Latest news with #koayteow
The Star
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Char koay teow cooks set to battle for glory
War of the woks: Every cook will try to cook up a storm for their own version of char koay teow. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star GEORGE TOWN: The search for the gold standard of char koay teow is set to begin in what will surely be a heated showdown. Come Sunday, 30 hawkers will be firing up their woks to fight for the title of Penang char koay teow champion. The rice noodle dish was once described by BBC as 'Malaysia's most famous street food' and that 'the best char koay teow can be found in Penang'. The action will kick off at 11am in front of Toi Shan Ningyang Wui Kwon, a clan temple in King Street. Each contender will whip up 40 plates of the iconic stir-fried dish. Koay Ee Teng, the vice-chairman of the Jalan Transfer/Jalan Argyll village community management council (MPKK) which is one of the joint organisers, said the competition would surely dish out 'heated' action and the use of 'secret' recipes and techniques. 'When it comes to flavour, every cook has their own secret weapon, so all of them will bring their own sauces and wok,' she said. 'Ingredients like prawns, eggs, bean sprouts and noodles will be provided along with a toque, apron and gas supply.' The top three winners will walk away with RM388, RM288 and RM188 respectively. There will also be two consolation prizes of RM88 each. Winners will also get certificates of recognition as a badge of honour to be displayed at their stalls. 'The real prize isn't the money. What the cooks really want is prestige,' said Koay. She added that participants in the 2023 competition saw a surge in their business afterwards. The 2023 edition saw Koh Gee How of Penang Auntie (Big Prawn) Char Koay Teow in Bukit Mertajam take the crown, with Por Leong Teik (Chulia Street) and Low Ping Kean (KK 99 Cafe, Tanjung Bungah) securing the second and third spots. This Sunday's battle is the second time that such a contest is being held. The competition is jointly organised by the MPKK of Padang Kota and Jalan Transfer/Jalan Argyll, and Toi Shan Ningyang Association, and promoted by Kwangtung and Tengchow Association Penang. Koay said the public is welcome to savour the food and enjoy the experience. 'It is a celebration of one of Penang's most iconic and beloved street foods,' she added.
The Star
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Touring Malaysia for the best of local cuisine
Ramesh (third from right) with the chefs who created The Malaysian Kitchen menu which includes 'nasi kerabu' and 'char kuey teow'. TO showcase Malaysia's cuisine, a hotel group has challenged its top chefs to highlight 10 local dishes that represent the country's rich culinary identity. The dishes are part of Marriott Bonvoy's year-round campaign called The Malaysian Kitchen. From nasi lemak ayam rendang and beef satay to Sarawak laksa and chicken briyani, diners will embark on a gastronomic journey that connects them to the roots of the nation's most beloved dishes. Marriott International Indonesia and Malaysia vice-president Ramesh Jackson described Malaysian cuisine as a true reflection of the nation's diversity and heritage. Nasi Kerabu 'The idea is to bring the same level of scrumptiousness to our guests. 'When people ask where they can get the best char kuey teow or nasi lemak, we want them to savour these dishes at our hotels,' he said. The 10 Malaysian dishes are available at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and resorts, with each prepared by a chef from that property. Of favourite Malaysian rice dishes with chicken, nasi lemak ayam rendang is cooked up by The St Regis Kuala Lumpur executive chef Norazizi Taslim, nasi ayam by Renaissance Kuala Lumpur executive chef Cheah E. Keong and chicken briyani by Westin Kuala Lumpur Indian sous chef Linggeswaran Sathavisam. For marinated meat offerings, there is ayam percik by W Kuala Lumpur chef de cuisine Anas Luqman and beef satay by Ritz-Carlton Langkawi junior sous chef Syafiq Ruzi. Char kuey teow is expertly stir-fried by Penang Marriott Hotel executive chef Lee Keen Suaan while authentic nasi kerabu is prepared by Perhentian Marriott Resort and Spa junior sous chef Fuad Yusof. Char koay teow Noodle fans can look forward to curry mee by Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur chef de tournant Sazli Nazim, asam laksa by Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur head chef Lee Tyng Gio, and Sarawak laksa by Aloft Kuala Lumpur banquet chef Elossa Danette. Ramesh said Mariott Bonvoy also planned to host a one-of-a-kind wedding fair on April 26 with 21 participating hotels. 'We are also exploring destination concerts which will see international artistes invited to perform in our hotels,' he added.
