See Penang in a different light

Lorong Stewart, George Town.

39 Jalan Gurdwara, George Town (instagram.com/goodfriendsclubpenang).

For an authentic local drink, head to Market Lane and look for the Kedai Tuak. Tuak is a traditional homemade palm wine produced using palm sap, yeast and sugar. Also known as toddy, tuak is made using a process of fermentation and has a slightly milky consistency and a sweet aftertaste. For just RM2 a glass, it’s worth a try but be warned that after a few, you may find yourself walking unsteadily.

At the intersection of Lorong Pasar and Lorong Muda, George Town.

The only beachside café in the Unesco World Heritage Site of George Town, Beach Blanket Babylon is surprisingly underrated and under the radar. Kick back and enjoy the sea breeze at this alfresco restaurant and bar, which boasts a wide list of cocktails and an extensive menu offering international cuisine.

32 Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, George Town (04 263 8101/fb.com/Beach.Blanket.Babylon.Penang).

From Chinese opera to family-friendly theatre and art exhibitions to movie screenings, PenangPAC’s vibrant line-up helps keep the local arts scene robust. The centre also houses The Actors Studio Academy, which is dedicated to nurturing new talent in the performing arts. Check the website for current productions.

3H-3A-1, Straits Quay, Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang, Tanjung Tokong (04 8991 722/penangpac.org).

This lane is synonymous with Hokkien prawn mee – an archetypal hawker dish made with a rich broth of pork and prawns, topped with fried shallots, sliced pork and small prawns. What makes this stall unique is the option of add-ons like siu yuk (crispy pork belly), pork ribs, knuckle or intestines. The stall also serves lor mee, another pork-based noodle dish in a five-spice flavoured starchy soup. Mix the two soups together for a tasty variant of the normal Hokkien mee.

67-A Lebuh Presgrave, George Town.

No foodie trip to Penang is complete without a meal of nasi kandar. At Nasi Kandar Beratur, be prepared to beratur (queue up) for your food. Dine like the locals and top your white rice with a variety of flavourful curries and side dishes including crispy fried chicken, vegetables and papadum. This is a real supper joint as they only open at 10pm serving through to the morning.

98 Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town (04 261 3984).

Durian may be an acquired taste but there’s no denying that this creamy, ‘fragrant’ fruit has become an integral part of Penang’s food culture. The season usually starts at the end of May and can stretch into September, and during this time you’ll see certain street corners being taken over by small trucks offering popular varieties of durians. Alternatively, take a day trip and head to a durian orchard (Bao Sheng Durian Farm in Balik Pulau is a popular choice), or check out an all-you-can-eat buffet at Tng Siang Hock Trading in George Town, which offers an extensive spread and also sells frozen durian for those out-of-season cravings.

In Penang, there’s a night market almost every day of the week and the Farlim Night Market on Wednesdays is a local favourite with a staggering amount of food stalls to be sampled. Penangites throng by the hundreds for cheap street food like char kuey kak, lok lok (hot pot dining), deep-fried popiah and assam laksa. There’re also stalls selling accessories, cheap clothes and knick-knacks.

Medan Angsana, Bandar Baru Air Itam, Air Itam.