KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 — Sam kan cheong in Cantonese refers to a type of pork noodles as well as the three adjacent shophouses in Jalan Silang, KL which was where the first pork noodle stall was located.
The story goes that this stall was started by an immigrant from China. Some stall owners also refer to this simply as pork ball noodles.
Your choice of noodles is served with springy pork balls. Even though it’s called pork balls, they are in fact not shaped into balls but flat and rectangular.
A bowl of noodles is usually topped with minced meat and slices of BBQ sausages or siew cheong. These dark brown sausages are fashioned from pork mince, lard and liver.
The mixture is seasoned with rice wine and a secret blend of herbs and spices. A light peppery soup made from pork bones, meat and soy beans is also served with these noodles.
The dry version of the noodles is tossed with dark soy sauce while the wet version is served with the soup.
Restoran Win Heng Seng, 163, Jalan Imbi, KL. Open: 6.30am to 2pm. Closed every second Wednesday
Many believe this is the gold standard when it comes to these type of pork noodles, hence it’s the most popular stall in KL. Popularity also comes with a price as this is the most expensive place for sam kan cheong noodles.
Their pork sausage is a little harder than others so it’s served in the broth. Bite into a thick slice to discover a rich taste with their secret blend of herbs and spices.
Unlike other stalls, the pork balls here have a nice springy texture. The broth uses a mix of pork bones, shredded pork meat and soy beans. The noodles are also served with a tasty minced meat topping.
Restoran Lucky, 1082, Jalan 17/29, Section 17, PJ. Open: 7am to 2pm. Closed every Tuesday.
The draw for this popular stall is their rich-tasting soup that is laden with pepper. Otherwise, their siew cheong, pork balls and minced meat topping taste pretty decent. You can also order pepper pig’s stomach soup. They also have a branch at Lucky Gardens, Bangsar.
Sam Kan Cheong Stall, 1508, Jalan Jinjang Utama, Jinjang Utara, KL. Open: 6am to 1pm. Closed every second Thursday.
Jinjang is the place for sam kan cheong noodles, as one of the descendants from the original stall opened their home-based factory here. Most of the stall owners around the Klang Valley source for their siew cheong and pork balls from this factory, just like this 40-years plus stall that is run by a family member. It’s popular with the residents who enjoy the light-tasting pork soup and aromatic siew cheong with the springy pork balls.
Restoran & Pub Sin Hoy Kee, 497, Jalan PJU1/1, Kampung Cempaka, PJ. Open: 6am to 2pm. Closed during Chinese New Year.
Even though this stall may not be completely genuine with its offerings since they use a soup that is made from anchovies, the draw is their generous portions. Your bowl of noodles is often topped with a large dollop of minced meat and two pieces of siew cheong. The sausage may be less smoky but you are rewarded with a soft bite that is aromatic with rice wine. Here the flat pork balls are soft and served with gem lettuce in the soup.
Foo Keong Restoran, Jalan Development, Taman Kepong, Kepong. Open: 6am to 4am. Closed on Thursday.
If you are craving for these type of noodles late at night, head to this stall in Kepong. The noodles ticks all the right boxes. Here the siew cheong has a hint of spices while the broth has a light taste. You can also ask for additional siew cheong if you like.
