Belacan & Spices at Chowrasta Market, Penang
Last updated: October 2026
| Address | Jalan Chowrasta (upper floor), George Town |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily from approximately 6 am – 2 pm |
| Take me here | |
| Verified | Verified October 2026 |
About Belacan & Spices at Chowrasta Market
Belacan is fermented shrimp paste — dense, pungent and essential to Malay and Nyonya cooking. The blocks sold at Chowrasta Market's upper floor are locally produced and cost from RM5 for a small portion. It keeps well at room temperature and travels easily if sealed in a zip-lock bag or wrapped tightly. The same stalls sell dried chillies, curry powders, turmeric, coriander and other spice blends used in Penang cuisine.
If you want to cook Penang dishes at home — nasi lemak, curry mee, assam laksa — belacan and the right spice blends are the ingredients that make the biggest difference. Ask the vendors for recommendations based on what you want to cook. Prices are lower than pre-packaged versions sold in tourist shops. Buy early in the morning for the best range of stock.
Location
Photos
Visitor Reviews
-
★★★★★2 weeks ago
The upper floor of Chowrasta Market is where you find the best belacan in Penang. The aunties sell homemade shrimp paste in different grades — we bought the premium grade at RM12 per block. The smell is strong but the taste is authentic.
-
★★★★☆1 month ago
Found an incredible range of spices here — curry powder, rendang paste, five-spice powder, all made fresh. Prices start from RM5 per packet. The vendors are happy to explain the differences and suggest recipes.
-
★★★★★3 months ago
Bought belacan, dried chillies, white pepper and turmeric powder all in one trip. Everything was fresh and aromatic. Total spend was under RM40 for enough spices to last months. Vacuum-sealed for travel which is helpful.
-
★★★★☆5 months ago
Go early in the morning for the best selection. The belacan from the stall near the staircase is the one locals buy — RM10-15 depending on size. Bring a ziplock bag as the wrapping can be basic.
-
★★★★★8 months ago
This is where Penang home cooks shop for their spice supplies. The sambal paste here is freshly ground and packs serious heat. We also bought dried shrimp at RM8 per pack — much cheaper than supermarket prices.
Reviews sourced from Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Belacan & Spices at Chowrasta Market's opening hours?
Belacan & Spices at Chowrasta Market is open Daily from approximately 6 am – 2 pm. Check Google Maps for the latest hours.
Where is Belacan & Spices at Chowrasta Market located?
Belacan & Spices at Chowrasta Market is at Jalan Chowrasta (upper floor), George Town. Use Grab or public transport to get there.
How do I get to Belacan & Spices at Chowrasta Market?
You can reach Belacan & Spices at Chowrasta Market by Grab (ride-hailing), taxi or public transport. See the map above for the exact location.