Penang Hawkers' Fare (September 2015) at York Hotel Singapore

Some hotels in Singapore have buffets and dining promotions that define them in some way. York Hotel Singapore is well-known for her renowned Penang Hawkers' Fare which brings to you (more literally than you think) the best of Penang's authentic street food. If you are craving for good Penang food, you will not go wrong with food from actual street vendors from Penang. Between now and 20 September 2015, feast on unlimited servings of authentic Penang food at a really reasonable price (information will be provided at the end of the post). 

Clockwise from Top Left: Char Kway Teow, Lok Bak, Nasi Lemak with Nonya Chicken Kapitan
Penang Hawkers' Fare - York Hotel

The star of this buffet has got to be the Char Kway Teow. This dish is a crowd favourite and you should be prepared to queue up to get a plate of this delicious plate of goodness. While you may have unlimited servings of everything you see at the Penang Hawkers' Fare, most store only allows you to take up to two servings per person at one go - just come back for more later! Be sure to ask for extra cockles (or 'hum')! The Penang Lor Bak is sometimes confused with the braised pork amongst us locals. It is perhaps more accurate to think about it as Ngoh Hiang instead (although technically it still isn't). This is also one of my favourite dishes from the buffet and one that I had two servings of! The Nasi Lemak with Nonya Chicken Kapitan on the other hand was pretty ordinary. Perhaps it pales in comparison when placed beside the incredibly delicious Char Kway Teow or perhaps it just was not impressive enough - good thing it comes in a small portion though! 

Penang Rojak
Penang Hawkers' Fare - York Hotel

It is worth noting that Hae Ko (fermented prawn paste) is widely-used across different street food in Penang and therefore, if you are not a fan of it (like me), you may wish to tell the vendor to put less (or leave it out entirely). Hae Ko lovers on the other hand will absolutely love the Penang Rojak here that is drenched in that dark goodness while the fruits and vegetables remain crisp. 

Penang Prawn Mee
Penang Hawkers' Fare - York Hotel

Another one of my favourite dishes from the Penang Hawkers' Fare is the Penang Prawn Mee that is cooked in this deliciously-rich broth. Remember this is a buffet so it is perfectly normal to ask for more ingredients (if you wish!) or more servings. 

Cuttlefish Kang Kong
Penang Hawkers' Fare - York Hotel

Cuttlefish Kang Kong is quite simply a mix of sauces (including the crowd's favourite Hae Ko!), sesame seeds, peanut, sugar and chili (optional). Bite into the crunchy texture of the fresh cuttlefish while you savour the harmonious blend of flavours in this street snack. 

Kway Teow Soup (or Dry)
Penang Hawkers' Fare - York Hotel

Nothing screams comfort food like a bowl of pipping-hot Kway Teow Soup (although I did have the dry version) amongst us Singaporeans. Tossed generously in a savoury and sweet sauce, the Kway Teow was cooked to the right doneness while still having a slight bite to it (almost like Italian al dente!). Conversely, the fishballs in this dish were pretty average though. 

Oyster Omelette
Penang Hawkers' Fare - York Hotel

I have heard different reviews of the Oyster Omelette from diners who have been to the Penang Hawkers' Fare before me. From what I understand, the vendor tries to please the crowd by changing the recipe slightly to adapt to local tastebuds - some of us prefer the crispier version of this Oyster Omelette whereas some of us prefer one with greater egg ratio (why?!). Personally, I belong to the former group and the Oyster Omelette that I had belonged to the latter group. The oysters in this dish were huge and fresh though - definitely got to give this one a try! 

Ban Chang Kueh
Penang Hawkers' Fare - York Hotel

Unlike the local version of Ban Chang Kueh which uses a lot more flour, the Penang version features a crispy thin (almost egg-shell-like) shell that is filled with a delicious mix of peanut and butter. This dish right here is another crowd-favourite and it is not hard to see why when every component of the dish ties together. Save your stomach space for this because you will probably want to have seconds. 

LEFT: Ice Kachang | RIGHT: Chendol
Penang Hawkers' Fare - York Hotel

The last dish you should have at the end of the buffet has got to be either the Ice Kachang or the Chendol (or both!) with extra atap seeds. If you have to go for one, I will highly recommend giving the chendol a try - that gula melaka inside it was delicious! 

While you are there, participate in the lucky draw for a chance to win free room nights and meal vouchers for use at York Hotel! The top prize is worth more than S$1,500 with a weekend stay in the Premier Room alongside a meal for 4 at White Rose Cafe. 

Do note that no table reservations will be entertained and seating is on a first-come-first-serve basis.

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PRICES

Weekdays
(Monday to Friday)
Lunch: 12:00pm to 2:30pm | Dinner: 6:30pm to 10:00pm

S$25.80++
per Adult

S$18.80++
per Child (below 12 years old)

Weekends
(Saturday to Sunday)
Lunch: 12:00pm to 2:30pm | Dinner: 6:30pm to 10:00pm

S$28.80++
per Adult

S$20.80++
per Child (below 12 years old)

Prices for weekends are inclusive of free flow of Bandung & Calamansi drinks

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