RM4 for a generous bowl of duck meat koay teow th’ng? Aunty thought she heard RM7 because that is what I would normally expect to pay. Aisey, what a pleasant surprise!
I stumbled upon this stall at Mayloon Café along Lebuh Kimberley, George Town, last week. The bowl came packed with koay teow, plenty of shredded duck meat, two slices of hu pneah and three bouncy fish balls. Even better, the broth stayed warm until my last bite.
What’s Good About This RM4 Bowl?
First, the portion. This is a proper feed-a-man meal. The noodles are packed into the bowl, not scattered around looking lonely, and you get a generous serving of duck meat without the skin.
The broth is cloudy in a good way, comforting and not too salty. Just nice, really. Nothing fancy, but it hits the spot when you’re looking for a satisfying bowl of breakfast noodles.
Then come the fish balls. Three of them, and wonderfully springy!
A comforting RM4 bowl of duck meat koay teow th’ng at Mayloon Café, packed with shredded duck meat, bouncy fish balls, and slices of hu pneah.
Three Fish Balls and a Childhood Memory
When I was little, I used to eat duck koay teow th’ng from an uncle at Chowrasta Market. I would keep my three fish balls in my mouth, chewing them slowly because I wanted to make the enjoyment last.
One day, a fish ball popped out and landed on the sand. I cried!
Don’t laugh. When you’re a little girl, losing a precious fish ball is serious business.
Now, thinking back, I could have choked! But fortunately I didn’t—maybe that rascal fish ball actually saved my life.
These fish balls at Mayloon Café brought back that memory. Funny how a simple bowl of noodles can take you straight back to childhood.
Every portion of duck meat is carefully shredded by hand right at the counter.
A Quick Bit of History
If the taste feels familiar to long-time Penang foodies, there is a good reason for it! The vendors here aren’t newcomers to the scene. They previously operated for 22 years at Kedai Kopi Xiao Shi (小石咖啡店) on Lebuh Sungai Ujong.
When the former wan tan mee hawker at Mayloon Cafe had a fall and decided to retire, these vendors stepped in to take over the space, bringing their decades of experience and comforting broth straight over to Lebuh Kimberley. It is always heartwarming to see seasoned hawkers finding a welcoming new corner to keep feeding the neighbourhood.
The jovial uncle preparing bowls of hot noodle soup for the morning crowd.
Is It Worth the Visit?
For RM4, I have very little to complain about. The portion is generous, the duck meat is plentiful, the broth is comforting, and the seller is jovial and friendly.
I’ve eaten koay teow th’ng at a Michelin Guide-listed venue within walking distance, but personally, I prefer this bowl for its combination of taste, generous portions and pocket-friendly pricing.
That’s my own opinion, of course. What impressed me here was the sincerity of the experience. Good food at a price that feels accessible to the community.
I’ve already told my koay teow th’ng-loving friends about it. Some friends from Kuala Lumpur are even planning a trip to eat here. See lah, Aunty’s breakfast discovery has become everybody’s business!
Would I return? Yes, preferably during a quieter period, as the little kopitiam may require diners to share tables.
RM4 Duck Meat Koay Teow Th’ng at Mayloon Café
Address: 222–230 Lebuh Kimberley, 10100 George Town, Penang
Price paid: RM4 per bowl
Payment: Cash
Rest day: One Thursday every two weeks, according to my notes
Parking: Street parking via the Penang Parking app, where applicable
Seating: Be prepared to share a table
Opening hours: 6.30am till sold out.
SmartDory says: If you love duck meat koay teow th’ng, give this stall a try. Generous toppings, bouncy fish balls and a RM4 price tag. Aunty is happy!
Blog Disclosure: This review is completely independent and self-funded. No free meals, payments, or services were received from the featured stall. All reviews reflect genuine personal visits while exploring Penang.
