Have you guys ever craved for a plate of Char Hor Fan or Ee Foo Mee but you can’t seem to think of any places that can fulfil your cravings? Besides, it’s not always easy to find THE perfect plate of Char Hor Fan that has a good amount of Wok Hei in it.
Kooper’s Long-Dated History
Let us introduce you to a rare gem located in the heart of Air Itam, known as Kooper. As always, before we delve into the food, we’ll begin with a little background chat. Kooper, or its Chinese equivalent, 古伯 has a meaningful derivation. While 古 or Koo is the skilful chef’s surname, 伯 in Mandarin is used to address an elderly as ‘uncle’. Hence, the name 古伯 is a friendlier way to address Chef Koo.
We found out that Kooper’s food is cooked with a passed down generational recipe of 40 years inherited from the chef’s mother. This is truly a place that serves authentic Kochabi flavours.
To patrons who are unfamiliar with Air Itam area, Kooper may be a little tough to spot on the very first visit. However, the location is pretty strategic as it is located directly opposite of Air Itam’s Post Office. Now that we’re done with the background of this place, it’s time to set foot into this eatery.
This place utilises a self-service ordering system, unlike other typical eateries. Let’s walk through the ordering system. Firstly, you’ll need to fill up the order sheet available at every table. Then, proceed to the counter and make your payment. Upon making your payment, you will be given a calling number. And all that’s left to do is to wait till your calling number then proceed to collect your food. It’s that easy!
Now, we’re on to the best part: FOOD! Here at Kooper, you will definitely be spoiled for choice as they have countless of food served ranging from Char Koay Teow all the way to Tom Yum noodles whereby you can pick your own ingredients.
Kooper’s Kochabi Delights
Are you guys ready to find out our verdict about the food at Kooper? We’re gonna be reviewing each plate of food so if you see any that tempts you, don’t forget to make your way to Kooper and savour on it. Let’s begin.
Char Hor Fun (RM 6)
It’s no easy task to find a plate of Char Hor Fun that’s so delectable it makes you drool upon the first sniff and actually leaves you wanting more after your first plate. The Char Hor Fun here is drenched in thick, fragrant gravy that’s enhanced with the generous amount of eggs used to stir-fry the noodles. The egg yolks are still visible atop the noodles and the texture of the Hor Fun is impeccable. The stand out point of this plate of Hor Fun is definitely its fragrant and noodle texture.
Hokkien Char (RM 6)
Hokkien Char is a stir-fried dish consisting of yellow rice noodles and vermicelli. Added to this plate of beauty is usually some greens and finally topped with fried-till-fragrant onions. With a generous amount of fried onions as toppings, this Hokkien Char has a fragrant that would tick at locals’ hearts. Though it may be a simple dish, but when paired with sambal, the taste of the noodles is elevated.
Spicy Fried Yellow Noodle (RM 6)
The next dish may be new to some patrons as personally, we’ve never tasted Spicy Fried Yellow Noodle anywhere else in Penang. However, let’s begin with a simple description of this dish. Essentially, you’ll know more about this dish from its name as it is literally fried yellow rice noodles with spicy gravy. Included in this plate of fried noodles are prawns and some diced chicken meat. If you love a spicy kick in your food, then this dish has to be on your must-try list. Aside from its spicy kick which may leave you perspiring (depending on your spicy-tolerant level), this may be just an ordinary fried noodle dish to some.
Duck Egg Char Koay Teow (RM 7.50)
Another Kooper delight that really deserves recognition is this plate of Duck Egg Char Koay Teow. It’s a known fact that when Char Koay Teow is fried with duck egg, the entire plate of Char Koay Teow is taken to a whole new level of tastiness. That’s exactly what this plate of Char Koay Teow tastes like. Not to mention the gigantic prawn that comes along this dish which certainly adds an extra score to this plate of Char Koay Teow. As a common practice to serve Char Koay Teow on top of banana leaf, this serves the purpose of enhancing the noodles’ fragrance.
Kooper Tom Yum (Price varies according to ingredients selected)
While on the other side of Penang, specifically in Raja Uda where Tom Yum joints bloomed, patrons usually get the freedom to pick their own ingredients and have them cooked into a bowl of spicy-laden, hearty Tom Yum. However, on the island itself, such free-will Tom Yum joints are few, almost near to none. Kooper eatery notices this lack on the island and has decided to let patrons practise autonomy since we are what we eat right? You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to the ingredients to go with your bowl of Tom Yum. All the ingredients are ensured to be fresh and are of best quality only, including the specific fish fillet used. Feel free to order to your liking! You’re guaranteed a bowl of sour, spicy Tom Yum that buzzes your tastebuds but warms you internally.
(L): Ice Cream Float RM 5.50 | (R): Roselle RM 4.50
Let’s move on to the thirst quenchers offered by Kooper, shall we? The first drink that’s worth mentioning has got to be the Roselle. Roselle juice is a grape-like juice that has a sweet taste to it. Some have associated Roselle juice to Ribena due to its berry-like taste. Overall, this drink has just the right amount of sweetness in it to make it the best hot weather remedy.
The next drink we’ve tried is the Ice Cream Float. When we think of float, we would immediately picture a glass of overflowing root beer topped with a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream. Though the overflowing element isn’t present here (that will be a waste of root beer), this glass of Ice Cream Float is still perfect to our tastebuds.
Our Honest Verdict
Kooper’s worth-mentioning point lies in their 40-year-old, passed down, generational recipe which makes every dish here filled with ‘Wok Hei’. Undeniably, in the current fast-paced society, it’s no easy task to find an eatery that still emphasizes on ‘Wok Hei’ in every plate of dish. Here at Kooper, you’ll get individually, stir-fried upon order plates of noodles that will definitely leave you wanting more. Try it for yourselves!
Address: 64, MK13, Jalan Air Itam, Kampung Pisang, 11500 George Town, Pulau Pinang (Opposite of Air Itam Post Office)
Operating Hours: 6 PM – 2 AM (Opens Daily)
Status: Non-Halal
Social Media: Facebook
? We are hiring interns, editors and videographers. Send your resume to career@foodie.my ?
Head Over To Kooper To Try Delicious Local Delights!
We would like to invite you to join our New Private Community Group! Here you are free to ask questions, share your love for food, and explore the Penang community! We will also regularly post about casual promos and latest findings.
Click on the button below and hunt good food with us today!
