Hardly anybody visiting George Town will miss Chulia Street, the probably most central street of all. Especially popular are strolls in the evening hours, when many stalls suddenly appear selling hawker food, the time also when the street gets especially lively. On top Chulia Street and Love Lane, which branches off to the north from it, are the preferred area for backpackers because of the many cheap hostels here. Historically it is one of the oldest streets, marking the southern boundary of the town founded by Captain Francis Light. It now goes from Weld Quay all the way to Jalan Penang, thus it is also one of the longest streets in George Town. Close to the coast it is called 'Gat Lebu Chulia', with 'Gat' being derived from the Hindi word 'Ghat', meaning here steps to a body of water. After crossing Beach Street (Lebuh Pantai) it becomes 'Lebuh Chulia' until Pitt Street. In this stretch it is a part of 'Little India'. After Pitt Street (Jalan Masjid Kapitan Kenting) the street becomes wider and is now called 'Jalan Chulia'. In the days of Captain Francis Light it was the 'Malabar Street', but with the influx of many Tamil Muslims to this area the name was changed to 'Chulia', which is what these people were called here, derived from the South Indian Chola Empire, which though was Hindu by religion. A conspicuous building in this street is the red and white 'Central Fire Station' from 1908.

Chulia Street or locally known as Lebuh Chulia has a long history starting with British colonial rule which encouraged Indians to migrate to Penang. The Muslim Indians congregate around this street hence the name. Signs of their presence are still evident with a number of nasi kandar eateries and hawkers selling street food along the street and its offshoots. In addition to that, grocery shops selling spices make a walk along this street a sensory adventure.

Chulia Street by day is nothing special, but at night it comes alive, combining old Penang and wonderful street food stalls with a bustling hip and trendy feel. Food is cheap and made there and then. Seating is on plastic stools and tables on the road! No doubt it is for the tourists, but it this street gives you a great insight into what Georgetown is all about, and is very close to Love Lane which is worth a walk down too (more modern bars and restaurants, the odd shop etc).