Claypot Chicken Rice @ Kedai Kopi 168, Pudu

You will want to save your carb quota for this claypot chicken rice at Pudu!

The amount of pots on all the charcoal stoves!

Although known as a strong competitor of Huen Kee Claypot Chicken rice located just around the corner, this stall keeps it humble by maintaining its 1-dish menu with a mere choice of adding salted fish. Despite its lack of variation, some say its still the best in KL.

The owner of the stall orchestrates the cooking in front of rows of charcoal stove. As he shifts the pots from one stove to another, he also scoops ember from stove to stove. I surmise it is a form temperature control. There is no wonder that each pot of rice is light and fluffy without discounting the perfectly crispy crust at the bottom.

So hot and steamy when it arrived

Taste wise, there is no doubt that it is flavourful. There is sufficient sauce to coat each grain of rice and the chicken is thoroughly seasoned. Bits of 'lap cheong' and salted fish also add to a good mouth of texture. Having said that, at certain bites, the flavours can turn out to be a little excessive making it a tad salty.

Give it a good mix so that the flavours are even

Which is why you shouldn't say no when the aunty asks if you want a bowl of Chinese soup to play down the strong flavours. Even on its own, it is worth an order as a big bowl with nutritious contents is only RM5!

Wash it down with some wholesome Chinese soup at only RM5 for a huge bowl that can water 2 people generously

Looking for crispy rice

Overall, it was a hearty and satisfying meal. Be mindful when selecting the size as a small portion (RM14) can fill up 2 adults very well.

Kedai Kopi Pudu Satu Enam Lapan

21, Jalan Kancil, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Opens everyday from 5:30 pm- 10:30 pm

Chinese Dessert Tong Sui @ Pudu

This tong sui stall still manages to draw customers although situated in a maze of shoplots in Pudu. Known as King of Chima Wu (sesame paste), this stall doesn't take your money if it doesn't satisfy you.

Tong sui time!

Upon arrival, I was greeted by a delightful sight of cauldrons containing thick liquid. My eyes were excited capturing quaint details of the store.

Cauldrons of desserts

While I paused to digest the menu, I caught a glimpse of bowls of pastes with lovely patterns being dished out, just like coffee art. Watching the master deftly creating the patterns with swift whips here and there was quite satisfying.

Price of desserts

Taste wise, sugar was used in moderation but the pastes were a little too starchy that the original flavours were overshadowed. Perhaps that sort of consistency is needed for dessert art to be created? Nonetheless, the winner among the flavours I tried was the almond paste.

Dessert art

This shop is still worth a visit as the restaurant is decorated with time-honoured things, bringing me back 2 generations ago. While treating the tastebuds, my eyes feasted on their fancy displays. CNY songs that were plated non-stop did give a very merry ambience and threw me off track of the time of the year. While having your dessert, absorb words of virtues that are placed at corners of the eatery.

Moral teachings pasted at every corner

Old stone grinders still used. No electricity needed.

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