An assortment of apam balik with a variety of toppings.
Shah Alam stall has 32 topping options for folded pancake
A popular street food that’s ubiquitous at stalls and food courts is apam balik. However, one stall in Shah Alam, Selangor, has unusual variations.
At Jalan Mat Raji in Kampung Padang Jawa, Apam Balik Kuhot is popular.
It also sells the stuffed folded pancake online.
Apam Balik Kuhot had its start in February 2018 at Bercham in Ipoh, Perak.
Since then, it has expanded to 18 branches throughout Johor, Selangor, Terengganu and Kelantan.
Muhammad Syukri and his wife started the stall during the pandemic. — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
The Shah Alam branch that opened in August 2020 is operated by Muhammad Syukri Noor Azmi, 34, with his wife.
“I’ve always been a fan of apam balik. It’s my favourite food,” he said.
Even at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Apam Balik Kuhot continued to operate as the bulk of its orders was online food delivery platforms.
Muhammad Syukri said, “Our speciality is Apam Pizza beef and chicken pepperoni. You can’t find it anywhere else”.
However, the original apam balik with chopped peanuts, sugar and creamy sweet corn is still the bestseller.
Apam Balik Kuhot has sweet and savoury topping options.
“The original apam balik is a classic. Everyone gravitates towards that,” said Muhammad Syukri.
Among the 32 apam balik variations offered at the stall are Nutella peanut butter, Nutella strawberry, Oreo, Chocolate banana and Butterscotch.
The pancakes are also available in different sizes.
A large apam balik can cost between RM6 and RM13 while a mini apam balik ranges from RM2.20 to RM9.
Muhammad Syukri said there were various ways to test the pan’s temperature to make the apam balik.
The original apam balik is still the bestseller at the stall.
“Some people place their hands over the pan to evaluate its temperature.”
He said he preferred to sprinkle a pinch of sugar instead to test the pan’s temperature.
“If the sugar melts, I know it’s hot enough to pour in the batter.”
The batter mixture originates from the headquarters in Ipoh and the couple buys the toppings for the apam balik.
Apam Balik Kuhot also offers catering services for weddings and private events.
The Shah Alam stall operates from 10am to 8pm, daily, except two Saturdays a month.
The weekends are the busiest since 80% of orders are from online food delivery platforms.
Apam Balik Kuhot Shah Alam is located at Lot 1416, Jalan Mat Raji, Kampung Padang Jawa.
For details, call 013-366 2341.
