Now, Taiping native Zulida Abu Zahar has brought a taste of her hometown to Bangsar here with her business, Alida Mee Kari Taiping.
Running out of a car boot, she can be found in front of Big Pharmacy on Persiaran Ara Kiri every Tuesday to Saturday evening. The dish is based on a recipe by Zulida’s parents, who once sold it near the Taiping Railway Station.
“Back then, I never thought of writing down the recipe,” Zulida, 56, told FMT Lifestyle. Together with her foster brother Noraidi Mahussin, they recreated the dish from memory and consulted relatives to ensure they got the taste right.
Here, the yellow noodles are packed separately from the broth and arranged neatly in a box filled with ice. The best way to enjoy your meal, Zulida recommended, is to heat the broth on the stove, pour it over the noodles, and enjoy.
Alternatively, a microwave will work, and this writer can attest that it tastes just as delicious!
“If you find the broth is salty or if you prefer a lighter broth, just add some water. You can adjust the taste based on your preference,” said Zulida, who is of Malay and Chinese heritage.
Even without adding water, the coconut milk-based broth is delightful. It’s rich, creamy and flavourful, with just the right amount of spice; while the rich santan gives it a tantalising fragrance.
Simply squeeze the lime to add a pleasant, tangy flavour that will leave you smacking your lips.
Each packet comes with chicken, a hard-boiled egg, fish balls, fish cakes, fried tofu, lime, and a generous amount of bean sprouts, which adds a lovely crunch. The egg, Zulida added, is unpeeled to keep it fresh.
Overall, it’s a lovely and hearty meal, perfect if you’re feeling peckish during teatime, or if want something warm and comforting on a rainy day.
“In the future, I plan to introduce mee hoon, kuey teow, as well as spaghetti and laksa noodles,” Zulida revealed, adding that she also provides catering services.
For Zulida, the business is also a way to keep her late mother’s legacy alive, which is why she finds it rewarding when customers – who come from all over the Klang Valley, including Klang, Shah Alam and Rawang – give positive feedback.
Asked about the name, she explained that “Alida” is an acronym for “Allah loves iman dan amal”. “Iman” refers to faith, and “amal” to charitable acts.
“That is why if an OKU individual passes by, I will give him my noodles. I also donate unsold packets to a nearby mosque,” she said.
Meet them at their car, and Zulida and Noraidi make the experience personal with their warm smiles and cheerful greetings.
“We have customers of various races, and when they say my noodles are delicious, my exhaustion vanishes.
“I want my customers to feel happy when they’re here,” Zulida concluded with a smile.
Alida Mee Kari Taiping
Persiaran Ara Kiri, Bangsar (in front of Big Pharmacy)
59100 Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 4pm-6pm (closed on Sundays, Mondays and public holidays)
Contact: 014-268 9304
For location, click here.