Pulau Tikus Morning Market – Where Gourmet Meets Local Flair (& Where True Penangites Are Made)!
Step into Pulau Tikus Morning Market, where Penang's upscale charm collides with the electrifying buzz of traditional market life - and where locals swear you haven't truly earned your Penangite stripes until you've eaten here! Tucked within one of the island's most affluent neighborhoods, this isn't your typical wet market. Here, organic stalls stocked with premium produce stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the vibrant chaos of shouting vendors and expert haggling aunties, all bound by a local saying: "Kalau tak makan dekat Pasar Pagi Pulau Tikus, bukan PenangLang!" (If you haven't eaten at Pulau Tikus Morning Market, you're not a true Penangite!). The proof? The indoor hawker center's legendary offerings - butter-laden roti canai with curry that dances on your tongue, smoky wok hei-packed char kway teow, and curry mee so aromatic it'll wake your soul. Whether you're here to splurge on artisanal ingredients or devour a RM5 breakfast fit for royalty, this market doesn't just feed you - it initiates you into Penang's culinary elite. Pro tip: Come by 7:30am to beat the crowds (and to prove your Penangite dedication!) 🍳🔥
So...are you a TRUE Penangite? Tag someone who needs to earn their stripes!
#PulauTikusMarket #PenangiteRightsOfPassage #BreakfastLikeALocal
The large mural depicting various street food stalls and other shops of the Pulau Tikus market. This mural is located near the market entrance and is one of the oldest markets in Penang
Pulau Tikus Market is one of the oldest in Penang
History of Pulau Tikus: Penang's Historic Enclave of Elegance & Privilege
Nestled between George Town’s UNESCO zone and the coastal glamour of Gurney Drive, Pulau Tikus (Malay for "Rat Island") has been Penang’s address of affluence since the 19th century—ironically named not for rodents, but after a rock formation resembling a rat’s silhouette off its shore. Developed as a European suburb during colonial times, the area became a magnet for wealthy Straits Chinese (Peranakan) families and British planters, who built grand mansions along its tree-lined streets like Jalan Burma and Jalan Kelawai. Today, the neighborhood still whispers of old money through its heritage bungalows with intricate Peranakan tiles, the stately Convent Light Street school (founded 1852), and the iconic Church of the Immaculate Conception—a testament to its Eurasian Catholic roots. Yet Pulau Tikus seamlessly blends its aristocratic past with modern luxury, housing Michelin-starred eateries beside century-old kopitiams, making it where Penang’s old-world charm and contemporary wealth shake hands. Fun fact: The "Tikus" rock was dynamited by the British in 1887—but the name (and prestige) stuck!
#PulauTikus #PenangHeritage #WhereOldMoneyLives
The Church of the Immaculate Conception was the first place of worship founded in Pulau Tikus, George Town.
Pulau Tikus in the 1990s
Stop #1: Swee Kong Coffee Shop 瑞江茶室: A Century-Old Culinary Sanctuary in Pulau Tikus
Tucked away in the affluent enclave of Pulau Tikus, Swee Kong Coffee Shop has been a cornerstone of Penang’s food heritage since 1923—over 100 years of brewing stories, traditions, and unforgettable flavors. This iconic kopitiam is home to Lean Huat Hokkien Mee, a legendary stall serving up smoky, prawn-rich noodles for over six decades—a recipe so cherished that its impending retirement (with no heir to continue) feels like losing a piece of Penang’s soul. Equally historic is Ravi Claypot Appom Manis, a third-generation gem since 1920, where crispy-edged, custardy sweet pancakes arrive piping hot in traditional clay pots—a rare taste of old-world craftsmanship. Every bite here is a pilgrimage through time, where the chatter of regulars and the clatter of kopi cups tell tales of a fading era. Come hungry, leave nostalgic—this is Penang’s living heritage on a plate.
#SweeKong1923 #PenangFoodLegends #EatBeforeItsGone
P.S. Visit early—both stalls sell out fast! 🍜🔥
Swee Khong is perhaps one of the most famous Kopitiam in Penang
Lean Huat Hokkien Mee is my favourite Hokkien Mee in Penang
Lean Huat Hokkien Mee is fast and delicious
Lean Huat Hokkien Mee is now third generation
Ravi's Claypot Appom Manis was established in 1920
Swee Khong's coffee is a must order
Swee Khong is packed every day
Swee Khong is also home to the Char Keow Teow that won the CKT competition held in 2025
Stop #2. 雲吞面之家 Wan Tan Mee House – Pulau Tikus’ Hidden Gem with a Twist!
Don’t let the humble menu fool you—this decades-old stall is Pulau Tikus’ best-kept secret for soul-satisfying comfort food! Famous for their playful "shark fin soup" wonton mee (made with delicate egg ribbons, not actual shark fin), they master the art of keeping it simple yet extraordinary. The star? Springy noodles coated in a rich, thick sauce that dances with umami, elevated by tangy pickled chilies and melt-in-your-mouth roasted pork. Each bite is pure harmony. The wontons are plump, juicy parcels of joy, floating in a light yet deeply flavorful broth that’ll have you sipping to the last drop. Pair it all with their old-school kopi or icy barley drink for the ultimate nostalgic combo. With no-frills vibes and flavors that punch way above their weight, this spot proves why Penang’s street food legacy is unmatched. Run, don’t walk—your taste buds will thank you! 🍜✨
#WanTanMeeMagic #PenangStreetFood #HiddenGemAlert
Pro tip: Go before noon—they often sell out by lunch!
Over 60 years of History the Wan Tan Mee House is an iconic brand in Penang
Wan Tan Mee House Signature dish Shark Fun Wan Tan Mee
The Dumpling at Wan Tan Mee House is also a must order
Wan Tan Mee House has many regulars and are usually packed
Stop #3. Granny Q Lemak Laksa – A Taste of Heritage with a Northern Thai Twist!
Step into Granny Q Lemak Laksa, where tradition meets innovation in a bowl of pure comfort! Inspired by his grandmother’s cherished Northern Thai recipe, the owner has crafted a one-of-a-kind lemak laksa that’s become the star attraction at this Pulau Tikus coffee shop. The gravy is the real showstopper—velvety smooth, luxuriously creamy, and packed with layers of flavor that dance between rich coconut milk and aromatic Thai-inspired spices. Choose between small or medium portions, but be warned: one slurp of that fragrant broth and you’ll wish you’d gone big! Beyond their signature laksa, the stall also serves up Nyonya otak-otak (grilled to perfection) and an array of colorful, handmade kuih that add a sweet finish to your meal. Every bite feels like a heartfelt tribute to family roots and local Penang flavors. Don’t miss this hidden gem—it’s laksa love at first taste! 🍜✨
#GrannyQLaksa #ThaiMeetsNyonya #PulauTikusEats
Pro tip: Come early—the laksa sells out fast!
Granny Q Laksa comes from the owner's grandmother's name
Granny Q Laksa recipe is influence by Northern Thai flavour
The ingredients are rich with many exotic hearbs
The Otak Otak is also a must order from Granny Q
Stop #4. Soo Kay Hong Kong Style Roasted Pork – Pulau Tikus’ Best-Kept Secret for Crispy, Juicy Perfection!
Tucked behind Pulau Tikus Wet Market, Soo Kay is a no-frills stall that serves up some of the most irresistible Hong Kong-style roasted pork in Penang—crispy, golden-brown siew yoke with crackling skin that shatters beautifully, revealing tender, well-marinated meat underneath. The secret? A perfect balance of five-spice aroma, smoky char, and just the right amount of fat that melts in your mouth. Whether you enjoy it with rice, noodles, or straight from the box, each bite is a textural masterpiece. While their roasted pork is the star, don’t overlook their char siew (honey-glazed BBQ pork)—sticky, caramelized, and packed with umami. This humble stall proves that great flavors need no fancy decor—just decades of skill and a dedication to Cantonese roasting traditions. A must-try for roast meat lovers! 🍖🔥
#SooKayRoastPork #PulauTikusHiddenGem #CrispySkinHeaven
Pro tip: Go before noon—the best cuts sell out fast!
SOO KAY HONG KONG STYLE ROASTED PORK is hidden behind Pulau Tikus Wet Market
SOO KAY HONG KONG STYLE ROASTED PORK has incredible 3 layer pork
SOO KAY HONG KONG STYLE ROASTED PORK Lobak
SOO KAY HONG KONG STYLE ROASTED PORK was established 20 years ago
Stop #5 Ah Liang Koay Teow Th'ng – A Legacy Bowl of Comfort at Pulau Tikus Market!
We shall end the list with Ah Liang Koay Teow Th'ng, a beloved stall in Pulau Tikus Market’s bustling food court that has been warming hearts (and bellies) for generations! Originally run by the late Ah Liang, this humble stall is now passionately continued by his daughter, preserving every bit of the old-school magic that regulars have cherished since the 1980s. Their signature koay teow th'ng is simplicity perfected—a clear, fragrant broth brimming with silky rice noodles, tender slices of chicken or pork, and springy, umami-packed fish balls so good you can order them solo (and many do!). Even the small portion is surprisingly filling, making it the ultimate breakfast comfort food. Pair it with a side of their house-made chili sauce for an extra kick. Come early—this heritage stall sells out fast, and trust us, you don’t want to miss out! 🍜✨
#AhLiangLegacy #PenangBreakfastClassics #KoayTeowThngLove
Pro tip: Try their fish balls with a dash of white pepper—heavenly!
