KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 — In this hazy, hot weather, you'd think the last thing I want to eat is something that would make me sweat.
Strangely, I didn't even complain at all when I got served a piping hot bowl of sang har fish head noodles from this stall at Taman Gembira.
I reckon it's because that bowl was a visual feast. Who could resist those freshwater prawns with the bright orange roe that shouted, "Eat me!"
As you drink a spoonful of that milky broth tinged orange, the prawn flavour is subtle but so appetising it makes you take another spoonful.
The prawns aren't huge specimens but they do their job to give a natural sweetness to the whole ensemble.
What I also liked was that the meat wasn't overcooked. Use your hands to get every bit of the meat and that roe so nothing is wasted.
I had asked for fish head with the noodles. This needs patience to eat as you manoeuvre around the fish bones.
It's worth it though as the fish has a sweet taste. Expect to fork out RM22 for this appetising bowl of noodles.
As you eat the thick, smooth rice noodles, you realise, the whole experience is not only about the fish and prawns, but also the noodles.
As it absorbs the delicious broth, those slippery strands taste extra delicious after it's been soaking in the broth for a few minutes.
Even the chilli sauce is good with a mellow spiciness and a tangy undertone similar to what you get with pan mee.
It's hard to choose which broth I prefer. It's that Matrix dilemma, with the blue or red pill situation.
If I choose the sang har or freshwater prawns, the milky broth gets a more natural sweet taste. But if it's the rice wine, the broth is just a little sweeter but super addictive. Maybe I should just have both?
The coffeeshop may not be the coolest place though so be prepared to sweat it out. I have heard stories of how the wait for these noodles can take some time but maybe because I went off peak, it took only 10 minutes to get my bowl.
Next on the agenda is the seafood noodles at another stall here that is recommended. I also spied pork noodles which many say is good too.
I think there will definitely be more visits here.
Fish Head Noodle Stall, Restaurant Choy Kei, 73, Jalan Lazat 1, Taman Gembira, Kuala Lumpur. Open: 7am to 9pm. Closed on Tuesday.
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