KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 2 — Good food doesn't need to be elaborate.
While my camera loves those beautifully presented dishes artfully decorated with micro herbs, my stomach finds more pleasure in hearty food that nourishes and comforts me.
Enter brown food, coined as "ugly delicious". I have to agree that the shade may not excite many but when it's glossy, slick brown, this signals tastiness of the highest kind.
That was what greeted me at Shadam Heng Noodle... a plate of braised goodness chock full of all those things you don't want your cardiologist to know you ate.
It's hard to choose a favourite, whether it's the layered intestines, crunchy pig's ears, melt in the mouth fatty pieces of pork, tender large intestines and so forth. There's even velvet pork slices and pork ribs.
Truly happiness on a plate. Especially with the silky, fragrant brown sauce that sticks a little to your lips as you relish each piece of the innards.
This stall may be one month old but it's slowly getting traction via word of mouth. Those who live in the vicinity of Jalan Ipoh have been trumpeting its existence so much so that social media is starting to take an interest.
Apparently the business is headed by those who run Taisho Lamb Hotpot in Kepong. It's a new F&B concept they came up with.
Even the location, just off Jalan Ipoh, is incredibly quirky. Who would have thought there's a small food court right next to a Chinese temple.
Find the stall right next to the entrance. There are also stalls selling char kway teow, wantan mee and drinks.
Once you find the stall, you will be tempted by the braised items laid out on the counter.
Here, everything has been tediously prepared and cleaned so there are no funky smells.
They also offer handmade sui kow or plump dumplings, braised beancurd and Omega eggs.
Solo diners can opt for their set meals. It's a choice of rice or their handmade lai mian, which they source from a supplier.
The slightly thick noodles have a nice bite. Toss it in the brown sauce to coat every strand. Or if you want some spicy ooh la la, walk over to the counter opposite their stall to help yourself to their chilli oil. There's pickled cucumbers too to help clear the palate since the braised items can be rather rich tasting.
The sets are topped with your choice of braised items, whether it is pork ribs or intestines. It's RM12 for this set meal that is served with two plump sui kow in soup. If you opt for just the two pieces of dumplings, it's RM10.
For those dining in a group, just order the mixed braised items for RM18.
Don't forget to add the braised beancurd (RM4). The smooth beancurd has a QQ texture that makes you want to keep eating it.
It's the same for the dumplings. One is not enough. The plump dumplings are generously stuffed with juicy minced pork and prawns. You can have it with soup or deep fried. Expect to fork out RM6 for three pieces or RM9 for five.
The soup served with your noodles tastes like what is cooked at home. Similar to an ABC soup, you will find chunks of carrots and sweet sliced onions inside the clear broth.
Shadam Heng Noodle, Food court next to Persatuan Penganut Dewa Ling Hen Tong, PT573, Jalan Sungkai, Off 3/4 Mile Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur. Waze: https://waze.com/ul/hw2861v5hg Open: 7am to 3pm or earlier if food runs out. Days off not fixed so check updates on social media. Tel: 018-8744412. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550597314610
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