I remembered my parents would always be planning these itineraries for our visiting relatives; of which includes a trip to Genting Highlands (definitely, even though it is technically in the state of Pahang), the National Monument, Chinatown and shopping malls.
Yes, if there's one thing that KL is known for, it is the huge malls that we have here that boasts of all the brands not found in other states and we are proud of these icons of the city.
When relatives come to visit, food is definitely part of the itinerary and one of the most prominent food that KL calls its own is the Yong Tau Foo, and when one speaks of Yong Tau Foo, the only place that comes to mind is Ampang; from it originated from.
We made a road trip to Ampang, having recalled these memories to hunt for the famous place where we used to frequent, as dad guided us to the name of the outlet.
Foong Foong Yong Tau Foo, a name which had been in business for the past four decades, still stood proud in the busy town of the Ampang Village, ushering the crowds during its peak hours into its humble shop.
The place is buzzing with the enthusiastic city dwellers and local residents in the neighborhood during the peak hours of lunch and it can be really challenging to find a place if you are caught in those hours. It would be best to be there early if you would prefer to avoid all the hassle, and especially if you are going there in a large group.
The place is not air-conditioned, and like the old school shops, it is installed with ceiling fans and fluorescent lights and with the crowds, it can get really hot and stuffy at times.
They have a lot of workers, especially senior citizens who would help to usher and find a place for you, and perhaps gather chairs for your table.
Then you would head to the main counter to place your order, as there will not be anyone coming over to take your order; except for the drinks which will be ordered by the workers once you are seated at your table.
Place your order at the counter and watch as your orders are repeated over a hailer; yes, amplified as the guy at the counter sends the orders to the kitchen immediately.
(Pretty much the whole restaurant would be able to hear, but no one would actually bother as it is all the same thing anyway, when it comes to Yong Tau Foo, where only the quantity differs. Furthermore, with all that buzz and chattering going on all over the restaurant, the amplified orders are just merely part of the noise).
Sauce is an important part in enjoying the Yong Tau Foo; and these old-timers knew the secret to their success besides their skills in perfecting the tastes of their Yong Tau Foo.
Homemade sweet sauce and chili sauce (though I am not sure if it is really homemade) makes all the difference.
The Sweet sauce here had that old school taste in it; a rather traditional styled sauce which is becoming rare these days.
Mix them together if you want to, and they should be a good combination to complement all that yong tau foo on their way.
Deep fried Sui Kow and Bean Curd Skin Roll
These are the two famous items they are famous for, especially the bean curd skin roll, and they are served piping hot straight from the wok.
Be cautious or you might just burn your tongue from that hot stuffs!~ :-)
The deep fried sui low were stuffed with a mixture of minced meat and fish paste, while the bean curd skin roll is purely fish paste based.
A bowl of soup was sent over which is meant to complement the deep fried items (perhaps too dry?)
Sui kow in soup
If you are not a fan of the deep fried Sui Kow (dumplings), then the soup version might be your choice, or you could just try both.
Mixed Yong Tau Foo
An assortment of Red Chilies with fish paste, Lady Fingers, White Tofu, Bitter Gourd, Brinjals and their homemade fish balls.
The Yong Tau Foo each costs MYR1 per piece, which was reasonably priced for the serving size per piece.
The crowds here are probably made up of their regulars and perhaps tourists too, who have definitely heard of their fame.
This is not just a taste of the famed Yong Tau Foo, for me, as this is, as taste of childhood.... :-)
