1. First and foremost, the CKT must taste good. If it doesn't taste good, you may have all the best ingredients in it and it still sucks and you are not likely to go back there again. The element of taste alone would make 55% of a total score of 100%.
   Let's say that on taste you rate the CKT 8 out of 10, which means the percentage would be 44% (55/10 x 8). It should have appropriate amounts of garlic, not too much that you have everyone running for cover but not too little that it just doesn't have the right taste.
   Good tasting CKT should have appropriate amounts of garlic, not too much that you have everyone running for cover but not too little that it just doesn't have the right taste.
   It should be prepared with kuey teow and not with noodles. (Some may argue that noodles are even better and while I do like Mee Goreng, CKT with noodles is sacrilegious)
   Each plate must also be cooked individually. En masse cooking is a no no. And it's best to consume CKT in the afternoon when the wok is sufficiently well oiled and hot.
2. Next you check whether it looks good. Does it look like Char Kuey Teow? Does it make your mouth water? If it looks good, then presentation accounts for 5%. Why not more? Because I have learnt that sometimes some food may not look so great but still taste pretty OK.
3. Then you want to smell it. Does it smell good? If it does, it's another 5%.
4. It should be served on banana leaf. It's a preference but not a must. This accounts for 5%
5. The kuey teow cannot be too oily; otherwise the oil would be overpowering the kuey teow. Not too little either, that the kuey teow is lumped together. 5% again.
6. The cockles (if you love them) should not be overcooked. In fact the best way is for them to be cooked by the heat from the kuey teow, not in the wok. And of course "taugeh" and "ku chai". 5% here.
7. It must have prawns and Chinese pork sausage (lap cheong). Pleeeeease no fish cake!!! The bigger the prawns (though not too big) the better. Fresh prawns - yummy! Another 5%.
8. It must have generous amounts of chilli (OK, this is a Penang thing. Penangites were born with an extra protective coating in our stomach lining. It's scientifically known fact that Penang has the lowest incidence of stomach problems in the country............................
   Right I made that up but I love the sound of it)
9. If it's cooked with coal fire - WOW, please let me know where immediately.
10. Finally, it MUST HAVE LARD!!! Otherwise know as Kacang. :-) Yes, the best CKT cannot be halal. I have nothing against halal food, I love Roti Canai & Roti Telur as much as anybody but when it comes to CKT - I am Chinese and I love pork in my CKT.

For a look at all this in a table format, please read How to Score CKT.

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