KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 — There are many different styles of char kuey teow (CKT) in Malaysia.
It’s one of those dishes that inspire a lot of debate since everyone has their favourite stall and would argue till they’re blue in the face that their joint is the best.
Take it from someone who has received all kinds of reactions on his Facebook page. I’d post about a place and within seconds, three people would tell me about different places around the corner which they think are better.
So I’m wading into this territory with much hesitation (and trepidation) and I’ll only say that these are my favourite halal/pork-free CKT selections in Klang Valley.
Aunty Gemuk Char Kuey Teow
No, the sign doesn’t actually say that. It’s just a generic “Penang Fried Kuay Teow” but those in the know have been calling it “Aunty Gemuk” for the longest time.
No disrespect, of course, but Malaysians tend to use very descriptive names, for better or worse. The “aunty” in question will always be the one frying your CKT.
As far as I know, she sits there the whole day while her assistant takes your order and tells you where to stand to take pictures of the stall (no joke!). I like the way she does her CKT — very heavy on the chilli sauce.
Tudia! Char Kuey Teow
I used to live in Cascades, Kota Damansara, and there was a point when I ate here every single night. It’s still my favourite wet style Malay CKT.
The portions are really small but they make up for it by being super tasty.
There’s also the option to add a gigantic flower crab to your CKT. The default version comes with several prawns.
They must be using prawn heads to cook the sauce because the flavour is unmistakable. Delicious!
Sister’s Place @ Pacific Place
This is another famous pork-free CKT. They do a dry variant of CKT with lots of seafood — huge juicy shrimps, squids and cockles.
It’s double the price of regular CKT, with a plate setting you back RM12.90 but it’s worth it due to the amount of sea-based protein you get.
What’s more, you can taste the elusive wok hei (heat of the wok) — the process of Maillard reaction which caramelises the kuey teow — too.
Big Bro Char Kuey Teow
This set-up starts only at 5pm and on busy nights the tables and chairs would even spill out onto the road and parking lots.
There’s a reason why this stall is popular; the kuey teow starts at RM5 a plate and they do both the wet and dry versions.
I prefer the wet CKT because of the savoury sauce. You can also load up on extra prawns and cockles, at RM1.50 per serving.
Mamu Penang Char Kuey Teow
Fancy some CKT with baby lobsters, huge squids or a whole flower crab? This place can do it for you!
Premium toppings aside, the basic char kuey teow is already delicious.
The sauce is not only rich and spicy, there’s a lot of it so you’ll have enough to eat with your seafood toppings.
I would love this place even more if I lived closer to Ampang. Since that’s not happening anytime soon, I’d just have to make do with dropping by whenever I’m in the area.
GETTING THERE
Aunty Gemuk Char Kuey Teow@Restoran Jamal Mohamed
22, Jalan SS5A/12, Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
LRT/MRT: Kelana Jaya
From the station: 600 metres
Operating hours: 7.30am-7.30pm weekdays; 7.30 am-4.30pm weekends
Tudia! Char Kuey Teow @ The Food Bank
37, Jalan PJU 5/20A, Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
LRT/MRT: Surian
From the station: 600 metres
Operating hours: 5pm-1am
Sister’s Place@Pacific Place
D-01-02, Pacific Place, Jalan PJU 1A/4A, Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
LRT/MRT: Ara Damansara
From the station: 200 metres
Operating hours: 9am-11pm
Big Bro Char Kuey Teow
Persiaran Puchong Permai, Taman Puchong Permai, Puchong, Selangor
LRT/MRT: Bandar Puteri
From the station: 600 metres
Operating hours: 5pm-1am (closed on Saturdays)
Mamu Penang Char Kuey Teow
8500, Jalan Ampang Putera, Taman Nirwana, Kuala Lumpur
LRT/MRT: Ampang
From the station: 600 metres
Operating hours: 5pm-1am
