GEORGE TOWN: Frying char koay teow over charcoal has long been a hallmark of authenticity, just as wood-fired ovens give pizza its distinctive kick. In both cases, charcoal and firewood are essential to the flavour diners crave. But the number of suppliers of these essentials on the island has fallen sharply, from 36 to just three. A check along Lebuh Bakau (Mangrove Street) – a small road off Jalan Jelutong long associated with the trade – shows the business has almost disappeared. “Some well-known char koay teow, mee goreng and char kuey kak sellers still use charcoal.

Source: The Star February 20, 2026 23:29 UTC