Restoran Kin Kin Chili Pan Mee

The last time I was at Restoran Kin Kin could have been in the early noughties. There’s something almost nostalgic about walking in here for the OG chili pan mee of KL. Once a humble, no-frills spot, it has now upgraded with air-conditioning so it's lot more comfortable.

Even the stern old notices of “no big, no small - if you want more, order another bowl” have mellowed into a more polite sign, gently reminding customers that pan mee only comes in one size.

The pan mee (RM12 per bowl) itself arrived with the familiar ensemble: springy pan mee, minced pork, crispy fried anchovies, chopped scallions, and that all-important runny egg on top. On the side, a clear soup with sayur manis added a comforting balance. The chilli flakes, of course, are the soul of Kin Kin’s legacy, meant to be mixed in thoroughly for that fiery, addictive heat.

Yet, truth be told, while the pan mee was decent, the whole dish lacked the punch and satisfaction that I remembered from its peak days. Perhaps expectations are always higher when revisiting an OG, especially given how many new competitors have since entered the scene, each pushing flavour boundaries further.