This dancing Uncle in Section 17 whips up ‘wok hei’ char kuey teow packed with ‘lap cheong’

Aiming to capture the essence of Penang’s famed char kuey teow is Robert’s Char Kuey Teow in Section 17, a stall tucked inside Lucky Seng Restaurant.

Here, the artistry of wok cooking takes centre stage, with the stall’s affable uncle amusing diners with his animated movements as he expertly prepares each plate.

Though he may not be dancing in the traditional sense, the fluidity of his motions resembles the rhythm of a dance, infusing life into the char kuey teow he whips up. His entire body moves as he deftly mans the wok, adding to the spectacle.

With generous portions of lap cheong and that locally coveted wok hei, this stall promises an authentic plate of char kuey teow that will transport you straight to the streets of Penang.

Uncle Lim steals the show

Though the stall is named Robert’s Char Kuey Teow, the maestro behind the wok is actually Uncle Lim. With over 350 reviews on Google and a rating of 4.1 stars as of this article’s writing, this stall has gained quite a loyal following.

Image Credit: Andrew Chan on Google Review

While there are two other outlets, this location, thanks to Uncle Lim’s smooth moves and charismatic flair, has solidified its reputation as the go-to destination for char kuey teow lovers in PJ.

A large plate costs RM12, while a smaller option is available for RM10, making it an affordable choice for anyone craving a taste of Penang.

Many returning customers have noted the difficulty in finding another version in PJ that comes close to capturing what you’d experience in Penang. Thus, they enthusiastically recommend this spot, praising Robert for consistently delivering a satisfying plate of Penang char kuey teow.

Uncle Lim has been dancing and serving up his flavourful char kuey teow for over 20 years now, and based on reviews, it’s clear that his dedication to quality and taste hasn’t waned.

The charm of his cooking process, coupled with his warm personality, keeps customers coming back for more.

A taste of Penang in PJ

Image Credit: Ilkw on Google Review (left), Tammy Teh on Google Review (right)

A standout element of Uncle Lim’s char kuey teow is his lap cheong, which he slices thinly and fries to perfection. This preparation provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft stir-fried rice noodles, all while bringing a delicious sweet-savoury kick to the dish.

Customers praise the subtle balance of spiciness and savouriness, enhanced by the greasy depth of pork lard.

Uncle Lim’s dedication to this dish ensures that every strand of noodle is generously coated with seasoning and infused with wok hei—an element that has unfortunately become increasingly hard to find these days.

Each plate of fried noodles is served on a square of banana leaf, just like in Penang, which adds a delightful aroma and completes the dining experience.

While it may not be the absolute best char kuey teow out there, it’s certainly one of the most satisfying Penang renditions you’ll find in PJ. Regulars often find themselves queuing up during peak hours, counting down the minutes till they can dig into their own plate of char kuey teow.

A Section 17 gem

Image Credit: Kelvin Tan on Google Review

For anyone longing for a taste of Penang char kuey teow, Robert’s Char Kuey Teow in Section 17 is a must-visit.

For those driving, parking is not a concern as Seventeen Shopping Mall across the street has garage parking, making it easy for diners to stroll over to Robert’s stall without any hassle.

Discovering this stall feels like a homecoming, where the familiar flavours of Penang are now just a short drive away. From the dancing uncle to the crispy lap cheong, the char kuey teow at Robert’s will leave you feeling full and satisfied, with a desire to return for more.