Everyone has a regular craving, a dish that they can't go a week without. You might call it comfort food, but sometimes it goes beyond that. My mother's nasi goreng, a tin of mutton curry, a bowl of assam laksa on weekends. Without them, my world wouldn't make sense. But most of all, I'm always craving a large hearty bowl of beef noodles from Shin Kee, right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
This unassuming restaurant occupies a tiny shoplot along Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lok. So unassuming, that for the two years I studied at a college down the street from it, I never noticed the shop during my morning walks from the Pasar Seni LRT station. After a friend introduced me to it last year, however, I've been going back almost every week.
“Beef Noodles Specialist” as the sign in their storefront says, is an apt boast of the family that runs the place. The Koon family specialises in Hakka-style noodles comprising your choice of noodles (yellow mee, kueh tiao, bihun, lo shue fun) and beef cuts (meatballs, strips, brisket, tripe), served with a clear broth and minced beef sauce.
This minced beef sauce is a furiously guarded family secret; the woman of the house does not allow it to be packed separately for take-away orders. It's also the reason why people keep coming back as the unique flavor and texture is truly addictive. Hints of garlic and fish sauce are all I've been able to discern so far, which means I need to go back more to figure it out!
"They call themselves the beef noodle specialists!"
The beef balls themselves are made on the premises. Wonderfully springy, they add a great bite to the dish. The beef strips go in raw and are cooked by the hot broth, and are just nicely cooked by the time you tuck in. My favorite is the brisket, with melting fat and tender meat that falls apart in your mouth. I don't eat tripe, but from what my friends who do it eat it tell me that the tripe here is not exactly their forte. Whatever you order, it's proportioned appropriately whether it's an RM6 bowl or an RM8 bowl. Add a spoonful of their not-too-spicy chilli sauce and you're on your way to beef heaven.
Rarely a week goes by now that I don't head over there for my fix. I've introduced so many friends to this place I've joked about getting commission. In fact, my friends and I are chums with the owner's son now and he helps us out by calling us whenever they have to close unexpectedly. If you happen to miss their lunch hours (10.30am – 3.30pm), you can always drop by their stall at Petaling Street from 6pm-11pm. It is best to come nearer to closing time as the broth gets more kau later in the day.
More Photos To Drool On
The noodles with a dollop of the delicious chilli sauce
Hmm, never been here before.
Usually I go to the one near San Peng flats there or the more modern one beside time square there.
BOth of them are quite good already.
by konsJune 30, 2010 12:18PM
You must be logged in to post comments
Join the conversation. We love to hear your views.
Foodster's Verdict
Shin Kee Beef Noodles
Taste
Address:
Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock opposite Lai Fong Coffee Shop
Tel: 012 673 7318
Open:
10.30 am - 8 pm, Closed on Wednesdays
Pros:
Easy to reach by public transportation
Cons:
It's a small restaurant, so you might have to wait during the lunch rush
_thumb.JPG)
.JPG)
Hmm, never been here before.
Usually I go to the one near San Peng flats there or the more modern one beside time square there.
BOth of them are quite good already.
by kons June 30, 2010 12:18PM
You must be logged in to post comments