Pak Ngah in Bruas
Many years ago, travellers from Lumut or Sitiawan must pass by Bruas, then continue towards the bridge over the mighty Perak River enroute to Ipoh or Teluk Anson (now known as Teluk Intan). Those were the interesting times.
Today few people have heard of Bruas, much less even know where it is !
A dying town no less tho you can still catch the famous Pak Ngah RM2 Laksa Van from nearby Kuala Kangsar.
Mobile laksa rocks & rules, in the most obscure places !
The cendol & laksa town
This royal town by the banks of the Perak River feels slow & boring, with museum-like characteristics. Maybe it is because the slow moving river is rusty in color & looks aged. Cars move along at snail’s pace while the only major activity seems to be near the eating stalls beside the town park ( which is beside the river ). Here many cars are parked, no doubt a place for nasi campur!
More amazingly, there is a food court nearby named appropriately after 2 of Kuala Kangsar’s 2 best loved “delicacies” : cendol & laksa!
This is how they look! Cheap & good!
~sights & tastes of Malaysia~
Lucky Ijok, Selangor
Ijok, a tiny town just outside Kuala Lumpur held an epic by election in 2007 when its State Assemblyman died of a heart attack. In panic mode, the ruling party poured in millions to defend its seat from the fast rising opposition, much to the delight of the residents.
Roads were widened & tarred for miles around & the deadly winding roads on the outskirts straightened. Sure enough, raining dollars ensured a win for the BN, with lacklustre beggar chicken restaurants booming from wing to wind. Sadly tho ( or happily) ,in the follow up general election in 2008, the previouly defeated opposition candidate triumped the second round & went on to secure the coveted post of Menteri Besar of Selangor.
We always remember this humble restaurant facing the bus station, with its simple dishes.
~sights & tastes of Malaysia~
Mountain of food
At Malaysia’s first & only casino/playground situated 5000 feet high up in Genting Highlands, some 40km outside Kuala Lumpur, there is really abundant food.
Just be prepared to pay 3 times more for similar items at ground level.
This solid highland wanton noodles/bbq meat cost a hilly RM17 ringgit, but pretty good with the crisp cool mountain air
~sights & tastes of Malaysia~
Tanjung Tualang, Perak
Local green vegetabless RM8
Steamed catfish -paksukong RM25
Signature prawns-udang galah RM45
Situated within Perak’s previous tin mining belt with its left-over mining ponds & barren land, the little Chinese kampung town with a few shophouses has become a gourmet center of sorts & synonymous with fresh water prawns & fish. The more than 10 “seafood restaurants” here attract hungry food hunters from near and far.
If you are unsure what to order, try the most popular items shown above at this big corner lot ( you can’t miss it! ) for RM80.
~sights & tastes of Malaysia~
Little India, Ipoh
The little street just beside “kopitiam zone” Ipoh old town with its cluster of Indian shops (see the proudly displayed “Chennai” signs? ) & distinctive flowery aroma in the air is now known as Little India. You should walk around the old backstreets to feel the atmosphere. And also to admire some oldie backlane artists reminishing about the broken buildings. Then hop on over for your colorful Indian banana leaf rice, with exciting curries.
Still pretty reasonable starting from RM5 a head.
~sights & tastes of Malaysia~
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