Gou Lou Hong Kee Chao Sar Hor Fun & Noodles—quite a mouthful for a name, but an even bigger mouthful of wok hei goodness!
Tucked along historic Campbell Street, this old-school Cantonese-style eatery is a hidden gem in George Town.
The area is a foodie’s paradise, home to several renowned eateries, including a few with Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition.
Some spots open in the morning, others come alive in the evening—so there’s always something delicious to discover.
For tourists, a stroll here is a must!
A Stir-Fried Treasure Trove
Gou Lou is one of those places you stumble upon while wandering the five-foot way—then immediately wonder why you didn’t find it sooner.
This unassuming eatery is across from Tho Yuen (桃園茶樓) and around the corner from Tai Tong Restaurant.
Once a humble kopitiam stall, Gou Lou has stayed true to its roots and focuses exclusively on noodles.
No rice, no Chu Char-style dishes, just pure wok-fried perfection.
And what a glorious obsession it is! Each plate boasts the deep, smoky magic of wok hei (鑊氣)—that elusive, charred aroma that lingers before the first bite even touches your tongue.
Regulars swear by the silky Char Hor Fun, the dark, rich KL Hokkien Mee, and the rare find—Oyster Noodles.
And if you’re still mourning the closure of Foo Heong Restaurant, this might fill that noodle-shaped void in your heart.
Why I Keep Coming Back
My mom is a Sar Hor Fun purist—a firm believer that this Cantonese classic should be done correctly.
No fish balls or eggs are in the gravy—just pure, silky goodness.
Finding a version that meets her sky-high standards is difficult, but Gou Lou nails it every time.
I found this spot during the lockdown, often queuing for takeaways like a devoted fan.
Back then, the lines were long, and guess what? They still are! If you want a seat before the dinner rush, 5:30 PM is the golden hour.
By 6:30 PM, it’s packed with hungry diners eagerly waiting for their noodle fix.
Recently, I introduced Queenie to Gou Lou, and let’s say she’s officially hooked.
One bite of that smoky, flavor-packed goodness, and we’re repeat customers.
Contents
10 Must-Try Noodle Dishes
These are the types of noodles available on the single-sheet menu:
- Char Hor Fun
- Dried Char Hor Fun
- Char Yee Mee
- Dried Char Yee Mee
- Oyster Noodles
- Mee Suah Koh
- Hokkien Char
- KL Hokkien Char (Tai Loke Mee)
- Fried Glass Noodles
- Hong Tu Yee Mee
Sar Hor Fun
Flat rice noodles and bihun are stir-fried to perfection before being doused in a silky, savory egg gravy.
The balance of textures—from crispy noodle edges to the smooth, velvety sauce—makes this a fan favorite.
Sar Hor Fun
Dried Char Hor Fun
Queenie and I prefer this version because it gets the full wok hei treatment, with charred bits and a deep smoky flavor, without being overly drenched in gravy.
Dried Char Hor Fun
Tai Loke Mee (KL Hokkien Char)
This dish pays tribute to Kuala Lumpur’s famous Hokkien Mee.
It is a rich, dark soy sauce with Thick, chewy noodles coated in crispy pork lard, juicy prawns, and liver slices.
(Fun fact: My favorite KL version is from Loong Kee Hokkien Mee (隆億海鲜饭店) on Jalan Pahang—it’s the blackest, lardiest version ever!
The KL Hospital doctors eat there, so you know it’s worth the cholesterol risk!)
Tai Loke Mee (KL Hokkien Char)
Oyster Noodles
it is quite hard to find the rare Oyster Noodles in Penang.
Back in the day there was, a restaurant at Prangin Lane that offer spot for oyster lovers.
It served up an oyster-packed menu like no other.
Their signature noodles, with plump, briny oysters, carried a bold seafood sweetness that seafood lovers adored.
If you’re a fan of shellfish, this dish is a must-try—because some flavors deserve a comeback!
Oyster Noodles
Mee Suah Koh
Mee Suah Koh features silky-smooth, soft wheat noodles in a flavorful, comforting broth.
Ang Tho Mee
I still remember the stall at Restoran Tong Hooi that used to serve it—sadly, it’s long gone!
For the ultimate slurp, remember a dash of black vinegar—it adds just the right zing to wake up all those comforting flavors of Ang Tho Mee.
Belacan Fried Chicken Wings
The Belacan Fried Chicken is the ultimate side dish.
Golden, umami-packed, crunchy chicken marinated in shrimp paste (belacan).
Perfect for munching between noodle bites!
Belacan Fried Chicken Wings
‘Wok Hei’ Magic
At the heart of Gou Lou’s delicious flavors is the elusive ‘wok hei’ (鑊氣).
Lovers of Sar Hor Fun look for that irresistible smoky, charred aroma that can only be achieved by stir-frying over an intensely hot charcoal flame.
This traditional technique infuses the noodles with depth and complexity, something modern gas stoves cannot replicate.
A No-Frills Eatery That Stays True to Tradition
- No fancy décor.
- No overpriced gimmicks.
- Just delicious good noodles.
At a time when eateries are either hiking prices or tweaking recipes to be more Instagrammable,
Gou Lou Hong Kee Chao Sar Hor Fun & Noodles at Lebuh Campbell, Penang
Gou Lou remains unapologetically old-school. Flavors stay authentic, prices remain reasonable, and the wok hei never fades.
Gou Lou Hong Kee Chao Sar Hor Fun & Noodles is a must-visit for authentic Penang street food lovers.
Most people come here for the exceptional noodles. And they never leave disappointed.
Gou Lou Hong Kee Chao Sar Hor Fun & Noodles
Address: 89, Lebuh Campbell, 10100 George Town, Penang
Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Monday – Saturday)
Closed on Sundays
Travel Tip: Finding parking is a challenge. But once you taste that wok hei, you’ll know it was worth every circling lap around the block. Guo Lou Hong Kee is diagonally across from Tho Yuen Restaurant.
Blog Disclosure: This blog is written independently. No compensation, such as free meals, monetary payment, or services, has been received from featured establishments. These are some of the old places that the editor visited while exploring Penang.
