Chulia Street Hawker Food in Penang

Penang's vibrant street food scene is a must-experience, especially when staying near a bustling night market. Watching stall peddlers set up their carts, preparing for the evening crowd, adds to the charm of enjoying local delicacies fresh off the grill or wok.

Char Koay Teow Stall

Our street food dinner kicked off on a high note with a plate of satisfying Char Koay Teow, a beloved local delicacy known for its smoky wok hei and flavorful stir-fry. As we approached the stall, the enticing aroma of sizzling noodles and fragrant garlic filled the air, making our anticipation grow even stronger.

One thing that stood out was the option to choose between duck or chicken egg—a choice that isn't commonly available in Singapore. Without hesitation, I went for the duck egg, as it adds a richer, creamier texture to the dish, elevating its overall depth of flavor.

The ingredients looked simple yet well-executed, consisting of fresh bean sprouts, egg, juicy cockles, and prawns, all stir-fried to perfection over high heat. The combination of the soft yet slightly chewy flat rice noodles, the crunch of the bean sprouts, and the umami flavors from the seafood made every bite incredibly enjoyable.

The dish was served on a piece of banana leaf atop a paper plate, adding a touch of authenticity to the experience. Each mouthful carried that distinct wok hei, a hallmark of a well-cooked Char Koay Teow, making it a truly satisfying start to our street food feast.

Char Koay Teow - RM 9

The moment we settled at the aluminum sheet table, hawkers swiftly approached us, offering drinks and rojak. Without hesitation, we ordered both, ready to dive into the local flavors.

Stall

Penang's rojak is a must-try, with its distinct prawn paste flavor that sets it apart from Singapore’s version. True to its name, it’s a mix of cut fruits generously tossed in the savory paste and finished with a sprinkle of crunchy peanut bits.

Rojak - RM 12

Fatty Boom Boom

Location: 13, Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

We were on the lookout for oysters and finally spotted a stall at the corner, right in front of the Lebuh Carnarvon road sign. The chef from Granny's Oyster Omelette was busy cooking and preparing dishes for his orders, creating a buzz of activity around him.

Stall of Granny's Oyster Omelette

When it came to the oysters, we knew right away that this was something we wouldn’t be able to find in Singapore, not in such a generous portion. The dish was packed with plump, juicy oysters, far more than what we’re used to seeing back home. Each bite was bursting with the fresh, briny sweetness of the sea, complementing the dish perfectly. It was a delightful indulgence, making us appreciate the difference in portion sizes and generosity in street food across the border.

Oyster Omelette - RM 20

The egg was fried to perfection, with a crispy, golden-brown exterior that contrasted beautifully against the soft, fluffy interior. Every bite delivered an addictive crunch, followed by the richness of the egg and the briny sweetness of the oysters. The combination was simply irresistible.

Adding to the experience, the coriander garnish brought a refreshing balance to the dish, enhancing its overall aroma. With each chopstick pick, we got a delightful mix of textures: crispy, fluffy, and juicy all in one. This was oyster omelette done right, and we savored every last bite!

Oysters

Despite our stomachs nearing their limit, we couldn’t resist visiting the highly raved stall, even though it was located at the far end of the street we started from. The long queue had us hesitating at first, but in the end, we decided to order a small plate to try it for ourselves.

Stall of Wanton Mee

Although the queue seemed intimidating at first, we weren’t discouraged, as it moved surprisingly fast.

Uncle preparing 

My eyes practically "blinked" with delight after the first mouthful! It was so good that we were glad we made the decision to try it, though we couldn’t help but regret not ordering a bigger portion! Ha ha ha!

The dish absolutely lives up to the hype! The noodles were cooked to perfection, springing with that perfect bite that makes every twirl of the chopsticks so satisfying. The seasoning sauce? That's the star of the show, it's the magic that ties everything together, infusing every bite with a fragrant richness from the pork lard. 

Wanton Mee - RM 6.50

Thin slices of Char Siew melt in your mouth, while the dumplings, perfectly shaped like little pillows of joy, just add that extra level of delight. And those veggies tucked by the side? They balanced out all the rich flavors. A truly mouthwatering experience!

Wanton

Mother And Son Wonton Mee Stall
Location: 2, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia