Family brings Melaka popiah to Klang Valley

(From left) Low, Pua and Chung at their stall in SS24, Petaling Jaya. — Photos: YAP CHEE HONG/The Star

A BELOVED street food staple in Melaka is popiah.

Among its many variations, the Melaka-style lard version stands out for its rich, savoury taste.

For Pua Yen Ling, this traditional dish is more than just food – it is a piece of Melaka heritage.

After the Covid-19 movement control order (MCO), Pua decided to bring this culinary gem to the Klang Valley, opening YL Melaka Popia at Restoran Hakka Legend in Taman Megah, SS24 in Petaling Jaya.

“My mother loves popiah, and after the MCO, I started making it for fun.

“The whole family thought it tasted so good that they encouraged me to go into business.

“Both my mother and I are from Melaka, so it was natural to bring our favourite popiah here,” said Pua.

Unlike the typical lard popiah that often includes tofu and bean sprouts, YL Melaka Popia opts for julienned cucumber, making each bite crisp and invigorating.

“The cucumber adds a refreshing element that you don’t usually find in other lard popiah.”

Pua’s popiah features a mix of peanuts, sweet sauce, sambal, cucumber, jicama (sengkuang), fried shallots, omelette and the unmistakable crunch from lard fritters.

This combination creates textures and flavours that are satisfying and comforting.

The Melaka lard popiah has julienned cucumber, jicama, chopped peanuts, sweet sauce, fried shallots, fried batter bits, omelette shreds, ‘sambal’ and lard fritters.

In addition to traditional offerings, YL Melaka Popia also serves an innovative mango popiah.

This modern take on the classic dish includes cucumber, jicama (sengkuang), crunchy fried batter bits, mayonnaise, seaweed and fresh mango.

“I have seen people put chicken floss in popiah, but not fruit,” said Pua.

“I thought, why not try mango? It adds a unique sweetness but the taste can vary depending on the season.”

The stall also offers a variety of other popiah options, including the crispy popiah, a popular choice in Kuala Lumpur.

The Melaka lard popiah (foreground) and the sweet-and-sour mango popiah.

The Melaka lard popiah is priced at RM7.50 each, while the mango popiah costs RM9 each.

YL Melaka Popia has grown to three locations, including the stall in SS24 as well as Jalan SS20/11 in Petaling Jaya and Taman Industries in Sungai Buloh.

The SS24 location is managed by Pua’s mother Grace Low, and her uncle Chung Kin Hee.

YL Melaka Popia opens daily from 8am to 4pm, except every second and fourth Tuesday of each month. It is non-halal.

For details, call 019-855 4880 or 012-689 6006.