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KL is brimming with dining diversity, offering a plethora of options from Asian to Western cuisines. Amidst the city’s renowned eateries, there’s a wealth of local eateries waiting to be explored. One such local gem is Hakkatiam Recipe situated in Batu 11 Cheras.
Though I can’t quite recall how I discovered it, this eatery reignited my eagerness to explore KL’s local flavours, especially with its mouthwatering claypot yee mee— a dish that I’ve been craving for some time.
For more than two decades, Hakkatiam Recipe has been a staple in the neighbourhood, operating from a residential property. Without any signage at the storefront, visitors should keep an eye out for the distinct blue-coloured house to locate it.
As I stepped into the establishment, I was approached by a friendly uncle who spotted my confusion. He mentioned that there used to be a banner outside, but it had succumbed to the passage of time.
The counter exuded a homely ambience. Though appearing somewhat disorderly to outsiders, it felt like a harmonious chaos, where the staff alone knew the precise organisation.
After placing my order at the counter, I found relief from the sweltering heat by sitting under the fan. The dining area was occupied by 2-3 tables of patrons, all of whom seemed to be regular customers.
What I tried at Hakkatiam Recipe
Impelled by my yearning, I opted for a serving of Claypot Yee Mee (RM10 for small). To my surprise, the dish exceeded my expectations in size, boasting ample noodles and a generous serving of minced meat, adorned with freshly-chopped spring onions; all served in a sizable claypot.
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Despite the scorching weather, I eagerly indulged in the steaming hot soup without hesitation. My initial sip was pleasant— the broth carried a robust flavour of fried shallots, complemented by a subtle hint of the noodles’ aroma mingling within. However, as I continued, I noticed a growing saltiness. If you appreciate bold flavours, this dish may be just right for you.
Next on the list were the noodles. They had absorbed the rich aroma from being oil-fried before being simmered in the soup. With each spoonful, I could taste the subtle fragrance lingering in my mouth. While the texture didn’t quite reach the al dente level I prefer, it wasn’t overly soft either, requiring just the right amount of chewing.
Continuing with the minced meat, I took a bite and was pleasantly surprised by its umami flavour. It caught me off guard, as I typically don’t prefer minced meat in soup, but this one was truly enjoyable. Although it didn’t quite achieve the desired level of tenderness, the minced meat still impressed me with its flavourful profile.
Final thoughts
Even though I wasn’t particularly hungry that day, this dish revitalised me and tempted me to indulge in one bite after another. However, I found the soup to be a bit too intense in flavour for my taste. Apart from this, everything else was enjoyable.
Should you find yourself in Cheras, be sure to visit Hakkatiam Recipe for a comforting bowl of noodles. Alongside claypot yee mee, they offer a diverse selection of dishes including curry mee and pan mee. I’ll certainly be returning not only for its inviting atmosphere but also to explore more of its menu options.
Expected damage: RM9 – RM12 per pax
