About Chowrasta Market
Chowrasta Market is a historic indoor market in George Town, Penang, located on Jalan Chowrasta within Timur Laut District. Established in 1890, it is one of the city's oldest markets and a well-known landmark in the UNESCO World Heritage Site buffer zone. The market is noted for fresh produce, local snacks, pickled nutmeg, salted fish, and a distinctive second-floor secondhand book market, reflecting George Town's multicultural trading heritage.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a busy two-storey indoor market building. The ground floor houses wet market stalls selling fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, salted fish, pickled nutmeg and local snacks and biscuits. The upper floor is known for secondhand bookstalls and pre-loved goods. The surroundings are dense urban streets of central George Town with shophouses, food stalls and easy pedestrian access to nearby heritage areas.
Key highlights
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One of the oldest markets in George Town, operating since 1890
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Famous for Penang pickled nutmeg, nutmeg juice and local biscuits
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Extensive secondhand book market on the upper floor
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Traditional wet market with fresh produce and salted fish stalls
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Located within walking distance of George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site
History of Chowrasta Market
Chowrasta Market was originally established in 1890 as a single-storey market and is one of the oldest markets in Penang. The present two-storey building was constructed in 1961 to accommodate growing trade. It has long served as a central trading hub for George Town residents and retains its role as a traditional community market.
Culture & Context
The market reflects George Town's multicultural heritage, offering Malay, Chinese and Indian produce and snacks. It is known for local Penang specialties such as pickled nutmeg and traditional biscuits, and its secondhand book bazaar is a distinctive cultural feature valued by locals and visitors.
Route
| By air |
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