Food
Street Food Eats, Carpenter Street Kuching’s China Town is a charming little stretch located in the backstreets of the Main Bazaar near the Kuching Waterfront. Better known as Carpenter Street, it is lined with very old shophouses that have been converted into trendy new bars, music lounges and inns while some shops remain as they were in the olden days. Amidst all these are some of the most famous food joints Kuching has to offer. First, it’s worth mentioning that while the original one is no longer served in Carpenter Street, the Sarawak Laksa was created right here by Teochew immigrant Goh Lik Teck in 1945. He combined more than 30 different spices to create what is now Sarawak’s most iconic dish. Here are some must-try street food eats at Carpenter Street:
Kueh Chap
Pork Satay
Tang Hoon soup
One of the best Kueh Chap in Kuching can be found at Lau Ya Keng food court opposite Hiang Thian Siang Ti temple. The Kueh Chap stall there is the oldest in Sarawak (3 generations) and is renowned for their aromatic soy sauce and herbal broth poured over a bowl of pork belly, pork innards and half an egg with thin rice sheets underneath. Open 6.30am to 2pm for Kueh Chap only, with additional dishes available after 2pm.
The pork satay, also at Lau Ya Keng, is arguably the best in Kuching. At RM0.80 per piece, it remains popular 63 years on. Tender, juicy, savoury, sweet and with a delightful charred flavour, they go perfectly with the accompanying peanut sauce. Available noon to 5pm daily, except Friday.
A bowl of clear soup with stuffed tofu, homemade fish balls, pork balls and glass noodle is perfect for when you want something light yet satisfying. The fish balls are springy and the soup is lightly seasoned yet meaty. The stall owner also owns the pork satay stall, in case you’re wondering. However, the Tang Hoon soup is available from early morning.
68 | BorneoTalkApr-Jun2019