PETALING JAYA, Sep 13 — In this line of work, I get all sorts of tips in all shapes and sizes. 

Over drinks with a friend. Chatting with my aunt(ies). Being sent a zoomed-in screenshot of my friend’s colleague’s boyfriend’s sister’s Instagram story — you know, the sort of boots-on-the-ground journalism we’ve come to expect in our time.

In a first, I was tipped off to a char kuey teow stall after my parents tried it at a birthday party. 

It was a grand affair — the sort with themed costumes and bespoke invitations, it was a 50th birthday after all — but the food remained firmly on the ground; char kuey teow just happened to be one of the birthday boy’s favourites.

The stall, Pei Yin Char Kuey Teow, booked by the birthday boy himself, turned out to be much closer to home than expected: 111 Beet Fatt Restaurant, Damansara Utama, also home to the fairly popular SBay Wantan Mee. 

I first tried it for myself about a month ago, ordering a “small” (RM10) portion. I was struck by the fat, firm prawns; the balance of savouriness and wok hei; and, quite stealthily, the intensity of spice. 

When I ordered, the friendly assistant asked if I wanted laat jiu, which I confirmed without thinking much of it. It didn’t overwhelm the rest of the plate, but it certainly didn’t go unnoticed. 

If you like your char kuey teow with a kick, this one’s for you.

I went back again recently, trying two different modifications: extra cockles (RM4) and a fried egg (RM1). I’m not the biggest fan of cockles, but I do appreciate that when they mean extra cockles, they mean it. 

Plump, blood-red and briny, they covered half the plate, delivering anyone looking for that iron-rich, metallic hit exactly what they came for. 

The game changer for me was the fried egg — I love a fried egg and a runny yolk, and I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to add one to my char kuey teow order. 

My only gripe: I wish the edges were crispier, but the yolk was perfect, runny and slipping oozily between strands of charred kuey teow.

If you’re looking to plan a visit, early morning is your best bet. Pei Yin starts the day at six in the morning, but even at eight, it’s still relatively easy to get in and out. 

And if you’re looking to cater your next party — treating your guests to a very satisfying plate of char kuey teow — Pei Yin caters within the Klang Valley, with a minimum order of 100 plates. 

A hundred plates might sound like a big ask, but if you ever need help eating through them, I’m your man.

Pei Yin Char Kuey Teow, 

111 Bee Fatt Restaurant

26, Jalan SS 21/39, 

Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya.

Open Monday to Saturday, 6am-2pm

Tel: 014-360 4037

* This is an independent review where the writer paid for the meal.

* Follow us on Instagram @eatdrinkmm for more food gems.

* Follow Ethan Lau on Instagram @eatenlau to discover — or offer — more tips on where to eat.