Hor fun is my favourite noodle type, especially the silky smooth ones from Ipoh. Another type of hor fun I like is the large square version also known as “tua pan” in Penang. I was introduced to the Char Hor Fun from Chew Kee in Lebuh Chulia a few years back, and it has never disappointed.

Ok let me rephrase that sentence. The noodles never disappoint, but the fact that the stall closes randomly does. Chew Kee is a makeshift stall, manned by a husband and wife team that opens during the night. The char hor fun here is the best I’ve tasted so far, but at the expense of putting up with couple’s crankiness.

Be prepared to wait a good 30 minutes or so for your noodles and don’t rush them. Unless you fancy being told off in Hokkien. Wait, and you will be rewarded. I took my in-laws here not too long ago, and they enjoyed it. The char hor fun had a deep wok hei flavour and complemented by the lightly starched gravy. Portion was small, so if you’re a big eater, order a 2-pax portion.

The Hokkien Char was also quite good, with barely any alkaline taste in the yellow noodles. My plate came with medium sized prawns and pork slivers, and a side of chilli belacan powerful enough to stir shit up in your stomach. Literally. But the chilli tasted so good and added a lot of ‘oomph’ in the Hokkien Char.

By the way, I wrote about Chew Kee in my Penang Eating Spree column in 2009.

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Chew Kee
Lebuh Chulia (opposite Rainforest Bakery), Penang.
GPS Coordinates: N 5 25.095 E 100 20.172