2013-02-11 A town called Ampang
By Lintang Bob Yong
Ampang is (or was?) famous for its Hakka Yong Tau Foo (客家釀豆腐). During my early working life, I used to travel from Kuala Lumpur City to Ampang Town; an approximately 10 kilometers drive, just to have Yong Tau Foo for lunch.
Today being the 2nd day of Chinese New Year which
is a public holiday in Malaysia, my wife and I decided to revisit this town
that we had not set foot for more than 15 years.
We were aware that most Chinese eateries would be closed for
business because of the Chinese New Year celebrations. We just wanted to take
advantage of the lesser traffic on the roads and could take a slow drive so
that we would have more time to look around. Many years ago, Ampang was a small
town situated at the outskirt of Kuala Lumpur. As I drove along, I found out
that the area surrounding Ampang Town has changed beyond recognition and we
could see tremendous economic developments all along the roads. As we reached
the town, we were surprised to see that the row of shop houses standing on both
sides of the narrow road still looked the same as they were. Obviously, shops that
are run by the Chinese were closed. The Yong Tau Foo shop we were looking for
was closed too.
We were aware that most Chinese eateries would be closed for
business because of the Chinese New Year celebrations. We just wanted to take
advantage of the lesser traffic on the roads and could take a slow drive so
that we would have more time to look around. Many years ago, Ampang was a small
town situated at the outskirt of Kuala Lumpur. As I drove along, I found out
that the area surrounding Ampang Town has changed beyond recognition and we
could see tremendous economic developments all along the roads. As we reached
the town, we were surprised to see that the row of shop houses standing on both
sides of the narrow road still looked the same as they were. Obviously, shops that
are run by the Chinese were closed. The Yong Tau Foo shop we were looking for
was closed too.
It was well passed lunch time. We were looking for something
to eat. The Old Town White Coffee Restaurant was open and we stopped by for
lunch. The set-lunch ‘8 Treasure Bowl’ specially prepared for the Spring Festive
Season caught my curiosity and I ordered it for my meal. Surprisingly I found
it deliciously good. I am looking forward to have another go at it soon.
It was truly a short trip down memory lane.
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