Update: This business has ceased its operations.
Old Georgetown Cafe (乔治市咖啡店) is a small hawker center at Jalan Dr. Lim Chwee Leong. It is just across the pedestrian bridge from Komtar Walk. The eatery comprises of three shops that have been combined as one.
An attap-thatched stall towards the back of the shop is Balik Pulau Nyonya Asam Laksa (浮罗娘惹阿参叻沙). This stall sells several types of Nyonya laksa with prices ranging from RM5.00 to RM15.00. In addition, the stall also sells lobak (卤肉) and prawn cutlet (虾煎).
The most eye-catching dish here is Coconut Laksa (椰子叻沙, RM15.00). It is essentially Nyonya laksa that is served in a hollowed coconut. Coconut flesh is scraped so that it imparts its sweetness more thoroughly. The stall claims that it hails from Balik Pulau but I have not encountered any similar dishes during my visit there.
The fish broth contains thick rice noodle, mackerel, pineapple, cucumber, ginger flower (姜花), onion, red chili pepper (红辣椒), bird’s eye chili (小辣椒) and mint leaf (薄荷叶). Shrimp paste (虾膏) and prawn cutlets are added on top. Compared to asam laksa, the Nyonya version relies on richness of coconut milk.
After having a spicy meal, I ordered a bowl of Cendol (煎蕊, RM2.80). This slushy dessert is made from shaved ice, coconut milk and gula melaka (palm sugar). It also contains red beans and green jelly noodle.
Other stalls at Old Georgetown Cafe serve Hokkien Prawn Mee (福建虾面), Satay and other local favorites. The lighting here is attractive but I feel that the place is not so well-ventilated. By the way, there is a photo opportunity at the alley beside the shop. This alley leads to Lebuh Keng Kwee where the famous Teochew Chendul is located.
Address: 268, Jalan Dr. Lim Chwee Leong, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 019-870-7074
Business hours: 8:00am-12:00am, closed on Tuesdays