Penang Asam Laksa and Cendol Food Truck in Taman Ungku Tun Aminah (TUTA), Johor Bahru, Malaysia

 

 

Mdm Wong and her husband started their first food truck in 2006 and today, through sheer hard work and dedication, they have 3 food trucks selling Penang Asam Laksa and Cendol around the TUTA and Skudai area.

We paid Mdm Wong a visit recently to try her Penang Asam Laksa and cendol.

Mdm Wong's food truck is located along this back lane in Taman Ungku Tun Aminah from 11:00am to 6:30pm daily. It is tucked in the narrow back lane behind Jalan Pahlawan 1 and between two rows of shophouses. Personally, I found back lane dining charming though it may not appeal to everyone. 

The asam laksa broth was made with tamarind, spices and fish. Mdm Wong said it takes many hours to brew this broth to the right taste and flavour. There was enough fish in the broth which blended well with the tamarind and spices. The broth was subtly tangy, sweet from the fish meat, with hints of spiciness and perkiness from chillies. At the more average Asam Laksa stalls which use little fish, the tamarind sourness is the dominant taste, which I do not appreciate.

In addition to the fish used to make the broth, Mdm Wong scooped a spoonful of fish flakes into each bowl of her Penang Asam Laksa just  before serving. This gives her Penang Asam Laksa broth additional fresh fish flavours and mouth feel. 

For a reasonable RM4 we get a bowl of tasty Penang Asam Laksa loaded with spices, fish flakes and fresh garnishings.

The indispensable prawn sauce for Penang Asam Laksa. Mdm Wong got the basic sauce from a supplier and then blends it herself. Neither overly salty nor too sweet, it was just nice and well balanced. Add in a dash to raise the umami quotient of the broth.

This cendol for RM1.50

Mdm Wong also serves a good cendol. Like the Penang Asam Laksa everything is homemade by Mdm Wong's family.

The green pandan "worms" which takes a few hours to make.

That same evening (Weds), we dropped by the pasar malam at TUTA and who did we find busy selling Penang Asam Laksa and cendol? Mdm Wong and her husband! They worked so hard and so long hours!

Restaurant name: No name food truck (if vehicle plate number is a name, look out for JEA 9218)
Address: Back lane off Jalan Pahlawan 1, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, Johor Bahru
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/CzfqC
GPS: 1.521277,103.662748
Hours: 11:00am to 6:00pm daily. Also operates at the pasar malam in the TUTA and Skudai areas.
Non Halal

Date visited: 5 Dec 2012