KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 — Sometimes life throws you curveballs which turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Whenever an eatery I want to have lunch at is closed, my brain tends to go into a virtual scramble to find a replacement.

As I was stuck down town, I suddenly remembered the Jalan Bedara BBQ pork ribs stall. I have heard countless stories of this humble spot that is legendary for their charcoal BBQ pork ribs. It's an item most places don't offer.

After a few twists and turns, I found the no name stall next to D'View Inn Hotel. It sits at the corner of Jalan Angsoka and Jalan Bedara — right smack in the maze of streets that is behind the busy Changkat Bukit Bintang

The no name stall is popular with the office crowd and neighbourhood folks. You get a variety of BBQ meats — roasted in the cylindrical Apollo oven — using a charcoal fire. Select from roast pork, char siu, chicken and their famed pork ribs. There's also poached chicken. Since I couldn't decide, I settled for a platter for everything for RM39.

You get homestyle dishes like this braised bitter gourd to pair with your meats.
You get homestyle dishes like this braised bitter gourd to pair with your meats.

There's a selection of vegetables like this spinach that is prepared with less or no oil.
There's a selection of vegetables like this spinach that is prepared with less or no oil.

You need to hit those pork ribs caveman style as that is the best way to get every bit of the caramelised bits. The ribs aren't very meaty but it's a great pleasure eating it as it is well caramelised.

A surprise find was the roast pork — juicy meat with a crunchy top. Even the char siu was tender with a caramelised top. For the roast chicken, I liked how juicy the meat was.

The BBQ meats are cooked with a charcoal fire (left). Select from a spread of homestyle dishes like 'yong tau foo', omelette and potatoes (right).
The BBQ meats are cooked with a charcoal fire (left). Select from a spread of homestyle dishes like 'yong tau foo', omelette and potatoes (right).

Not everything hits the high notes here though and the rice is decent while the chili sauce is kinda mediocre.

Luckily there's a spread of dishes you can order to pair with the meats instead. The dishes are very homestyle and similar to what you get at home for a simple meal.

Look for this no name stall at the side of Hotel D'View Inn.
Look for this no name stall at the side of Hotel D'View Inn.

There's a variety of greens like spinach or French beans. You also have omelette, braised bitter gourd and an assortment of yong tau foo.

What I liked was the dishes were prepared with less oil, making it a healthier choice. I enjoyed the bitter gourd as it was well cooked to a softer texture.

Jalan Bedara BBQ Pork Ribs Stall, At the side of Hotel D'View Inn, Cross Section of Jalan Angsoka and Jalan Bedara, Kuala Lumpur. Open: 11am to 2pm (Monday to Friday). Closed on Saturday and Sunday. Tel: +6017-6967059.