Welcome back, readers! I have travelled to Penang recently and will post a series of foods there in the coming weeks!
Today, we are zooming in on a dying art of a tradition, bamboo noodles (jook-sing min in Cantonese).
The Marvel of Bamboo Noodles
Bamboo noodles, or "jook sing noodles," showcase traditional noodle craftsmanship from Hong Kong. This age-old technique involves kneading the dough using a thick bamboo pole, which infuses the noodles with a unique elasticity.
The secret behind the springiness? The mixture of dough using bread flour, duck eggs (traditionally) and lye water, kneaded with a bamboo pole in a process that requires both skill and strength. Look how it is physically demanding in the video below.
Fortunately, we don't have to travel Hong Kong for it as there is a shop in Penang keeping this tradition alive!
Tok Tok Mee Bamboo Noodle has been operating for 7 to 8 years in Penang. They are also in the MICHELIN Guide in 2023.
Not only do they make noodles by themselves, but they also supply noodles to other places! The boss told me that they supply the noodles using machines, but the noodles you eat at their restaurant all are freshly hand-made.
The Ordered Dish
Classic Tok Tok Mee noodle Soup Small ( 8.90 RM )
We are going for the classic, Hong Kong-style wanton noodles served traditionally in soup. The serving size is good for small eaters. Noodles, wantons and soup in a bowl.
Noodles exceeded my high expectations! It is springy with that aromatic taste of the eggs. I suspect they have de-alkaline the noodles as the alkaline taste seems non-existent.
Wanton are huge, wrapped with minced pork and carrots. 1st time to have this combination of fillings, not bad can be better.
Soup is simple but rich with pork lard to level up the aroma. superb pairing with the noodles, not soggy at all!
Penang Food: Thoughts
It is fortunate to have someone to keep these traditional culinary skills alive without travelling to Hong Kong! Perfect, al dente noodles with a great broth. Wantons are good too just not my type though.
The bad thing is we can't find bamboo noodles in Singapore. the closest we can find is duck egg wanton noodles, which is Tampoi Ah B Wanton Noodles
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Forks
Location
Tok Tok Mee Bamboo Noodle
Address: 37, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening hours: 9.30 am to 7.30 pm, Closed on Thursday
Social Media: Facebook
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