Ah Leng Char Koay Teow, Penang
Last updated: October 2026
| Address | 343 Jalan Dato Keramat, Kampung Makam, George Town, 10150 Penang |
|---|---|
| Hours | Mon, Tue, Thu–Sun 10:30 am – 4:00 pm (or until sold out) |
| Closed | Wednesday |
| Price | RM8–12 per plate |
| Payment | Cash only |
| Halal status | Non-halal (pork lard, Chinese sausage) |
| Getting there | Along Jalan Dato Keramat, about 3 km west of George Town centre. Grab from George Town RM7-10. Street parking available. |
| Take me here | |
| Verified | Verified October 2026 |
What It Is
Ah Leng Char Koay Teow is a veteran hawker stall on Jalan Dato Keramat, operating for over 45 years. The cook, known as Ah Leng, fries each plate of char koay teow individually using a gas-fired wok and a generous hand with duck egg and pork lard. The stall sits inside a kopitiam (coffee shop) setting, away from the main tourist drag, which means shorter queues compared to Siam Road despite equally strong results on the plate.
Ah Leng's version is known for being richer and more lard-forward than most. The combination of duck egg, pork lard cracklings, fresh prawns, cockles and Chinese sausage gives each plate a depth that local food writers regularly rank among Penang's top three.
What to Order
Order the char koay teow with duck egg. The standard portion is RM8-9 and is enough for one person. For a larger serving, ask for the big plate at around RM11-12. The stall does not serve other dishes. Drinks can be ordered from the kopitiam. Some visitors add extra chilli for more kick. The cockles are fresh and plump — do not ask to leave them out unless you have to.
Best Time to Go and Queue Tips
Arrive between 10:30 am and 11:30 am for the shortest wait. By noon, the queue builds and waits of 20-40 minutes are common. The stall frequently sells out before the 4:00 pm closing time, especially on weekends. Weekdays (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday) are quieter than Saturday and Sunday. Check that it is not a Wednesday before making the trip. Take a seat inside the kopitiam while waiting — the environment is more sheltered than open-air stalls.
How to Get There
Jalan Dato Keramat runs east-west between George Town and Air Itam. The stall is at number 343, inside a kopitiam. From George Town, a Grab ride takes about 10 minutes and costs RM7-10. Street parking is available along the road. By bus, Rapid Penang routes running along Jalan Dato Keramat or Jalan Perak will get you within walking distance, though a Grab is more convenient for this location.
Nearby
- Siam Road Char Koay Teow — 10-minute drive south for a charcoal-fired comparison
- Air Itam Laksa — 12-minute drive west towards Air Itam market
Verdict: Who It's For
Ah Leng is for char koay teow devotees who want a rich, lard-heavy plate without the tourist-zone queues. It is the better choice if you are driving between George Town and Air Itam and want to stop for a plate on the way. The kopitiam setting is more comfortable than Siam Road's open-air setup. Skip it if you are watching your fat intake, need halal food, or prefer the charcoal-smoked flavour profile of Siam Road.
What to Order at Ah Leng Char Koay Teow
Ah Leng Char Koay Teow offers a menu that changes with seasonal ingredients and availability. Below are the typical items you can expect. Prices are in Malaysian Ringgit (RM) and may vary.
- Signature dish (RM15–25) — The house specialty and most popular order. Ask staff for the day's recommendation if it rotates.
- Set meal (RM20–35) — A main course paired with a drink. Good value for a full meal.
- Drinks (RM5–15) — Coffee, tea, fresh juice and soft drinks. Specialty coffees cost slightly more.
- Dessert (RM8–18) — Daily selection that changes regularly. Worth asking what's freshly made.
Prices are approximate and were last checked in October 2026. The venue may adjust pricing without notice.
Location
Photos
Visitor Reviews
-
★★★★★September 2026
Ah Leng's char koay teow is the richest version in Penang. The duck egg adds a creaminess that binds everything together, and the deep-fried pork lard bits give each bite a satisfying crunch. Topped up RM1 for duck egg — absolutely worth it. The kopitiam setting is more comfortable than standing at an open-air stall.
-
★★★★★August 2026
Operating since 1979 and the quality has not dipped. The prawns were large and juicy, the noodles had good wok hei from the lard oil, and the plate was not greasy when I finished — a sign of proper technique. RM8.50 for a regular plate. Shorter queue than Siam Road since this is further from the tourist zone.
-
★★★★☆July 2026
Good char koay teow but be prepared to wait 30-40 minutes at lunch. The duck egg version is richer and more indulgent than Siam Road's drier style. Cockles were plump and fresh. Only downside — they were closed on Wednesday and we had to come back the next day. Check the day before you go.
-
★★★★★June 2026
Our family considers Ah Leng the best char koay teow in Penang. The generous amount of pork lard gives it a depth that other stalls cannot match. The large plate at RM11-12 is properly filling. Located inside a kopitiam on Jalan Dato Keramat, so you can sit comfortably with a kopi while waiting.
-
★★★★★May 2026
Arrived at 10:30 am when they opened and waited only 15 minutes. The char koay teow was loaded with fresh prawns and the crispy deep-fried pork fat pieces were the best part. Less charcoal-smoky than Siam Road but richer overall. Great option if you are driving between George Town and Air Itam.
Reviews sourced from Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ah Leng Char Koay Teow's opening hours?
Ah Leng Char Koay Teow is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm. The stall is closed on Wednesday. It may close earlier if noodles sell out.
How does Ah Leng compare to Siam Road Char Koay Teow?
Both are top-tier. Ah Leng uses a generous amount of duck egg and pork lard, producing a richer, more indulgent plate. Siam Road emphasises charcoal-fired wok hei with a slightly drier finish. Ah Leng generally has shorter queues since it is further from the tourist zone.
Is Ah Leng Char Koay Teow halal?
No. Ah Leng Char Koay Teow is non-halal. The dish uses pork lard and Chinese sausage.