[Penang] Char Koay Kak 炒粿角, a popular street food in Penang, is a savoury fried rice cake dish that is similar to Singapore’s Fried Carrot Cake.
This dish has its roots in the Teochew cuisine, though is somehow not as widely known as ‘Char Kway Teow’ in Penang.
Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak 姚氏姐妹炒粿角 is a Michelin Bib Gourmand listed stall found at Macalister Lane.
Mdm Yao Guat Lan and her two sisters, have skillfully taken over the reins from their father, continuing a legacy that began back in 1963.
Upon arrival, the first thing that strikes you is the simplicity of the setup which can be quite unassuming.
While this is like a roadside stall, you can still dine at the coffeeshop behind it after ordering a drink.
The price starts with RM4 for a no-egg version, RM5 with egg, and RM6 for double egg – which I would recommend.
As with any popular street food stall, one might expect a wait (say about 30 minutes), especially during peak hours.
The Char Koay Kak here is crafted from a blend of rice and corn flour, resulting in steamed cakes that are then broken into bite-sized pieces.
It was quite a sight to watch the Yao sisters meticulous at work – each performing a different role, and they were really friendly.
The steamed cakes were fried in a large, flat wok, a process that imparts the dish with its characteristic ‘wok hei’.
When I took a first bite, I initially thought it was just okay in terms of taste, though the texture was indeed silky smooth – easily broken with the disposable chopsticks.
But the more I took, the more I loved it.
(Part of the reason is in Singapore we are used to either White or Black Carrot Cake versions, while I would say this was somewhere in middle.)
There were lovely flavours from the eggs and sauces, textures ranging from the soft cakes to crunchy bean sprouts, to the smoky, charred aroma from the stir-frying process.
The preserved radish (chai poh) with slight saltiness gave the extra ‘lift’.
From the sizzling wok of the Yao sisters, each plate of Char Koay Kak is a testament to the enduring allure of Penang’s street food culture. Worthwhile to have if you are at this part of Penang.
Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak 姚氏姐妹炒粿角
96, Lorong Macalister, George Town, 11400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 7am – 12pm (Sat – Tues), Closed Wed – Fri
Google Maps – Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak
Click HERE for more PENANG Food Entries
* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
This is not radish cake. Only plain flour cake. I hope you correct your blunt mistake.
According to some reviews, they did incorporate some radish into their cakes. No problem, will amend for more clarity. Cheers!