Apong Guan @ Burma Road

“Tiok Tan Ar…” In Hokkien language, it means “have to wait”. This is how Ah Guan addresses his customers, depicting how popular his Apongs are. To enjoy a bite of these tasty apongs, patience of the essence. If you’re lucky, at least 30 minutes of waiting time, as most people order 20 to as much as 100 pieces. At the meantime, you could try out the famous wan tan mee nearby or visit the all raved about Him Heang confectionary. 20 or so meters away from Apong Guan’s tricycle store is where his real life brother operates at another stall, also selling the same type of Apong. After tasting the two, my family and I prefer Ah Guan, partly because the family has been going to him since my dad was a little kid.

For 48 years, Ah Guan has been standing at the same spot on Burma Road accompanied by his copper hot plate consisting of 9 positions for frying. He intended to retire after the passing of his wife who had been his helper. I was so grateful that he still continued on. From a casual conversation with him, making Apongs now is just a way to pass time and chat with his loyal customers. It is undeniable that Ah Guan is the more popular one compared to his brother, Ah Chooi due to his cheerful, jovial and great sense of humour. While I was waiting for him to prepare my order and admiring his apong making process, he joked: “You can wait in your car, don’t stand here and wait under the Sun otherwise you’ll be burnt, I’m concerned for you.” Hearing those words I can’t resist laughing.

After the layers of batter were half cooked, he placed two slices of pisang raja (the sweetest banana EVER) then sprinkled some cream corns on top. After that, they are folded in half and ready to be served. Best eaten when they are hot and fresh. However, the great thing about these Apongs is when they are left to cool, they taste just as good.

These Apongs are Nonya styled pancakes, unlike most Chinese pancakes which are crispy, these ones are fluffy. The coconut flakes in the batter gives them a chewy and tasty texture. For the past 48 years, as Georgetown changes, one thing remains constant, that is Ah Guan’s passion for his work of art. Penangites have travelled far and wide chasing their dreams, but once we’re back home, a bite of Ah Guan’s apongs and his humorous stories brings back nostalgic memories that affirms one that he or she is home.

Address: Jalan Burma (in front of Union Primary School), 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Opening hours: 10am – 5pm, Monday to Saturday; closed on Sundays. Off for lunch break around 12pm. 

Other popular choices nearby: 

Day - Famous Wan Tan Mee (beside), Him Heang Confectionary (opposite)

Evening – Bah Kut Teh, Chicken Porridge, Hokkien Mee (Old Green House), Char Koay Kak (Fried Rice Kek, in front of Union Primary School)