Kim Lian Kee Restoran

3am supper is not quite my thing. But it is hard to say “no” to D’ famous KL Hokkien Noodles when in KL. As our car pulled up the almost empty Petaling Street in Chinatown, loud, earsplitting clanging sounds of wok and chahn bellowed to us. We know we have found the renowned Kim Lian Kee Restoran.

Within minutes of ordering, the most delicious black, shiny, lip-smacking plate of fried noodles was served. Ooo… the bits of crunchy pork lard which you know is so bad for you but you pretend its not there and chew on anyway!  The thick yellow noodles are speed fried over high heat for the mandatory “wok hei”. Every single strand is coated with the thick, caramel dark soy sauce that is both bitter and savory. Slivers of tender pork, prawns and cabbage add an extra bite in every mouthful.

Before we could wipe the plate down, our second dish appeared.  Moonlight Hor Fun is also black and shiny! A raw egg sits precariously on top the once white flat rice noodles. I’ve had Moonlight Hor Fun countless times in Singapore but this one here is out of this world! I am, well, moonstruck! The hor fun here is cooked pretty much the same way as the Hokkien mee. Same dark, caramel sauce, pork lard and all. It is the silky smooth and delicate texture of the hor fun that makes it absolutely wonderful. This is officially my go-to dish in KL from now on.

The chef! Oh, the Chef was such a delight. He was friendly and cheerful. Chatted with us and made sure we were happy with the food.

A little bit of Googling and I learned that Kim Lian Kee’s been doing this since the 1920s! And the business is currently run by the third generation of the Lee family. There are 2 stalls, both at Petaling Street. Apparently one opens in the day and the other, at night. Guess we were at the latter. I remember having this delicious noodles when I was a kid visiting KL with my family. I know it was at this same street we had it. But I haven’t the slightest idea if it was Kim Lian Kee. Nonetheless, this is quite the National dish and even though my heart is with the Lees, I would like to try other versions. So if anyone out there know another kickass Hak Hak Meen (literally translated Black Black noodles), as I affectionaly call it, do let us know!

Kim Lian Kee Restoran @ 49-51 Jalan Petaling 55100 Kuala Lumpur