Where to eat in Penang: Best Duck Koay Chap in Penang, Malaysia

Duck Koay Chap is one of the most iconic street food dishes in Penang. In this post, I’ll cover what is this dish and where you can find the best one in Penang! This post is part of a series of posts about What and Where to Eat in Penang, Malaysia.

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What is Duck Koay Chap?

Koay Chap is a savory and hearty noodle dish originating from the Hokkien Chinese community in Penang. It features flat rice noodles (koay chap) served in a flavorful broth, accompanied by tender slices of braised meat, innards, and other condiments such as hard-boiled eggs and bean curd. The dish is often garnished with chopped garlic, fresh coriander, and a sprinkle of white pepper. There are several versions of this dish in Penang, but the most famous one is the duck koay chap, a tasty savoury duck soup with braised duck.

Best Duck Koay Chap in Penang, Malaysia

1. Restoran Kimberly: at Restoran Kimberly they’ve been making delicious duck koay chap for over 30 years, so they have perfected their recipe. The broth is thick and savoury, the noodles soft and the duck juicy. It is by most accounts the best koay chap in the city. You can choose if you want the broth with the duck innards or not, and you also get a portion of roasted duck on the side.
2. Loh Duck Koay Chap in Air Itam: while Restoran Kimberly is the most famous place for duck koay chap, there is a fantastic stall at Air Hitam Food Court near Kek Lok Si offering the same dish.

Map of the Best Duck Koay Chap in Penang, Malaysia

How to Get to Penang

Despite being an island, Penang is very well connected to the rest of Malaysia and even internationally! You can access Penang by car, taxi or bus through the . Another option is to arrive by ferry, either from the nearby Butterworth, which only takes around 10 minutes, or from the island of Langkawi. The latter is a long and arduous trip, so it only happens during the dry season.

Lastly, Penang is home to its own international airport, so there are frequent flights from Malaysian cities like Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi or Ipoh, as well as some international destinations such as Bangkok and Singapore.

Where to Stay in Penang

Penang is a very well developed island and George Town is an important cultural and urban center, so there are plenty of options when it comes to accommodation. The best area to stay in Penang is definitely around the center of George Town. It is close to many of its main attractions and also well connected to other areas in the island that you may visit. If you prefer something more relaxing or you’re traveling as a family, Batu Ferringhi may cater better to your needs. If you’re in a honeymoon and are looking for more private or resort-style accommodations, then Tanjung Bungah beach is your area!

Budget

Looking for a cozy spot without breaking the bank? Chulia Mansion is your jackpot. Right at the heart of the action, this place is a steal for its central location. If you’re into that rustic charm and counting pennies, head over to The 80’s Guesthouse. Tucked away on the quieter side of Love Lane, it’s a budget-friendly quirky gem surrounded by popular restaurants and bars.

Mid-range

If you won’t sacrifice comfort but don’t want to spend all your hard earned money, Reunion Carnarvon is a solid choice. This boutique hotel offers small but comfortable and beautiful rooms very close to all of George Town’s attractions but with some privacy, and right next to some of the city’s best eateries!Another popular option is Campbell House, an old Chinese shophouse turned boutique hotel.

Muntri Grove Hotel and its sister Muntri Mews are other gems in the mid-range category. Think heritage vibes, spacious rooms, and a rooftop pool that’s perfect for lazy afternoons. If you can splurge a bit more, check out Areca Hotel Penang, offering 48 rooms accross 12 Chinese shophouses, all beautifully decorated.

Luxury

For luxury, Edison George Town is a stunner, an actual colonial mansion turned into a jaw-dropping stay. The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, also known as the Blue Mansion Hotel, is perfect for those looking to stay in a cultural heritage building with all the luxury it entails! And then there’s Eastern & Oriental Hotel, where colonial style meets dreamy location.

For a beach vacation, head to Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang or Lone Pine in Batu Ferringhi. Private villas, epic pools, spas to die for, and a fitness center that might just inspire you to exercise on vacation.

Closing statement

Koay Chap is one of the most delicious and iconic hawker dishes in Penang. Do not leave without trying it! If you’re visiting Penang, I suggest you read my dedicated post on things to do in Penang, as well as the more specific posts that you can get to from it:

→ What to do in Penang, Malaysia: the island of cultural tapestry

And if you’re traveling around Malaysia, I think these posts can be useful!

Kuala Lumpur: discovering the Malaysian capital

Melaka, Malaysia: a Journey through Cultural Heritage

Cameron Highlands, Malaysia: where wild and tamed nature meet

Langkawi, Malaysia’s adventure island

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