Van Praagh - Penang’s largest night market

The Van Praagh Night Market in Penang is the largest weekly night market on the island, bustling with activity every Friday evening along Jalan Van Praagh in Penang. This vibrant market offers a wide variety of goods, from fresh local produce and delicious street food—such as vegetarian char kway kak, Ban Chang Kuih, and local style home made Sushi —to affordable clothing, accessories, and household items. Popular among both locals and tourists, the market provides an authentic Malaysian night market experience with its lively atmosphere, aromatic flavors, and bargain-friendly shopping. Whether you're craving tasty snacks or hunting for unique finds, Van Praagh Night Market is a must-visit destination for a true taste of Penang’s street culture.

Stop #1: sushinineties90s 九零后寿司

90s Sushi is a vibrant and creative sushi stall run by a team of young, passionate owners all born in the 1990s, bringing a fresh twist to Penang’s street food scene. A smash hit at Van Praagh Night Market every Friday, this stall is famous for its homemade sushi that combines affordability (priced at RM3.50 or less per piece!) with bold, inventive flavors. Must-try specialties include abalone sushi, lala (clams) sushi, and sweet corn sushi, showcasing their playful yet delicious approach to Japanese-inspired snacks. Besides Van Praagh, you can also find them at Macallum Street Night Market in Georgetown every Monday, where they continue to win over food lovers with their budget-friendly, Instagram-worthy rolls. Don’t miss their unique creations—perfect for sushi cravings without breaking the bank!

Stop #2. Lu Shih Foo Crispy Pork Belly 卢师傅烧猪肉

Lu Shih Foo Crispy Pork Belly is a must-visit stall in Penang, famous for its incredibly crispy, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly that keeps customers coming back for more. Each piece is perfectly marinated with a secret blend of spices, then roasted to golden perfection—resulting in an irresistible crunch on the outside and juicy, flavorful meat inside. What sets them apart is their homemade quality, using fresh ingredients and traditional methods to ensure every bite is packed with rich, savory goodness. Whether you enjoy it on its own or paired with rice, their crispy pork belly is a true standout at any night market. Don’t miss this indulgent treat if you’re a fan of bold, satisfying flavors!

Stop #3. Vegetarian Char Koay Kak

One of the best stalls at Penang’s Van Praagh Night Market is The Vegetarian Char Koay Kak —a legendary spot with the longest queue every Friday night! What makes this stall so irresistible is the fresh, crunchy turnip and generous chunks of radish fried to perfection in their signature carrot cake (char koay kak), a local favorite. The secret to next-level flavor? Adding a rich, creamy duck egg for an extra indulgent taste that keeps customers coming back week after week. With its smoky wok hei (breath of the wok) aroma and satisfying texture, it’s no wonder this stall has become a must-eat weekly tradition for Penangites. If you spot Uncle frying up his famous dish, join the line—it’s well worth the wait!

Stop #4. Hui Ko Cha Bi Bang Chang Kuih

One of the must-try stalls here is Hui Ko Cha Bi Bang Chang Kuih, serving up the ultimate Penang-style honeycomb pancake—just listen to that CRACKLING CRUNCH! Their ban chang kuih is a masterclass in texture: thick, crispy, and lacy-edged, with a soft, chewy center that bounces like steamed milk pudding—all drizzled with a fragrant special black syrup. What seems simple is actually an art—nailing that perfect honeycomb airiness is no easy feat! And at just RM 1.50 per piece (as thick as a book!), it’s an unbeatable crispy-chewy delight. Don’t miss this iconic street snack that keeps locals and visitors hooked!

Stop #5 Prawn Sauce Fried Chicken

If there's one stall at Van Praagh Night Market that always draws a sizzling crowd, it's the legendary *Prawn Sauce Fried Chicken—a game-changer in street food fried chicken! What makes their chicken extraordinary is the **secret homemade prawn sauce marinade, a bold, umami-packed recipe you won't find anywhere else. Each juicy piece is fried to golden, crispy perfection, locking in that addictive savory-sweet flavor that has customers lining up week after week. Don’t just take our word for it—ask the regulars who swear by it, or follow the irresistible aroma to the stall where the fryer never stops bubbling. One bite, and you’ll understand why this is the must-try fried chicken in Penang!

Check out my adventure with my youtube video for the best food at Van Praagh Night Market