Asam Laksa Joo Hooi Cafe @ Penang Road

After the previous day of disappointment, not being able to taste one of my favourite asam laksa, I returned to Penang Road coffee shop again to test my luck.

Many people would have refer it as Penang Road Coffee Shop even though the actual name for the shop was Joo Hooi Cafe. Located by the busy road of Penang Road, this coffee shop is indeed one of the famous old timer coffee shop amongst the Penangites. Accordingly, it has been here for decades.

The stall is not huge, and the seats are limited. During the weekends, you will find yourself needing to wait for seats should you choose to dine in, especially during the lunch hours.

Traditional settings at the stall

One of the reason to be here is to have a bowl of Asam Laksa. It is getting more famous over the years, and it is now well known as the Penang Road Asam Laksa. At the stall, you could see a huge pot of soup and a those huge baskets containing those noodles and vegetables.

The auntie that operates the Laksa stall

Queues are expected, especially during the weekends. You might need to wait for at least 10 minutes before your it was being served. And obviously, the waiting time is doubled especially during the weekends and on the public holidays.

Penang Road Asam Laksa (RM 3)
This version of laksa is very different from the one served in Ayer Itam. While the Ayer Itam asam laksa soup are more murky, the soup here were way clearer. But nonetheless, the essential aroma of laksa were still maintained. Definitely a bowl of laksa for those who prefer less spicy and less murky version of laksa. The generous servings of crunchy onions and lettuce provides the extra chew and will definitely satisfy your craving for a bowl of laksa!

Just like my previous day experience, I was attracted to the aroma of Fried Koay Teow, again! And yes, I couldn't resist but to order a plate.

Fried Koay Teow (RM 4)
The hint of the soy sauce was too strong. Making things worse, it was all bland and lacked the much needed wok hei. Whilst it came it with four pieces of succulent prawn, it however cannot make up to this awful plate of fried koay teow.

There are other hawker food being served at the stall as well. However, I'd always stick to the asam laksa when ever I patronized this stall. For 5 years and counting, the taste were still as good as when I'm having my first bowl of laksa here.

Asam Laksa: 8/10
Fried Koay Teow: 4.5/10 (non-halal)

Atmosphere: 4.5/10
Price: 6.5/10
Verdict: If you are a fan of laksa, do not missed out the asam laksa! The Fried Koay Teow meanwhile are forgettable.

Joo Hooi Cafe
475, Penang Road
Penang

GPS Coordinates: N 05 25'1.37', E 100 19'49.99'