Cantonese Noodles - The Search for Perfection Continues

I fell in love with this dish at a funky little coffee shop in Kuala Terengganu. I pursued my passion at a joint in Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown.

 

Recently the search for the definitive Cantonese noodle took us to Subang Jaya. Not a stranger to us, these noodles had served as appetizer to the glorious clay pot chicken dished up at a neighboring stall. But on that day claypot chicken anticipation, followed by a blissful state of satedness, rendered us incapable of evaluating the noodles on their own merits. We returned to Restoran New Apollos to render fair judgment.

Verdict: sublime.

How do I love these Cantonese noodles? Let me count the ways. One: skillfully executed eggy gravy featuring swirls of still runny yolk (bird flu be damned!). Two: a primo protein mix of large, tender slabs of chicken, fresh squid, and plenty of laudibly 'crunchy' whole shrimp. Three: plenty of crisp-tender, pleasantly bitter Chinese greens to balance the dish's overall richness. Four: rice noodles with substance - wide, thick, and chewy - that more closely resemble Hong Kong-style chow fun than Malaysian-style kuey teow. Bonus point: said nectareous noodles, first stir-fried solo in dark soy, retain their slightly caramelized wok-y char even after they're drowned in gravy.

Cantonese noodles aren't the only trick up this vendor's sleeve. We splurged - at 20 ringgit - on a plate of big prawn noodles.

 

While the gravy - gingery, thick with egg, and rich with roe - was a stunner and the prawns generously sized, this dish just didn't have the 'wow' factor of the Cantonese noodles.

Unless someone out there's got a convincing Cantonese noodle story to sway me, I'm calling off the search.

Cantonese noodles, at 5 RM (also: big prawn noodles, beef noodles, and Singapore noodles) at Restoran New Apollos. 2 Jalan USJ 4/6B, Subang Jaya. Till 4pm.

Comments

[foodcrazee]

from ur description, do try the noodles in Imperial Rama Restaurant up in Genting Highlands . Located on 2nd Floor Highlands Hotel

[Piggy]

Love your photos! the cantonese noodle looks so delicious! i'm hungry... slurp!

[slau]

For the best big prawn noodles, it has to this place.
http://kyspeaks.com/2006/03/08/ky-eats-fresh-prawn-noodle-at-restaurant-green-view-ss2/

[Easily Pleased]

YUMMMMMMMM. i am so jealous.

[quentina]

I've been on my own search in Vancouver for the perfect the same Cantonese noodles! It's a childhood favourite of mine from KK. Ooey, gooey goodness! Thanks again for the lovely words and pics.

[Robyn]

Yes all, I do love these noodles. Thanks for other recs - slau, I've been to Greenview a few times and I agree, those sang har mee really set the standard. Suppose I should blog it, but everyone already knows it.

Good luck quentina, I never found anything this delish in the States.

[Cin]

so are they the same as Sar Hor Fun? I love the eggy, creamy appearance of the dish - could definitely do with a plate right now.

And, man, Subang Jaya brings bakc memories. We used to go to a club there where dad would play squash while we swam in the pool and then had cucumber sandiwiches for afternoon tea...

[Cynthia Ahmar]

Could you perhaps email me your Cantonese Noodle recipe, if you have one? ^_^

Cynthia

[Lynda D.]

Having lived in Malaysia for 6 years I have dreamed of having Cantonese Noodles again. As I looked at your pics my mouth watered. I now need to find a recipe.