Uncle Chua Prawn Mee, Kepong

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Uncle Chua Prawn Mee in Kepong is recommended to me by some of my followers, who claim this shop does it better than the one . This recommendation intrigued me because Penang prawn noodles are a huge debate – some like it sweeter, some want it lighter, and some want it porkier.

Located nearby my favourite roast duck and char siew shop, Uncle Chua Prawn Mee’s interior is bright and modern, with wall decals of their signature items including ways to best enjoy the noodles. We ordered a portion of Prawn Noodle (RM6.90 – small, RM8.90 – large), Dry Prawn Noodle (RM6.90 – small, RM8.90 – large) and Lam Mee (RM7.50).

The menu is straightforward, centred around their signature items and house special chilli sauce mix. To enjoy the prawn noodles, you’re encouraged to first sip the broth as it is, then slowly mix in the chilli sauce to enhance the flavour of the noodles.

At first sip, the broth reminds me of the prawn noodle shop I used to patronise in Bukit Mertajam. It errs towards the lighter side (texture-wise) but packs plenty of sweetness from the prawns – cleaner taste too. When the chilli mix is added, the broth intensifies and the richness of the prawns follow through stronger. The chilli mix is one element I like at Uncle Chua Prawn Mee.

We didn’t care much for the dry prawn noodle, though it’s quite decent and a good option for those who want something “out of the box”. For me, I feel prawn noodles should always be enjoyed the classic way – a mix of vermicelli and yellow noodles, in sweet but non-unctuous broth. The small bowl of prawn stock on the side is definitely headier in flavour compared to the soup version, but just slightly.

I was told they ran out of Lam Mee when I first placed my order, but as we reached the end of our meal, Jien overheard the staff telling the owner that “the lam mee is ready”. Checked again, and lam mee was available so we ordered one to try.

Like the prawn mee, Uncle Chua has a recommended way of eating lam mee – to taste the gravy as it is, then add the chilli sauce mix and finally, some vinegar. On its own, the gravy is egg-y with a mild sweetness from the seafood and pork stock. I like it, though I reckon lam mee is different in each Penang household (like pongteh). If you’re a Penang-ite, correct me if I’m wrong.

I had a quick chat with the owner and according to him, Uncle Chua Prawn Mee isn’t from Penang. He’s from KL though his wife is from Penang. Penang-ite or not, I feel the prawn mee at Uncle Chua is worth checking out. Prices are fairly reasonable though I wished portions are larger. The large bowls are still a tad small in my opinion. ;)

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Ambiance: 6/10
Price: 6.5/10
Food: 7.5/10 (non-halal)
Verdict: Go for the prawn noodles (soup) and lam mee. This tastes closer to the Penang version, I reckon.

Uncle Chua Prawn Mee
16, Jalan Medan Putra 4,
Medan Putra Business Centre,
52200 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-6261 6751
Business hours: 8am till 3pm
(closed Monday)