George Town

Popular Seafood Dishes

1. Char Kway Teow: A stir-fried noodle dish that often includes prawns, cockles, and sometimes crab, cooked with soy sauce, chili, and bean sprouts.

2. Asam Laksa: A spicy and sour fish soup made with mackerel, tamarind, and a variety of herbs, served with rice noodles.

3. Curry Fish Head: A popular dish featuring a whole fish head cooked in a rich and spicy curry, often served with vegetables.

4. Grilled Stingray (Ikan Bakar): Marinated stingray grilled over charcoal, typically served with sambal (spicy chili paste) and lime.

5. Chili Crab: A famous dish where crabs are cooked in a sweet and spicy tomato-based sauce.

6. Prawn Noodles (Hae Mee): A flavorful noodle soup made with prawns and a rich broth, often garnished with boiled eggs and bean sprouts.

Recommended Restaurants and Hawker Stalls

1. Gurney Drive Hawker Centre: A must-visit for street food lovers, this bustling food court offers a variety of seafood dishes, including grilled seafood and fried noodles.

2. Seafood Restaurant at Tanjung Bungah: Known for its fresh seafood, this restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, including the famous chili crab and grilled fish.

3. Kedai Kopi Dan Makanan Swee Kong: A local favorite for its affordable and delicious seafood dishes, including prawn noodles and fried squid.

4. Joo Hooi Cafe: Famous for its asam laksa and other local dishes, this cafe is a great spot to enjoy a variety of seafood options.

5. Kampung Melayu Seafood Restaurant: Offers a wide selection of fresh seafood dishes in a casual setting, perfect for families.

Average Costs

• Street Food: Expect to pay around RM 10-20 (approximately $2-5 USD) for a seafood dish at hawker stalls.
• Casual Dining: A meal at a mid-range restaurant may cost between RM 30-60 (approximately $7-15 USD) per person.
• Fine Dining: Upscale seafood restaurants can charge RM 100 and above (approximately $25 USD) per person, especially for specialty dishes like chili crab.

Dining Procedures

1. Ordering: At hawker stalls, you typically order at the counter and pay upfront. In restaurants, you will be seated and given a menu to order from.

2. Sharing: It’s common to share dishes among the table, so don’t hesitate to order a variety of seafood dishes to enjoy together.

3. Payment: Cash is widely accepted, but many restaurants also accept credit cards. Always check before ordering.

4. Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Malaysia, but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated.

Local Customs and Considerations

1. Freshness: Seafood is best enjoyed fresh. Look for busy stalls or restaurants, as they are likely to have a higher turnover of seafood.

2. Spiciness: Many seafood dishes in George Town are spicy. If you prefer milder flavors, don’t hesitate to ask for less spice when ordering.

3. Cultural Sensitivity: Malaysia is a multicultural country. Be respectful of local customs and practices, especially in more traditional settings.

4. Sustainability: Be mindful of sustainable seafood practices. Opt for restaurants that source their seafood responsibly.

5. Dining Hours: Many hawker stalls open in the late afternoon and stay open until late at night. Restaurants may have specific hours, so check in advance.

Unique Experiences

• Night Markets: Explore night markets like the Batu Ferringhi Night Market, where you can find a variety of seafood dishes along with other local delicacies.

• Cooking Classes: Consider taking a cooking class that focuses on seafood dishes to learn how to prepare local specialties.

• Food Tours: Join a guided food tour to discover hidden gems and learn more about the culinary history of George Town.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy the rich seafood offerings in George Town, Malaysia, while also respecting local customs and practices. Enjoy your culinary adventure!