Ming Qin Charchol Duck Egg Char Koay Teow

Tried the takeaway version of Char Kuey Teow, and it did not disappoint. Added a duck poached egg and spicy mantis prawn meat. Both were flavourful and complemented the smoky, wok hei-rich noodles perfectly. Even packed to go, the taste remained solid. Definitely deserving of its Michelin Guide recognition.

One of Bukit Mertajam's Michelin award eateries, this place has been drawing crowds locally and outstation. It is located along Jalan Betek in an unassuming location, which looks more like a car respray workshop. This also means that when the eatery opens at 6pm, there is some space for parking. We were fortunate to arrive when the crowd has not built yet on a Wednesday evening. Ordered two plates of regular char koay teow with duck eggs, which came to RM9 (at the time of writing). The dishes came relatively quickly. The char koay teow does not look much like the typical Penang char koay teow as it is darker and not as spicy (even though we mentioned that we are OK with chilli). Visually, it does not look appetising, but surprisingly it tasted really good. It had lots of wok hei, presumably from the use of charcoal fire, and the pork lard pieces were crispy and delicious. The eggs were perfectly cooked and the runny egg yolk added a different layer of umami compared to normal char koay teow. Portions were also adequate and we left feeling satisfied. You also have the option of adding side dishes, though we chose not to do so. A nice place to eat and will return as long as prices are maintained.

Location is wide open space with plenty of tables. There are 2 sections of seatings 1 is an air conditioned room with about 10 tables while the open space area has lots more tables. Ordering is simple, there is a small table with the menu with pictures displayed and prices. However everything is in Chinese but a simple point and showing your digits is sufficient unless you have special requirements like extra egg and sides, could be a challenge if you are not proficient in the Chinese language. Depending on the crowd, it could also take quite a while to be ready. The CKT is average, not too salty or oily. Decent wok hei with small prawns and teeny bits of lap cheong. The octopus however takes the limelight I would say. It was cooked perfectly with soy sauce and oyster sauce, served with some coriander which provides a crisps and sharp fresh contrast to the savoury dish. The sauce is salty and addictive to complement the tender octopus. It doesn’t matter which part you eat, they are all tender, not rubbery or chewy. The head of the octopus, kind of satisfyingly pops when chewed. The chilli sauce that accompanies it is delicious and enhances the taste a little bit to the already delicious dish. Overall it’s a good meal to try for these two dishes. A single toilet is available at the end of the air conditioned room. For these 2 dishes, octopus rm28 and Ckt rm10.

Separate additional menu for egg, clams, sausage? Surprised and couldn’t believe. RM4 for only a few clams? Beyond ripoff. Only RM1 differences between small and large portion? Obviously you will feel better to get the large portion but what about people who just want to eat less? Now now, I wouldn’t complain at all if the foods are tasty. Which they AREN’T at all!!!! And not to mention the waiting time. We waited an hour or maybe more. Which is till acceptable if it is tasty! Problem is it is NOT tasty and very felt ripoff!!!

Delicious CKT with duck egg. Compared to many places, this one tastes so good and wok hey. Remember to ask for duck egg. Can get crowded at some hours. Have been here many years, even before they were awarded. Family business from humble beginnings. Try the seafood sides. Surely will come back.

Hidden gem! The CKT has strong wok hei and tastes pretty good & rmb add on an egg. Waited around 20 minutes, but lots of locals were eating there too — so you know it’s legit!

Already craved for Penang/Bm Ckt for a long time. Cooked by the shop owner daughter, the taste and colour are much heavier and darker than other ckt in Penang. It also more greasy and wet compared to Penang's style. The portion for big and small has no difference, so better order normal size is enough. The wokhei taste good, only have lapcheong, beansprouts, jiucai, no siham in the ckt.

Tried a Michelin-listed restaurant in BM, and I must say the Char Kuey Teow was impressive — the charcoal frying gave it a strong wok hei that even beats some I've had in Penang. The lala was flavourful at first but became a bit too sweet and overwhelming after a few bites. On the plus side, the restaurant has a spacious parking area, and food was served quickly. Overall, it’s a must-try spot if you’re in BM.