Image Credit: Elizaris Liputra (Google Reviews)
Tucked away at one of the oldest corners of Pudu, KL, lies a 90-year-old eatery that has stood the test of time. This is Chun Kei Tai Bu Noodle Restaurant.
This humble spot steeped in tradition and simple flavours, embodies the essence of Hakka cuisine. At this establishment, they’ve boldly chosen to focus on only three dishes.
Yet, they still manage to sustain its business? Yes.
Image Credit: Sandra Shao & Tuck Seng Leow (Google Reviews)
Hakka cuisine: Tai Bu Noodles
Just like the title suggests, it’s not easy to find authentic Hakka cuisine in the early hours of the morning, much less Hakka pork noodles.
Chun Kei Tai Bu Noodle Restaurant specialises in Hakka pork noodles that comes in just three different varieties with handmade noodles: Kolo-style Hakka Tai Bu Noodles; Hakka Tai Bu Noodles Soup with Lou Shu Fun noodles; and Black Hakka Tai Bu Noodles.
Their noodles have a fresh bounce to them and an old-school texture that is hard to come by these days. Each bowl of noodles comes with their signature minced pork, signature wanton soup, and pickled green chilies.
The soup version of the Hakka Tai Bu noodles is served with unique ‘lou shu fun’ noodles that are thick, chewy, and enjoyable. The broth is savoury and soul-warming. However, it is the Kolo-style Hakka Tai Bu noodles that is the bestseller at this eatery.
Fun fact: Stir-fried Hakka noodles specifically, is an amalgamation of Chinese and Indian cuisine, brought about by the Chinese community that shifted to the ports of Kolkata and Madras in India, during the 18th century.
Image Credit: Chun Kei Tai Bu Noodle Restaurant (Google Reviews)
As the dawning sunlight begins to touch the bustling streets of Pudu, you will find eager patrons, in search of a satisfying, hearty breakfast, lining up to snag a bowl of these noodles. On the weekends, good luck even getting a table as regulars crowd the small space.
Authentic old-school flavours
Now, what is so great about this simple dish? First and foremost, the springy, handmade wanton noodles are anointed with pork lard, making it slurp-worthy, and giving it an extra boost of intense flavour.
Each bowl of noodles is topped with their finely minced pork, which has a rich umami flavour, and a few slices of tender char siu.
The minced pork is without a doubt, the star of this dish. It is savoury, sweet, and packed with so much flavour. It is the element that truly ties this dish together.
While the dish itself may appear fairly simple and bland, the different elements coming together in each mouthful, provides a hit of nostalgia and comfort. The Kolo-style Hakka Tai Bu noodles at Chun Kei Tai Bu Noodle Restaurant, is a wonderful bowl of noodles that will definitely satisfy your cravings.
Not to mention, the recipe is nearly a hundred years old, who wouldn’t want a taste of that old-school flavour?
Image Credit: Ralph Yong & Justin 假私釘才 Hung (Google Reviews)
In its simplicity, there is a complex blend in each slurp, and that is its allure. If you don’t want to take my word for it, believe the raving Google reviews.
Pricing
The pricing range here depends not on the dish you order but the size you order: Small (RM9), Medium (RM9.50), Large (RM10).
You can also choose to add char siu, minced pork, wanton, and dumplings for a few additional Ringgit.
Craving a simple bowl of Hakka pork noodles that will leave you satisfied? Join the regulars who have discovered the timeless charm of this 90-year-old restaurant.
Chun Kei Tai Bu Noodle Restaurant
Address: No 2G Jalan Sayur, Off Jalan Pudu, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Open Daily, 6:30am – 2:45pm Thursday to Tuesday, 6:30am – 11am Wednesday
Food Status: Non-Halal
Contact: 016-2126870
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