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Power to the Penangites!
Despite being known as Asia’s food haven, the heritage center of George Town, Penang also deserves a spotlight on its local talents and thriving urban scene — filled with independent stores, cafes serving handcrafted coffee, and revamped heritage buildings that are now home to modish hotels. For your next trip there, remember to uncover the newness of Penang through these local businesses!
Read more about these places below!
Mee Sotong Hameed Pata
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About Mee Sotong Hameed Pata - Say ‘mee sotong’ to any Penangite, they’ll point you to the OG in town who serves a generous plate of squid noodles. The hawker stall has been operating for over 50 years, and is now run by the family’s second generation, Shahul Hameed. Soaked in its signature sambal flavor, any spicy food lover will have to savour this at least once in their lifetime!
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What to order? - Mee Goreng Sotong or Mee Rebus Sotong. Pair it with a coconut shake from the next stall (Jalil Special Ais Kacang & Coconut Shake). Yums!
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Address: 5, Esplanade Park, Lebuh Light, 10300 George Town, Penang
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Opening hours*: Monday – Saturday, 11.00 a.m – 8.00 p.m.
Gerakbudaya Bookshop
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About Gerakbudaya - Gerakbudaya was founded in 1998 by Chong Ton Sin (a.k.a. Pak Chong) in Petaling Jaya, Selangor before it expanded to Penang in 2014. Beyond selling books, they regularly host launching events, book fairs and creative gigs where visitors get to meet and connect with each other by embracing cultural engagement and radical ideas.
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What to buy here? - Find from international bestsellers to Malaysia’s best-kept literary secret — like poetry collections, novels as well as other titles from local authors and independent publishers.
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Address for Gerakbudaya Bookshop (Fiction & Poetry): 78 Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, 10200 George Town, Penang
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Address for Gerakbudaya Bookshop (Non-fiction): 226 Lebuh Pantai, 10300 George Town, Penang
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Opening hours*: Monday – Sunday, 11.00 a.m – 8.00 p.m
Tien Hotel
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About Tien Hotel - For a unique and cozy stay that comes with a chic modern interior, Tien Hotel is your best bet. It was given a facelift from an old heritage building and renamed Tien, which means ‘sky’ in Mandarin. Located in the heart of Penang’s heritage enclave, this hotel is a great place for you to witness its lively neighborhoods and of course — conveniently enjoy the best street food around!
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Why should you stay here? - Plenty of stylish rooms at affordable rates. Plus, it's conveniently near to many attractions like Khoo Kongsi and Hin Bus Depot.
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Hotel’s location: 348, Lebuh Chulia, 10200 George Town, Penang
*Opening hours subjected to change during RMCO.
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