NOT everyone likes their char siew (barbecued pork) coated in a thick caramelised glaze.
For those who prefer the meat to be more savoury, Hoong Kee Barbeque Wanton Mee in Taman Muda, Ampang, offers a version that may be more to their liking.
Operating as Restoran Hoong Kee, the husband-and-wife team has been serving handmade noodles and charcoal-barbecued meats for about 30 years.
The business spent many years operating near Kampung Baru Ampang before moving to its current location near the Taman Muda morning market four years ago.
Their signature dry-style wantan mee comes with handmade noodles, slices of char siew and flavourful wantan dumplings in a clear soup.
The noodles have a pleasant springy texture and are tossed with just enough sauce to coat them without overpowering the other ingredients.
For those who find the usual char siew too sweet, the version here is a good alternative.
According to the owner Ah Fan, barbecuing the meat over charcoal gives it a subtle smoky aroma.
The restaurant makes char siew twice a day to ensure it is fresh for customers.
The pork dumplings are flavourful and a nice accompaniment to the noodles.
A portion of wantan mee costs RM10 and upwards, with flat noodles available as an alternative to egg noodles.
The homemade siu yuk (roast meat) is another highlight, with wonderfully crispy crackling and tender, juicy meat.
It is flavourful without being overly salty, while the seasoning is well balanced enough to let the natural taste of the meat come through.
The restaurant also serves curry mee and chicken rice throughout the day.
Hoong Kee offers sufficient indoor seating for customers even though it gets busy in the morning because it is a popular breakfast spot for market-goers.
However, the restaurant is not just a breakfast or lunch spot, it also operates in the evening when porridge is available alongside other dishes.
The kopi peng (iced local coffee) is also worth ordering.
It is creamy without being overly sweet and has a strong coffee flavour, making it a good accompaniment to the noodles.
The family takes turns running the restaurant, with the couple managing the business during the day and their son taking over at night.
Hoong Kee Barbeque Wanton Mee is located at No.82G, Jalan Bunga Tanjung 8, Taman Muda, Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.
It is open from 6am to 2pm and again from 5pm to 10pm, but closed on Wednesday.
