Wednesday 28 March 2012

Hokkien Mee / Prawn Noodle Soup


One of my favorite street food of Penang is undoubtedly the spicy prawn noodle soup or more known as Hokkien Mee among the locals. There are many places around the island that sell this type of hawker food but the one that I particularly like is located in a local coffee shop in Pulau Tikus called Kedai Kopi Swee Kong. It is located along Burmah Road opposite the Pulau Tikus Police Station; hence the nickname of Balai Hokkien Mee.

Penang Hokkien Mee

The sky was still dark, the streets were deserted as I looked down from my bedroom on the 27th floor and the atmosphere was serenely peaceful. This was a very unusual sight and sound if you live around Gurney Drive or Pulau Tikus area due to the heavy traffic during the day. Oh I forget to mention that it was 4.30am in the morning when I woke up to experience this wonderful atmosphere. Driving to my favourite coffee at this hour was a breeze.

I've been to Kedai Kopi Swee Kong as early as 5am in the morning and they have already started serving my favourite hawker food. I was surprised to find that there were so many early risers. A group of cyclist gathered around one table having their breakfast before their routine ride to Batu Ferringhi on a fine Sunday morning, an old couple having their favourite coffee enjoying retirement life and people standing in front of the busy stall waiting for their takeaways. It was a hive of activities in the morning that makes you feel how wonderful it is to be alive and able to enjoy your favourite breakfast as soon as you wake up.

It was one of those days that I got too excited and woke up earlier than usual. It is indeed quite pleasant to visit at this hour as you can avoid the crowd and cut down on the waiting time tremendously. If you go after 8am, you will find yourself in the waiting list and sometime it is even difficult to find a seat! The business is so good that they usually sold out before 10am! Usually I'll order a big bowl which costs RM3. The small one which is RM2.50 each is never enough for me. It opens everyday except on Thursday.


Location: Intersection of Burmah Road and Moulmien Road, Pulau Tikus, Penang Island, Malaysia.
Cost: RM3.00 (BIG) RM2.50 (SMALL)

RATINGS
Food                                           : 5/5
Service                                        : 4/5
Atmosphere                                 : 2/5
Value for money                           : 4/5
Chances of going back for more   : 5/5 
OVERALL                                    : 4/5

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