**updated with map at the end of the post**

Do you know how you tiao/yau ja gwai/you char koay come about?

The Cantonese name yàuhjagwái literally means "oil-fried ghost" and, according to folklore, is an act of protest against Song Dynasty official Qin Hui, who is said to have orchestrated the plot to frame the general Yue Fei, an icon of patriotism in Chinese culture. It is said that the food, originally in the shape of two human-shaped pieces of dough but later evolved into two pieces joined in the middle, represents Qin Hui and his wife, both having a hand in collaborating with the enemy to bring about the great general’s demise. Thus the youtiao is deep fried and eaten as if done to the traitorous couple. In keeping with the legend, youtiao are often made as two foot-long rolls of dough joined along the middle, with one roll representing the husband and the other the wife.[5]

Although generally known as yóutiáo throughout China, the dish is also known as guǒzi (果子) in northern China. In Cantonese-speaking areas it is known as yàuhjagwái (油炸鬼) which means "oil-fried devil".

The word yàuhjagwái is said by some to be a corruption of yàuhja Kúi (油炸檜, Mandarin pronunciation: yóuzhá Huì; lit. oil-fried Qin Hui). There are said to be several possible explanations involving this etymology:

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Usually Malaysians like to serve this snack together with coffee for breakfast or as a side dish for congee.

But what if you can turn the normal you char koay (like above) into scrumptious bites (like below) which can be eaten with out coffee or congee?

 

That’s what spurred this proprietor to create something different to the ever-evolving kinds food available in Penang. This you char koay is not only special because of the fillings but also due to it’s length!!

 

Mr. TH Tan with his 14 inch long creation.

His workstation

  

Steps of making you char koay:

Ready after deep-fried process

 

On to filling process

 

And these are the outcome of the innovative you char koay:

Chicken floss + Mayonnaise (RM 2.50). The most distinct taste of the lot. My guest commentator (from UK) who tried this came out with this statement - "The you char koay was lovely, crispy to right amount. I must confess the bak hoo (chicken floss) did compliment the taste"

 

Sausage (RM 3.00). Kids will love this, as observed from customers with kids buying.

Tuna + Mayonnaise (RM 2.50). More like coleslaw filling, can’t really taste the tuna bits.

 

Kaya + Butter (RM 2.00). This is for the sweet-tooth.

Peanut + Butter (RM 2.00). Doesn’t look so palatable but it’s has a sweet and ‘peanuty’ taste.

 

Honey + Butter (RM 2.00). Can’t really taste the honey glaze.

6 varieties to choose from. The plain ones is sold for RM 1.00 each. They provide a special long plastic bag for take-aways (plain, uncut) and in styrofoam boxes (with fillings).

 

They also sell Black and White Sesame Twins, or more commonly known as ma geok (cantonese).

 

Frying process. It is sold at RM 2.00 for 3 pieces.

 

Another of their specialty is Black Soya Bean. A nice drink after consuming oily food.

 

Price list

 

But above all, if the plain te chang you tiao is dipped into strong black coffee, I think it will be perfect!!! Agree?

Contact:

Name: TE CHANG YOU TIAO WANG ENTERPRISE (特長油條王)
Branch Address: 1250-A, Jalan Paya Terubong, 11060 Penang, Malaysia.
Contact: 016-433 7301 (Mr. TH Tan)
Opening Hours: 1.00pm-8.30pm (Closed Alternate Tuesday)
GPS: 5.394278, 100.276451
(Main Branch Address: 76, Jalan Sarawak, 02000 Kuala Perlis, Perlis, Malaysia.)

Direction:

This stall is a stone throw away from Kong Min school in Paya Terubong. If you come from Air Itam market and going towards Relau, just head straight all the way. Before you reach a traffic light junction, you will see East Coast coffeeshop on your left and Kong Min school on your right. This stall is just a few meters after the school, on the same side of the road.

Map:

 

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