There was a jam from Penang Hill to Kek Lok Si temple and by the time we arrived at the drop off point near the religious abode, we thought it's best to have lunch first lest someone were to faint from hunger when climbing up the hillside temple that's not serviced by elevator.
With a few dining establishments surrounding the carpark, our decision eventually rested on Beng Chin Garden (茗津园餐室) with its wider variety of stalls bound to satisfy most food preferences!
Penang Char Kway Teow
Problem was that there were so many to choose from; i am literally spoilt for choice! I figured it would do justice for me to give another chance to Penang style char kway teow as the one at Joo Hooi cafe failed to impress.
At RM 5 a plate, the portion was small with the kway teow having a stickier-than-usual texture; the noodles tasted a bit burnt while maintaining a robust flavour better than Joo Hooi Cafe's version.
Loy Kee Roast Duck
A friend's hubby ordered this to be shared among the five of us! I was the odd one out and benefited from this treat as the other four belong to one family! Haha. Never one to say no to free food, i happily partook in the roasted delight.
At RM 16 (about S$5), it was so much of roast duck and the meat screamed of tenderness with a mild, herbal marination quite similar to Dian Xiao Er! My only grouch was the roasted skin which could have been crispier.
Penang Hokkien Mee (Soup)
I must be crazy to have ordered a soup dish as the weather was feakish hot and i can imagine a tan on my back that's most probably going to result in peeling!
With its signature red broth, this RM 4 a bowl hokkien mee appeared enticing and i was glad to have added this to my meal as my stomach would be complaining if i just have the char kway teow!
Using chilli sauce rather than powder (the more common one in Singapore's soup based prawn noodles), the broth was sweet with a tinge of spiciness. Sadly, the sweetness wasn't a result of the excessive use of prawns even though it still tasted appetising.
Bee hoon tasted best in soup based prawn noodles!
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Location
617 H, Jalan Balik Pulau,
Pekan Ayer Itam, 11500 Ayer Itam,
Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
(Near Kek Lok Si)
Map
As above
For my itinerary of the short 3-day, 2-night trip to Penang, please click here.