Cecil Market Yu Tiao

Before leaving Cecil Market after breakfast, we walked past the fried fritters stall and were immediately drawn in by the irresistible aroma lingering in the air. Unable to resist, we picked up a Ham Chim Peng and a Huah Chee for a quick bite, planning to enjoy them along the way to our next stop.

Cecil Market Yu Tiao

The texture was delightful,  slightly crisp on the outside with a soft and fluffy interior. The fragrance was inviting, and the roasted sesame seeds on top added an extra layer of aroma and nuttiness, making each bite simple yet satisfying.

Ham Chim Peng - RM 1.40

The Huah Chee, also known as the “butterfly”, was enjoyable with its lightly crisp exterior and soft, fluffy centre. It carried a gentle sweetness and fragrance, making it a comforting and satisfying traditional snack.

Huah Chee - RM 1.40

Overall, the Ham Chim Peng and Huah Chee made for a delightful little snack to end our visit to Cecil Market. Freshly fried and aromatic, they carried a comforting old-school charm that is becoming harder to find these days. Simple as they may be, these traditional fritters reminded me how something so humble can still be deeply satisfying, especially when enjoyed fresh and on the go.

Cecil Market Yu Tiao
Location: Lebuh Cecil Pulau Pinang, George Town, 10300, Malaysia

Low You Soya Dessert

 After visiting Pasar Nearby for breakfast and while heading off to my next stop, I noticed Low You Soya Dessert Shop just across the street. With a little extra time on hand, I decided to grab something for a quick refreshment.

Low You Soya Dessert

Menu

Their menu was pleasantly straightforward yet offered a good variety, featuring both Hot and Cold Soy Milk Series, as well as Hot and Cold Bean Curd Series. What made it even more interesting was the range of toppings and sugar syrups available. From the usual white and brown sugar to more distinctive options like ginger and black sesame sugar, it added a layer of customisation that made the simple soy-based dessert feel more special.

It was a humble stop, but one that showcased how traditional desserts can still feel enjoyable with a touch of variety.

Menu

I eventually got myself a cup of their Classic Soya Milk, opting for the normal sugar level at 50% sweetness. Holding the chilled cup in my hand while standing along the busy street, it felt especially inviting under the humid weather.

Taking my first sip, the soya milk was smooth and light, with a gentle sweetness that did not overwhelm the natural soybean fragrance. The 50% sweetness turned out to be a good choice, allowing the drink to remain refreshing and easy on the palate.

Class Soy Milk - RM 3.50

It was incredibly cooling and satisfying, especially in the warm and slightly stuffy weather. Sometimes, it is these simple and familiar drinks that provide the most comfort during a short travel break.

Low You Soya Dessert
Location: 202, Lebuh Mcnair, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

2nd Tiger Char Koay Teow (OO White Coffee Carnarvon Street)

After the disappointment with Barefoot Char Koay Teow, I was still “bu gan yuan” (unwilling to give up) and decided to try Penang CKT once more. This time, we headed to Tiger Char Koay Teow. The original stall address given to me was no longer in operation, so we went to the one next door, now housed inside OO White Coffee at Carnarvon Street.

2nd Tiger Char Koay Teow (OO White Coffee Carnarvon Street)

While watching the staff prepare our plate of Char Koay Teow, my heart sank a little. He was intermittently watching videos on his phone while waiting for the noodles to cook, which didn’t inspire much confidence.

Stall of 2nd Tiger Char Koay Teow

Nonetheless, our order came with a 20-minute wait. Despite the breakfast we had earlier at Pasar Lebuh Cecil, we ordered a cup of traditional Milk Tea each while waiting.

Milk Tea

Soon, the plate of Char Koay Teow was ready and placed right before our eyes. Served on a simple white porcelain plate, the portion appeared modest and neatly gathered in the centre. The flat rice noodles were evenly coated in a light orange-brown sauce, intertwined with strands of bean sprouts and bits of egg that clung onto the folds of the noodles. Small touches of chopped greens added a gentle contrast to the overall warm tones of the dish.

Tiger Char Koay Teow

As I took a few bites, I found myself reflecting quietly on the experience. The flavours leaned towards a gentler and simpler profile, presenting the noodles in a way that might appeal to those who enjoy a lighter interpretation of Char Koay Teow.

Does it look appealing to you?

However, it did not quite align with my personal preference of what I usually look forward to in a plate of this Penang classic. While I appreciate the effort and the different approach taken, it turned out to be another experience that did not resonate as strongly with me as I had hoped. 

Another Disappointment

Nonetheless, it became part of my continuing journey of exploring and understanding the many variations of Char Koay Teow that Penang has to offer.

Tiger Char Koay Teow
Location: 262-264, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

The FOUNDERS Hutton

Our Penang ride led us here for a short tea break, and I was surprised, this café felt similar to the founder's café in Mount Austin, with a familiar vibe. I then realized that the Penang outlet is actually their HQ, making the resemblance to the Mount Austin café even more understandable!

The Founders

Among the cakes, I chose their best—the Pandan Gula Melaka Cake. With fragrant pandan layers and the rich sweetness of gula melaka, it felt like enjoying ondeh ondeh in cake form. The cake was yummy and the best selection for a tea break.

Pandan Gula Melaka Cake - RM 15.90

The Ice Matcha Latte with whipped cream was pleasantly creamy without being too sweet, while the hot cappuccino made for a perfect pairing with our cakes.

Iced Matcha Latte - RM 17.50 & Cappucino - RM13.50

Even though it's on the upper level near the toilet area, the vibe is exactly like the place I visited before.

Upper Level

I wouldn't mind returning to this headquarters if I'm in Georgetown again.

The FOUNDERS Hutton
Location: 17, Jalan Hutton, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Website

Tim Choi Sum 甜在心

 After dinner, we decided to take a stroll, but the heat along the street was quite intense. Craving something refreshing, I suggested heading somewhere for a cooling dessert, so here we are!

Tim Choi Sum

The dessert place had a unique theme centered around cameras, creating a nostalgic and visually intriguing atmosphere. The walls were adorned with various camera posters, showcasing vintage and modern models, while actual cameras were also part of the décor. 

Camera Poster

The setup gave the place a distinctive character, making it not just a spot for desserts but also a mini haven for photography enthusiasts. It added an extra layer of charm to the dining experience, making it more memorable beyond just the food.

Decor

The Penang-famous chendul came in a metal bowl, generously topped with plump red kidney beans and vibrant green coconut jelly strips. However, the taste fell short of expectations, making it quite a disappointing experience.

Penang Famous Chendul - RM 9.90

The mango sago was beautifully presented, with a scoop of mango sorbet taking center stage, surrounded by luscious mango cubes and chewy sago pearls, all drenched in creamy coconut milk. While it looked promising, the taste didn’t quite hit the mark.

Mango Sago - RM 9.90

It lacked the depth of flavor and richness I was expecting. The balance between sweetness and creaminess was slightly off, leaving me reminiscing about the more indulgent and flavorful Hong Kong-style mango desserts I had had before. Those versions often had a silkier consistency, bolder mango flavors, and a more satisfying overall experience.

A scoop of it

Overall, I found their desserts to be decent, with good presentation and a unique ambiance. However, they lacked the depth of flavors I was hoping for. While the ingredients were fresh, the taste didn’t quite hit the mark, leaving me craving the richer, more well-balanced flavors I’ve enjoyed elsewhere, especially the Hong Kong-style desserts I miss.

Tim Choi Sum 甜在心 
Location: 14, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia