Astaka Kota Selera: A Gastronomic Pavilion on Penang's Heritage Waterfront
EA Architects have completed the Astaka Kota Selera, a gastronomic pavilion in George Town, Penang, Malaysia. The 13,300-square-foot project is part of the George Town North Seafront Enhancement Programme and arose from the need to restore the western moat of Fort Cornwallis. The original food court sat directly atop the historic moat, requiring its relocation to allow archaeological excavation and reconstruction of the defensive landmark. The pavilion reconciles Malaysia's colonial heritage conservation with its vibrant contemporary street food culture. The project team includes director Liou Hung Woei, designers Lui Sy Ying and Mohd Zakwan, civil engineer KNA Consult, MEP engineer O&A Consult, landscape architect Permata Green, project managers GTCDC & ThinkCity, and general contractor United Builders. Photographs are by TWJPTO. The project was completed in 2025.
Key facts
- Astaka Kota Selera is a gastronomic pavilion in George Town, Penang, Malaysia.
- The project was designed by EA Architects.
- It covers an area of 13,300 square feet.
- The pavilion was completed in 2025.
- It is part of the George Town North Seafront Enhancement Programme.
- The project arose from the need to restore the western moat of Fort Cornwallis.
- The original food court was located over the historic moat and had to be relocated.
- The pavilion reconciles colonial heritage conservation with contemporary street food culture.
Entities
Artists
- Liou Hung Woei
- Lui Sy Ying
- Mohd Zakwan
Institutions
- EA Architects
- KNA Consult
- O&A Consult
- Permata Green
- GTCDC
- ThinkCity
- United Builders
Locations
- Pulau Pinang
- George Town
- Penang
- Malaysia
- Fort Cornwallis