Teochew Lao Er,
6 Jalan Brunei,
Off Jalan Pudu,
Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2141 5822
For simple, good food that doesn’t break the bank, try Tery Pork and Teochew Lao Er.
WHENEVER my wallet goes through a lean spell but I still crave for good food to satisfy my voracious appetite, there are two eateries that I’d patronise.
Depending on my mood, I’d either chow down on hearty porky dishes at Tery Pork or find comfort in the homely offerings of Teochew Lao Er. In spite of their simple “no frills” setting, both outlets are air-conditioned (a big plus point for diners who want to escape the scorching weather) and the food is delicious yet reasonably priced.
East meets West
Teriyaki is the base for the different sauces and marinades concocted by former hotel chef Loh Chon Hor for Tery Pork, a casual cafe that prides itself on a mixture of East-West dishes.
Whether you’re in the mood for simple fare such as sandwiches and sausages or heartier rice and noodle dishes, you’d be glad to know prices at Tery Pork start from RM9.90 onwards.
The Ramen with Braised Pork Meat (RM13.90+), which has springy noodles complemented by tender chunks of braised belly pork wrapped in crispy fried bacon, half a hard-boiled egg and blanched vegetables, is one of our favourites.
A dish that’s reminiscent of mother’s cooking is the Stewed Minced Pork Rice with Braised Baby Pork Leg (RM14.90+), which is accompanied by sliced Thai sausage, a sunny-side-up egg and salad with curried dressing on the side.
Scrumptious: Cook yourself Stone Bowl Rice with Belly Pork and Salted Fish.Those who are partial to Western fare will enjoy the West East Sausage Platter (RM25+) which comprises a tempting trio of smoked, garlic and Thai sausages on a bed of creamy mashed potato and side salad, Breaded Pork Chop King with Cheese (RM18+ single, RM28+ double) or the Crispy Pizza with Roast Pork and Minced Meat (RM9.90+).
If you have extra cash to spare, try the indulgent Baby Back Rib (RM38+) that has been left overnight in a special marinade before it is grilled to perfection. You’d find the fall-off-the-bone tender ribs well-suffused with deep-seated sweet, smoky and fruity nuances.
Tery Pork’s “cook it yourself” Stone Bowl Rice with Belly Pork and Salted Fish (RM9.90+) is a hybrid creation inspired by the Korean speciality of bibimbap and Chinese claypot rice.
The resultant dish tastes similar to fried rice that stays piping hot in the stone bowl as you devour it.
Tery Pork’s Kuchai Entrepreneurs Park outlet comes with additional seating and karaoke facilities on the upper level, making it an ideal venue for small gatherings and private parties while the Southgate branch is ample enough to cater to the working crowd around the Sungai Besi industrial area.
Indulge in a Ramen with Braised Pork Meat at Tery Pork.Kafe Tery Pork, 38 Jalan Kuchai Maju 10, Kuchai Entrepreneurs Park, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-7982 3188. Branch: C-1-6, Level 1 Block C, Pusat Komersial Southgate, 2 Jalan Dua Off Jalan Chan Sow Lin, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-9226 0216
Blast from the past
Whenever I’m in the Pudu area, I’d inevitably end up at Teochew Lao Er for its selection of humble, rustic fare that’s akin to home-cooking.
Apparently the family that runs the restaurant today used to operate a chap fan (economical mixed rice) stall some 30 years ago in Pudu, dishing out Teochew porridge and rice to go with dishes such as chopped pickled radish, fried salted fish, crispy fried anchovies and stewed peanuts.
Today, those timeless dishes still draw the crowd but the stall has now been transformed into a full-fledged restaurant that occupies a double-storey shophouse.
Aside from its popular Teochew Sweet Potato Porridge (RM1.20), I’d recommend the Kueh Chap (RM2.50, small; RM5, large), silky smooth squares of flat rice noodle sheets in a dark, soya sauce-based broth, and the classic rare treat of Teochew Glutinous Rice Cake (RM2.50).
Some of the house specialities that should take you down memory lane include Tender Red Stewed Duck (RM12-RM46 depending on portion size), Fluffy Fried Oyster Omelette With Salted Turnip (RM8-RM16), Fried Garoupa Skin (RM8) with soy beans, bird’s eye chilli and tomato sauce, and Crunchy-chewy Red Stewed Pig’s Ear (RM3-RM10).
This is truly the place for a cheap and cheerful dose of nostalgic food.
