Experience the historical and vibrant city of Georgetown on this full day EATING ASIA Heritage Walk food and sightseeing tour.
The morning begins with a visit to the Chowrasta Market (‘Four Cross Roads’ in Urdu) to witness Malaysian locals conduct their lively roadside trading of livestock, vegetables and fruits. Nibble on scrumptious toasted bread created using a special charcoal cooking technique.
Campbell Street, formerly named ‘Sin Kay’ by the Chinese in the 19th century, is one of Penang’s most notable precincts and is a must-visit shopping spree haven. Here you’ll find great bargains and a variety of retail shops, boutiques and restaurants.
Treat yourself to ‘yu char kuih’ (dough fritters) at the Campbell Street Wet Market, which is believed to be the oldest existing market in Georgetown. Built around 1900, the buildings are reminiscent of late Victorian architecture and have ornate cast iron columns and brackets.
While you’re there, indulge in dim sum such as succulent steamed pork spareribs, ‘char siubao’ (steamed buns with roast pork) and mouth-watering ‘hargao’ shrimp dumplings.
Next, visit Khoo Kongsi, the Clan House building that features a magnificent hall embellished with intricate carvings and wood work. Afterward, step into the well-known Kapitan Kling Mosque, a dome-shaped minaret named after the Indian Muslim merchant. Follow this with an Indian-Muslim traditional pancake known as ‘roti canai’ (made of dough with egg), which requires a skilfully executed hand-flip technique to produce a very thin and flat pancake.
After satisfying your sweet tooth, take a stroll to Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, a Dravidian-style temple that sports a sculptured tower of Gopuram covered in brightly painted statues of gods and goddesses.
The walking tour continues to Goddess of Mercy Temple, a temple honouring Kuan Yin, which was built in the 1800s by early Chinese settlers of the Hokkien and Cantonese communities. The temple was originally named Kong Hock Keong temple (Cantonese-Hokkien Temple).
After those visits, your appetite should be stirred up again. Indulge in banana leaf rice at nearby Banana Leaf Restaurant and quench your thirst with a glass of ‘pulled’ tea (tehtarik).
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