Char Kway Teow
Penang Speciality
| Price | RM 8-15 |
| Location | Penang |
| Cuisine | Chinese |
| Type | Street Food |
About This Dish
Char Kway Teow is a beloved Malaysian street food dish featuring flat rice noodles stir-fried at extremely high heat in a wok. The dish originated from the Teochew Chinese community and has become a staple across Penang and the rest of Malaysia. The signature smoky flavor comes from the "wok hei" (breath of the wok), achieved by cooking over intense heat with minimal stirring.
The dish typically includes flat rice noodles, shrimp, cockles, bean sprouts, egg, Chinese chives, and lap cheong (Chinese sausage). A generous portion of chili paste and dark soy sauce gives it the characteristic reddish-brown color. The best Char Kway Teow is slightly charred with a smoky aroma while remaining moist and flavorful.
Where to Eat in Penang
- Padang Brown Food Court - Air Itam - Famous for wok hei
- Tek Sen Restaurant - George Town - Traditional approach
- Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling - Various vendors - Night market
FAQ
What is Char Kway Teow?
Char Kway Teow is a stir-fried flat rice noodle dish cooked at high heat in a wok, featuring shrimp, cockles, bean sprouts, and egg in a savory sauce.
How much does it cost?
RM 8-15 depending on location and portion size.
Is it halal?
No - typically contains pork (lap cheong) and non-halal ingredients.