Gurney Plaza, located along Gurney Drive in George Town, Penang, is one of the island's premier shopping destinations. While the mall offers a wide range of dining options from fast food to fine dining, its food court on the fifth floor remains a favorite among locals and tourists for affordable, authentic hawker fare. This guide covers what to eat at the Gurney Plaza food court, highlighting must-try stalls, typical prices, and practical tips for first-time visitors.

The food court, officially named Gurney Plaza Food Court (also known as Gurney Plaza Hawker Centre), operates daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. It features over 20 stalls serving Malaysian, Chinese, Indian, and Nyonya cuisine. Seating is communal, and you pay at each stall separately. Most dishes cost between RM5 and RM15, making it a budget-friendly option compared to the mall's restaurants.

Top Stalls and Signature Dishes

1. Penang Laksa (Asam Laksa)

The Penang Laksa stall is one of the busiest, serving a tangy fish-based noodle soup with tamarind, lemongrass, and shredded mackerel. A bowl costs RM7.50. The broth is rich and sour, topped with cucumber, onions, and a dollop of shrimp paste. For a spicier kick, add extra chili paste from the condiment tray.

2. Char Koay Teow

This stir-fried flat rice noodle dish is a Penang staple. The stall here uses fresh prawns, cockles, Chinese sausage, and bean sprouts, wok-fried with dark soy sauce and egg. A plate costs RM8.00. The char koay teow at Gurney Plaza is slightly less oily than street versions, making it a good choice for those watching their intake.

3. Hokkien Mee (Prawn Noodle Soup)

The Hokkien Mee stall offers a flavorful prawn-based broth with yellow noodles, pork slices, prawns, and a hard-boiled egg. A bowl is RM7.00. The broth is simmered for hours with prawn shells and pork bones, giving it a deep umami taste. Add a squeeze of calamansi lime for brightness.

4. Cendol

For dessert, the Cendol stall is a must. It serves shaved ice with green jelly noodles, red beans, creamed corn, and palm sugar syrup, topped with coconut milk. A bowl costs RM4.50. It's refreshing after a heavy meal, especially on a hot day.

5. Nasi Kandar

This Indian-Malaysian rice dish comes with a choice of curries (fish, chicken, mutton) and side dishes like fried okra, boiled egg, and papadum. A plate with one curry and two sides costs around RM8-RM12. The stall offers a variety of curries, including the spicy sambal sotong (squid in chili paste).

6. Wan Tan Mee

The Wan Tan Mee stall serves egg noodles with char siu (barbecued pork), wontons, and vegetables in a soy-based sauce. A bowl is RM6.50. The wontons are filled with minced pork and shrimp, and the noodles are springy. You can order it dry or with soup.

Other Notable Stalls

  • Popiah (fresh spring rolls) – RM3.50 per roll, filled with turnip, bean sprouts, and shrimp, wrapped in a thin crepe.
  • Rojak (fruit salad with shrimp paste dressing) – RM5.00, a mix of pineapple, cucumber, jicama, and tofu fritters.
  • Satay – RM0.90 per stick (minimum 10 sticks), grilled chicken or beef skewers with peanut sauce.
  • Apom Balik (crispy pancake) – RM2.50, filled with sugar, corn, and peanuts.
  • Curry Mee – RM7.00, yellow noodles in a spicy coconut curry broth with cockles and tofu puffs.

Tips for Visiting the Food Court

  • Timing: Avoid peak hours (12:30 PM–2:00 PM and 6:30 PM–8:00 PM) to find seats easily. The food court can get crowded, especially on weekends.
  • Payment: Most stalls accept cash only, though some have Touch 'n Go e-wallet. Bring small bills (RM1, RM5, RM10).
  • Seating: It's common to reserve a seat with a packet of tissues or a drink. If you're alone, you may need to share a table.
  • Ordering: Some stalls have numbers; note the stall number or name when ordering. Wait at the stall for your food; they will call out your order.
  • Drinks: There is a central drink stall selling sugarcane juice (RM3.00), iced lemon tea (RM2.50), and coconut water (RM4.00).

Nearby Attractions and Shopping

After eating, you can explore the rest of Gurney Plaza, which houses over 200 retail outlets including international brands like Uniqlo, Zara, and Parkson. For a more comprehensive shopping guide, see our Gurney Plaza Shopping Guide. The mall also has a cinema (GSC) and a bowling alley. If you prefer outdoor activities, the Gurney Drive Promenade Walking Guide describes a scenic walk along the coast, just across the street from the mall.

For those staying nearby, the food court is a convenient option. Check out our Budget-Friendly Hotels Near Gurney Drive for affordable accommodation within walking distance. If you're looking for luxury, our Luxury Resorts Gurney Drive Review covers high-end options.

Comparison with Other Food Courts

While Gurney Plaza's food court is popular, it competes with other nearby hawker centers. The Gurney Drive Hawker Centre (also known as Gurney Drive Food Court) is an open-air option along the seafront, offering similar dishes but with a more rustic atmosphere. Prices there are slightly lower (RM5–RM10), but seating is more limited. For a detailed comparison, read The Complete Guide to Gurney Drive, Penang.

Another alternative is the food court at Prangin Mall (a 10-minute drive away), which has a larger selection of Chinese and Indian stalls. However, Gurney Plaza's food court remains the most accessible for shoppers and hotel guests along Gurney Drive.

Dietary Considerations

Most stalls serve halal food, but not all are certified. For halal options, look for stalls with halal logos; the Nasi Kandar and Satay stalls are generally halal. Vegetarians can find dishes like rojak (ask for no shrimp paste), popiah (vegetarian version available), and cendol. Vegan options are limited; the apom balik (without egg) and rojak (without shrimp paste) can be modified. Always confirm with the stall owner.

Conclusion

The Gurney Plaza food court offers a convenient, affordable way to sample Penang's iconic street food without leaving the air-conditioned comfort of a modern mall. From savory laksa to sweet cendol, the variety ensures there's something for everyone. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular shopper, this food court is worth a stop. For more dining options along Gurney Drive, see our Best Waterfront Restaurants Gurney Drive and Seafood Dining Gurney Drive articles.

Related Articles

  • The Complete Guide to Gurney Drive, Penang
  • Gurney Plaza Shopping Guide
  • Budget-Friendly Hotels Near Gurney Drive
  • Gurney Drive Promenade Walking Guide
  • Best Waterfront Restaurants Gurney Drive