Chee Cheong Fun
Penang's silky steamed rice noodle rolls with savory and sweet sauces
What is Chee Cheong Fun?
Delicate steamed rice noodle rolls filled with shrimp and sometimes pork, served with two sauces - a rich, savory shrimp paste sauce and a sweet soy-based sauce. The noodle rolls themselves are silky smooth with a tender texture that melts in your mouth. Topped with sesame seeds and sometimes a drizzle of chili oil. It's a simple dish executed perfectly - the quality lies in the technique and freshness of the rice noodles.
History & Origins
Chee cheong fun originated in Guangdong province in southern China and came to Penang with Cantonese and Teochew immigrants. The name literally means "pig intestine rolls" due to the resemblance of the rolled noodles to pig intestines - a rather unflattering but memorable name. It became a breakfast and snack staple across Southeast Asia. Penang's version emphasizes the simplicity and purity of the rice noodles, with minimal fillings and perfect sauce balance.
Key Ingredients
How to Order
Top 5 Spots to Try Chee Cheong Fun
Joo Hooi Cafe Chee Cheong Fun
Why it's the best: The most famous spot. Famous for silky, perfectly steamed noodle rolls. The shrimp paste sauce is rich and umami-packed. Sauce balance is perfect - sweet and savory in harmony. Opens early for breakfast, sells out by noon. Arrive before 9am for best selection.
Lorong Selamat Chee Cheong Fun
Why it's the best: High-quality rice noodle rolls made fresh each morning. Good alternative if Joo Hooi is too crowded. Less touristy, more locals. Excellent value.
Pulau Tikus Market Chee Cheong Fun
Why it's the best: Traditional market setting. Multiple vendors to try. Early morning atmosphere. Fresh ingredients daily. Very local and authentic.
Air Itam Market Chee Cheong Fun
Why it's the best: Combine with Air Itam Laksa for a complete Penang breakfast. Good quality rolls with fresh shrimp. Convenient for temple visitors.
New Lane Hawker Centre Chee Cheong Fun
Why it's the best: Mid-morning option. Good quality with consistent execution. Less crowded than famous spots. Convenient if exploring other dishes in the center.
Variations to Try
Plain (Boiled)
Noodle rolls served plain with just the two sauces on the side. You control the sauce ratio. Healthiest option.
Fried Version
Some stalls lightly fry the noodle rolls until they crisp up slightly on the outside while staying silky inside. More indulgent but delicious.
Durian Chee Cheong Fun (Seasonal)
During durian season (May-August), some stalls stuff the noodle rolls with creamy durian flesh. A luxurious variation for durian lovers.
Extra Shrimp
Some stalls add extra shrimp on top of or inside the rolls for more protein and flavor.
Dietary Information
Insider Tips
- 1Chee cheong fun is a BREAKFAST food - most stalls open at 6:30am-7:00am and close by noon or 1pm
- 2Go early (before 9am) for the freshest, silkiest noodle rolls. They get a bit firmer as they sit throughout the morning.
- 3The sauce balance is crucial - too much sweet sauce overwhelms the delicate noodles. Try it with the vendor's recommended ratio first.
- 4The shrimp paste (hae ko) is quite strong - if the smell bothers you, ask for less or put it on the side
- 5Don't skip the sesame seeds - they add nuttiness and crunch to balance the silky texture
- 6The two-sauce system is traditional - one sweet, one savory. Mix them together or apply separately based on preference
- 7These noodle rolls are delicate - eat them quickly while they're at optimal temperature and texture
- 8Chee cheong fun pairs well with congee or teh tarik for a complete breakfast
- 9Try the fried version if you want more texture contrast, though purists prefer the steamed version
- 10Durian chee cheong fun (seasonal in May-August) is a luxurious upgrade - worth trying if you love durian
Related Dishes
Eat it on a guided food tour
Local guides take you to stalls you'd never find solo — including the best spots for Chee Cheong Fun.
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