Special thanks to Kochabi Duck Meat Koay Teow Soup for extending this food review invitation.
Pasar Pulau Tikus (浮罗池滑巴刹) is a popular hawker center in the evening. The most popular stall is probably Peng Hwa Lok Lok (槟华乐乐), but other hawkers should not be passed over either. One of these stalls is Kochabi Duck Meat Koay Teow Soup (古早味鸭肉粿条汤), which has been operating for more than 2 decades.
Especially during weekends, this stall enjoys non-stop business. Most of its customers are local regulars whom the proprietor has acquainted by heart, but there are also occasional foreign tourists who are on a quest to unravel Penang’s local delicacies. As this stall is located on the edge of the road, there are even so-called “drive-thru” customers.
Although Duck Meat Koay Teow Soup (鸭肉粿条汤) is the highlight of this stall, the Dry Koay Teow (干捞粿条, RM4.00) is also in high demand. For the latter, koay teow (粿条) noodles are blanched in the very same soup used to stew the duck, then tossed with sweet soy-based sauce.
Noodles are served with petite pieces of duck meat (鸭肉), bean sprouts, scallion (spring onions) and pork lard (猪油渣). I think the duck meat pulls its weight in the overall flavor, but pork lard certain helps to improve mouthfeel too.
The bowl of soup is also served on the side. As the soup has been stewed for several hours, it is quite strong in flavor. I think its strength is fine for most people, but I personally prefer to let other ingredients take the center stage.
Included in the soup are four fish balls made from whitefin wolf herring (西刀鱼, ikan parang). I must say that the fish balls have the perfect springy texture, saturated with delectable juice within each bite. Also included are duck blood and choy sum (菜心).
Although this portion is considered “small”, the serving size is reasonable for the price paid. If you want more, “medium” and “large” sizes are also available. There are also optional ingredients such as duck feet (鸭脚), duck liver (鸭肝) and duck gizzard (鸭肫) which are charged separately.
Last but not least, the stall also serves Duck Egg Char Koay Teow (鸭蛋炒粿条) which also enjoys non-stop orders. I have yet to try this dish though, so I can’t really comment on the taste.
Name: Kochabi Duck Meat Koay Teow Soup (古早味鸭肉粿条汤)
Address: Pasar Pulau Tikus, Jalan Pasar, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 012-552-6233
Business hours: 5:30pm-11:00pm, closed on Mondays
Website: N/A
Coordinates: 5.43048 N, 100.31179 E
Directions: Driving northbound along Cantonment Road (Jalan Cantonment), turn right to Jalan Pasar. Pasar Pulau Tikus (浮罗池滑巴刹) is located immediately on the left. Kochabi Duck Meat Koay Teow Soup is one of the stalls next to the road. Street parking is available along Jalan Pasar and Jalan Moulmein, but parking spaces may be limited during certain hours.
