Hawker food: "Cheap as Chips" Penang Restaurant Tip by jamie_uk

I was so excited to try all the hawker stalls after reading Glen 'Backpacker's great page on the subject (see top 5 Penang pages). However, somehow we didnt have long enough to try all the favourites recommended there and ended up at Gurney Plaza for most of our sampling.

Here are the places we went to:

1. Collection of stalls on corner of small street off Lebuh Chulia - almost across the road from Love Lane. Tried some fried noodle dish with prawns, it was very tasty, and some of the local rodents agreed (see pic). Everyone seemed happy, and no dodgy stomach afterwards !

2. Famous Chendol stall off Penang Road, went on Sunday morning when most other places were closed - but they had a queue already ! Seemed very nice but not much different to chendol i ate at Gurney Plaza...perhaps I am not a very good judge of Chendol.

3. Gurney Plaza - tried Asam Laksa which was very nice, also some 'point and fry' seafood, where you choose a load of things on display, then they deep-fry them for you. FInally, tried char kway teow from stall 'Famous Cantonment Road CKT', the owner was 84 years old and was just frying non-stop to keep up with the orders. Waited almost 30 mins to get a portion.
Didn't think it was that great - seemed to be missing cockles, sausage, broth, just contained prawns and egg. Nice taste but a bit boring.

Next time will have to make a list from Backpacker's page and tick them all off !

Favorite Dish: Asam Laksa from Gurney Plaza was gorgeous - much nicer than 'normal' Laksa with gooey coconut milk. Will have to try the 'fat diva' on Jalan Selamat next time !

Address: Various places
Comparison: least expensive
Directions: Gurney Plaza;
Lebuh Chulia;
Kung Kwee alley off Penang Rd;
Swatow Lane (didnt try this place)
Price: less than US$10
Rating: 5
Theme: Street Vendor