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| *Khai Joo Lane - Google |
Continuing where we left off in the previous post, today we
at Urban Palate will be travelling through Khai Joo Lane, to visit Chong Chon which is part of our
Old Kuching mini-series.
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you may click
HERE.
I can’t recall how exactly I found this place with a friend
of mine, Joshua for the first time. What I do recall though, was an approximate
location given to us by a priest who wanted us to find the best puffs in
Kuching. Needless to say, by the grace of God and good instincts, we found the
right one because these puffs are absolutely superb. ALL OF THEM are, by the
way.
Located along the walkway of Khai Joo Lane, is Chong Chon.
This elusive shop that has been open for about 40 years sells the best puffs you’ll find yourself eating in
Kuching. It helps that its location is in the heart of the city, which makes
bringing friends here relatively easy if you’re planning on exploring the city
area by foot.
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| I was the only one it seems who wasn't ready for this picture. #muchseds |
If you’ve never tried these puffs, and by chance you arrive
when they're all still ready, I’d suggest you to just try one of each. If I could liken the experience of having a bite of of these for the first time, I'd compare it to hearing classical music while watching the world spin in slow motion.
While waiting for your puffs to be ready, feel free to speak
to any one of the patrons as they’d be more than happy to share with you their
rich history that spans from the 40 years they’ve been in business and the
recipe they inherited from their mother who came from Taiwan. Fun fact, their
mother is also the owner of the recipe for a certain “Chong Chon” at Third Mile
that serves Home-Made Green Noodles. That though, is a story for another day.
You may proceed to either eat your puffs at home, or the café
next door who will gladly allow you to sit there if you would kindly buy yourself
a drink.
Before we start dissecting the puffs, I must add that ALL of the pastry skin has a strange ability to hold the filling while still being crumbly and buttery. If you haven't realized, this is a good thing. A very very good thing actually.
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| Curry Puff |
If what you're used to when you're eating curry puffs is a ton of potato and a tiny spoonful of meat, you'll get your money's worth here as this is nothing like the aforementioned. Yes, you will notice some potato but you will also be able to get large chunks of meat with every bite. The flavour of curry is also very evident as the curry powder used is strong but not overpowering while carrying a mild kick of heat, which is still friendly for those who aren't fond of spicy foods.
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| Siew Pau |
The Siew Pau if what I'm told is correct, is what people come here for. The filling is a mixture of a garlic like gravy which may be quite strong for some, but is delicious nonetheless while the pork inside is juicy and chunky.
The Yam Puffs here as shown above, are second to none as the skin as I've mentioned before is the right thickness so you don't get a large chunk of the pastry without meat as you bite into them for the first time. I don't like yam. But I LOVE them in this, as its addition provides for a soft mushy gravy that is quite similar to the Siew Pau, but very different in terms of milder flavours and softer textures.
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| Egg Tart |
The crème de la crème of our journey on a personal note, belongs to the Egg Tarts here as the combination of the beautiful pastry that holds that thick creamy custard-like tart is simply divine. Make no mistake. There is nothing dry about this filling nor short of perfection in flavour.
I cannot rave about this place enough, but should you be in the area or are feeling a bit peckish at the right time but do not want to spoil your tummy for a meal, I'd recommend Chong Chon biscuits for a quick bite and a lasting experience.
Chong Chon, Khai Joo Lane is opened on the weekdays of Monday - Friday from 10:30am - approx 3:00pm or till they sell out.
You can contact them at 082-248621 if you have a big order to make for an event or party so that they may be able to prepare accordingly.
My friends have been complaining that I don't show a more personal side in terms of me showing myself in pictures, so here's a little treat.
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| Major un-glam level 99 |
