Eat Like a Local: My Delicious Night at Far Lim Wednesday Night Market in Penang

Why Far Lim Market?

If you're in Penang on a Wednesday night and looking to experience authentic local flavors, make your way to Far Lim Wednesday Night Market. Tucked away from the usual tourist trail, this vibrant pasar malam (night market) gives you a true taste of how locals eat, gather, and unwind.

Tips for Visiting

• Timing: Go between 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM for the best selection and atmosphere.

• Cash Only: Most vendors don’t accept e-wallets or cards.

• Bring Small Notes: RM1 and RM5 notes are your best friends here.

• Dress Light: It gets warm and humid, so be comfortable.

• Bring Tissues or Wet Wipes: There's no dine-in seating (except for some organized by drink stalls), so be ready to eat on the go or in your car.

Far Lim is not the biggest night market in Penang, but that's what makes it special. It's compact, local, and packed with delicious street food. Most of the crowd here are Penangites who come weekly for their favorite bites—it’s a great way to blend in and experience life like a local.

What I Ate at Far Lim Night Market

I arrived just around sunset when the market starts to buzz with activity. Here’s what I tried and highly recommend:

🍢 Chicken Satay
No Malaysian night market visit is complete without satay. The chicken skewers combines with paprika were grilled over charcoal. The aroma alone will stop you in your tracks!

🥔 Baked Potato
This was the first stall that caught my eye—a fluffy baked potato topped with creamy sauce and bits of sausage and corn. A hearty, Western-style snack that still somehow feels very Malaysian in the setting.

📍 Location Tip:
Far Lim Market is located in the Air Itam area. It's not far from the famous Kek Lok Si Temple, so you could plan a half-day trip and end it here with dinner.

🥞 Crunchy Pancake with Coconut Filling
You can’t miss this crispy treat! The edges were perfectly crunchy, while the center had a warm, sweet mix of grated coconut and sugar. It’s nostalgic and comforting—reminds me of the classic apam balik but in snack-size.

🥟 Dim Sum
There was a dim sum stall with stacks of steamers and freshly fried items. I picked a few siu mai and har gao (shrimp dumplings), and they were surprisingly good—hot, juicy, and flavorful. Perfect if you're looking for something more savory.

Far Lim Wednesday Night Market isn’t about flashy presentations, it’s about honest, tasty, local eats that have stood the test of time. If you're looking for that “eat like a local” experience in Penang, this is the place to go.