Mali's Corner

Outlet: Mali's Corner

Where: Platinum Walk, Setapak

What: Char Kuey Teow, hawker food in a trendy place

Mali's Char Kuey Teow is so popular among KL-ites that its reputation is legendary, and can rank itself in the same hawker-fare bracket as Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa, Hokkien fried noodle, and others of its genre, as one of KL's must-try food. An appearance in Astro Prima's Warung Kita programme brought our attention to this particular warung (featured was Mali's original location in Wangsa Maju). However, Mali's has moved into the upmarket with an outlet at the Platinum Walk in Setapak.

The outlet is simple, nice and ordinary - so it fits the hawker food that it serves. Practicing the self-service concept, walk up to the counter and order. But you can have only char kuey teow, nasi lemak and nasi ayam hainan (up to 4 p.m.) here.

Pic 1 and 2: The service counters.

So go for the big one - order Char Kuey Teow Special - special because it is served with shrimps. And the shrimps are a lot - we counted nine succulent, big ones in the dish. As for the taste, it was just so mesmerising, every spoonful was majestic it simply melted in our mouth. You just want to have more.

Pic 3 and 4: Savour the succulent Char Kuey Teow Special. And empty your plate. See how many shrimps are served.

We also tried the nasi lemak - erm, well, it tasted like any average nasi lemak.

Verdict:

Staff: Friendly enough, but I do have a minor grouse - its self-service concept. When you serve hawker fare and only have three dishes on the menu, perhaps self-service is not the way to do it.

Decor: Simple but comfortable enough. But the open kitchen was a nice addition, so you can drool while they fry your order of char kuey teow.

Pic above: More dining space at the upper level of the outlet.

Food: Aiseh, no need to repeat myself here. Mali's deserves a spot in the Travel Channel as one of KL's international-class hawker food. Bourdain, try this one out.

Coming back: Definitely absolutely. KL's finest.