[NON-HALAL]
One of them is Foo Chuan Restaurant in the royal town of Klang. Tucked inside the residential area of Taman Melawis, it is located less than one kilometre away from the Teluk Pulai Commuter station.
The quiet neighbourhood, believed to be more than 50 years old, is home to two popular schools: Methodist Girls’ School and ACS Methodist School. There are also two rows of shophouses here, with the restaurant located in one of them.
Speaking to FMT, owner Foong Wing Leong, 53, shared that they started the restaurant in 2016 and today enjoy a steady stream of customers, many of whom have made this their regular haunt.
And true to his word, during FMT’s visit on a Sunday morning, the restaurant was filled with hungry regulars putting in their orders.
The kopitiam is family-run: Wing Leong takes orders and mans the counter while his wife, Lam Lai Kiew and sister-in-law, Lam Lai Poh prepare the food. His son, Chun Fai, helps during the weekends.
Like many kopitiams throughout Malaysia, the décor is simple. Although there is no air-conditioning, the place is cool thanks to the many fans while the marble-top tables are clean.
Despite its simplicity, the food served is delicious and Wing Leong is a friendly host who was seen chatting with his customers.
And this, perhaps, is what makes the Malaysian culinary scene unique: good food in a humble setting made more memorable by the warmth that Malaysians are known for.
Tasting notes
The combination porridge is a hearty meal with chicken, fish, pork, peanuts, century egg and salted egg. According to Wing Leong, it’s one of the highlights here.
The texture of the porridge was silky, not too thick and the grouper fish was remarkably fresh. While the century egg and salted egg may be an acquired taste, served in small portions, it added pops of flavour to the porridge without being overwhelming.
Topped with fried onions and yu char kway, each bite was delightful, making this dish perfect for any time of the day.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, give the peanut porridge a try. Full of flavour, this porridge comes with a generous serving of peanuts and grated ginger, proof that simple ingredients can take a dish to another level.
Other types of porridge available here include fish, chicken, or pork porridge. Additionally, customers also have the option of ordering extra portions of yu char kway as well as salted egg and century egg as add-ons.
Porridge aside, the restaurant is apparently rather well known for its curry mee.
Served with deep-fried tofu, hard-boiled egg and fish balls, the broth is the highlight of this dish. Rich and creamy, it had just the right amount of spice to bring a lovely kick to every spoonful.
On Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, the kopitiam serves another Malaysian favourite: nasi lemak.
Fluffy and fragrant with the tantalising aroma of coconut milk, the rice is a perfect pairing to the curry chicken. The gravy’s creamy-sweet flavour worked well with the mildly spicy sambal.
Also don’t miss trying their homemade herbal, chrysanthemum, and barley drinks – all of which are perfect thirst quenchers for a hot day.
And for dessert, there are hot bowls of red bean soup. Thick and not too sweet, it is the perfect finish to any meal. This, too, is only available on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Foo Chuan Restaurant Melawis (non-halal)
23, Lintang Gangsa,
Taman Melawis,
41100 Klang, Selangor
Business hours: 8am–4pm (Closed on Mondays)