I think (think only ah...) That I've unearthed a hidden gem
Chai kueh - it is said that it was of Teo Chew origin, but Hakka people also love it. In fact there are many version in the market.
When I first came to Batu Pahat, the developer who's also from KL told me about the awesome chai Kueh (vegetable dumpling, just in case you're wondering) that he'd tried in a relatively unknown kopitiam in Taman Banang Jaya, about 5km away from the town centre. So good that everytime he's in town, he will allocate one morning just to go there and savour the traditional savoury Chinese snack. Gotta admit.. that certainly intrigues me..
But... There's a catch - the chai kueh always sell out fast, and according to him everything will sell out before 8.30am (sometimes earlier). There are 2 ways... Be there very early when they open for business, or call them (if you're regular customer.. he is) to order so they will keep for you.
That morning, we arrived at the kopitiam around 9am - at our own sweet time without rushing to wake up and get ready after a long night drinking (wine & whisky). Lucky for us, a box of 30 pieces were waiting for us.
Leo's verdict:
1) the skin was soft, chewy and translucent and it reflects greatly on the maker's skill to get the skin consistency right. Unlike the Muar's chai kueh that I had earlier, the difference is like heaven & earth.
2) size-wise it's bigger than the regular chai kueh you'd find in Klang Valley.. almost twice the size. He told me that he could only eat maximum three before feeling full. I ate four - and then I realised that I should have listened to him.
3) The filling was jicama and carrot - the former was more - and it was not soggy. As jicama contains a lot of water, it takes skill to make it crunchy and the right consistency.
4) the accompanying sambal was the bomb! Complemented the chai kueh perfectly.
Nothing much to shout about the kopi/teh. Apart from chai kueh, the kopitiam also sells economy mee hoon and noodle plus other side dishes to the breakfast crowds. I'd tried and its economic enough to fill the tummy without breaking the wallet 😂
Note: try to be there early to be able to taste the chai kueh. Alternatively get the phone number (sorry I didn't have it) and call in advance to reserve.
