SEBERANG PERAI, Sept 26 — Built on what was once marshland in the middle of nowhere, Auto-City in Juru, just off the North-South Highway, has grown into a massive development which now comprises Phases 1, 2 and 3, the latter of which is still growing.
It doesn’t, as its name would imply, offer just car showrooms featuring more than 20 local and international names, but also food, beverage and entertainment outlets on the mainland which, according to Gary Teoh, Managing Director of Auto-City Group, even “islanders” cross the bridge for.
“We have over 30 outlets here, several of which run 24 hours a day,” he explained, “and we hold more than 50 events and festivities throughout the year!”
During weekdays, it attracts workers and staff from nearby offices and factories who are out for a quick but satisfying lunch, and in the late evening from about 10pm onwards till closing time at 3am, the young and young-at-heart from all over the northern region come out in droves to have a good time.
Whether it’s in the pubs, clubs or karaoke lounges, there’s something for everybody. Fancy a spot of evening retail therapy? Shop till you drop at the cheerfully lit outdoor Shop in D’Park where more than 120 stalls filled with all manner of goodies from clothing to handbags and souvenirs await the avid shopper.
At dinner time, however, it is families which visit to have meals together, either at the new alfresco Xuan Garden Food Haven (sic) — of which more about another time; a gal can only eat so much! — or one of the many restaurants or cafes offering a host of international or local cuisines. One such is the She Lai Ton situated on the first floor of Phase 1.
So called because it supposedly “brings in happiness,” at first glance this unassuming place is no different from any other Chinese restaurant.
The large, spacious interior is air-conditioned but not too posh, laid out with large round tables to seat families and businessmen intent on good food.
However, as one of the proprietors Tony Tho explains, there’s more to it than meets the eye.
“We are a family-run restaurant which started with our parents over 40 years ago.” Then it was just a humble choo char place somewhere in Butterworth, where Mom and Dad knocked up their own creations, some of which have become their signature dishes today.
One of the most popular is their Deep Fried Prawns, a simple dish of large prawns marinated in soya sauce. “Every table which comes here has to order it!” claimed Tony, the youngest of the four siblings involved in the business which moved here in 2002. Personally, I thought the Tiger Prawns with Spicy Sauce was even better.
“We also specialise in set lunches and dinners, and will tailor make course dinners for our customers.” Sets can include delicacies like individual servings of the legendary “Monk Jumps Over the Wall” with its highly sought after ingredients of scallops and shark’s fin — so fragrant that it apparently tempted a (vegetarian) monk to leap over the wall to partake of it — and Fried Emperor Noodle with Shrimps.
Nowadays it is Second Sister Carol, who acquired her culinary skills from their mother, who is the main chef responsible for their menu. It encompasses popular Cantonese, a large selection of home-made dim sum, Szechuan and even Nyonya dishes, cooked in their own unique way.
“Our abalone is very special,” Tony added, “even Hongkies like it!” There’s a secret way of cooking it which he won’t divulge, but suffice it to say that they are soft and smooth here, not tough and rubbery like it often can be.
She Lai Ton Chinese Restaurant
Opening hours: Mondays to Saturdays 11am-3pm, 6pm-10pm; Sundays 9am to 3pm, 6pm-10pm
1688-F5, 6 & 7 Jalan Perusahaan, Highway Auto-City, North-South Highway Juru Interchange 13600 Perai, Pulau Pinang
Telephone: +604 502 2287
