When it comes to food spots, Pudu tends to fly under the radar despite being one of Kuala Lumpur’s older districts. In truth, many stalls and restaurants here have a story to tell. If you need further evidence, just ask around for the whereabouts of Winson Burger.
Good ol’ Winson Burger
For people who grew up in this part of town, the very mention of Winson Burger is likely to trigger some childhood memories. The smell of buttery bread and hot charcoals has not changed over the decades.
These days, you can find Uncle Winson Chai and his trusty motorcycle stall parked opposite Plaza Pudu. He used to set up shop at the long-gone Imbi Market, but relocated when the place was redeveloped.
As one might guess, he does not sell the typical burger you can get from fast food restaurants or roadside stalls. He does sell a form of sandwich, however. Namely, bakkwa sandwiches for the price of RM5.
Traditional bakkwa sandwiches
Each bakkwa sandwich comes with a generous length of Chinese dried pork meat, as well as a sprinkling of chicken or pork floss, cucumber and tomato or chilli sauce. Interestingly, the sandwich buns are buttered and then grilled atop a traditional charcoal grill.
While you are waiting for your sandwich to be prepared, feel free to chat up the 85-year-old uncle. He has a sense of wit, mind you. With some clever prodding, you can get him to spill the beans on why he is working at such an age.
Uncle Winson’s story
He has apparently been doing this since 1982, having spent half of his life making bakkwa sandwiches. A man with neither spouse nor children, his previous jobs paid little and were highly dissatisfactory.
By chance, he was introduced to the idea of opening his own little sandwich business by a friend. As it happened, the young Winson enjoyed eating bakkwa sandwiches. Said friend supplied him with the ingredients, and thus began Winson Burger.
The days of 80 sen sandwiches may be long gone, but Winson himself seems unlikely to go away any time soon. Though the work is hard, he is satisfied with earning just enough to get by another day. He has reiterated that he intends to work as long as he can.
Worth your time?
With his decades of experience, it is little wonder that his sandwiches are perfect little treats for their price. The bun is grilled to perfection, giving it a nice crunch. On top of that, the bakkwa and the chicken floss are a match made in heaven.
Eating this bakkwa sandwich will no doubt send some older folks into a nostalgic bliss. So, appreciate Winson Burger while it is still around. At the very least, you will be doing an old man a solid by supporting his honest business.
Winson Burger
Address: Opposite Pudu Plaza, Jalan Brunei, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, WP Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 8 am – 11 am daily | Closed on Mondays
Halal Status: Non-halal
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