Gurney Plaza Food Hall—Penang’s Upscale Food Court

The Gurney Plaza Food Hall is Penang’s newest and latest upscale food court.

Gurney Plaza’s main wing is the largest and most attractive food court on Penang Island on the fourth floor.

For two weeks since the soft opening, the food hall with outstanding local and international cuisine – seems to be at the top of everyone’s meal list.

For those who used to visit the old Gurney Plaza food court in the basement, the new location is such a breeze, inviting, and airy!

Gurney Plaza Food Hall

Gurney Plaza Food Hall is on the 4th Floor of the famous mall.

The spanking new, clean, and impressive food hall refurbishment cost RM10.93M.

The interiors are spacious, cosy, and welcoming in blue, cyan shades and warm accents from the wood flooring.

There are four zones marked by the interior design elements that break up the massive space with greeneries around the fringes.

Gurney Plaza Food Hall Concept

They design the food haven with various details based on local Penang elements; each zone represents important landmarks around Penang.

1. The Pier
2. The Port
3. The Palm
4. The Patio

The Pier is the first entry point for merchants and travellers into The Port.

The Port greets visitors with nautical elements, plants, and vibrant colours of “shipping containers” inside a port.

The Palm represents Penang’s natural wonders, from the beach and verdant hills to the Green Penang city.

Finally, The Patio – a berthing point for ships; crucial for every Port.

Gurney Plaza Food Hall Selection

With over 25 outlets, every tastebud has a wide range of street food stalls.

Overall, the food court has the right choice of price-appropriate yet delectable quick meals and snacks.

A rundown on the stalls available –

Crowd favorites Mr. Shawerma and the Dry Chilli Pan Mee stalls are there.

One of our island’s most iconic dishes from local stalwart chicken rice shop Sin Nam Huat – The Roasted C. is a firm favourite minus the pork.

You can order your roasted chicken and duck with side dishes – chai boey and braised egg.

New Treats include :

• Penang Hong Zai
• Thailander
• Tamarind Tom yam
• Kyrin Sushi
• Teochew Chendol
• 888 Canteen

Is Gurney Plaza Food Hall Halal?

The food selection, both Western and Asian, sold at Gurney Food Hall caters to most patrons.

The Food Hall is pork-free.

Muslims should inquire at the individual stalls if they have any concerns before placing their orders.

What I ate at Gurney Plaza Food Hall.

I was at the Food Hall for an early brunch and was attracted to the Thailander stall.

There were several Thai customers in the queue.

I wanted to eat Crab Omelet Rice (RM10.00), but alas, it was not available because the “crab meat” had yet to arrive.

Since I couldn’t travel, I was hankering after a poor man’s version of at Raan Jay Fai’s Thai Crab Omelette (Kai-Jeaw Poo)

That massive roll of egg and lump crab meat is what a foodie dreams of.

I prattle on and on about not ordering this dish, sounding like an annoying aunt. LOL.

The lovely “Lady Boss” was so calm and patient that she managed the till, kitchen, and desserts!

She is excellent at getting our orders out quickly.

Value Meal A (RM7.30) – Southern Fried Chicken Rice with Omelette

Thai Fried Chicken – crispy, moist, and so good; the BEST fried chicken ever.

I choose this over KFC any day.

Thai Fried Chicken is well marinated with cilantro, garlic, fish sauce, and other seasonings.

The taste is flavourful, very crispy, and tasty.

Yes, I contemplated packing half a dozen pieces home.

At RM4.50 per piece, why not?

That’s me being very greedy.

I enjoyed the taste of the sweetish fried.

They forgot the omelet and gave me an imperfect Sunny-Side-Up Egg instead.

I would rather a soft yolk; it was overcooked.

The rice was coated with two types of curry gravy and a little too wet for me.

Basil Leave Chicken (RM5.00)

Did Basil “leave” the Chicken?

The printer’s Hantu is at work again.

The correct version is Thai Basil Leaf Chicken.

I used to eat at Balck Canyon every week and order two items: Pad Kra Praw Minced Chicken with Hot Basil & Fried Eggs or Sticky and Moist Thai Red Curry Shrimp Stir Fry with Egg.

I guess I was missing authentic Thai food so much that everything tasted delicious to me.

Red Ruby with Jackfruit (RM5.20)

Thai Dessert Tum Tim Krob is decadent and made of Water Chestnuts in Syrup and Coconut Milk with ice.

However, like many other food court Thai stalls, the Red Ruby is yam bean or “bangkuang.”

Overall, the taste is good, and I will probably return for the Mango Sticky Rice.

Gurney Food Hall Grand Launch – Exclusive Gifts and Redemptions

1. Gurney Food Hall Grand Opening Celebration: 25 Oct 2020 onwards at Extension Wing Atrium Ground Floor- spend RM150 and above (max two combined same-day receipts) at any outlet Gurney Plaza to stand a chance to Spin & Win exciting goodies or vouchers.
2. Early Birds Giveaway: 15 & 16 Oct 2020 onwards at Gurney Food Hall- Free Gurney Food Hall Foodie Voucher and exclusive merchandise for 1st 100 CapitaStar members in queue 15 & 16 Oct.
3. Gurney Food Hall Limited Edition Non-Woven Bag Redemption: From 16 Oct 2020 onwards at the Information Counter, spend a minimum of RM100 (a maximum of two combined same-day receipts, and one receipt must be from Gurney Food Hall) to redeem a Gurney Food Hall non-woven bag.
4. Tapao-Where Redemption: From 20 Nov 2020 onwards, at the Information Counter, spend a minimum of RM200 (a maximum of two combined same-day receipts, one of which must be from Gurney Food Hall) to redeem a food container.
5. Portable Cutlery Set Redemption: 01 Dec 2020 onwards at Information Counter- spend a minimum of RM200 (max two combined same-day receipts and one receipt from Gurney Food Hall) and redeem one portable cutlery set.
6. Foldable Mask Holder Redemption: From 15 Dec 2020 onwards at the Information Counter, spend a minimum of RM30 on a single receipt during weekdays to redeem a Gurney Food Hall mask holder.

Summary:

There are 25 physical stalls in the food hall with ample seating.

If you want a comfortable space to stretch your legs or have a snack after shopping without going to a caffeine joint.

Gurney Plaza Mall Penang practices good hygiene, with social distancing in place. You can find portable cutlery and trays at each stall counter.

Do remember to take your receipts when you order your food.

You will be given a small plastic “flying saucer” ringer that beeps loudly – when your food is ready for collection at the counter.

I usually bring a plastic mask holder to keep my mask when I eat.

If I order too much, I will pack that home in my portable food container at the dining table.

In the comment section, tell me your favorite stall at Gurney Plaza Food Hall, and I will visit there to check it out.

Gurney Plaza Food Hall
Location: Main Wing of Gurney Plaza, 4th Floor, Persiaran Gurney, Penang.
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00 a.m. 10:00 p.m.
Status: Pork-Free