The Penang oyster noodles is one must-try dish when in Penang. Many visitors to Penang would probably give it a try when they visit the island.

The dish of braised yellow noodles served with a medley of oysters, meat or fish slices, shrimps and vegetables in thick, savoury gravy is something to be enjoyed especially if you love oysters.

Though the origins of this dish are undetermined, it is very much a Hokkien dish that can only be found in Hokkien restaurants or stalls in coffee shops specialising in this particular dish alongside other Hokkien dishes.

Despite it being an authentic Hokkien dish and Penang’s ethnic Chinese population being predominantly Hokkien, the oyster noodles, which is also known as “oh mee” in Hokkien is not as commonly found as other popular Penang hawker fare.

The traditionally preparation of this classic Hokkien dish is is simple enough as it involves fresh yellow noodles stir-fried with ingredients like pork, chicken or fish slices, shrimps, vegetables and oysters along with a generous thick gravy – also known simply as “oh mee”

The resulting flavour is a unique one where the alkaline taste of the noodles is masked by the rich, briny flavours of the generous servings of plump fresh oysters.

The dish is then topped with crunchy fried shallots and parsley for a fresh green bite, balancing out the overall flavours perfectly.

The or mee is only served at specialty Hokkien shops and restaurants and not as easily found at hawker centres or coffee shops.

Some version has a slightly thicker gravy as they have more oysters in the dish

The Oyster Noodles “oh mee”, surprisingly is not as commonly found as other popular Penang hawker fare – as opposed to the famous Penang Hokkien Prawn Mee.

Here are some stalls and restaurants offering this Hokkien dish in George Town to try out,

Koh Low Oyster Noodle,  Dua Dua Satu Lapan Cafe @ Lorong Kampung Malabar (5pm-10pm)

Ang Hoay Lor @ Gurdwara Road (12pm-3pm, 6pm-10pm)

Hock Chuan Heong @ Gat Lebuh Cecil (12pm-7pm)