Somewhere across the globe, supper is a mere warm soup affair.
Or a cold croissant with jam, fresh from the refrigerator.
You sniggered.
For you know somewhere between me and you lies a nocturnal city where supper breathes a life of its own. An afterhour escapade for the urban dwellers. Of plethoric diversity.
Even a simple chilli vinaigrette can prove to be an appetizer by itself.
An elaborated stall by the fringe of Tengkat Tong Shin, Ngau Kee has been serving the night crowd for as long as I can remember now. Ask even the youngest of clubbers at Jalan P. Ramlee and chances are they will synonymise this stall to supper (or breakfast, for some).
The wanton mee-like egg noodle was firm and springy. Plus a minus of the dreadful alkaline water taste made it even more enjoyable. The blandness of the noodle was complemented by a generous topping of minced, marinated pork. Wait, let me rephrase that. Shredded, marinated pork. An old technique, the meat was cooked and shredded to preserve the texture and flavour of the pork. And absolutely flavourful it was. A blend of optimal sweet and savouriness, the taste was very different from your everyday minced pork topping for the soup noodles. The meat was sticky (almost maltose-laden-like) and flaky. As you munch on the fibrous shreds, the taste of pork naturally oozes, sending orgasmic signals to your brains through your tastebuds. Be adventurous. Pour in a tablespoon or two of the vinaigrette for a contrasting taste. You'll love it.
The clear soup was rather bland and the colour very much resembled a pork (or snake) stock. If you are one who dislike beef dishes for fear of the pungency, this is for you. I for one, stand by the densely flavoured type. The meatballs were firm and fresh while the strips of tripe were smooth and crunchy. The beef cut did not disappoint as it was flaky and tender. A wonderful ensemble of textures, definitely. Not the taste though.
Since they said the standard has dropped, I certainly didn't expect my coming resulted in a blown-out-of-orgasmic proportion experience. How much better was it back then? I dare not imagine.
And this is just an example of the city's many mouth-watering, unique offerings.
....while somewhere along the Causeway, a KL boy currently working in Singapore who plans to eat as much as he can and travel as far as possible is making his way back to the nocturnal city to be serenaded by the city's gastronomical supper repertoire.
Ngau Kee
Tengkat Tong Shin,
50200 Kuala Lumpur
* For price list and other details, do visit the following links:
Precious Pea
WMW
ling239の咖啡花园
Bernsy
