By Helen Ong

If you’re after decent hawker food and happen to be in George Town at night, head for Red Garden in Penang Road. Now nearly four years old, this semi-alfresco eatery, conveniently situated in the middle of town, has definitely established itself as one of the top night food courts on the island.

At over 30,000 sq ft, it is one of the largest on the island, with 200 tables and nearly 30 stalls serving all types of food under one roof – no need to charge all over looking for your favourite eats: local Penang specialities like fragrant Mee Goreng and Char Kuey Teow, spicy Curry Mee, prawn-stock laden Hokkien Mee and many of the other famous noodle dishes are all available, of course, but there are much, much more: East Coast Grilled Seafood, Thai, Indian, Filipino, Chinese, fusion Japanese, BBQ, Claypot Noodles, Chicken Rice, fish head curry, western food and desserts. The only problem you’ll have is what to choose!

Canny proprietor Albert Loh ensures it continues to remain popular by keeping standards high: it’s clean and hygienic – tables are cleared by hired staff he provides, and used crockery and cutlery are loaded into the industrial-sized dishwasher which washes and dries a load in 30 seconds flat. Even his ice is made in-house by an imported ISO-certified machine which filters the water first. With cheap beer and great local and international desserts, including some wonderful home-made cakes, it definitely lives up to its claim as a “one stop eatery”.

Open every day from 5.30pm to 2am, there are two entrances: the Penang Road end with its large car park and ample spaces, and in Leith Street where parking is available on the streets.

It’s a noisy, merry place where locals mingle with expats and tourists, and everyone’s having a fun time because it’s not just a hawker centre: after you’ve had your fill, sit back and enjoy the entertainment which is laid on every night from 9-midnight. If you’re there on a Monday or Tuesday and feel up to it, you can even, in the words of old crooner Sir Cliff, “put on your dancing shoes” by joining in and having a bop.

Alternatively, a bit of retail therapy never did go amiss: the Night Market features a dozen or so retail outlets which sell souvenirs, clothes, accessories and other knick knacks, so a gentle stroll will help the food settle. Live footie is screened during matches too.

Red Garden Food Paradise

20 Leith Street

1000 Penang

Tel: 604-262 3767

www.redgarden-food.com