KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 — Penang Hokkien prawn mee has many names: har meen, mee yoke, Hokkien mee. Even though Penang is by far the best place to sample this, sometimes one gets cravings for this comforting eat in the Klang Valley.
A naturally sweet-tasting broth is a sure sign of a superior bowl of Hokkien prawn mee. The broth is made by boiling pork ribs, stir-fried prawn heads and shells. A chilli paste is also added to give the broth a spicy kick.
Some stalls even add extra oomph to their broth by straining the juices from the blended cooked prawn heads and shells.
Usually a mix of blanched yellow noodles and beehoon is used for this dish, since it gives you a nice contrast of textures. Each bowl is topped with shelled prawns, lean pork slices, a piece of hard-boiled egg, blanched kangkung and bean sprouts.
A spoonful of fried shallot crisps garnishes the bowl. Just before eating, mix the shallot crisps into the broth as this will sweeten it further. If you prefer a spicier Hokkien prawn mee, add the chilli paste served on the side. Some places offer add-ons like intestines, pork ribs or even bigger prawns to make your bowl of Penang Hokkien prawn mee more satisfying.
Restoran Wang Keng, Jalan Bulan U5/BL, Bandar Pinggiran Subang, Shah Alam. Open: 7.30am to 2pm.
Believe us, this thick and flavourful Hokkien prawn mee is worth the long trek to this hidden corner coffee shop. Just start up your Waze and it will take you to this township just off the road that connects Shah Alam to Sungai Buloh. The Hokkien prawn mee here is served with a generous portion of medium-sized shelled prawns, lean pork slices, bean sprouts and a slice of hard-boiled egg. The stall also sells loh mee, as some Penangites like to mix loh mee with their Hokkien prawn mee. You also have Vietnamese pho and spring rolls served at this place.
Soon Lee Prawn Mee Stall, Jalan Batu Ambar, Taman Kok Lian, Fifth Mile, Jalan Ipoh, KL. Open: 2pm to 11pm. Closed on Mondays.
You will see stars here... Hong Kong TVB actors whose pictures pepper this stall’s frontage, as they are patrons of this legendary place. The broth has a nice natural sweetness with a light orange hue as pork ribs and prawn shells are used. Your order is served with medium-sized shelled prawns, lean pork slices and a generous dollop of fried shallot crisps. Come early if you can as some ingredients for this dish will run out. The stall also sells fried mee which is popular with many. Find this stall at a row of hawker eats just next to The Store.
Choon Prawn Mee House, 13, Jalan 20/14, Paramount Gardens, PJ. Open: 7.30am to 5pm.
Previously at Restoran O&S, this stall has now moved into their own premises to be a full fledged eatery serving all kinds of Penang eats. Their Hokkien mee hits the comfort spot all the time with its flavourful broth. You can choose to add on items like pork ribs, intestines and prawns. For updates on their off-days, check their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ChoonsPrawnMeeHouse)
Restaurant Woh, Jalan Cempaka SD12/2, Bandar Sri Damansara, KL. Open: 7.30am to 3.30pm.
Located at this popular coffee shop where your drink orders are taken via electronic tablets. The Hokkien prawn mee has a tasty broth but they tend to be rather stingy with their portions though. You get choices for your toppings like pork ribs, intestines and even extra prawns. The intestines are well stuffed with a few layers. Avoid the pork ribs, as they tend to stick to your teeth and almost tasteless since all of its sweetness is extracted into the broth.
Restaurant Yong Len, 2 Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 1, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL. Open: 7am to 2pm.
The Hokkien prawn mee here is a prime example of less is more. Each bowl of the darkish orange broth is paired with blanched noodles of your choice, bean sprouts, kangkung, thin slices of lean pork and the tiniest shelled prawns. A spoonful of fried shallot crisps completes your serving. Pair your noodles with an order of their Penang style otak-otak or a plate of char kway teow where the rice noodle strands have an unusual al dente texture. If you are avoiding carbohydrates, ask for your Hokkien prawn mee sans noodles... it’s delicious just with the crunchy vegetables.
