It's always fun to have a short getaway from home and one of the nearest cities to Penang- Sungai Petani (Kedah), a city that is often overlooked by many. It offers a good selection of traditional delicacies, some can no longer be found in urbanized cities like Penang. For this reason, the quiet town of Sungai Petani makes a great short trip to search for the lost flavors of yesteryears. For a bowl of classic, authentic Hakka Mee, make your way to Yeh Lai Siang Food Court near the old town of Sungai Petani. Possibly the only authentic Hakka Mee in Sungai Petani, this 14-year old noodle stall uses recipes passed down from previous generations to churn out home-made springy, flat noodles. But they are not a one-trick pony, their home-made Dumplings are not be forsaken as well. The Dumpling skin is home-made and the Dumplings are wrapped on the spot. Freshness is of essence here and they take it seriously. This humble stall housed within the classic local food court setting is definitely one of the best to savor the Hakka-influenced delicacy.
*Many Thanks to Leong for hosting us the other day.*
Hakka Noodles (Rm 3.50 for small/ Rm 4 for large)
Home-made Dumplings (Rm 1.20 each)
Deep Fried Dumplings (Rm 1.20 each)
Braised Chicken Feet (Rm 2.70 for 6 pieces)
Do not look down on the simple, straight-forward Hakka Mee; it may seem pale in color but definitely rich in flavors. The al-dente noodles are cooked carefully and lightly tossed (skillfully) with Pork Lard and light Soy sauce... finished with minced Pork sauce and served with condiments like Char Siew, Bak Choy and Bean Sprouts. The health-conscious will be glad to know that the dish contains little oil, though Pork Lard is used to spice things up, it does not over-power the Meat sauce and over-shadow the other elements. The absence of Lye Water allows the flavors from the Meat sauce to better blend in with the noodles. If you do not like to have your noodles served with classic pickled Chilies, the home-made Sambal Belacan is set to please (if you are looking forward to a lip-burning sensation).
The home-made Dumplings are available in two versions- to serve in Soup or Deep Fried. The former one is served in a broth boiled for hours using old Hen, Jicama and Pork Bones while the latter choice has a dangerously addictive crunchy texture. An affordable but hearty, wonderful meal that evokes childhood memories, what else can you ask for?
Additional Information:
Non-Halal
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No
Address: 165, Jalan Kuala Ketil, Kampung Sungai Tongka, 08000, Sungai Petani, Kedah. *opposite Lao Zi Hao Confectionery*
Business Hours: 7 am to 12:30 pm. Closed on Mondays.
Contact Number: 016- 438 2705
Yeh Lai Siang, food's great and cheap too but I hear the quality has gone down now and it is no longer as cheap as before. Ah well! The sign of the times, prices going up everywhere.
ReplyDeleteI just had lunch but your pics are making me hungry again!
ReplyDeleteWow the food so cheap! I want some of that dumpling! :D
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