Kafe Evergreen (永茂茶室) is a popular kopitiam (coffee shop) at Hutton Lane (Jalan Hutton), directly opposite of the multi-storey parking building and a short walk from Hotel Penaga. The shop used to operate at a small alley nearby. During weekends, the coffee shop enjoys full occupancy – mostly from regular customers.
The signature dish at Kafe Evergreen is Koay Teow Th’ng (粿条汤, RM5.00). The soup version contains pork slices, pork liver, pork stomach, fish balls and fish cake. I think the soup is quite pleasant to sip especially while it is warm.
Pork lard (猪油渣) is provided separately and should only be added just before eating. If it is left in the soup for too long, it becomes soggy and loses its crispy appeal. In addition, the shop makes its own chili sauce. The sauce has very sharp spiciness, so go easy if you are not used to pungency.
Alternatively, you may want to try the dry version of Koay Teow Th’ng instead. In this version, noodle is tossed with sweetened soy sauce. A bowl of clear soup is provided in a separate bowl. I recommend using yellow noodles (黄面) here.
Like many traditional kopitiams, a popular breakfast set is Half-Boiled Egg + Toasted Bread Set (半生熟蛋+烤面包, RM3.10). The two slices of toasted bread are spread with kaya (sweetened coconut jam).
As for two half-boiled eggs, some people like to consume them directly (with ground pepper and soy sauce), while others prefer to use the runny eggs as dipping sauce for toasted bread.
As for coffee, Kopi (RM1.30) in a ceramic cup, is ubiquitous in such kopitiam businesses.
For something cold to drink, Three Layer Iced Tea (三色奶茶冰, RM2.60) is available too. The three layers comprise of red tea, evaporated milk and gula melaka (palm sugar).
Curry Puff (RM1.50) is sold by an Indian peddler who frequents this shop. Although the puff looks quite large, it is only partially filled with potatoes. The pastry crust remains crispy even though the puff has turned cold. Pickled ginger is provided, but I personally think that it does not go well with the puff.
Address: 13, Jalan Hutton, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: N/A
Business hours: 7:00am-1:30pm, closed on Wednesdays