The Clear Soup That Defines Penang Mornings
Penang is surprisingly filled with a lot of Koay Teow Th’ng stalls.
At first glance, the bowl looks simple — flat rice noodles in a clear broth — but once you start tasting around, you’ll realise how much it varies from stall to stall.
Some use duck for deeper flavour, others swear by chicken or pork bones, each resulting in a subtly different character. And don’t even get started with the different type of fishballs and meatballs that they serve.
In a state known for bold flavours like Char Koay Teow and Curry Mee, Koay Teow Th’ng stands as Penang’s quieter, gentler expression of comfort food — a bowl that soothes more than excites.
Here’s a guide to some of the best Koay Teow Th’ng in Penang you should try — from heritage stalls to Michelin-listed favourites.
Lum Lai Duck Meat Koay Teow Th’ng
A Penang icon for over four decades, Lum Lai is famed for its duck-meat Koay Teow Th’ng. The broth, slow-simmered with duck, pork bones, and fish cake, develops a rich umami depth yet remains clean and balanced. Each bowl comes with silky noodles, tender slices of duck, and a drizzle of fried garlic oil that lifts the aroma instantly.
Location: Cecil Street Market, Lebuh Cecil, 10300 George Town, Penang.
Ah Boy Koay Teow Th’ng
A Michelin-Bib-Gourmand-listed stall, Ah Boy has been serving generations of Penangites. The broth combines chicken and pork bones, simmered for hours until naturally sweet. Their signature tendon balls add a bouncy, flavourful bite — best enjoyed in the soup version.
Location: Lebuh Clarke, 10050 George Town, Penang.
Pitt Street Koay Teow Th’ng
Pitt Street Koay Teow Th’ng adds a twist — using eel and fish balls for a slightly oceanic profile. The broth remains clear but carries a pleasant sweetness from the seafood base. Regulars love pairing it with extra fried garlic and a splash of soy sauce.
Note: Don’t be confused with the address, they used to be located at Pitt Street, hence they were known with that name.
Location: 183, Lebuh Carnarvon, 10100 George Town, Penang.
Ko Cha Bi Koay Teow Th’ng
“Ko Cha Bi” means “old-time flavour” — and that’s exactly what this stall delivers. The broth is clear yet robust, made from a mix of chicken and pork bones with hints of fried shallots and garlic oil.
Location: 2, Pintasan Pengkalan 1, 10300 George Town, Penang.
Tiger Koay Teow Th’ng (Wong Fatt Lee)
One of the underrated stall in Penang, Tiger Koay Teow Th’ng has stood the test of time. The broth is intensely savoury — simmered from pork bones — and comes with perfectly blanched koay teow and fish balls. You can also add a bowl of fresh spinach blanched with hot water and garnished with fragrant roasted garlic.
Location: 179, Lebuh Carnarvon, 10450 George Town, Penang.
Lorong Ngah Aboo / Lebuh Kimberley Koay Teow Th’ng
Operating at this junction of Lorong Ngah Aboo and Lebuh Kimberley for over three decades, they are considered one of the best duck meat koay teow th’ng in Penang.
The tables and stools are set up by the roadside, so the weather is a huge factor that determines if the stall is open for the day or not. Don’t forget to ask them for the fishball and meatball options.
Location: 📍 Junction of Lorong Ngah Ah Boo & Lebuh Kimberley, 10450 George Town, Penang.
Fook Cheow Café Koay Teow Th’ng 福利茶室
Another Michelin listed Koay Teow Th’ng, Fook Cheow Café serves a beautifully clean Koay Teow Th’ng with both pork and chicken broth. The stall is known for its fresh ingredients — plump fish balls, slices of lean meat, and generous shallot oil drizzle.
It’s the kind of breakfast you can eat again and again without feeling heavy — and regulars do just that.
Location: 122 I, Jalan Hutton, 10050 George Town, Penang.
Loh Kei Duck Meat Koay Teow Th’ng
A gem that locals swear by, Loh Kei offers a duck-based broth that’s both aromatic and comforting. The duck meat is sliced thin, the noodles silky, and the bowl finished with fried shallots that give just the right crunch. Most of the time there will be queue to get your seats, but the turnover is pretty fast, so you don’t have to fret over it.
Location: 13, Jalan Perak, 10400 George Town, Penang.
113 Duck Meat Kuih Teow Soup
Started by the Ong family for over half a century ago, this Duck Meat Koay Teow Th’ng is now operated by the second generation. A go-to for duck lovers, 113 offers hearty combinations of duck meat, intestines, and a drizzle of garlic oil.
Location: 113, Lebuh Melayu, 10300 George Town, Penang.
What Makes Penang’s Koay Teow Th’ng So Special?
Unlike spicy or heavy noodle soups, Penang’s Koay Teow Th’ng is about delicacy and clarity — a slow-simmered broth that reflects patience and balance. Whether it’s the duck richness or the subtle sweetness from Kimberley, each stall expresses its own “Penang soul.”
