Special thanks to 77 Char Koay Teow for extending this food review invitation.
Update: This business has ceased its operations.
Tong Seng Hainanese Chicken Rice (东城海南鸡饭) was originally operating at Kek Seng (格成) at Penang Road (Jalan Penang). Operating for over 30 years, it is famous for its Hainanese chicken rice. Several months ago, it moved to a new location within a stone’s throw away.
Today, my intention is to visit the 77 Char Koay Teow (77炒粿条) stall inside this coffee shop. The operator of this stall learned the recipe from his father-in-law, who still operates a stall in Sin Kim Sun Coffee Centre (新金山饮食中心) at Macalister Road.
The Char Koay Teow (炒粿条, RM6.00) here has reasonably good fiery aroma (镬气), although I think there is room for improvement. In terms of moisture, this stall’s noodle is noticeably drier compared to Siam Road’s. It is subjective whether drier or oilier is better; I think it is a matter of personal preference. The level of spiciness is moderate – enough to tease the tongue but not overwhelm it. I also feel that the noodle is slightly salty; perhaps the soy sauce should be diluted further.
The plate of Char Koay Teow comes with duck egg, which has stronger savoriness compared to chicken egg. Other ingredients include shrimps, Chinese sausage (腊肠), pork lard (猪油渣) and garlic chives (韭菜). The dish is served over banana leaf, not just for aesthetic reason, but also to impart some aroma.
Besides Char Koay Teow, the stall also sells Fried Mi Tai Mu (炒米苔目) and Fried Rice (炒饭). The other stalls in this coffee shop sell Hokkien Prawn Mee (福建虾面), Loh Mee (卤面) and Penang Laksa (叻沙). Of course, the famous Hainan Chicken Rice (海南鸡饭) is also served here.
Similar to Gartien, the coffee shop has an agreement with the parking lot operator at Hotel Central (中央大酒店). Customers can get their parking tickets validated and enjoy 70% discount off parking fees for up to 2 hours. This means that it costs less than RM1.00 to park for 2 full hours.
Name: 77 Char Koay Teow (77炒粿条)
Address: 406, Jalan Penang, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 016-440-7237
Business hours: 8:30am-4:30pm, closed on alternate Thursdays
Website: N/A
Coordinates: 5.41573 N, 100.32921 E
Directions: From Jalan Dato Keramat, Macalister Road (Jalan Macalister) or Magazine Road (Jalan Magazine), turn to this one-way section of Penang Road. Tong Seng Hainanese Chicken Rice (东城海南鸡饭) is located approximately 150 meters ahead on the left. 77 Char Koay Teow is one of the stalls in this coffee shop. As for parking, turn left into Lorong Bertam just before the traffic lights. There is an open-air parking compound on the right. Remember to bring your parking ticket to Tong Seng Hainanese Chicken Rice for validation.