Local Eats at Batu Lanchang Food Stalls Complex: What I Ate and Loved
Discover authentic Penang street food at Batu Lanchang Food Stalls Complex. From char kuey teow to yu char kway, here’s what I tried and recommend for your visit.
TRAVELMALAYSIAPENANG
Yaya
9/6/20253 min read
A True Local Hawker Experience
If you’re looking to escape the tourist-heavy food scenes in George Town and try something more local and authentic, head to the Batu Lanchang Food Stalls Complex. It’s not glamorous or Insta-famous, but it’s packed with flavor, heart, and a steady stream of locals—always a good sign when hunting for real-deal eats.
Why I Recommend This Place
Wide variety of local foods
From noodles to kuih (local cakes) and drinks, you can find a little bit of everything here.
Local pricing
Most meals here cost between RM4–RM10—super budget-friendly!
Not touristy
This is where the locals eat. The vendors are friendly and food is fast.
Great for groups
Everyone can pick what they like and eat together at the shared tables.
Insider Tips
Go before noon for the full food court experience.
Cash only—have small notes ready.
Parking can be tricky; consider coming by Grab.
The market gets warm—dress comfortably and stay hydrated.
Batu Lanchang Market doubles as a wet market and food court. In the mornings and afternoons, the food stalls are buzzing with regulars grabbing breakfast, brunch, or lunch. You won’t find fancy décor or curated plating here—just honest, affordable Malaysian food served fast and fresh.
What I Ate (and Loved)
🍜 Char Kuey Teow
This dish was smoky, oily (in a good way), and full of wok hei. Flat rice noodles stir-fried with egg, bean sprouts, Chinese sausage, and prawns—classic and deeply satisfying. It may not be the most famous char kuey teow in Penang, but it delivers on flavor.
🥖 Yu Char Kway (Chinese Crullers)
Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside. A great snack or side to go with your coffee or porridge.
🍳 Chu Char (Cook-to-Order Dishes) – Evening Only
I heard from locals and taxi drivers that the chu char stalls come alive at night. We cannot miss this if you’ve been told several times to try. I came back in the evening and enjoy made-to-order dishes like stir-fried veggies, sweet and sour pork, and more—all in big portions at great prices.
Batu Lanchang Food Stalls Complex may not make it into every travel guide, but it absolutely deserves a spot on your foodie itinerary. It’s a great place to eat like a local, try a variety of dishes, and soak in the no-frills charm of Penang’s hawker culture.
If you want food that’s affordable, authentic, and delicious—this place is a gem.
