Did you know that Wan Tan Mee was not given its name Húntún (馄饨) until the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE)? As a dish that has originated from China, Wan Tan Mee has spread its wings to countries like Malaysia, Hong Kong and even Indonesia. When one hears Wan Tan Mee, the image that immediately pops up is of the dry form; slurp-worthy noodles sleeping atop its dark soy sauce gravy (well you can also imagine it in its soup form, no biggie). Now that we’re done with its history, let us dive into 10 Best Wan Tan Mee Spots in Penang You Should Try.
1. Chulia Street Hawker Center
Chulia Street Wan Tan Mee. Isn’t it amazing that this stall is only known by the street name on which it is located? It’s simplicity of this kind that have locals constantly swarming over to this Wan Tan Mee stall to get their noodles craving fixed. Easily distinguished by the crowds; but if you’re new to Penang, this stall is located right in front of Regent Furniture Shop or right across from Mugshot Cafe. Psst, did you know that the former legendary travel documentarian, Anthony Bourdain actually filmed this for his show? That’s actually a pretty big deal.
Address: Lebuh Chulia, 10200, Georgetown, Penang
Operating Hours: 6 PM – 10 PM (Opens Daily)
2. Lye Lye Food Court (新来来)
To residents around Perak Road and Terengganu Road, this spot is already a norm but for others, it may probably raise some eyebrows due to its obscure location (we can sense your confusion). So not to worry, we’ve got your back covered. What’s so good at this spot that it made its way into our list, you ask? Well we say that you have got to try the crunchy on the outside, aromatic and generously-filled minced meat on the inside of these fried wantons. It’s like having a wanton party in your mouth at the very first bite of its crispy skin. Don’t even get us started on the noodles that really, really complemented well with the black soy sauce.
Address: Jalan Terengganu, 10460 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
Operating Hours: Morning till sold out
3. 0 & N Coffee Shop
Wan Tan Mee in this spot is literally the pride to all Island Glades residents as the joint is always full of loyal customers wanting to fill their stomach with this enticing plate of yummy goodness. This stall is renowned for its noodles that are slightly thicker than the noodles used in typical Wan Tan Mee. Their dry Wan Tan Mee is a must try as it is often generously sauced with its aromatic gravy. This stall has been around for quite some time and despite having gone through relocation, the taste remains ever so preserved.
Address: Lorong Delima 1, Island Glades, 11600, Gelugor, Penang (Same row as US Pizza Greenlane)
Operation Hours: 7.30 AM – 12.30 PM (Closed on Thursdays)
4. Chee Meng Cafe 明园茶室 @ Argyll Road
Regular patrons of this Wan Tan Mee stall would recognize the chef/owner uncle who has been operating for more than 40 years by his white frilled chef hat. Aside from that, both their Soup and Dry Wan Tan Mee is definitely worth waiting for. The result of waiting is a plate or bowl of al-dente egg noodles topped with Chinese barbecue pork (Char Siew) and either with sweet and salty soy sauce or warm flavourful broth. Listen to us, you have got to try out both.
Address: Chee Meng Cafe, 100, Argyll Road, Georgetown, Penang. (Facing Caltex petrol station)
Operating Hours: 7.30 AM – 2 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
5. Hong Kee Wan Thun Mee
If you have a sudden craving for authentic, old-school style of Wan Tan Mee, head on over to Hong Kee Wan Thun Mee today! Their Wan Tan Mee is well-known for its traditional mode of preparation…behold, the noodles are bamboo-pressed (Say whut?) You heard it right Foodies, bamboo-pressed just like those we used to see on TV. I mean, how do they even do it? Check out our video right here:
Address: 37, Campbell Street, George Town, Penang. (Right beside Campbell House)
Operating Hours: 8 AM – 10 PM (Closed on Wednesdays)
6. Gou Lou Wan Tan Mee (高佬云吞面)
Ardent Wan Tan Mee lovers would see stars when they hear Gou Lou Wan Tan Mee. Previously housed along Jalan Macalister and Lebuh Melayu, this humble store is now relocated along Lebuh Carnarvon. Regular patrons would constantly return for their Hong Kong Style Wan Tan Mee which consists of springy noodles drenched in thick gravy complemented with Wantons that are bigger than the old 50 cents coin (strictly no exaggeration here). Seriously you have to try this place out today.
Address: 169, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 8 AM – 10 PM (Closed on Mondays)
7. Maria’s Sui Kow Wan Tan Mee
Next up on our list of 10 Best Wan Tan Mee Spots in Penang You Should Try is a gem located at Burma Road. Don’t be confused as this stall only operates at night and is best known for their delicious bowl of sui kows, aka dumplings. Yup, you read it right. A bowl of sui kows. Totally normal guys. This stall has been operating for decades with its preparation method being passed down from one generation to another. So, it’s a plate of Wan Tan Mee that has long lived out other noodles joint. Convinced yet? Oh, do look out for their bright red banner which is very eye-catching.
Address: 104, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10050 , Pulau Pinang (Beside New World Park)
Operating Hours: 5 PM – 12 AM (Closed on Wednesdays)
8. Uncle Gan Wan Tan Mee @ 71 Lembah Permai
If you’ve never heard of this stall, then you’re really missing out big time guys. Uncle Gan is an 82-year-old humble and modest cook who aspires to share his love for Wan Tan Mee to patrons whom regard themselves as hardcore Wan Tan Mee lovers. Operating within a house, this Wan Tan Mee slurped its way to the Hall of Fame in 2015 with their RM 0.10 wantons. If you’re a regular patron here, you’d probably hear Uncle Gan’s method of savoring his fried wantons with a separate bowl of soy sauce gravy.
Address: 71, Jalan Lembah Permai, Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 7.30 AM – 11 PM (Opens Daily)
9. Wan Tan Mee House
Remember the Wan Tan Mee in Swee Kong Coffee Shop? Residents around Pulau Tikus would be well aware that the owner has relocated and has opened his own shop, naming it Wan Tan Mee House. Living up to its name, Wan Tan Mee here is unique as compared to other joints for they use gravy that is of a thick, starch-like consistency, almost like the gravy of a Char Hor Fan. This one-of-a-kind twist to its gravy has captured the hearts of many regular patrons.
Address: 327, Jalan Burma, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang (Opposite Pulau Tikus Police Station)
Operating Hours: 7 AM – 3.30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
10. Sure Win Food Court (贏家飲食中心)
The final spot in our list is the Wan Tan Mee in Sure Win Food Court. Acclaimed for its crispy, crunchy fried wantons (that are fried immediately upon order) and al dente noodles, do not miss out this place when you’re looking to fix your Wan Tan Mee cravings. Their fried wantons are so good you should order more and have them separately placed in another plate to avoid the gravy from soaking the wanton skin and thus retaining its crispiness.
Address: Sure Win Food Court, Lot 3287, Jalan Lembah Permai, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Penang. (Beside Tenby International School)
Operating Hours: 7 AM – 11 PM (Opens Daily)
That’s it Foodies, we’ve come to the end of our 10 Best Wan Tan Mee Spots in Penang You Should Try. Now it’s your turn to pay these places a visit today and tell us if we’re right about them.
10 Best Wan Tan Mee Spots in Penang You Should Try!
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