Most Malaysians (like myself) will attest to the fact that they are continually searching for the best Char Kway Teow in Sydney that will be able to evoke memories of home. Char Kuey Teow originated as popular street food in Penang, Malaysia but has since spread to nationwide popularity.
It comprises rice noodles stir-fried at very high heat in a wok. This heat produces the signature “wok hei” (heat of the wok), a smoky smell and fragrance essential to a killer plate of char kway teow. The noodles are stir-fried in the wok with a mixture of dark soy sauce, prawns, bean sprouts, garlic, pork lard, and if you’re fortunate, some cockles.
As a Sydney-sider here are my recommendations.
1. Ho Jiak Haymarket
Ho Jiak translates to Good Eats in Hokkien, so this place has a lot to live up to. Their Char Kway Teow is one of the most expensive in Sydney but comes in FOUR varieties to satisfy your cravings- regular, duck egg, prawn, and crab.
Restaurant: Ho Jiak Haymarket
Address: 92 Hay St, Haymarket NSW 2000, Australia
Reservations, Menu, and Orders: https://www.hojiak.com.au
2. Jim's Malaysia
Jim’s Malaysian has one of my favorite char kway teow. The signature “wok hei” is at exceptional levels and never fails to get me salivating. The serving size is decent with generous servings of egg, prawns, lap Cheong (Chinese Sausage), and sambal.
Restaurant: Jim’s Malaysia
Address: The Galeries, 500 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Menu and Orders: MenuLog and DoorDash, www.facebook.com/jimsmalaysiachatswood
3. Mamak's Village
I was quite surprised when I decided to try this little Malaysian shop at the Broadway Food Courts. The char kway teow packed quite a punch with quite authentic flavors that instantly reminded me of Malaysian hawker centers. I’ve since been back a couple of times for the same dish.
Restaurant: Mamak’s Village
Address: The Broadway Shopping Centre, shop 21g/1/21 Bay St, Glebe NSW 2037, Australia
Menu and Orders: UberEats
4. Malacca Straits on Broadway
One of the first Malaysian restaurants I tried when I first arrived in Sydney, Malacca serves a char kway teow that is consistently tasty. The restaurant has a strong following within the Malaysian student community in the area who, like me, are on their perennial search for the best Char Kway Teow Sydney can serve up.
Restaurant: Malacca Straits Broadway
Address: 5/66 Mountain St, Ultimo NSW 2007, Australia
Reservations, Menu, and Orders: https://www.malaccastraitsbroadway.com.au
5. Sharon Kwan's Kitchen
This tiny eatery located in the Inner west would be my personal pick if you were only to try char kway teow at one place in Sydney. The dish scores points for authenticity, wok hei, and price point and is a strong contender for the best Char Kway Teow Sydney has to offer.
Restaurant: Sharon Kwan’s Kitchen
Address: 726 Parramatta Rd, Petersham NSW 2049, Australia
Reservations, Menu, and Orders: http://sharonkwankitchen.com.au/
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