The "Hidden" Penang Old School Eats

The “Hidden” Penang Old School Eats.    

Unknow to most, a “Hidden” Penang Exists, undisturbed by tourist arrivals, and islanders, where many “old school eats” still exists, and thrive, with many sticking to their “original” premises or environments in Traditional Kopi Tiam, while some have upgraded themselves to stand along establishments. 

Finding out and trying these “Old School Outlets”, have been a Culinary Adventure for Myself and My Family for the Past 5 Years, and here are 7 “Top Old School Iconic Food Establishments in Butterworth” that I have enjoyed dining at.   

Click on the Establishment Names for More information, locations etc    

Chain Ferry Curry Mee (Also Known as Jln Assumption Curry Mee) - Mention Butterworth food, Even to islanders, they will have heard of this place.  Force to Relocated to “Old Market Food Court” along Jalan New Ferry, they still stick to their old roots, dishing out Delicious “No Frills” curry mee for Breakfast.  Go Early or return disappointed – Breakfast Only       

Char Hu (Tokyo Restaurant) 

Tokyo Restaurant – An Affordable Chu Cha Home Cook Non Aircon “Restaurant” in old town along Jalan Kampong Banggali. They are Open for Lunch and Dinner, again do go early.       

Baked Crabs (Ah Chong Canteen) 

Ah Chong Canteen – Beach Front Seafood, You come here to enjoy the view and more importantly the fresh seafood, at affordable prices.  They have expended and neaten up the place, and somehow maintain their Canteen feel.   Lunch and Dinner

Sweet Paradise Tim Sum -  King of Butterworth Tim Sum, best around with same old school Feel.  Open Breakfast and Lunch        

Weng Seng – Superb Roast Duck / Meats Stall, with their own premises, Once at night it’s a Cantonese Restaurant, Now they just open for Lunch selling their Roast Meats    

Ah Khoon Loh Mee :  Basically just the same as it was year ago,  sticks to its origins, bottle of vinegar and chili is still given at each table for self service, Lots of Add on Options, Open Breakfast till Lunch     

“Beach Street” Braised Pork Hock : Originally at Beach Street, Butterworth, near to the Ferry Terminal, they have relocated as the original shop have burnt down.  They are now located at “City Gold Champ” along Jalan Kampong Gajah. 

Best Fried Dough (Ham Chim Peng) in Butterworth

Oil Fried Devils / Fried Dough Chinese Style come in many variations, styles and fillings, and can be eaten at all times of the day. 

Fried Curlers or Dough sticks are usually eaten in the morning dip / flavored with Coffee in Malaysia or with Soya Bean Milk in China.  Another Variations is consuming it with Bak Kut the (Pork Bone Tea) during meals, or Mix in to Penang Spicy Fruit Salad (Rojak) or even stuffed with fish paste and then deep fried, or stuffed with various savory or sweet items. 

Then there is the Traditional variation of the fried dough with filling which is eaten all day, ie : Ham Chim Peng, or Chinese donuts (without the Holes) stuffed with red bean paste / sesame seed / or 5 spice and other verities.  Producing & selling this items are a thriving cottage industry, operating from Homes, Shops, Stalls or Market Places, with some going upmarket in Shopping Malls.  It is best eaten fresh within minutes of the dough being cooked in big woks of hot oil. 

However, in Butterworth, the Champion operate in a Humble Street Stall at Night in the carpark of the Best Steamboat in Penang, near the 9 God Emperor Temple along Raja Uda.  Some how or other the various verity of Fried Dough here taste better, crispier then other shops. 

Patrons of the Steamboat will either tapau (packed) and eat it as a appetizer, dessert or even as supper / breakfast.   

Map Link to the stall is  Here      

Penang's Ghee Hiang, 160 Year old Food Icon

What the Perfect Gift to purchase, to introduce Penang to a Foodie?  Something that has been around for 160 years.

Ghee Hiang Gift Packs 

Yes, Ghee Hiang has been producing Chinese biscuit, cookies and sesame oil for that long. (they claim to be the first) From their first shop at Beach Street George Town,  they have expended in to 2 other locations for the convenience of their customer as well as and effort in preserving history,  theirs and old buildings. There A Majestic Bungalow at the Corner of Macalister Road/Anson Road, with plenty of parking, as well as a kiosk cum tea shop in old terrace house along Burma Road. 

Their many produce include their famous Tambon Biscuit,  (Tau Sa Peah), Hoong Peah, and the Saseme Seed oil.  This day I drop by at their Macalister Road Outlet,  to pick up some items for my Aunty who is here from KL.  Parking in the large compound is certainly convenient, and the Magnificent refurbish heritage bungalow is a sight to be seen, and photograph especially the Ghee Hiang Mascots. 

Price List of their Produce

Inside the outlet, which is quite small but exquisitely and heritagely decorated, you will have also some photo opportunity with heritage items displayed, while lining up to purchase their produce!  It’s certainly very well organised, and comfortable.  

Inside the Outlet, Some Heritage Display

Top Eats at Butterworth as at 2017 June

This is a list & link to what my taste buds say IMHO is the best available food in Butterworth,& the Neighborhood as at June 2017.

Having said that there are still many place i have not been to yet, or have not blog about even after 3 years in Butterworth ;( so opinions may differ.

Further this list has been curated with reference to good food  especially flavour however hygiene, services, convenience ie place that only open at a specific day / uncertain timing, easy parking ..... will play a part in my recommendations

This list will be updated in new pages as the time goes by (Hopefully every 6 months), as more Restaurants/ Stalls get reviewed

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Right now here are my top Recommendations for "Where will be my First Choice for" 

Steam boat Restaurant  & also the Best Restaurant 

Zi Wei Yuan Steam Boat , Location at the North End of Jalan Raja Uda Butterworth (Link) 
Why :  Freshness of Food, Consistency, Efficient Service, own enclose & guarded parking and the Best Soup around.  

Pot of Bubbling Goodness
A Fan to force feed air to speed up the cooking process

Chinese Restaurant (Air Condition) 
Chou Zhou Teowchew Restaurant (Link)
Disclaimer :  I have not been to much restaurants in Butterworth, however Chou Zhou tick all the right spot at my check list.
Why :  Food Consistency,  Friendly Service, Affordable Price, Parking Ok, Card Accepted.

Chinese Restaurant (Non Air Condition - Kopi Tiam Style) 
Tokyo Restaurant, Jalan Kampong Banggali,  (No review yet)
Why:  Home cooking at its best,  Plenty of Parking in Evening!  Open Lunch and Dinner  Note :  Close Early

Tim Sum Place
Sweet Paradise or its Branch  - Breakfast  (Link)
Why:  Good Verity,  Freshness ,  Also all competitors in Butterworth close shop, they can only survive in Prai

Poached Chicken  
Lucky Restaurant, Poached Chicken Rice / Koey Teow (Link) 
Why : Consistency,  Reasonable Kopi Tiam Hygiene and Eating Area - with fans, Convenient Parking

Noodles with Own Establishment 
Ah Kok Hock Kian Mee  (Link)
Why :  Efficient Service, Good Food, Chilies Sauce and Garlic at table for you to help your self to your heart content, Plenty of Parking All Around .......  

Noodles in Kopi Tiam & Food Court 
Chain Ferry / Assumption Curry Mee (Link)
Why: The Original Famous Food in Butterworth,  Heard of this long long time back, and keeping to it humble beginnings,  Relocated to  Large Airy Food court that was Actually a Old Market!,  Ambiance, Plenty of seating no matter how pack,  Parking Similar,  Big Parking.Space

Western Food  - Pizza
Butterworth Cafe (Link) - Thin Crust Pizza
Why :  Friendly Owner,  Attentive to children! With Special Settings,  Ambiance !

Food Court 
WR food court (Link) 
Why :  Largest Parking Lot !  Largest Verity of Food,  Lots of Tables,  WR is the largest!  While the food here may not be the best,  Its at par with most places, there for convenient.  Mutton Satay is good here

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