If you are looking for a place to enjoy a variety of delicious local dishes in Penang, you should not miss Cecil Street Market. This is one of the biggest and oldest hawker centers in George Town, combining a wet market and a food court. Here, you can find everything from fresh seafood and roast meats to noodles and desserts. In this blog post, I will share with you some of the best things to eat at Cecil Street Market, as well as some tips on when to visit and what to expect.
What to Eat at Cecil Street Market:
Cecil Street Market has over 70 stalls selling different types of food, so you will be spoiled for choice. However, some of the most popular and famous dishes are:
Char Koay Teow: This is a classic Penang dish of stir-fried flat rice noodles with prawns, eggs, bean sprouts, chives and chili. The char koay teow at Cecil Street Market is known for its smoky flavor and generous portions. You can also add cockles or crab meat for extra oomph.
Duck Rice: If you love roast duck, you will love the duck rice at Cecil Street Market. The duck is roasted until crispy and tender, and served with rice, cucumber slices and a tangy sauce. You can also order other roast meats such as chicken, pork or char siew (barbecued pork).
Laksa: Another Penang specialty, laksa is a spicy noodle soup with fish broth, coconut milk, tamarind, herbs and toppings such as shredded fish, pineapple, cucumber and onion. The laksa at Cecil Street Market is rich and flavorful, with a hint of sweetness and sourness.
Oyster Omelette: This is a dish of eggs fried with oysters, starch, chives and chili sauce. The oyster omelette at Cecil Street Market is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with juicy oysters and a spicy kick.
Ice Kacang: This is a refreshing dessert of shaved ice topped with red beans, corn, jelly, syrup and condensed milk. The ice kacang at Cecil Street Market is colorful and sweet, perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
These are just some of the many dishes you can try at Cecil Street Market. You can also find other cuisines such as Indian, Malay, Thai and Western. There is something for everyone here.
Prices of a few popular dishes available at Cecil Street Market.
Here are some examples:
Char Koay Teow: This dish costs around RM 5.00 to RM 6.00 (USD 1.24 to USD 1.49) per plate, depending on the size and ingredients.
Duck Rice: This dish costs around RM 6.50 to RM 7.50 (USD 1.61 to USD 1.86) per bowl, depending on the size and meat choice.
Laksa: This dish costs around RM 4.00 to RM 5.00 (USD 0.99 to USD 1.24) per bowl, depending on the size and toppings.
Oyster Omelette: This dish costs around RM 10.00 to RM 15.00 (USD 2.48 to USD 3.72) per plate, depending on the size and number of oysters.
Ice Kacang: This dish costs around RM 3.00 to RM 4.00 (USD 0.74 to USD 0.99) per bowl, depending on the size and ingredients.
I hope this gives you an idea of how much you need to budget for your food at Cecil Street Market.😊
When to Visit Cecil Street Market:
Cecil Street Market is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm. However, the best time to visit is during lunchtime, when most of the stalls are open and the food is fresh. You can also avoid the crowds by going on weekdays or early in the morning. However, if you don't mind the hustle and bustle, you can also enjoy the lively atmosphere and friendly service at Cecil Street Market.
Why Visit Cecil Street Market:
Cecil Street Market is not only a place to eat, but also a place to experience the culture and history of Penang. The market has been around since 1959, and has witnessed many changes in the city. You can see the old-fashioned architecture and signage of the market, as well as the diverse mix of people who come here. You can also chat with the stall owners and learn more about their stories and recipes.
Is Halal Food Available at Cecil Street Market:
Yes, there are several stalls that sell halal food at Cecil Street Market. You can look for the halal sign or ask the stall owners if you are unsure. Some of the halal dishes you can find here are nasi lemak (coconut rice with sambal and side dishes), mee goreng (fried noodles with chicken or beef), roti canai (flatbread with curry) and cendol (green rice flour jelly with coconut milk and palm sugar).
Some more interesting details about Cecil Street Market that a you should know:
Cecil Street Market is located in the heart of George Town, the capital city of Penang and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can easily reach the market by bus, taxi, Grab or walking from nearby attractions such as Komtar Tower, Prangin Mall and Penang Road.
Cecil Street Market is not only a food paradise, but also a shopping destination. You can find a variety of goods at the wet market section, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, spices, flowers and more. You can also buy some souvenirs, clothes, accessories and household items at the stalls outside the market.
Cecil Street Market is a place where you can experience the local culture and lifestyle of Penang. You can see how the vendors prepare and sell their products, how the customers bargain and chat with them, and how the food is cooked and served. You can also interact with the friendly and helpful stall owners and learn more about their stories and recipes.
Have you visited Cecil Market? Love to hear your experience, please share in the comments.