Char koay teow and Penang are two inseparable things. Though some folks may claim the best char koay teow is now in the Klang Valley, it’s really hard to beat the original. Why else would tourists flock to eat in Penang?
That said, Penang has so many koay teow stalls that it can be hard to decide which is the best of the lot. Every stall and restaurant has its fair share of fans. To be fair, we have listed a few of the more famous ones.
So, the next time you visit Penang, maybe go on a food hunt and check all these out in one go! Just don’t tell your dietitian.
Old-timers’ char koay teow
- Siam Road Char Koay Teow
Image Credit: Peray Hsiao on Google Review (Left), Super Fragrance on Google Review (Right)
This stall is among the most famous on this list, beloved for its classic take on koay teow. If you love your noodles smoky and generous in portions, this is the place for you. Every bite you take will leave bits of prawn, egg, Chinese sausage and cockles in your mouth.
Address: 82, Jalan Siam, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
- Ah Leng Char Koay Teow
Image Credit: Baba Koh on Google Review (Left), Shibu Joseph on Google Review (Right)
If your parents grew up in Penang, there is a chance they ate here at some point. This stall has been around since 1979. Juicy prawns are plentiful here, and so is the usage of pork lard. Be prepared to fight with locals and tourists alike to have a chance to eat here.
Address: 343, Jalan Dato Keramat, Kampung Makam, 10150 George Town, Pulau Pinang
- Ah Soon Char Koay Teow
Image Credit: Traveller Jun on Google Review (Left), RS San on Google Review (Right)
This establishment has been around since the 1980s, and it actually started as a roadside stall. The portions here are balanced, with plenty of prawns, cockles and pork lard to savour. If you’d like something soupy, check out the koay teow th’ng sold here.
Address: 26, Jalan Sungai Kelian, Tanjung Tokong, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang
- BM Duck Egg Char Koay Teow
Image Credit: Kun Teck Ng on Google Review (Left), Avocado Queen on Google Review (Right)
Whoever decided to add duck egg to koay teow ought to receive an award of some sort. While Ah Heng is unlikely to be the first, the stall’s duck egg koay teow is still enjoyable. Can never go wrong with a rich, runny duck egg atop your plate of smoky noodles.
Address: 2741, Jalan Kulim, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
But there’s more
- Chulia Street Char Koay Teow
Image Credit: Kevin McGarry on Google Review (Left), Chomeh Alex on Google Review (Right)
Located in a lively part of the city, this koay teow stall is in a neighbourhood of bars and clubs. That said, this is one of the best spots to check out once night falls. What better way to end a drinking session than with a hearty meal of koay teow?
Address: Chulia Street, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
- Tiger Char Koay Teow
Image Credit: Alvin Leow on Google Review (Left), V Vinn on Google Review (Right)
This place serves a fierce koay teow. Apologies for the pun. But like Chulia Street, this is a place to get noodles in the wee hours of the morning. The portions are generous and taste even better when spiced up to the max.
Address: Star Hotel Coffee Shop, 246, Lebuh Carnarvon, Georgetown, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
- Ah Shen Presgrave Street Duck Egg Char Koay Teow
Image Credit: Presgrave Street CKT on Google Review (Left), Jocelyn Pang on Google Review (Right)
This stall offers a special twist by topping the noodles with a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up duck egg. The creamy egg, crunchy bean sprouts, and a splash of spicy sambal give the dish an extra kick of flavour.
Address: 67b, Lebuh Presgrave, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
- Left-handed Char Koay Teow
Image Credit: Natasha M. Ramay on Google Review (Left), Amber Yuki on Google Review (Right)
This stall stands out for two reasons. The first being that is the rare pork-free koay teow stall. The second is because the friendly uncle who mans the stall is a left-hander. Left-hander foodies, you know what to do!
Address: 79-G-11, Ivory Tower, Kampung Jawa Baru, Off, Jalan Dato Keramat, 10150 George Town, Penang
Hidden gems
- Lorong Selamat Char Koay Teow
Image Credit: Neil Johnson on Google Review (Left), Ilona Cyd on Google Review (Right)
You can’t miss this stall, with the hawker aunty often seen wearing a red bucket hat. The stall is basically a bicycle cart, but despite its simplicity, the food here is amazing. With deep smoky flavours and good spice, this is a greasier take on koay teow.
Address: 108, Lorong Selamat, George Town, 10400 George Town, Penang
- Sany-Lis Char Koay Teow
Image Credit: YK Voon on Google Review (Left), Athirah Roslee on Google Review (Right)
Some people prefer their koay teow to have more moisture, aka “basah”. This is one place to get your fix of just that. While it may not be for everyone, the koay teow basah is still savouring at least once in your lifetime.
Address: 4, Lorong Mahsuri 2, Bayan Baru, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
You should also check out: If you’re a true Char Kway Teow fan, then you know at least half of these 8 KL & S’gor stalls
Feature Image Credit: Shibu Joseph on Google Review (Left), Ignatius Tan on Google Review (Right)