Located next to Sunshine Central Penang, 1998 Cafe has been a familiar dining spot for Air Itam residents for over two decades. True to its name, this long-standing food court was established in 1998 and continues to house a variety of local hawker favourites under one roof.
Among the many stalls, one that consistently draws a crowd is the Char Hor Fun stall, known for its wok hei packed Fried Hokkien Noodle (Hokkien Char). Do expect a short wait, as each plate is cooked to order. A key step in their cooking process is covering the wok briefly with a lid after stir-frying-allowing the noodles to absorb the sauce while the steam works its magic.
The result is a plate of smoky, glossy noodles coated in a rich dark soy sauce. The flavours are deeply satisfying, layed with the savoury richness of sliced pork, elevated by the indulgent crunch of crispy pork lard, and balanced with the natural sweetness of fresh prawns. The addition of vegetables brings a refreshing crunch to cut through the richness. A tad of their sambal adds an extra punch, enhancing the overall depth of flavours.
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| Fried Hokkien Noodle RM 8 |
We also couldn't resist ordering the Dry-Fried Beef Hor Fun. This Cantonese classic is not commonly found in local hawker settings, making it a pleasant surprise. The dish delivered exactly what we hoped for, the intense wok hei, a well-balanced savoury soy profile, and tender slices of beef that added a distinct richness to the plate.
As for the Char Hor Fun(Stir-Fried Flat Rice Noodles), it leaned towards the saucy side, generously drenced in silky egg gravy. While the gravy provided a smooth and comforting texture, it slightly masked the smokiness of the noodles. That said, it still makes for a satisfying option, especially for those who prefer a much gravy-based dish.
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| Dry-Fried Beef Hor Fun (干炒牛河) RM 12 |
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| Char Hor Fun 滑蛋鸳鸯 RM 8.50 |
If you are dining with kids or looking for more variety, the Delight Western & Spaghetti stall offers a good alternative. The Classic Oriental Chicken Chop comes in a generous portion. The chicken crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a sweet, savoury sauce. It is served with a side of fries and coleslaw, making it a hearty and family-friendly choice.
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| Classic Oriental Chicken RM 14 |
Char Hor Fun at Restoran 1998 美食ä¸å¿ƒ
12.30pm - 10.30pm (close on Tuesday)
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