Penang Hokkien Mee aka prawn noodles were never my thing – partly because the versions I’ve eaten in Klang Valley didn’t measure up to what you would get from Penang. Thus, it’s only natural that I never quite paid attention to this dish, until a good friend brought me up to speed with what’s expected of this iconic dish.
Prawn Noodle King, OUG Branch
Prawn Noodle King has been receiving many mixed reviews; the friend in mention who went to the branch in Damansara Utama said it was “absolute rubbish” while others said it was the closest thing to what you’d get in Penang. I had to try it for myself, so Jien and I paid the OUG branch a visit recently.
Prawn noodles with roasted pork & prawn noodles with pork ribs
We ordered two types of prawn mee to share – one with pork ribs (RM14.90) and the other, with roasted pork (RM14.90). Both were pretty good but if I had to pick one, I’d go with the roasted pork. The broth has a good balance of savouriness from the pork bones and sweetness from the prawn head.
Opted for instant noodles for the roasted pork prawn mee
I feel this combo is best because some places do it too sweet while some make it overly porky that it’s hard to taste the prawns. The roasted pork at Prawn Noodle King is crunchy and adequately fatty, so it gives a meaty contrast to the noodles.
The recommended noodle style is mee + bee hoon
On its own, the pork ribs are delicious and it’s also a good addition to the prawn noodles. But these two components work well on their own, not necessarily with each other. I would suggest going for the pork ribs with rice, and prawn noodles with roasted pork.
Penang lor bak
Big prawn char kuay teow
The Penang lor bak (RM15) makes a decent snack while waiting for the noodles to arrive – nothing mind-blowing but a nice munch to share. Skip the big prawn char kuay teow (RM13) altogether because it’s really nothing like the real deal. There was little char to the noodles and hardly any caramelisation or kick in each bite. I guess one can’t expect much from a shop that specialises in prawn noodle.
We tried the Seriously Damn Best Kopi (RM4.50) which is rather Penang-style where the coffee is thick and sweet, rather than thick and bittersweet. If you’re into sweet and “lemak” coffee, this is one for you.
Seriously damn best kopi
Service is quick and they actually offer soup refills for your prawn noodles. The latter is almost unheard of and even if you ask, most places would give you very little top up. In that sense, Prawn Noodle King is pretty generous. Not sure if the other branches do the same as OUG.
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Ambiance: 6/10
Price: 6/10
Food: 7/10 (non-halal)
Verdict: One of the better Penang prawn noodles I’ve had in Klang Valley. Don’t bother ordering the CKT — you’ve been warned.
Prawn Noodle King
4, Jalan Hujan Rahmat 3,
Taman Overseas Union,
58200 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-7971 8117
Business hours: 9am till 3pm, 6pm till 9pm
(closed Thursday)