Cover Curry mee is a favourite Malaysian breakfast dish (Photo: iStock)
Curry mee is a favourite Malaysian breakfast dish (Photo: iStock)
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Local chefs recommend where to go for your next bowl of curry mee
Curry mee, also known as curry laksa, is one of the most beloved breakfast and lunch staples in Malaysia. Typically found topped with cockles, taufu pok (tofu puffs), shredded chicken, prawns, and hard boiled eggs, curry mee is a veritable feast in a bowl.
Prepared differently in different regions of Malaysia, curry mee is one of the most versatile dishes you can find in our local cuisine. Some are prepared with a thick and creamy broth, while others are lighter; it all depends on the origin and the maker.
Read more: The best bak kut teh in Malaysia, according to chefs
As each state has its own version of curry mee, each with its own appeal, we turned to these local chefs for their recommendations.
1. Bamboo Cafe
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Penang
Above A bowl of curry mee with all the extras including squid and pig's blood curds (Photo: Instagram / @kristaredbox)
A bowl of curry mee with all the extras including squid and pig's blood curds (Photo: Instagram / @kristaredbox)
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“Bamboo Cafe on Jalan Jelutong in George Town is where I go for my curry mee. I simply order the curry mee as is, but I will always add more pig blood!”
—Su Kim Hock, Restaurant au Jardin
2. Chulia Street Curry Mee
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Penang
Above Chulia Street Curry Mee's bowl, complete with a dollop of sambal for an extra kick (Photo: Instagram / @ksling_ling)
Chulia Street Curry Mee's bowl, complete with a dollop of sambal for an extra kick (Photo: Instagram / @ksling_ling)
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“My favourite bowl of curry mee is at Chulia Street Curry Mee. I grew up eating this curry mee in Penang. The soup has just the right amount of coconut milk that doesn't overpower the flavour of the shrimp. The chilli paste is fragrant and adds a kick to the dish too.”
—Lroy Lim, Ignis
See also: The best chicken rice in Malaysia, according to chefs
3. Serdang Curry Mee
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Seri Kembangan
Above Bukit Serdang's curry mee stall is perfect for a midnight fix (Photo: Foursquare / Joyce T.)
Bukit Serdang's curry mee stall is perfect for a midnight fix (Photo: Foursquare / Joyce T.)
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“My favourite curry mee is located in Bukit Serdang at a place that has no signboard. The place closes at 2am or 3am, which makes it perfect for me to have a good meal after my shift; it’s my dinner.
The soup is tasty, thick, rich, and very flavourful. It is incomparable to other curry mee out there especially when it's priced at around RM8-RM9. We jokingly call it ‘la za mee’, which translates to messy noodles because it is filled to the brim with all manners of ingredients like prawns, chicken, beansprouts, char siu, and more. I even have the owner's number in my phone, that's how much I love this place.”
—Michael Wong, Lai Po Heen
4. Kedai Kopi Hua Nam
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Muar
Above The curry mee at Kedai Kopi Hua Nam is loaded with cockles (Photo: YH Chen/Google Reviews)
The curry mee at Kedai Kopi Hua Nam is loaded with cockles (Photo: YH Chen/Google Reviews)
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“I always visit a kopitiam back home in Muar called Kedai Kopi Hua Nam. There’s a curry mee stall here that I really like because the curry smells amazing and the consistency of the soup is neither too thick nor too watery. They are generous with the cockles and you can add more if you like. The price is also very economical, which makes it even better.”
—Otto Tay, pastry chef
5. Restoran Xin Quan Fang
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Ipoh
Above Lines are consistently long at Restoran Xin Quan Fang (Photo: @hellozizilovepanda/Instagram)
Lines are consistently long at Restoran Xin Quan Fang (Photo: @hellozizilovepanda/Instagram)
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“My top bowl is from Restoran Xin Quan Fang in Ipoh, referred to as “police station curry mee” among locals for being located next to an actual police station. Ask for the dry curry mee that comes with a mixed plate of siew yoke, char siu, poached chicken, prawn, beansprouts, braised pig ears, and pig skin. It’s all brought together with a zingy curry dipping sauce loaded with raw garlic.”
—Elliot Lau, Tonkatsu Kiso
6. Tua Pui Curry Mee
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Penang
Above Tua Pui Curry Mee in George Town is a crowd favourite (Photo: @lancetaey/Instagram)
Tua Pui Curry Mee in George Town is a crowd favourite (Photo: @lancetaey/Instagram)
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“During my short stint in Penang, Tua Pui Curry Mee was my go-to for curry mee. My mantra is ‘no pork blood curds, no life’. I usually order my curry mee with mee hoon. The broth is thicker and richer than other places and the sambal adds just the right kick to the noodles without being overpowering.”
—Sean Thu, Kikubari
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Amanda is a KL-born and raised third culture kid, who lives to eat. If not found reading, writing for Tatler Dining, or snacking, she is most likely playing with her dog, Katsu, sourcing new Birkenstocks, or looking for a new restaurant to venture to.
Follow her on Instagram at @feedingamanda.
