Xen Teck Cafe - Toast, Coffee, Hokkien Mee and Char Kway Teow @ Penang Clan Jetties

I heard from a local that I should really check out a char kway teow stall near the clan jetties but upon my arrival on a drizzling morning; we found, to our disappointment, that it was closed! 

Therefore, we walked along the stretch and chanced upon Xen Teck Cafe, which was more a non-air-conditioned coffee shop, and the only dining establishment operational at that time. 

Place was packed and there could only be two reasons; either the food was insanely good, given how proud Penangites are when it comes to local food, or it was a matter of limited supply in the city center.

Kopi - anyway, let's start with a cup of kopi gao to kick start the day! It was a fantastic cup, thick and smooth with just the right amount of condensed milk.

Kaya Butter Toast - I think it was more margarine than butter although it didn't diminish my love for it! Lightly toasted with a super nice eggy, custardy kaya that was rich yet light on sweetness! This had that indisputably traditional taste of my childhood and for just RM 2.20 a serving, I should have ordered a second serving!

Hokkien Mee - what would be great for a drizzling morning? Soup would be great and Alex was so impressed with the hokkien mee from Penang, differing from the drier one we have in Singapore, that he decided to give this a go.

Here it is! 

Compared to the hokkien mee we had at OO White Coffee Carnarvon Plus, this was definitely less flavourful, although still a warming dish to have on a cool morning. p.s. well, price wise, this was almost half the price of OO White Coffee.

Char Kway Teow - I was still fixated on having char kway teow. Now, even though I have no misgiving in general about Penang style char kway teow, I have yet to have one that blows my mind away.

It did look promising.

The wok-hei was significant yet it lacked in flavor and I regretted not opting for chilli, which would have the miraculous effect of hyping up the taste. Again, I think a dollop of sweet sauce might also help although I knew this is a big no no amongst the locals.

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Honestly a not bad meal for the price! 

One thing I would return for would definitely be the toast! 

Address

14, Seh Tan Jetty, Pengkalan Weld, Georgetown, 

10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Map

As above.

Pricing

Kopi - forgot to ask! 

Kaya Butter Toast - RM 2.20

Hokkien Mee - RM 5.50

Char Kway Teow - RM 7.50