Primo Puffs

The curry puff: in theory, a great out-of-hand, meal-in-one concept. In reality, one that rarely lives up to its potential.

You know what I mean - sodden with grease when it should be crispy, a miserly bit of insipid, where's-the-curry filling encased in heavy, too-thick dough. The curry puff is a southeast Asian staple that Dave and I had all but given up on until we stumbled across these golden pillows a couple of weeks ago on our way to the Jalan Pasar market in Pudu.

Freshness is key; this vendor fries up his puffs on site. On our way out of the market we were lucky enough to meet a batch fresh out of the well-worn, oil-filled wok that serves as deep-fryer. We scooped up a bagful and, a bit too eager to tuck in, nearly burned the skin off our tongues. A half hour later the puffs had cooled enough to allow a taste test.

Simply put, Tuck Kee's exceptional product has re-ignited my love of the puff. Note the uber-thin pastry, which results in sufficient crisping and limited oil retention. My first bite, in fact, sent a few pastry shards flying. And then there's the heaps of filling (mutton, in this case): sizeable and identifiable chunks of tender meat, sweetly caramelized carrot, and floury potato enrobed in assertive multi-layered curry-ness with a bit of chile zip. This is one aromatically, deliciously stuffed puff - the curry puff of my dreams.

Tuck Kee offers a variety of sweet and savory fillings, and will fill bulk orders for special occasions. Next year, forget the cake - just stick a candle in a pile of Tuck Kee's puffs and I'll be one happy Birthday Girl.

Tuck Kee Curry Puffs, just off Jalan Pasar, kitty-corner to the entrance to the market (right about where the thieves' market starts to peter out), Pudu. 8am-530p. Tel. 016-273-9389.

Comments

[Jackson]

They served a good curry puff! But some time the consistency of the quality is the issue again. Sometimes is good and sometimes not.

[Cupcake]

There used to be a really good curry puff stall in the carpark at the corner of Jalan Imbi and Jalan Barat (the carpark that's a hawker centre at night). I wonder if it's still there?

Cupcake

[Su-Lin]

Oh, my favourite salty, greasy snack!

[Alicia]

not that good la
try another stall at nearby tuck kee
it is inside the PING HWA foodcourt
a chinese lady sell one
better than this uncle's
only sell at morning