Penangites love a proper plate of char kuey teow and usually regard those prepared by non-Penang Hokkiens as inferior.
So you most probably will not sample char kuey teow made by not only a non-Penangite Hokkien but a Malay cook to boot, since you will presume it a double negative and not at all similar to the “original” version you’re familiar with.
However, it is important to be open and willing to try all sorts of food, including that which may appear to be against your “cultural heritage”.
This outlook will bring you many wonderful surprises and great experiences, like this kuey teow basah food truck at SS15.
The char kuey teow food truck is usually parked just outside the SS15 wet market at Jalan SS15/8a. There are a few plastic tables set up next it. Be aware though that comfort isn’t the emphasis here, the food is.
The cooking process is entertaining and a bit of a show in itself, with flames threatening to engulf the wok at any time. You will find this a welcoming diversion as you wait for your dinner to be served.
The resulting steaming hot plate of char kuey teow is nothing like what you are familiar with. It comes with egg, bean sprouts, cockles and a couple of prawns with shells on.
It is also really wet, and spicy in a way that’s different from what you are normally used to. This version of char kuey teow is very delicious, with the sauce packing a strong sweet seafood flavour. The dish does have that all important “wok hei” (smoky flavour from the hot wok).
If you’re a char kuey teow fan, give this food truck a try. You will definitely be pleasantly surprised.
Kuey teow basah food truck
Jalan SS15/8a (outside the wet market)
Subang Jaya, Selangor
GPS: 3.074237, 101.587796
Hours: Operates only at night
The article first appeared in www.KYSpeaks.com
Trying to influence your cravings since 2005, Kar Yeong was Guest Judge on Versus 1001 Rasa Baba’s 2018, R.AGE Food Fight Judge 2015 and NTV7 Foodie Blogger 2014. To read more about Kar Yeong’s food journeys, visit his blog at www.KYSpeaks.com