The Legendary Siam Road Char Koay Teow
In 2017, Penang's Siam Road Char Koay Teow was ranked 14th globally in the 2017 World Street Food Congress list. Many local Penangites know this CKT well because they were babies when they had their first bite of this amazing CKT to the point where their own babies also went through this rite of passage.
Mr Tan, who has been dishing Siam Road's CKT is probably about 73 years old. The question is - who will take over ? His male heir / apprentice will most likely be the one. Thank God for this arrangement between father and son.
I reckon the magic in Siam Road's CKT lies in his ever faithful wok ,
The Wok Of Goodness and Happiness
totally coated with remnants of charcoal for 40 years. His son/apprentice is always by his side observing and copying every flick of the oil , every wrist movement of the frying spatula , every scoop of koay teow and most important, every annoyed expression when the customer repeatedly ask when will his/her CKT be ready.
Charcoal Charcoal Charcoal - the cornerstone of every great CKT
The intensity of the fire which is fueled by selected charcoals. 40 years of knowing which shape of charcoals to put in, the quantities of charcoal and when to chuck in these charcoals to produce a gastronomical wonder
He used a manual fan for 40 years (see above photo). In 2019, he changed to an electric fan (2nd photo). Technology and development
The CKT of Siam Road
Finito Bella
