Ayer Itam Market

Air Itam Market, after renovation (25 January 2012)


The Ayer Itam Market (GPS: 5.40124, 100.27803) is one of the most popular markets in Penang. Also written Air Itam Market, it has been around for many decades, from the time that Ayer Itam was just a rural country village. The present market building is located at the junction between Jalan Paya Terubong and Jalan Pasar.

In the early days, farmers bring their fresh vegetables from their farms on the hill slopes to be sold fresh to consumers in the valley below. Since then, the population of Air Itam has multiplied manifold.

Today the Ayer Itam Market is a congested but fun place to do your shopping. It has lots of variety of things on sale, even reptiles such as python (look for it near the junction to Ayer Itam Methodist Church). The market building is located at the junction of Jalan Air Itam and Jalan Pasar.

As with most markets, Ayer Itam Market has plenty of hawker stalls selling food. The most famous is the Ayer Itam Laksa, located in front of the market building. There are several more laksa stalls at the foot of the hill going up to Kek Lok Si, and they are just as good.

The Ayer Itam Market underwent a facelift at the end of 2011. The renovation was completed in time for the Chinese New Year in 2012. It is henceforth spelled as the Air Itam Market.

What to eat at Ayer Itam Market

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Ayer Itam Market, before renovation (4 June 2011)

Getting there

Parking space is quite limited at this market. You can take Rapid Penang Bus 201, 202, 203, 204 and 206 to go to Ayer Itam Market.

Stalls inside Air Itam Market (25 January 2012)

Nearby Sights

The Ayer Itam Market is on the Map of Jalan Paya Terubong, Penang

List of Markets in Penang and Markets in Malaysia