam, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 12 p.m.-7 p.m. (Closed on Sunday& Monday)
Penang Road Teochew Chendul
What started as a humble pushcart back in 1936 has now become one of the iconic hawker fares in Penang. Tucked in Lebuh Kweng Kee, Penang Road Teochew Chendul are loved by both locals and tourists. That refreshing bowl of shaved ice drenched in fragrant coconut milk, brown sugar, topped with red bean and cendol would be the perfect concoction to beat the weather. While they’re closed on the 24th and 25th of January, one could definitely get yourself a bowl of chendul at one of their franchises. Or, come back on the second day of Chinese New Year for the most authentic experience.
Address: Jalan Penang, 27 & 29, Lebuh Keng Kwee, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: (Mon-Fri) 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. (Sat&Sun) 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Transfer Road Roti Canai
Known for their crispy roti canai drenched in aromatic curry and paired with a whole chicken leg, breakfast has never been so sinful. This humble roadside hawker fare has attracted thousands of people at least, from locals to tourists over the years. Since you’ve made your trip here in Penang, it would only make sense to make your breakfast a fulfilling one here at Transfer Road Roti Canai. And yes, they’re open during this festive season, so make sure to head over early to avoid the crowd.
Address: 114, 110, Jalan Transfer, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 7 a.m.-12 p.m. (Daily)
888 Hokkien Mee
What was once a local-only delicacy spot has now been exposed to tourists, yet one couldn’t say no to its fragrant, sweet prawn broth with a hint of spiciness. It is still by far one of the best hokkien mee in Penang in our humble opinion. The one at Presgrave Street (original branch) opens on the 3rd Day of Chinese New Year.
Address: 67-A, Lebuh Presgrave, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 4 p.m.-12 a.m. (Closed on Wednesday&Thursday)
Kim Laksa
Located all the way in Balik Pulau is Kim Laksa, known for serving delectable asam laksa and siam laksa to the locals. Tucked in Nam Guang Kopitiam, this place has gained more attention, especially tourists in the past 2 years. Those who crave for thick, soury-sweet broth would definitely love this place. They’re open from the 2nd day of CNY.
Address: Nan guang kopitiam, 67 main road, 11000 Balik Pulau, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Closed on Monday-Wednesday)
More: 10 Cafe & Restaurants That Are Open During CNY in Penang 2020
Ais Tingkap
Penang is always scorching hot during this period, and what better way to beat the heat than some cheap thrills? Located in Lebuh Tamil, this stall has been known to serve some seriously good ais tingkap. What was known as “window sherbet” back in the colonial days is actually a cooling concoction of rose syrup, basil seeds, coconut flesh and more.It has a history of over a century and is exclusively available only in Penang. We got you, they’re open during the CNY so stop by for some cooling, inexpensive ais tingkap.
Address: 2, Lebuh Tamil, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (Daily)
Hameediyah Nasi Kandar
While Hameediyah is no stranger to nasi kandar enthusiasts, some would question its validity as a “hawker.” Established in 1907, this nasi kandar restaurant did start off as a humble roadside fare, carried from one place to another (read up Hameediyah’s story and you’ll know). Indeed, one can find Hameediyah in KL as they have expanded their business, but it’s only appropriate to feast at its origin. Come visit Hameediyah restaurant during this holiday and get your cravings fixed and yes, they’re open during this CNY. (Don’t forget their murtabak, it’s two thumbs up from us)
Address: 164, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (Fri) 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 3-10 p.m.
Hock Seng Rojak
Those who’re craving for some fruity local snack with a strong profile, why not opt for some rojak? While there are many options available on the island, we would always go back for Hock Seng Rojak. Their caramel-based sauce is on the thicker and sweeter side, a conventional twist to the regular shrimp paste sauce. They’re open during Chinese New Year, even on the first day, but do expect at least 15-minute queue depending on your hour of visit.
Address: Gat Lebuh Cecil, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 3 p.m.-8:30 p.m. (Closed on Monday&Tuesday)
Toh Soon Cafe
Nestled in a dark alley sandwiched between two old buildings, Toh Soon is known for serving traditional charcoal toast and half-boiled egg, what we locals love for breakfast. Weid, dark alley with a huge crowd? Rest assured you’re at the right place. Don’t miss out their coffee and nasi lemak. They’re closed on the 24th and 25th of January. Did we mention they’ve expanded their business? Toh Soon now has a proper location, a cafe with cozy ambiance, check that out too!
Address: Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (Closed on Sunday)
Cafe’s Address: 37, Bishop Street, 10200 Georgetown, Penang
Opening hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (Closed on Monday)
Village Fish Head Bee Hoon (鄉下魚頭米粉)
If you’re a true follower of Penang Foodie, you might have noticed we featured them a couple of times, even made a video of it. That’s how much we love this place. Village serves seriously-good milk-based fish head noodle, and our favourite tom yum. Editor’s pick: Tom Yum Maggie with minced pork and meatballs as ingredients. Bad news is, they’re closed throughout the whole Chinese New Year, all we gotta say is, make another trip back here!
Address: 10300, 37, Pengkalan Weld, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 12 p.m.-11:30 p.m. (Daily)
Our island has more than just hawker fares to offer, explore to find out more! This festive season isn’t complete without a steamboat feast or two! Check out our page for more, buh bye!
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