Pak Hock Chicken Rice once sat proudly at the corner of Chulia Street and Rope Walk.
It was a quiet but iconic spot along Penang’s Chulia Street, where three Hainanese chicken rice restaurants shared the street.
Goh Thiew Chik, Pak Hock, and Sin Kuan Hwa.
In 2017, Sin Kuan Hwa closed, leaving only memories behind.
Across the street, Goh Thew Chik grew busier and eventually earned a MICHELIN listing.
Through it all, Pak Hock stayed true to its roots.
One plate at a time.
It served authentic chicken rice the old-fashioned way.
The owners worked with quiet passion, greeted by regulars like old friends.
Even when the world outside buzzed and changed, they kept to their craft.
Eventually, COVID-19 lockdown forced Pak Hock Chicken Rice to relocate to Lebuh Carnarvon.
But the heart of the food remained unchanged.
The flavors, the care, and the memories carried on.
The Heart of Pak Hock Chicken Rice
Stepping into Pak Hock Chicken Rice feels like stepping back in time.
The restaurant is simple.
No frills, yet every detail matters.
The mother welcomes guests with a warm smile, inviting them to sit, eat, and rest.
I joined the other regulars, quietly taking in the familiar rhythm of the place.
I ordered a roasted chicken drumstick and thigh.
A small serving of rice, and an egg for extra protein.
A hot Kopi C, made by the owner, rounded out the meal.
The chicken is tender and juicy, cooked just right.
The flesh tastes fresh.
Real chicken, never frozen.
And the skin has that perfect crispiness.
It comes with cucumber and lightly blanched, crunchy bean sprouts.
Pak Hock Chicken Rice
The rice is fragrant, infused with chicken fat, garlic, and ginger.
Every bite carries a little bit of care.
The soup deserves a special mention.
Slightly cloudy, hearty, and naturally flavored, it warms both the body and soul.
There wasn’t any MSG aftertaste.
Nothing is rushed here.
Every plate is prepared with patience and served with quiet pride.
A Family That Feeds With Love
The mother and her son work seamlessly together, supported by a helper.
Friendly and respectful, they greet each regular like an old friend.
Their care shows in every step.
From slicing the chicken to fluffing the rice.
Even as the world rushes outside, time seems to slow down here.
The mother leans over and says, “Eat slowly, enjoy your meal.”
They have stayed true to their craft, but it’s their care that truly shines.
This combination of dedication, consistency, and humility is what makes the Chicken Rice so memorable.
It’s not just a chicken rice meal.
It’s a small ritual.
A comforting taste of Penang’s culinary heritage.
Worth the Visit
The Chicken Rice restaurant is easy to miss if you’re not looking, but it’s worth seeking out.
Park across the street and walk across.
It is near the pedestrian crossing, right next door to Kow Low WanTan Mee.
Prices are reasonable.
A standard chicken rice serving costs around RM7.
For anyone chasing authentic Hainanese chicken rice in George Town, Pak Hock Chicken Rice is more than a meal.
It feeds more than hunger.
It feeds memories.
Recommended.
Address
Pak Hock Penang Famous Chicken Rice
167, Lebuh Carnarvon, 10100 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Tel: +60 10-465 8599
Open daily: 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
