A relatively new face in the local hawker scene has stunned Penang CKT lovers by taking the top spot at this year’s Penang Char Koay Teow Competition 2025.
Winnie Ong, 53, who has only been frying up plates of the beloved noodle dish for three years, was crowned the champion after impressing judges with her version of char koay teow at the event held over the weekend. Local daily, FMT reported that Ong currently operates her stall at Swee Kong Coffee Shop in Pulau Tikus.
Speaking to Buletin Mutiara, Ong admitted she hadn’t planned to join the competition until her daughter encouraged her to register.
Image credit: FMT
“I just wanted to try my luck. I don’t have a secret recipe, maybe it’s the sauce that makes a difference,” she said. “Thank you to the organisers and supporters. This is a day I’ll always remember.”
Ong’s humble stall can sell up to 200 plates over the weekend, which is a testament to her growing popularity.
Coming in second was Chin Foh Shin, 50, a seasoned hawker from Hobe Restaurant in Seberang Perai, who has been in the trade for over a decade, while third place went to Khoo Kay Keat, 47, who serves his signature dish at Beng Chin Garden Restaurant in Ayer Itam.
The competition, organised by the Jalan Transfer and Jalan Argyll Village Community Management Council, drew in 30 hawkers, each given the opportunity to showcase their skills. Visitors were treated to complimentary tastings of the dishes, with costs fully sponsored by the organisers.
Image credits: FMT
Even Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow joined in the festivities, giving it a go at the wok himself. Chow, who is also the Padang Kota assemblyman, praised the event not just as a celebration of food but as a vital platform to uplift local hawkers.
“Food is the soul of a city — and char koay teow is undoubtedly a soulful symbol of Penang’s culinary heritage,” he said. “More than just a dish, it holds memories and emotions for Penangites across generations.”
Organisers have already announced that the next edition of the competition will return in 2027, giving local hawkers plenty of time to fine-tune their flavours and claim the coveted title.
