Restoran Makan La Char Kuey Teow

I found myself in Brickfields again for an event, and before heading home, I decided to have lunch at Restoran Makan La. It had been over 20 years since I last visited when it was under a different name (and ownership perhaps), and I remembered the Char Kuey Teow (CKT) there used to be quite good. Lo and behold, there's still a stall there and it occupies almost centre stage in the kopitiam.

The CKT stall was bustling, and the elder gentleman at the helm seemed to have his hands full. I ordered a plate and requested the cockles to be raw, just the way I like it. I let the heat from the kuey teow cook the cockles slightly. A plate costs RM9, and they take payment via TnG.

20 minutes later, the CKT arrived and it did not disappoint. It had a rich, satisfying flavour, and I was pleasantly surprised to find pork lard in it, a rarity these days. The only thing missing was the traditional banana leaf, which would have added a touch of nostalgia to the meal.

Despite that, it was a thoroughly enjoyable plate of CKT. The robust flavours and the perfect texture made for a delightful lunch.