The ubiquitous curry puff is well loved by people of all walks of life, and makes for a great snack at any hour of the day.
Crunchy and flaky on the outside, combined with a deliciously flavourful potato and chicken filling, the puffs sold by Teng Kwee Fong are a huge hit with her customers, alongside homemade kaya and various kuih available at her stall.
Fondly known as Aunty Joyce, the 69-year-old started selling curry puffs in March last year, in front of Family Mart in Damansara Uptown on Jalan SS21/37, located near The Starling mall.
Retailing at RM2.70 per piece, the curry puffs are absolutely tasty and filling. Those who are health-conscious will be glad to know that, unlike the curry puffs sold by many others, the version by Aunty Joyce is not oily.
The kaya, priced at RM5 each, is available on weekends.
Her cousin, Yang Phooi Wan, 39, makes both the curry puffs and kaya. She decided to become a full-time home-based baker after losing her job during the pandemic.
Aunty Joyce also sells kuih lapis, seri muka and sesame balls, which are made by another cousin.
They have plans to sell more different varieties of kuih in the future but are unable to do so at the moment as as they are short-handed.
Born and bred in Kampar, Aunty Joyce moved to Kuala Lumpur for work. She previously worked in a children’s milk factory before retiring.
“To be honest, I never dreamed I’d be selling kuih. I’m a ‘single girl’ and I find it very tough and difficult to earn a living and to survive.
“Plus, when I stay at home, I feel very down” she told FMT, adding that she lives with her brother and sister.
When she first set up her makeshift stall last year, business was slow. Thankfully, as the economy slowly recovered, she began to get more customers.
Despite having to work at an old age, Aunty Joyce remains in good spirits and is generous with her smiles. It’s no wonder she has a lot of repeat customers – delicious goodies aside.
She works from Tuesdays to Sundays, 8.30am to 5.30pm. As she lives in SS26, she commutes using e-hailing services. Yang usually picks her up when she’s done for the day.
Asked why she chose this particular spot, Aunty Joyce explained that “this location is good for me; a lot of people walk to and fro”.
And although it is rather hard to find an available parking bay in the area, it doesn’t deter customers from stopping by her stall. In fact, some take e-hailing services just to get their hands on her curry puffs.
Since a post about her stall went viral on social media recently, there’s been an overnight surge in demand, and all items tend to sell out in just a couple of hours. Understandably, many customers leave disappointed – they’re that good!
Yang is now trying to find ways to increase her output, and said orders can also be placed in advance.
“Some people have also kindly donated money, but we don’t feel good taking money from others,” she said, adding that she would love to collaborate with cafés and other food businesses.
At the end of the day, Aunty Joyce said although it is tough, she is happy doing what she does. “I like talking to people, and most of the customers tell me the curry puffs, kuih and kaya are really good.”
To place your orders, contact Yang Phooi Wan at 017-6889093.