Step into the bustling world of Padang Brown Penang, affectionately known as “The Padang” or “Padang Broom” by the locals.
This hawker center is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the true essence of Penang’s food culture.
Dating back to the 1960s, Padang Brown is one of the oldest hawker centers on the island that has stood the test of time.
Before hotpot became vogue, locals were eating Lok Lok at the Padang.
From savory Teowchew Popiah to sweet Bubur Cha Cha, Padang Brown offers a wide variety of mouth-watering dishes at affordable prices.
As a hub for locals and tourists, this open-air hawker center provides an authentic dining experience that cannot be found in the pricier food courts of shopping malls.
Join the bustling crowds and explore the many stalls that makeup Padang Brown, where you can find almost every famous street food that Penang offers.
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Padang Brown Penang
Step into the vibrant world of Padang Brown Hawker Centre, where diversity is celebrated through food.
This iconic hawker center in Penang is divided into two sections.
One is for Chinese non-halal food, and the other is for Muslim halal food to reflect the island’s cultural diversity.
This division allows customers to choose according to their dietary requirements and preferences.
It ensures that food is prepared and cooked according to religious requirements, upholding its integrity.
Food Stalls at Padang Brown
With over 30 food stalls, Padang Brown is a landmark in Penang’s hawker centers, offering a wide variety of cuisine that caters to everyone’s taste buds.
Choose from juicy beef satay and spicy Mee Goreng to soupy Chinese noodles and Thong Sui varieties of Bubur Cha Cha.
Padang Brown has covered your favorites, whether you’re a halal or non-halal food lover.
So, why not embark on a culinary adventure at Padang Brown Penang?
Here, you can discover the essence of Malaysian food culture, with all the sights, sounds, and aromas that come with it.
Whether you’re a local foodie or a curious traveler, join the crowds, savor the aromas, and taste through the vibrant flavors of Padang Brown Penang – we guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Non-Halal Section
The Chinese Non-halal section (on the left) is a must-visit for street food enthusiasts, operating from late afternoon to just before dark.
You can find dishes like Seafood Popiah, Yong Tau Foo, Lok Lok, Roti Babi, Local Kueh, Ais Kacang, and Bubur Cha Cha.
Among these delectable dishes, the Seafood Popiah sets this particular hawker center apart and is widely considered the best in Penang.
Popiah is a Hokkien/Teochew-type spring roll filled with stewed grated turnips, assembled like a burrito with various ingredients, including bean sprouts, tofu, omelet, seafood, and more.
At Padang Brown, the Seafood Popiah recipe is almost as old as the hawker’s center.
It’s said to be the only Popiah that uses real crab meat in its ingredients, giving it an edge in taste and quality compared to other types of Popiah found on the island.
Halal Section
On the right side of Padang Brown, the Muslim Halal section offers a wide selection of dishes that cater to Halal dietary requirements.
You’ll find popular dishes like Nasi Kandar, Satay, Pasembur, and Chelor-Chelor.
Have you tried Chelor-Chelor before?
It’s the Halal version of the Chinese Lok Lok and is a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and delicious culinary experience.
Top Hawker Food at Padang Brown Penang
Are you in George Town’s Padang Brown looking for some must-try Hawker Food?
Consider these Halal and Non-Halal options:
Halal Food Stalls
Beef Satay – Skewered and grilled beef marinated with spices and served with peanut sauce.
Celor Celor – A DIY dish with skewered meat and veggies boiled in a communal hot pot and served with various hot dipping sauces.
Cendol (Dessert) – A popular Malaysian dessert made with shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and green jelly noodles. It is typically served in a bowl or glass with red beans and corn.
Char Kway Teow – A stir-fried noodle dish made with flat rice noodles, soy sauce, shrimp, and bean sprouts. Mamu & Mami’s smoky-flavored char kway teow with fresh prawns and crunchy vegetables is a zippy dish.
Coconut Shake: Dawood Cafe’s must-try coconut shake has vanilla and fresh coconut flavors that will have you hooked.
Fried Calamari: Deep-fried battered squid rings that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, usually served with dipping sauce.
Grilled Stingray – A popular seafood dish grilled and served with a spicy and tangy sambal sauce, typically made with chili paste, garlic, and tamarind.
Mee Goreng Mamak (Indian Fried Noodles) – A popular Indian-inspired stir-fried noodle dish that is spicy and tangy, typically made with yellow noodles, bean sprouts, tofu, shrimp, and vegetables.
Mutton Soup: Al-Bismi Soup’s pepper-packed mutton soup with accompanying bread is a tasty treat.
Nasi Kandar: A popular Malaysian dish that consists of steamed rice served with various curries and side dishes, such as chicken or beef rendang, fish curry, and vegetables.
Nasi Lemak – A fragrant coconut rice dish with various side dishes, such as fried chicken, sambal prawns, fried anchovies, peanuts, and cucumber slices.
Pasembur: Mohabath Stall’s DIY Pasembur has various options like squid, sausage, and fish balls and a variety of flavors and textures.
Satay: Nazira Sate Special’s beef, lung, chicken, stomach, or mutton satay with nutty peanut sauce is a delicious combination.
Non -Halal Food Stalls
Curry Mee – A spicy and flavorful noodle soup made with a curry broth, coconut milk, and various meats or seafood, such as chicken, shrimp, or squid. It is usually served with bean sprouts, tofu, and mint leaves.
Choon Pneah: Deep-fried spring rolls filled with a savory mixture of crabmeat, vegetables, and spices, served with a tangy Amo Tau Ewe dipping sauce.
Lor bak (Fried Meat Roll) – A crispy and savory snack made with ground pork, prawns, and water chestnuts, wrapped in bean curd sheets and deep-fried to a golden brown.
Lok Lok – A DIY dish with skewered meat and veggies boiled in a communal hot pot and served with various dipping sauces.
Oyster Omelette – A smokey, savory omelet made with a batter of eggs, flour, and potato starch, mixed with fresh oysters, and fried to a crispy golden brown.
Penang Hokkien Mee (Prawn Noodles) – A flavorful noodle dish made with a broth of prawn shells and pork bones and served with yellow noodles, pork slices, and bean sprouts.
Pork Noodles: A popular noodle dish made with pork broth, sliced pork, fish balls, and vegetables, typically served with chili dipping sauce.
Roti Babi – A crispy bread roll filled with minced pork, onions, and spices, served with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce.
Seafood Popiah (Spring Rolls) – A fresh and healthy snack that features popiah skin wrappers filled with vegetables, tofu, crab meat, and crispy shallots. The sweet and spicy dipping sauce is typically smeared on the Popiah skin before it is wrapped.
Yong Tau Foo: A popular Hakka Chinese dish of tofu and vegetables stuffed with ground meat, typically served in a clear broth or spicy dipping sauce.
Where is Padang Brown in Penang?
The food court is next to a football field, Padang Brown, at Dato Keramat Road and Anson Road.
It is easily accessible by car, motorbike, or even on foot.
Padang Brown Penang Operating Hours?
The hawker center is open daily from 6 pm to midnight, with the peak hours being between 7 pm to 9 pm when the stalls are at their busiest.
How many food stalls?
Padang Brown Penang is a food lover’s paradise, with over 30 stalls selling a diverse range of local street food; there’s something for everyone to indulge in.
The Ambiance at Padang Brown Penang
If you enjoy outdoor dining and communal tables, Padang Brown is ideal.
It’s perfect for a relaxed, casual dining experience with various dishes.
The open-air food court has a lively atmosphere where people enjoy meals and conversations with loved ones.
Trees surround the food court, providing a refreshing and calming dining environment.
On calm days, it’s an excellent spot to hang out.
These halal must-eats in Padang Brown are just the beginning of the fantastic Malaysian cuisine waiting for you to discover in Penang.
What is the budget for food at Padang Brown Penang?
At Padang Brown, your taste buds won’t be disappointed with the mouth-watering dishes at reasonable prices (between RM5 and RM15).
Each dish is carefully crafted with aromatic spices and fresh ingredients, from fragrant curries to sizzling stir-fries.
But it’s not just about the food – the thirst-quenching drinks and desserts are a must-try, too.
Imagine indulging in a creamy scoop of coconut ice cream served in a real coconut shell or sipping on a refreshing glass of sugarcane juice.
Don’t miss out on these delightful treats at Padang Brown!
Conclusion
Are you looking for a food lover’s paradise?
Head to Padang Brown in Penang.
Sample a variety of local street food and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Take advantage of this must-visit spot on your trip to Penang.
Enjoy!
