When people talk about Penang as a food paradise, one dish immediately comes to mind—Char Kway Teow. Indeed, this iconic plate of stir-fried flat rice noodles, rich with smoky wok-hei and topped with fresh prawns, cockles, and Chinese sausage, truly embodies the essence of Penang’s street food culture. For locals, it is a taste of home; meanwhile, for travelers, it is a must-have culinary experience. Therefore, to guide your next food trail, here are our Top 5 Penang Char Kway Teow recommendations, each with its own charm, history, and unforgettable flavors.
Siam Road Char Kuey Teow – The Legendary Wok-Hei of Penang
Ask any Penangite, and many will point to Siam Road Char Kuey Teow. Famous for its charcoal-fired wok-hei, this humble cart serves silky noodles with prawns, cockles, and pork lard, all fried to perfection. Expect long queues on weekends, but the smoky, authentic flavor makes it well worth the wait.
📍 Address: 82, Jalan Siam, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
🕒 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 12:00 PM – 6:30 PM (closed Sunday & Monday)
📞 Phone Number: Not publicly listed
Tiger Char Koay Teow – A Top Penang Street Food Recommendation
Tiger Char Koay Teow on Carnarvon Street is a local favorite for its consistent, flavor-packed plates of prawns, cockles, Chinese sausage, and egg, all fried to smoky perfection. Popular in the late mornings, it’s a go-to stop for workers, shoppers, and travelers craving one of Penang’s most famous Char Kway Teow.
📍 Address: 246, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📞 Phone Number: +60 16-458 0926
Red Hat Aunty Char Kuey Teow – The Icon of Lorong Selamat
Famed as the Red Hat Aunty, this iconic hawker at Kafe Heng Huat, Lorong Selamat, is known for her fiery wok skills as well as her bold presence. Meanwhile, her Char Kway Teow, loaded with prawns, cockles, and eggs, boasts spice and, above all, strong wok-hei. Here, the show of cooking is as memorable as the dish—perfect for those seeking both flavor and culture in one stop.
📍 Address: 108, Lorong Selamat, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
🕒 Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (closed Tuesday)
📞 Phone Number: +60 16-492 1948
Ah Leng Char Kuey Teow – A Seafood Twist on a Classic
For a more indulgent take, Ah Leng Char Kuey Teow in Air Itam is certainly a must-try. Featuring mantis prawns, clams, pork lard, and runny eggs, it therefore delivers a rich, seafood-packed flavor perfected by Mr. Cheang’s wok mastery. Moreover, as a favorite for evening diners, it’s the go-to spot for a premium version of this Penang classic.
📍 Address: 343, Jalan Dato Keramat, Kampung Makam, 10150 George Town, Pulau Pinang
🕒 Opening Hours: Friday to Tuesday 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM (closed Wednesday & Thursday)
📞 Phone Number: +60 12-498 3962
Google Man Char Kuey Teow – A Hidden Gem in Lorong Selamat
—Image sourced from the internet
While Red Hat Aunty draws the crowds in Lorong Selamat, Google Man Char Kuey Teow at KTG Cafe is a quieter hidden gem. Known for generous prawns, Chinese sausage, crispy pork lard, and a smoky wok depth, it offers a hearty, flavor-packed alternative for those who prefer great taste without the long wait.
📍 Address: 98, Lorong Selamat, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
🕒 Opening Hours: Friday to Wednesday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Thursday)
📞 Phone Number: Not publicly listed
Penang’s food culture is incomplete without Char Kway Teow, and indeed these five stalls capture its true essence. From Siam Road’s legendary wok-hei to Ah Leng’s seafood twist, each plate therefore tells a story of heritage and flavor. Moreover, they are more than just meals—they’re experiences every foodie should try. So, have you tasted them yet?
