Best Char Hor Fun (Cantonese Noodles) in Penang

As soon as the sky turns dark, Chulia Street booms up to life with series of hawker stalls dishing out a range of delicacies. Among the perennial favourite of the locals and tourists alike is the char hor fun stall. Ogling at the wok master twisting and turning hor fun noodles beneath scorching flame is just amazing. The key here is the gravy which is infused with eggs, forming a gooey concoction to complement the abundance of meat morsels and noodles. What greater joy than wolfing down the hearty plate while watching the busy streets justifying as a food haven. 

Don’t be deterred by the unassuming outlook of the eatery as it’s been churning out drop-dead delicious char hor fun. You sense a challenge here, the patrons equally rave about their dry and wet version, therefore, it’s wise to bring in an empty stomach to savour them both. The dry form is fried with egg, meaty morsels and prawns, while another contender is bathed with luscious gravy and topped with similar ingredients. Puddle of pickled chillies and sizzling sambal rounds up a delicious meal. 

If you’re looking for a coffee shop that overwhelms you with varieties and does not put a hole in your wallet, you wouldn’t want to miss this unassuming eatery. The raining orders for char hor fun are a dead giveaway that it’s a must-have. The hor fun and vermicelli noodles are constantly stirred and tossed into huge pots to keep up pace with the orders and the gravy is oh-so-worth it especially you’re a fan of eggs. The gargantuan portion is flooded with layers of creamy egg, char siew, chicken, and vegetables-delivering an extremely gratifying dish. Their chopped chillies do not fail to inflame your taste buds.

Nestled in the heart of Burmah Road, this cavernous food court is filled with a sheer spread of hawkers delights. Among the stalls that commonly magnetise a huge following is char hor fun, and you might have to wait a little longer during peak hours, yet it’s absolutely worth as the flavours do triumph. Stir-fried to smoky goodness, the noodles, choy sum, fish cakes, pork slices and plump prawns are copiously coated with thick and lip-smacking gravy. Despite being generously served, sharing will never be your option upon the first mouthful. 

During breakfast and lunch hours, there seems to be no room for an apple to fall in this famous coffee shop. Despite the eclectic selection of food, there is always a sheer amount of crowd cannonballing over to the char hor fun stall. Dubbed as one of the best, vermicelli and hor fun are stir-fried and filled to brim with thick sauce and handful of prawns, pork, eggs, livers, char siew, and greens. The portion may fit for two bellies, yet you’ll never need to pay through the nose.  

Just stepping into this lively food court leaves you weak at knees, looking at the massive and impressive array of local and Western delights. And if you need an ideal char hor fun fix, you’ll never be disappointed as a modest stall has been delivering on all accounts. Be it wet or dry, both are generously portioned and the flavours are guaranteed to rock your socks off. On top of that, the homemade chilli sambal will further augment your taste buds with a spicy kick. 

Among the most reputable food hubs in Penang that always draws a diverse crowd. It’s rather easy to find, as it’s juxtaposed the huge field. And if you're in for char hor fun, you'll return home with all smiles. The noodles are done in lickety-split which is a joy to watch then liberally loaded with the starchy gravy and mixed meats. For a denser and deeper flavour, do include eggs too. The adequate portion may leave you wanting another round and if you’re mulling over calories, as mentioned, you’re overlooking a large field. 

This hidden gem is the hottest ticket in town for an impeccably good char hor fun. The open kitchen is spearheaded by an elderly couple with numerous years of experience under their belt. Having said that, all aspects are well-taken care off – served piping hot, never skimp on the meats and seafood, and flavours that perk up your belly till the last mouthful. 

This long-stretched food court will have you spoilt to rotten for choices - pan your sight from left to right, everything is visually arresting. And towards the end is a famous char hor fun stall that has locals and newcomers alike raving. If you’re in during peak hours, you might have to wait a little longer and it’s sure worth each second. Expect murkier gravy as soy sauce is mainly used as the base and handful of Chinese cabbage cuddling the noodles, and finished with an egg yolk crown. Slither open the heavenly floodgate and combine the whole dish together. You can count on their chilli sambal if you need a spicy ride on your palate.