Anak Anak Kota's Traditional Trades brochure in Malaysia Design Archive

Anak Anak Kota's Traditional Trades brochure in

Malaysia Design Archive

For more info, click HERE

The Story of Trades & Foods in George Town

When the British took formal possession of Penang Island in 1786, the port of George Town grew into a busy hub and meeting point for trade and commerce between East and West. While wholesale and retail trade dominated the business sector, all manner of services could be found operating along the streets as well as from shophouses, catering to both the business and domestic needs of the early traders. These services included welders, basket weavers, goldsmiths, liquor brewers, funeral services, food stalls, shoemakers etc.

By the turn of the 20^th century Penang had attracted various ethnic communities such as the Indians, Chinese, Eurasians, Jews, Arabs, Armenians, Acheenese, Siamese, Burmese and others who settled in George Town. Intermarriage between these various ethnic groups in Penang, also gave rise to unique hybrid communities with their own mixed cultural heritage.

The presence and fusion of these different communities gave rise to colourful and diverse food, services, products and lifestyle which have since adapted to become uniquely Penang. Once integral to Penang’s port history and multicultural society, the very traditional trades, services and food are gradually becoming endangered as technology, new materials and new trends penetrate the city.

This map attempts to highlight the last of the traditional activities that hark back to a simpler way of life, where craftsmanship, indigenous knowledge, creativity and adaptability to the client and environment were prized values.

Every trade and food has a unique story of how the founders migrated from their homelands in search of a better life, brought with them skills and knowledge from their homeland and carved out their occupations in the city of George Town.

THE TRADITIONAL TRADES AND FOODS OF GEORGE TOWN is distributed over Zone A and Zone B for convenience. Both zones fall within the World Heritage Site of George Town. There is no strict sequence to the walks so you may visit any trades or food stalls of your choice. On both walks you will be able to observe the process, skills and products of traditional craftsmen as well as savour traditional foods sold at roadside stalls at the recommended times.

For detailed brochure of the history and process of each trade, click HERE