Wondering what to Eat at Astaka Kota Selera (Esplanade Park Food Court)
If you’re heading for lunch at Astaka Kota Selera, don’t worry—the classics are all there.
Some of the best-loved stalls have returned to this updated Penang food court, still serving the favourites we grew up with.
For locals like Irene, Alice and me, it was a last-minute lunch carefully choreographed.
I parked near Irene’s office, and we took a Grab over.
Alice walked across town in the full heat of the day—full respect for her stamina.
We were hot, hungry, and in the mood for the familiar.
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What to Eat at Astaka Kota Selera?
Whether you’re revisiting old favourites or exploring for the first time, the food court has plenty to offer.
Here’s a quick guide to what to eat at Astaka Kota Selera?
Let’s break it down so you can zoom in on what suits your mood.
What to Eat at Astaka Kota Selera? Check out the stalls!
Rice Dishes
Nasi Ayam Hainan
A timeless favourite. Fragrant rice with tender chicken and a light soy-based sauce.
I used to tapao the Ayam Golek when they were at the temporary site—smoky, juicy and still great.
Ethihad Bawal Goreng
This was Irene’s go-to during MCO.
Crispy fried pomfret served with nasi and a side of fish curry.
The fins were crunchy, the bones edible, and I loved picking at the fish head.
Bawal Goreng Set
Cahaya Bulan
Alice ordered the fried ikan keli and fried chicken—without rice.
It was crispy but a bit too oily for us to finish.
Still, it’s a solid pick for local-style nasi goreng or comfort food in a hurry.
Ikan Keli and Ayam Goreng
Noodles
Hameed Pata Mee Sotong
Hameed Pata Mee Sotong is still the icon. Thick, spicy-sweet sauce, noodles and squid.
Go for fried or the gravy-rich mee rebus.
I loved it.
The girls found it too spicy for their tummies.
Hameed Pata Mee Sotong
Pasembur
Crunchy and colourful. Fried prawn fritters, tofu, potatoes, and a sweet peanut sauce.
Great as a main or something to share.
Pasembur
Other Local Picks
If you missed your top choice:
Mee Goreng at other stalls
Popiah (fresh spring rolls with sweet-savory filling)
More nasi campur stalls waiting to be explored
Western and Hainanese Food
Lim Western & Hainanese Cuisine
We ordered three dishes from this nostalgic favourite.
Prawn fritters: Butterflied sea prawns fried in panko. Delicious. The mayo was in a small saucer, and while you can ask for more, I wished it had more tang.
Hailam noodles: Light, white noodles (not the dark soy Hokkien type) and still tasted just like I remembered.
Chicken chop: Alice’s pick. The sauce was lighter than before and missing a bit of that tomato punch.
Uncle Lim and his wife in the kitchen of Lim Western & Hainanese Cuisine
Lim Western & Hainanese Cuisine Menu
Hailam Char Bihun Mee with sambal
Prawn Fritters
The Lim family was clearly overwhelmed by the lunch rush, but they still gave it their all.
We appreciate the effort.
Drinks and Desserts
Coconut Shake
Thick, cold and refreshing. Perfect after a hot meal or stroll by the sea. Jalil Ais Kacang does a good one.
Jalil Ais Kacang & Coconut Shake
More than just shakes. Their Ais Kacang is properly loaded with syrup, jelly, beans, sweet corn and sometimes a scoop of ice cream.
Coconut Shake
Local Kopi
End your meal like a true local—with a strong cup of kopi O.
Bold and slightly bitter. Just right.
Pro Tips Before You Go
Come early (around 11:30 am) to beat the lunch crowd, especially for Mee Sotong.
Bring cash.
Most stalls are not on card yet.
It gets warm inside. Sit near the open sides or grab a cold drink fast.
Astaka Kota Selera is one of those places where you try a bit of everything—spicy, sweet, crunchy, creamy.
For you’re a regular or just passing through George Town, Astaka Kota Selera still hits the spot.
The local flavours are familiar, comforting, and worth the stop.
I didn’t get to try every stall but the old favourites are still solid.
Nothing fancy.
Just food that’s easy to enjoy and worth coming back for.
Curious how the place looks after its makeover?
Check out the full walkthrough of Astaka Kota Selera here.
Astaka Kota Selera
Jalan Padang Kota Lama
George Town, 10450 George Town
Pulau Pinang
Business Hours
Open: 11.00 AM to 8.00 PM
Closed on Sundays
Blog Disclosure: This blog is written independently. No compensation, such as free meals, monetary payment, or services, has been received from featured establishments. These are some of the old places that the editor likes to buy favorite food in Penang.
