Soft, silky rice noodle rolls drizzled with fragrant sauces and topped with sesame seeds—Chee Cheong Fun is one of Penang’s most beloved breakfast and tea-time dishes. While it may appear simple, Penang’s version stands apart from those served in other parts of Malaysia thanks to its unique combination of sweet prawn paste, chilli sauce and sesame.
Found in hawker centres, markets and traditional coffee shops across Penang, Chee Cheong Fun has been enjoyed by generations of locals and remains an essential stop on any Penang food trail.
Whether you’re wandering through the heritage streets of George Town or venturing to Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam, this guide highlights some of the best places to enjoy authentic Penang-style Chee Cheong Fun.
What Is Chee Cheong Fun?
Chee Cheong Fun (猪肠粉) is a traditional Cantonese dish made from steamed rice noodle sheets that are rolled into delicate tubes before being sliced into bite-sized pieces.
While versions across Malaysia are commonly served with curry or savoury gravies, Penang’s interpretation is remarkably different. Instead of curry, locals typically enjoy their Chee Cheong Fun with a combination of sweet prawn paste (hae ko), chilli sauce and toasted sesame seeds. Some stalls also add pickled green chillies or a drizzle of sesame oil for additional flavour.
This distinctive combination of sweet, savoury and mildly spicy flavours has made Penang-style Chee Cheong Fun one of the state’s most recognisable breakfast dishes.
The Origin of Chee Cheong Fun
Chee Cheong Fun originated in Guangdong Province, southern China, where steamed rice noodle rolls have long been a popular breakfast. Early Chinese immigrants brought the dish to Penang, where it gradually evolved to suit local tastes and ingredients.
Over time, Penang hawkers began pairing the silky rice rolls with sweet prawn paste instead of the soy-based sauces more commonly found elsewhere. This adaptation reflected the island’s strong Hokkien culinary influence and the widespread use of fermented shrimp in local cooking.
Today, Penang-style Chee Cheong Fun is considered a local speciality, enjoyed alongside other iconic breakfast dishes such as Penang Hokkien Mee, Char Koay Teow, and Nasi Lemak.
What Makes a Great Penang Chee Cheong Fun?
Silky Rice Noodle Rolls
Freshly steamed rice rolls should be soft, smooth and slightly elastic without becoming overly sticky or breaking apart.
Fragrant Hae Ko
One of the defining characteristics of Penang Chee Cheong Fun is its sweet prawn paste. A good hae ko should be rich, aromatic and well-balanced without overpowering the delicate rice rolls.
Balanced Sauces
The best stalls achieve the perfect harmony between sweet prawn paste, chilli sauce, sesame oil and soy sauce, creating layers of flavour in every bite.
Freshly Prepared Daily
Many traditional hawkers continue making their rice rolls fresh each morning, ensuring the best texture and taste.
Best Chee Cheong Fun in Penang
Seow Fong Lye Cafe
94c, Lorong Macalister,
10450 George Town, Penang.
First Genting Cafe 第一雲頂餐廳
3K, Lorong Delima 1, Taman Island Glades,
11600 George Town, Penang.
Sin Guat Keong Coffee Shop
86, Lebuh Kimberley,
10100 George Town, Penang.
New Lane
Lorong Baru, 10450
George Town, Penang.
Kedai Kopi Soon Yuen
No. 25 & 27, Jalan Kuala Kangsar,
10200 George Town, Penang.
Tips for Enjoying Chee Cheong Fun in Penang
- Visit in the morning for the freshest rice rolls.
- Ask for extra hae ko if you enjoy sweeter flavours.
- Add pickled green chillies for extra contrast.
- Pair it with local kopi or tea for a classic Penang breakfast.
- Combine your breakfast with nearby attractions for a full morning itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Penang Chee Cheong Fun different?
Unlike most versions in Malaysia, Penang-style Chee Cheong Fun is traditionally served with sweet prawn paste, chilli sauce and sesame seeds rather than curry gravy.
Is Chee Cheong Fun a breakfast dish?
Yes. In Penang, it is most commonly enjoyed for breakfast or as a light snack throughout the day.
Is Penang Chee Cheong Fun spicy?
Not usually. The chilli sauce adds only mild heat, while the sweet prawn paste remains the dominant flavour.
What is hae ko?
Hae ko is a thick, sweet fermented prawn paste that is a defining ingredient in Penang-style Chee Cheong Fun.
Although simple in appearance, Penang-style Chee Cheong Fun reflects generations of culinary tradition and remains one of the island’s most distinctive breakfast dishes. Its combination of silky rice rolls, fragrant hae ko and balanced sauces offers a flavour profile that is difficult to find elsewhere in Malaysia.
Whether you’re enjoying it at a bustling market in George Town or a hidden hawker stall in Butterworth, Chee Cheong Fun deserves a place on every Penang food itinerary.
For more local food recommendations, explore our guides to the best Penang Hokkien Mee, best Char Koay Teow in Penang, best Curry Mee in Penang, best Asam Laksa in Penang, best hawker centres in Penang, and discover why Penang continues to be regarded as one of Asia’s greatest food destinations.
