When people talk about Penang as a food paradise, one dish immediately comes to mind—Char Kway Teow. This iconic plate of stir-fried flat rice noodles, rich with smoky wok-hei and topped with fresh prawns, cockles, and Chinese sausage, embodies the essence of Penang’s street food culture. For locals, it is a taste of home; for travelers, it is a must-have culinary experience. 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
If you ask any Penangite where to find the best Char Kway Teow, many will point you to Siam Road Char Kuey Teow. This humble hawker cart has gained legendary status for its skillful use of charcoal fire, infusing every plate of noodles with an intense smoky aroma that food lovers describe as unmatched. The dish is a classic combination of silky rice noodles, plump prawns, juicy cockles, and fragrant pork lard, all tossed together with masterful precision. Be prepared to queue for more than an hour on weekends, because the experience of savoring this wok-hei masterpiece is one that many say is worth the wait. It is the ultimate choice for those seeking the most authentic Penang street food experience.
📍 Address: 82, Jalan Siam, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
🕒 Opening Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 12:00 PM–6:30 PM; closed Sunday & Monday
📞 Phone: 604 264 3456
Tiger Char Koay Teow – A Top Penang Street Food Recommendation
Nestled along Carnarvon Street, Tiger Char Koay Teow is a long-standing favorite among locals who enjoy their Char Kway Teow in the late morning hours. The noodles here are vibrant in flavor, with a delightful mix of prawns, cockles, Chinese sausage, and egg fried to perfection over high heat. Customers love the consistency, as each plate arrives with the same balance of texture and wok-hei, ensuring a satisfying bite every time. With its convenient location and daily morning service, it has become a go-to stop for office workers, market shoppers, and travelers eager to taste one of the most famous Char Kway Teow in Penang.
📍 Address: 246, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–2:30 PM
📞 Phone: +60 16-458 0926
Red Hat Aunty Char Kuey Teow – The Icon of Lorong Selamat
Known as the Red Hat Aunty, this hawker is instantly recognizable for her signature red hat and her commanding presence at the fiery wok. Located in Kafe Heng Huat on Lorong Selamat, she draws both locals and tourists with her skillful frying and perfectly seasoned noodles. The Char Kway Teow here features a robust mix of prawns, cockles, and eggs, balanced with a hint of spice and a noticeable wok-hei. For many, dining here is as much about the performance of watching her cook as it is about the taste of the dish itself. It is ideal for visitors who want both a flavorful plate and a memorable cultural encounter in one stop.
📍 Address: 108, Lorong Selamat, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
📞 Phone: +60 16-492 1948
Ah Leng Char Kuey Teow – A Seafood Twist on a Classic
For those who enjoy a more indulgent version of this beloved dish, Ah Leng Char Kuey Teow in Air Itam is a must-visit. What makes it stand out is the luxurious addition of mantis prawns and clams, which bring a unique sweetness and briny depth to the noodles. Combined with pork lard, runny eggs, and a masterful use of the wok, the result is a rich and layered flavor that seafood lovers will instantly appreciate. Helmed by the experienced Mr. Cheang, this stall has earned loyal fans over the years, particularly among diners who prefer their Char Kway Teow in the evening. It is an excellent stop for those who want to experience a more premium take on the famous Penang dish.
📍 Address: 343, Jalan Dato Keramat, Kampung Makam, 10150 George Town, Pulau Pinang
🕒 Opening Hours: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM; closed Thursdays
📞 Phone: 012-498 3962
Google Man Char Kuey Teow – A Hidden Gem in Lorong Selamat
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While the Red Hat Aunty might attract the most attention in Lorong Selamat, Google Man Char Kuey Teow offers a quieter yet equally satisfying option just down the road at KTG Cafe. Nicknamed for his quirky reputation, the stall has built its own following for generous portions of prawns, Chinese sausage, crispy pork lard, and a subtle coal-flame depth that makes the noodles stand out. Many who discover this place describe it as a hidden gem, ideal for those who prefer avoiding the crowds but still want a hearty, flavor-packed Char Kway Teow. It is a stall that proves sometimes the best food finds are the ones slightly off the spotlight.
📍 Address: 98, Lorong Selamat, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
🕒 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM–5:30 PM; closed Thursdays
📞 Phone: Not publicly listed
Penang’s food culture is inseparable from its Char Kway Teow, and these five stalls highlight the diversity and depth of the dish. From the legendary wok-hei of Siam Road to the seafood indulgence of Ah Leng, each stall offers a different story told through noodles, prawns, and fire. These Top 5 Penang Char Kway Teow recommendations are more than just meals—they are experiences that connect diners with the heritage of the island. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a long-time local, these stalls deserve a spot on your food journey. Have you tried them yet? Share your favorite experience and keep the love for Penang’s street food alive.
