Where to eat in Penang: Best Char Kway Teow in Penang, Malaysia
Char Kway Teow is one of the most iconic street food dishes in Penang. In this post, we’ll cover what is char kway teow and where you can find the best char kway teow 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 Char Kway Teow?
Char Kway Teow is a popular stir-fried noodle dish made with flat rice noodles. It is complemented with prawns, cockles, Chinese sausage, bean sprouts, and egg. Everything is stir-fried in the wok with a flavorful soy sauce and chili paste. The dish is known for its smoky aroma from the char of the wok, making it a must-try for food enthusiasts. Therefore, Char Kuay Teow is definitely one of the best hawker dishes to try in Penang.
Best Char Kway Teow in Penang, Malaysia
- Tiger Char Kway Teow: this stall within Kafe Ping Hooi at Lebuah Carnarvon serves one of the most delicious char kway teow with duck egg. Big juicy shrimps and heaps of wok hei (smokey flavour from the wok) makes it a must eat in Penang!
- Siam Road Charcoal Char Kway Teow: this stall-turned-restaurant offers a famous char kway teow in the city. While I prefer the one above because of the superior wok hei, it is still a delicious option with sweet Chinese sausage.
- Kafe Heng Huat: the char kway teow from this auntie is perfectly smokey, and it is generous on the condiments!
- Ah Leng Char Koay Teow: the char kway teow in Ah Leng is legendary, and I can see why with the generous juicy prawns and cuttlefish. I did miss a bit of wok hei, but it is still a delicious plate of food. You can add a duck egg to it too!
- Chulia Street hawker stalls: as one of the most authentic street food hubs in the city, Chulia street offers a fantastic version of char kway teow.
Map of the Best Char Kway Teow 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
Char Kway Teow 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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