In Malaysia, Penang is famous for its food. However, what it's famous for is its street food, or 'hawker' stalls. This type of dining, with open-air, often temporary, stalls is for the adventurous to be sure, but if you have a local friend or guide to help you, they can be quite fun. There are several shop-houses that are basically overgrown stalls, selling Chinese and Indian dishes, all over the old town area, and at night these are joined by several temporary carts along Chulia street and elsewhere. For Malaysians who flock to Penang on the weekends, the place to go is Gurney Drive, along the seashore west of Georgetown. The road is lined with stalls of all description selling all types of foods.

Somewhat surprisingly, if you want something a little fancier than street food, like a place with air conditioning or more than perfunctory table service, there's not a whole lot on offer outside of hotels. There are a number of pubs up around the E & O hotel where you can dine and drink, but only a few regular restaurants scattered around town.