Chicken Curry Rice: 5-year-old stall with mala pork noodles & dry spicy ramen by Burmese couple

I’m back with another review in our neighbouring country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Alice and I headed to Medan Selera Everyday Foodcourt after a 40-minute drive to Puchong. Amidst the wide variety of cuisines available, a stall named Chicken Curry Rice immediately grabbed my attention.

Its menu was a mish-mash of Japanese dishes, including ramen, alongside Thai specialties and Chinese fried rice variations.

However, what added to my confusion was when the stall owner approached me for my order and I realised she wasn’t Malaysian. Upon further inquiry, I discovered that the entire family running the stall hailed from Myanmar, and the stall itself had been in operation for about 5 years.

It was a disappointing start as many of the dishes I wanted to order, such as sushi rolls, cold soba, and other options, were unavailable.

“Oh no, did I choose the wrong stall to review?” I pondered silently while a growing sense of skepticism and self-doubt started to take hold.

What I tried at Chicken Curry Rice

While waiting for my food, I observed both husband and wife diligently cooking and plating the dishes. Their older son was assigned the task of serving the food to our table. It was impressive to see the entire family actively involved in running the stall.

Without batting an eyelid, Alice and I ordered the Dry Spicy Ramen (RM10) as we are both fans of spicy food… or so we thought. The noodles arrived, accompanied by pork bits and sesame seeds, with a rather sad-looking hard-boiled egg by the side. Additionally, a bowl of miso soup was served alongside the dish.

As I mixed the components together, the strands of ramen gradually took on a rosy hue, seemingly absorbing all the fiery essence of the spicy gravy concealed beneath, like a spy revealing its true colours.

Both of us took our first mouthful with our forks and the spice hit us instantly. In a race for relief, we hurriedly reached for a sip of our ice-cold beverages. Our tongues were ignited with heat, while tiny droplets of sweat formed on my scalp and forehead.

Despite the unbearable spice kick, I found myself unable to resist the allure and succumbed to consecutive mouthfuls. The noodles were also bouncy and perfectly cooked.

The miso soup was decent with pieces of silky tofu and seaweed. It also effectively extinguished the fiery intensity of the Dry Spicy Ramen.

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Longing for omurice, I couldn’t help but give in to temptation when I stumbled upon Pattaya Fried Rice (RM9) on the menu and immediately proceeded to order it. The golden, open-faced omelette on top was adorned with an artfully-drizzled chilli sauce, resembling the sun I would lovingly draw on a handwritten card.

As I delicately parted the layer of the egg, revealing the hidden treasure of fried rice beneath, I caught smoky whiffs of fragrance that emanated from within.

The fried rice showcased a harmonious blend of pork slices, thinly-sliced French beans, carrot bits, and egg. To my surprise, the wok hei was distinctly present, perfectly complementing the omelette atop the dish.

If you’re planning to send your taste buds on a thrilling adventure, I’ll recommend adding the sliced chilli padi drenched in soy sauce by the side; this condiment will provide a savoury and spicy kick.

For the final dish, we decided to try their Mala Pork Noodle Soup (RM10). The bowl consisted of thin rice noodles immersed in mala broth, accompanied by thin but large pieces of pork belly, poached egg, fresh lettuce and coriander on top.

The pork belly slices blew me away as the creamy richness of the fat melted effortlessly on my tongue, providing an unparalleled sensation. Only those who appreciate the indulgence of fatty meat can truly comprehend the immense satisfaction it brings. Lean meat lovers (including my mum); you guys are truly missing out!

While the mala fragrance and taste of the broth were undeniably great, it was unfortunate that the seasoning fell slightly short and was bland for the both of us.

Final thoughts

If you’re ever at Medan Selara Everyday Foodcourt, why not pay a visit to Curry Chicken Rice? Having said that , it is my hope that they take steps to update their menu promptly, should they decide to discontinue certain dishes. This way, they can prevent any potential disappointment for customers right from the start.

Expected damage: RM9 – RM14 per pax

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