Nestled in the heart of Melbourne, Lulu’s Char Koay Teow is a culinary homage to the vibrant streets of Penang, Malaysia. Opened in March 2020, this unassuming Malaysian eatery has established itself as a haven for those seeking the authentic flavors of Penang’s street food culture. Guided by the vision of proprietor Chee Wong, the legacy of his mother-in-law, Lulu Ong, comes to life. Adorning the walls are striking portraits of a skillful woman, masterfully stir-frying noodles and seafood in a smoking hot wok. This woman is Lulu Ong, the matriarch whose culinary artistry is at the heart of this establishment.
The Malaysian restaurant specializes in a single, iconic dish: the Char Koay Teow. This stir-fried noodle delicacy boasts a combination of fresh, locally sourced vegetables and succulent seafood. The dish remains true to the hawker-style heritage it draws from, capturing the essence of the bustling streets of Penang. Every plate served at Lulu’s is a tribute to the traditions and flavors that define Malaysian street food. From the first bite, you’re transported to the vibrant and aromatic world of Penang’s hawker centers. The careful selection of ingredients, the sizzle of the wok, and the rich blend of flavors all come together to create an unforgettable dining experience.
Amenities and More
- Dine-in
- Delivery
- Beer
- Coffee
- Lunch
- Dessert
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Casual
- Groups
- Good for kids
- Outdoor seating
- Seating
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Paid street parking
- Difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
Duck Egg Char Koay Teow
The Duck Egg Char Koay Teow is expertly prepared, using a time-honored recipe that emphasizes the delicate balance of flavors and textures. With a focus on authenticity, the dish is characterized by its fragrant wok hei, which imparts a smoky aroma and distinct charred essence to the dish. The generous helping of fresh, succulent seafood and crispy vegetables adds depth to the flavors. What truly distinguishes Duck Egg Char Koay Teow is the use of duck eggs. The creamy richness of duck eggs elevates this dish to a whole new level. The yolk’s luscious, velvety texture complements the stir-fried noodles, infusing them with a delightful silkiness that’s simply irresistible. It’s a testament to the dedication to quality and taste that the restaurant brings to every plate.
Each mouthful of the Duck Egg Char Koay Teow is a symphony of flavors. The umami from the seafood, the slight sweetness from the vegetables, and the creaminess of the duck eggs harmonize perfectly. Every bite is a journey through the streets of Penang, capturing the essence of Malaysian street food. As you savor this dish, you’ll appreciate the commitment to preserving tradition and authenticity. The restaurant pays homage to the culinary legacy of Penang, and the Duck Egg Char Koay Teow is a must-try masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of Malaysian cuisine. It’s a delectable experience that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Captivating Lulu’s Char Koay Teow Photos
Simple and unassuming, Lulu’s Char Koay Teow beckons with its distinctive charm. Its warm orange walls create an inviting atmosphere that feels like a slice of Penang in Melbourne. But what truly captures the essence of this eatery is its photos. These photos offer a tantalizing glimpse into the heartwarming ambiance. The small open kitchen, where skilled chefs artfully prepare your meal, is a focal point. These chefs, captured in action, bring authenticity to the dining experience, ensuring you see the dedication behind each plate. Beyond the interior, the restaurant extends its charm to an outdoor space. The photos reveal a delightful al fresco setting where you can relish your meal under the open sky. It’s a perfect complement to the indoor experience, adding a touch of versatility to your visit.
Delectable Menu at Lulu’s Char Koay Teow
Blood Cockles Char Koay Teow
The Blood Cockles Char Koay Teow presents a culinary adventure that commences with a base of flat rice noodles, meticulously stir-fried to perfection. The star of this dish, the blood cockles, commands the spotlight with the rich, briny flavor and striking appearance. These small, dark mollusks are renowned for the distinct taste. As the blood cockles sizzle in the hot wok, the juices from the blood cockles infuse the noodles, crafting a complex and savory sauce that thoroughly coats every strand.
Vegetarian Char Koay Teow
The Vegetarian Char Koay Teow serves as a delightful testament to the versatility of Malaysian cuisine. This dish offers a meat-free option that doesn't compromise on flavor or texture. The base of stir-fried rice noodles provides a canvas for a vibrant assortment of vegetables. Crisp bean sprouts, tender baby corn, slices of bell peppers, and more come together in a colorful and appealing array. These vegetables are stir-fried to perfection, maintaining the freshness and crunch.
Squid Char Mee
The Squid Char Mee is a seafood lover's dream come true. This dish artfully combines the smoky allure of stir-fried noodles with tender squid, culminating in a harmonious and flavorful creation. The star of this dish is the squid, prepared to perfection. Sliced into tender rings, the squid is cooked just right to maintain its delicate texture and mild sweetness. It pairs exquisitely with the charred, flavorful noodles.
Parking Savings at Lulu’s Char Koay Teow
Entry is permitted every day after 4 PM, and you can exit before 7 AM the following day, giving you ample time to enjoy your meal at the restaurant without worrying about the clock. The aim is to offer you a stress-free dining experience. Bourke Square Parking offers multiple auto-pay options, making it even more convenient for you. You can choose the payment method that suits your preferences, ensuring a hassle-free parking experience. At Lulu’s Char Koay Teow, the establishment values your loyalty. As a token of its appreciation, discount tickets are available for collection at the restaurant counter service desk. It’s the restaurant’s way of saying thank you for choosing the Malaysian restaurant as your dining destination.
In the bustling city of Melbourne, parking costs have been on the rise, causing concern for many. However, the Malaysian restaurant has great news for its esteemed customers. Conveniently park your vehicle at Bourke Square Parking, located at 392 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, just a stone’s throw away from the delightful eatery. This secure, multi-level undercover parking facility ensures the safety of your vehicle while you savor the flavors of Penang.
Booking Not Required
Lulu’s Char Koay Teow offers a relaxed and hassle-free dining experience. No booking is required to enjoy the culinary delights that this authentic Malaysian eatery has to offer. With a no-reservation policy, Lulu’s invites guests to walk in and savor the flavors of Penang street food without the need to plan ahead. This approach emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the delicious dishes served here.
Service Options at Lulu’s Char Koay Teow
Lulu’s Char Koay Teow offers two services: Takeout for quick, flavorful meals on the go, and Dine-in for an immersive dining experience. The Takeout service allows patrons to order by phone or in person, with a swift pickup at the dedicated counter. For those who prefer the restaurant ambiance, the Dine-in service provides a warm and memorable culinary journey with attentive staff and a homage to Penang street food tradition.
Accepted Payment Methods
Credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments find seamless integration at Lulu’s Char Koay Teow. In a dining experience crafted with patrons' convenience in mind, diverse payment options cater to modern preferences. Effortlessly settle bills using credit cards for a smooth and secure transaction. Debit cards offer a hassle-free alternative, providing flexibility for patrons. Embrace the future of payments with NFC mobile payments, allowing a contactless and efficient settlement process.
Reviews
Delicious CKT, got the one that was loaded with blood cockles for authenticity! Mostly self-service otherwise, gave the atmosphere a 4/5 because it has a hawker feel like in Malaysia/ SE Asia (busy, loud) but may not be for everyone. I love …
Greasy, porky and carbs overload, do not eat here if you’re on a strict diet!
Truth is I was underwhelmed the first time I …
The service was prompt and focused on efficiency. The venue was also slightly stuffy and may benefit from increasing the air conditioning. …
So amazing. The original Char Koay Teow was absolutely delicious! I felt like I was back in Singapore or Malaysia. There was a line for lunch but that just shows how popular it is! Will be back asap!
Ordered char koay teow and it was super oily, drenched in oil..very different tasting to the ones in Penang that we’ve tasted which is more dark. What truly disappointed me was the amount oil it had. Not quite worth the hype.
Best Char Koay Teow we’ve tried in Melbourne yet! The flavors were impeccable and you could taste how fresh the ingredients were. The noodles were a touch wet and lack a little “wok hei”, but that would be the only nitpick we would have. …
We had the duck egg version of their CKT. It was filled with a good burst of wok hei (the kind of smokiness that most people can’t replicate at home). While paying $20aud for this $8-10RM dish may raise an eyebrow or 2, for southeast …
Authentic char koay teow. The flavour from each bite takes you back to Malaysia/singapore like from a hawker stall. This dish was the duck egg CKT where it’s cooked with the egg- you can also get one with the egg on the side but you need to …
The CKT and Char Mee here are both pretty good with a nice charred flavour. I don’t recommend getting the duck egg as you can’t really taste the difference between duck egg versus the regular egg. …
The food came out relatively quickly and was good for what it is. It is a simple restaurant that offers a small range of dishes but the dishes are pretty good. A bit on the oily side but expected as it is a CKT restaurant. Nice interior in a good location.
Come Visit Lulu's Char Koay Teow
Embark on a culinary journey and explore the delectable flavors awaiting patrons at the restaurant. Discover a symphony of enticing dishes that will tantalize taste buds. To find the establishment, simply utilize Google Maps below. All discerning food enthusiasts are invited to experience the exquisite offerings that await at the dining destination. Indulge in the rich variety of aromatic and mouthwatering delicacies crafted to perfection.
Location
27-31 Hardware Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Hours
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Monday
11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
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Tuesday
11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
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Wednesday
11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
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Thursday
11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
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Friday
11:00 AM - 08:30 PM
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Saturday
11:00 AM - 08:30 PM
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Sunday
10:30 AM - 03:30 PM
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