Little India in Penang – There’s a lot of energy and charm packed into this area of George Town! And it’s right in the middle of Penang’s heritage zone with Khoo Kongsi and Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion too.
Other than the glorious Indian food that you can have here, there are all sorts of shops to see! Selling goods like sarees, prayer paraphernalia, gold, flowers, sweets and spices.
Be ready to experience a slice of India right in Penang with this guide on Penang’s Little India!
Table Of Contents:
History Of Little India Georgetown Penang
Little India began in Chulia Street under the administration of Sir Francis Light, the founder of Penang.
Agricultural workers, spice traders and money lenders made up the majority of Indian immigrants here.
The Indian community grew (with the addition of Punjabis, Malayalees, Telugus and Gujaratis) to include Queen Street, Penang Street and Market Street.
These are collective known as the Francis Light Grid.
For decades, merchants and traders plied their traditional trades like spices. Attracting Indian rubber plantation workers to stop by.
Today, some of these shops still remain. Along with more recent enterprises!
Penang Little India Map
It’s possible to get around Little India on foot! But if you don’t feel like walking under the sun, there’s the option of hiring a trishaw too!
Little India Penang Opening Hours: Most stores open daily from 8am to 9:45pm
Little India Penang Restaurants
Expect to find authentic Indian cuisine and all of the classic Indian dishes like roti canai, naan, biryani, tandoori chicken, samosas and thosai!
These are usually served on a banana leaf and pair nicely with refreshing coconut juice!
Have a go at eating like a local – that means no utensils! If that’s not for you, you can always ask for cutlery and there’s no shame in that.
1. Thali-Nr Sweets Café
As the name implies, Thali-Nr Sweets Café serves a wide variety of Thali and Indian sweets!
On top of that, they serve banana leaf rice too in a modern café setting.
They have dishes from the a la carte menu that are free from onion, garlic or eggs!
Location: 75, Lebuh Penang, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island
Contact: +6012-462 0987
Opening Hours: Daily from 8am to 10pm
2. Karaikudi Restaurant
Karaikudi Restaurant along Market Street serves both North and South Indian food, as well as the Chettinadu cuisine.
Patrons can dine in a comfortable air-conditioned environment!
Their list of signature dishes is long and includes mutton chukka varuval, prawn malai curry and masala thosai!
Do ask for their special if it’s a weekend!
Location: No. 20, Lebuh Pasar, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island
Contact: +604-263 1345
Opening Hours: Daily from 11am to 11pm
3. Tea Kadai
Tea Kadai sells pre-packed imported traditional Indian tea, fresh cow’s milk and Indian Muslim snacks along with variations that are hard to find elsewhere!
There are indoor and outdoor (in the evening) seats in a pleasant modern ambiance.
Not a fan of tea? Their Kolkattai, Vada and Roti Bomb alone are worth coming in for! For snacks, they serve Bangwich and Pati Roll.
These are also available for delivery on Food Panda.
Location: 68, Lebuh Queen, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island
Contact: +6012-496 8938
Opening Hours: Daily from 1pm to 10pm except on Friday where they open from 3pm to 10pm
Read more: 17 Penang Cafes For A Well-Deserved Coffee Break
4. Woodlands Vegetarian Restaurant
Known for their dosas like their rava masala dosa, you can come here for breakfast to take advantage of the earlier opening hours and extensive menu!
Serving time can be more than 15 minutes per dish but the prices make up for that.
Other dishes worth trying are the Bendi Masala and palak paneer which pair wonderfully with their masala tea!
Location: 60, Lebuh Penang, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island
Contact: +604-263 9764
Opening Hours: Daily from 8:30am to 10pm
5. Bite N Eat Dindigul Biriyani
Food is pricey considering the area, but they do have good service and air-conditioning!
The halal restaurant is very tourist-friendly as the menu has pictures of dishes (mostly of South Indian influence), making it easier to order!
And if you do not feel like dining in, their food is also available for delivery on Food Panda!
Location: 43, Penang St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Contact: +604-261 4532
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:30am to 10pm
Read more:
Penang Little India Shops
Penang Little India is full of shops specializing in currency exchange, sarees, fabric, prayer paraphernalia, flowers and gold!
1. Umayal Textiles Sdn. Bhd.
Those on the hunt for suitable saree fabric may find what they’re looking for at this textile shop:
The prices are not cheap, but the quality and variety of fabric are more than satisfactory!
And in case you need to repair or customize something, you can seek them out for their tailoring service too!
Location: 10, Market St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang Island
Contact: +604-250 9920, +604-250 9921, or +604-261-9921
Opening Hours: Daily from 9am to 9pm, except on Sundays when they open from 10am to 9pm
2. Vkn Sivasamy & Sons Sdn. Bhd.
Vkn Sivasami & Sons Sdn.Bhd is a clothing store in Little India Penang where you can obtain ready-made Indian costumes for men, women, and children!
The staff is only too happy to help you find a suitable outfit if you don’t know where to begin!
They do have saree material for sale as well, and for reasonable prices and quality!
Location: 55, Market Street, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island
Contact: +604-263 4877
Opening Hours: Daily from 9:30am to 9:30pm
Read more: 11 Best Night Market In Penang – Monday To Sunday (Especially #5)
Attractions Near To Little India In Penang
When you’re done having a look around Little India Penang, why not check out these other Penang attractions?
Or you can see these first!
1. Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Over 2 centuries old, this esteemed temple is still an active place of worship with daily prayers at 7.30am and 6.30pm!
It is open to visitors twice a day (6.30am to 12pm and again from 4.30pm to 9pm).
Inside are statues of Hindu deities, Lord Subramiam, Durga and Ganapathy. When you’re here, be sure to take in the masterful architecture by South Indian artists all around the temple too!
Location: Lebuh Queen, George Town, 10450 George Town, Penang Island
Contact: +604-263 8916
Distance From Little India: 2 minutes’ walk
2. Penang Peranakan Mansion
Penang Peranakan Mansion is the starting point for learning more about the rich Baba and Nyonya culture in Penang.
The opulent former home is a well-preserved collection of the past 100 years!
There are daily enriching tours at this museum for groups of 5 and above. You can spend 2 hours here with ease!
Location: 29, Church St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Contact: +604-264 2929
Opening Hours: Daily from 9:30am to 5pm
Entry fees: Adults RM20, Children (below 6 years old) Free
Distance From Little India: 4 minutes’ walk
3. Clan Jetties Of Penang
Still home to many Chinese families, these intriguing 19th century clan piers are not just adequate for a sea-side stroll with views of Penang!
Visitors can observe the residents’ way of life too.
Most of the jetties are calm places with their own little temples at the end of the piers.
But the well-known Chew Jetty has taken on a more touristy look with market stalls and colorful walls!
Location: Pengkalan Weld, George Town, 10300 George Town, Penang Island
Contact: +6019-593 5333
Opening Hours: Daily from 9am to 9pm
Distance From Little India: 8-10 minutes’ walk
Read more: 13 Best Things To Do In Georgetown Penang
4. Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi
Another impressive mark left behind from the Chinese clan community in 19th century Penang:
Khoo Kongsi is the stateliest of all clan houses in Malaysia, with its own square/ courtyard!
Other than to admire the clan house up close and from the inside, visitors can better understand the strategic location of the clan house!
Location: 18, Cannon Square, George Town, 10450 George Town, Penang Island
Contact: +604-261 4609
Opening Hours: Daily from 9am to 5pm
Entry Fees: Adults RM10, Children (under 12 years old) RM1, Children (under 5 years old) Free.
Distance From Little India: 7-9 minutes’ walk
Read more: 13 Best Penang Souvenirs – What To Buy In Penang
5. Goddess Of Mercy Temple Penang (Kuan Yin Temple)
From its location close to the sea, it makes sense that Penang’s oldest Taoist temple (Dating back to 1728) was initially dedicated to a sea deity.
Although today, the Taoist Goddess of Mercy, Guan Yin is the main deity here after the temple’s renovation in 1824.
Hence, locals frequently refer to this temple as Kuan Yin Teng.
Location: 30, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island
Contact: +604-261 4137
Opening Hours: Daily from 8am to 6pm
Distance From Little India: 2-3 minutes’ walk
6. Fort Cornwallis
Did you know that this was where Francis Light (founder of Penang) first came ashore in 1786?
With views of the sea, it was an ideal site for a defense post against pirates and other invaders!
A flagstaff, lighthouse and part of the wall still remain along with some cannons and store rooms! The compound looks quite different after dark too.
Location: Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island
Contact: +604-263 9855
Opening Hours: Daily from 9am to 10pm
Distance From Little India: 8-9 minutes’ walk
Read more: Love Lane Penang: What To Love About This Popular Street In George Town
Hotels In Little India Penang
Staying close to Little India is convenient with lots of vegetarian food available and George Town attractions at walking distance!
1. East Indies Mansion
East Indies Mansion is a boutique hotel that resembles a traditional Chinese shop house. Complete with a scenic courtyard and wooden furniture!
What you’ll like:
- Stellar location
- Friendly staff
- Charming atmosphere
- Baby-friendly
- Fast WiFi
Good to know:
- Laundry services are available
- Tea time session at 4pm every day to meet other guests
Location: 25, Lebuh China, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island
Contact: +604-261 8025
Price Range: ~ RM252 – RM469
2. Ren I Tang Heritage Inn
Simple but quaint rooms beckon guests at this boutique hotel in a restored building with ample use of timber!
What you’ll like:
- Efficient service
- Comfortable beds
- Large bathrooms
- In the middle of Little India
- Yummy breakfasts
- Good WiFi
- Hospitable staff
Good to know:
- On-site café open for lunch and dinner
- Inconvenient if you have a car
- Hotel supports environmental sustainability
Location: 82 A, Lebuh Penang, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island
Contact: +604-250 8383
Price Range: ~ RM198 – RM432
3. Palm Mansion Boutique Suites
It feels like Bali at this boutique hotel in Little India with rustic décor and generous foliage around!
What you’ll like:
- Beautiful space
- Attentive manager and housekeeping
- Clean rooms
- Friendly staff
Good to know:
- Light sleepers should bring ear plugs
- Airport shuttle service is available for additional charge
Location: 76-88, China Street, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island
Contact: +604-261 3609
Price Range: ~ RM268 (3pax)
4. Armenian House
Budget-friendly Armenian House has small, basic but comfortable rooms within a well-maintained restored shop house.
Guests have to share toilet and shower facilities.
What you’ll like:
- Free bicycle rental
- Free WiFi
- Helpful housekeeping staff
Good to know:
- Airport shuttle and massage services may be requested
- You can refill your drinking water from fountains outside the rooms
Location: 35, Lebuh Armenian, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island
Contact: +604-262 8309
Price Range: ~ RM85 – RM188
5. The Boutique Residence Hotel
After a hot day of walking around Little India Penang and George Town, you can take a dip at the indoor pool as a guest of The Boutique Residence Hotel!
What you’ll like:
- They provide high quality toiletries
- Modern furnishings
- Clean and airy rooms
- Good WiFi
- Pleasant breakfast
- Helpful reception
Good to know:
- The loft room comes with a delightful bathroom
- Electric kettle provided in the room
- If you’re not used to it, the 5am mosque prayers next door can be a bother!
Location: No.133, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town, 10400 George Town, Penang Island
Contact: +6017-556 7619
Price Range: ~ RM234 – RM646
Read more:
- 15 Best Hotels In Penang For An Unforgettable Stay
- Five Star Hotels In Penang – Top 11 Luxury Resorts
Getting Around Penang
Not sure where to start your Penang trip?
Engaging a private tour service like RayTheTour will make things a whole lot easier on you!
Benefits of our tour service:
- Get to where you want to go at your convenience. Return trip included!
- Take breaks in between the tour if you need to! With a very flexible schedule!
- Extend your tour with a visit to Ipoh, Taiping or Cameron Highlands too!
- Safe way for the whole family to travel together (We use MPVs and vans)
- You can request for English-speaking or Chinese-speaking guides!
Have a look at our reviews if you’re not convinced!
Book a tour via WhatsApp or Facebook!
Further reading:
- How To Get From Penang Airport To Georgetown (4 Easy Ways)
- How To Get To Penang Island From Kuala Lumpur (KL)
Conclusion
Colorful Little India of Penang is a brilliant addition to any George Town itinerary! Highlights include flavorful and authentic Indian cuisine and the traditional shops.
The best time to visit this area of Penang at its liveliest however, is before or during Indian festivals like Deepavali and Thaipusam!
Other posts you might like:
- 21 Fun Things To Do In Penang With Kids – Ideas For A Family Outing!
- Entopia By Penang Butterfly Farm (Full Review) – Walk Among Hundreds Of Live Butterflies!
- Penang Hill – Must-Visit Penang Attraction With Panoramic Views (Complete Guide)
- Penang Street Art (Complete Guide): Where To Find Murals In Penang (With Map)
- 11 Best Shopping Malls In Penang To Visit – Newest & Biggest!
