Char kway teow
Flat rice noodles stir-fried at high heat with prawns, egg, bean sprouts, chives, and a savory-sweet soy sauce, giving a smoky wok flavor.

Char kway teow: Elizetang, Public domain (Wikimedia Commons)
Where it comes from
A hawker classic of Penang, Malaysia, and Singapore. It is traditionally cooked over a hot flame so the noodles pick up wok hei, the breath of the wok.
Explore the cuisine of Malaysia, Singapore.
Recipe
Make Char kway teow at home
Ingredients
- 10 oz fresh flat rice noodles
- 8 large shrimp, peeled
- 2 eggs
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 handful garlic chives, cut in lengths
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili paste
- 3 tbsp oil
- Chinese sausage, sliced (optional)
How it's made
- Mix dark soy, light soy, and a pinch of sugar in a bowl.
- Heat oil in a wok until smoking and fry the garlic and chili paste briefly.
- Add shrimp and sausage and cook 1 minute.
- Add the noodles and sauce and toss quickly over the highest heat.
- Push noodles aside, crack in the eggs, scramble, and mix in.
- Add the sprouts and chives and toss 30 seconds.
- Serve immediately.
Variations
- Vegetarian with tofu and mushrooms
- With cockles (kerang)
- Duck egg version
Cook’s tip: Cook in small batches and keep the heat as high as possible.
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About this page
Description and method written by Intercontinental Chef. Home-style method; quantities are a starting point, so adjust to taste.
Photo credit
- Char kway teow: Elizetang, Public domain (Wikimedia Commons)
