The One Corner Cafe at Jalan Bawasah may look like any other kopitiam, but its unique history sets it apart.
In the 1980s, this breakfast pit stop was once a pet shop, but it has since been transformed into a beloved gathering spot for those searching for a delicious start to their day.
Here lies a hidden gem that has satisfied local breakfast-goers’ cravings for decades.
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling woks fill the air, drawing in early-morning crowds eager to sample the famous Super Hokkien Mee.
The Penang iconic dish, known for its soupy prawn-based broth, originated from the defunct supermarket, Super, on Rangoon Road.
Diehard diners can be seen waiting patiently for their steaming bowl of noodles, a testament to the stall’s longstanding popularity in the local food scene.
If you’re ever in Penang, the One Corner Cafe is a must-visit destination for an authentic taste of Hokkien Mee and a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage.
One Corner Café is packed with waiting diners eyeing the tables.
Update 13 October 2020
It’s been three years since I last visited One Corner Cafe.
With the COVID-19 pandemic shuttering restaurants worldwide, it’s easy to find that “famous” hawkers seemed more toned down.
This morning, when I dropped by, running in from the rains, the Kopitiam was sparsely filled.
With social distancing in place, I could order my SUPER Hokkien Mee easily.
My noodles arrived in less than 10 minutes.
SUPER Hokkien Mee is “famous” for waiting up to one solid hour; many impatient patrons would opt to eat other types of noodles.
The thing to do is order ahead. And still, get to wait!
13 Oct 2020 – My RM6.50 SUPER Hokkien Mee with Kopi C RM1.60
Munchies While We Wait
We had a great breakfast outing. Hwa brought some Sio Bak from the Pulau Tikus market.
There are two types of Sio Bak: one is from a whole roasted pig, and the other is from roasted slabs.
The ones she bought were juicy, meaty, and not salty.
We munched on the Sio Bak while waiting for the SUPER Hokkien Mee.
The noodles are blanched just right and are springy, not limp.
The garnish is the prawn pork slice with loads of crispy fried shallots and Bak Ewe Pok or lard crackling.
The soup is flavorful and tastes of prawns.
Sometimes I would order the nice Lor Mee, which is nicely thick and gooey.
Several other popular stalls have a steady and consistent crowd, as the hawker food here is generally tasty and good.
Come lunch; the Chicken Rice, economy rice, noodle stall, and western food stall enjoy brisk business.
Glorious Sio Bak is still warm from a freshly cut roasted whole pig! This is near the ribs and makes the best type of bone in solid munchies!
That’s the stall. It’s also called the “SUPER LOOOOONNNNNGGGG WAIT” Super Hokkien Mee.
I have a penchant for black soy-based noodles. You either love it or hate it. I normally order the bee hoon with extra braised eggs!
Signature Indian Laksa
Another favorite is the Indian Laksa and Nyonya kueh.
In the 50s, 60s, and 70s, the Indian kueh seller would carry his kueh in two baskets on a kandar stick.
One basket has the Nyonya kueh, the other a little charcoal stove with brimming laksa soup, the rice noodles, and condiments.
The uncle who used to sell his kuehs had a little motorcycle stall.
He would sell in the morning market at Taman Free School before moving to the Giant supermarket (formerly FIMA). His last stop is at One Corner Café.
Uncle’s signature serving includes deep-fried popiah in Laksa soup.
An assortment of deep-fried snacks tasted great doused in a homemade sweet chili sauce.
Those were the good old days when a piece of Santan-rich kueh was just a few cents.
Tony and his wife, Vanessa, run the stall now. Vanessa is Uncle’s daughter.
Uncle’s Motorcycle Stall
I remember eating my bowl of mouth-watering Laksa while standing around his motorcycle.
His Asam Laksa has all the essential ingredients for a lip-smacking bowl of pungent fish soup noodles.
After finishing the noodles, I would add fried crispy popiah, which I used to mop up the sweet, watery Asam gravy soup.
Many of us remember Uncle and would drop in the One Corner Café for tea time treats for the attractive snacks.
The mid-afternoon crowds are office workers on breaks or even shoppers who would nip over from Giant to have a snack and a cuppa.
We miss Uncle. He wouldn’t tell me his name; he would call me Uncle. Most Penangites admire his strength, resilience, and tenacity.
If I remember correctly, he hardly took a day off. Perhaps just one day a month.
He was the last bastion of the unsung heroes of a vanishing trade.
I learned from Tony, his son-in-law, that Uncle’s name is Pandi.
He started trading in 1963 with his Chinese wife, who cooks the laksa for him to sell.
The laksa, nasi lemak, and rojak sauce are homemade. The Nyonya kuehs sold here are from Nyonya kueh makers.
The rice laksa noodles with fresh veggies and the garnish of torch ginger and mint leaves.
Indian Laksa photo Tony Anthony
Homemade Sambal Rojak photo Tony Anthony
After one long, arduous hour’s wait, the Super Hokkien Mee appeared in all its glory. We wolfed that down with sio bak and thick kopi!
Conclusion
No wonder we constantly fill One Corner Café with diners throughout the day.
Good location and great food made by decades-old hawkers.
The Kopitiam is packed daily, so go early and wait for your Super Hokkien Mee or try this stall at night.
The girls chowed down on roast pork as they waited. The husbands are at a separate table with an identical packet of roast pork!
Where to Park
Parking is limited. There are ample parking lots in nearby Penang Plaza and New World Park.
I find that taking a Grab here is the best option.
One Corner Cafe
12, Jalan Bawasah, 10050 George Town, Penang
Hours: 7 am to 3 pm Daily (Closed Saturdays)
