Besides Heun Kee, there is another claypot chicken rice stall worth trying in Pudu. And for you claypot chicken rice lovers out there, you should not call yourself one until you have given this one a try.
This nameless stall operates at the side of 168 coffee shop (not to be confused with the 168 selling curry mee) in Pudu right opposite the famous Sek Yuen restaurant. It has been in business for over 33 years, which means I was not even born yet when they first started out.
If the number of charcoal stoves and clay pots is a measure of success for claypot chicken rice business, then this stall wins hands down.
Even though the stall owners employ several foreign staff, they only assisted at wrapping the food, washing and other menial tasks. All the ingredient portioning and cooking were still done by the boss himself and that always leaves me with a good impression. Many would have taken the easy way out and let the hired hands do all the work while they sit back, relax and wait for the money to roll in.
A strong smoky aroma hit our noses as soon as the claypot chicken rice arrived sizzling hot on our table. Since the heat from the charcoal fired stove was so intense, the clay pot continued to cook and that formed a layer of extra-fragrant crusty rice at the bottom. Overall it was a well-rounded dish complete with chunky chicken pieces that were fresh and deliciously juicy.
We wanted to order soft drinks at first, but the ladyboss effortlessly coerced us into ordering her lotus root soup which was said to be a cooling remedy. To our surprise, this unassuming looking soup was loaded with dried scallops, red dates and actual pork meat instead of the usual cheap parts like chicken feet or neck. It really had the classic ‘slow-fire’ taste, comforting and soothing yet packed with flavours.
The soup here is like over 9000 times better than what Choong Kee serves. Absolutely steal @ RM5/bowl, 10/10 will order again. Thanks si tao poh for the recommendation!
Claypot Chicken RiceKedai Kopi Pudu Satu Enam Lapan
Jalan Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 5.30pm to 10.30pm
