The Authentic Taste of Penang Popiah Basah
PETALING JAYA: If you live in the Klang Valley, you know there’s no shortage of eateries claiming to bring the taste of your kampung right to your plate – whether it’s Laksa Johor, Penang Nasi Kandar, or Ipoh Chicken Rice.
A Well-Kept Secret
But with so many popping up, how do you separate the truly authentic from the imitators? Every now and then, you stumble upon a spot that gets it just right – and when that happens, it deserves the spotlight.
Penang Popiah Basah: A Local Favourite
The "Penang Popiah Basah" of Seksyen 14, Petaling Jaya, is a well-kept secret among longtime locals, and once you’ve had a taste, you’ll understand why.
A Humble Stall with a Rich History
Tucked away in a corner of Kompleks Pasar dan Medan Selera Seksyen 14, this humble stall is run by Haleel Rahuman Zainudin, an Indian-Muslim from Air Itam, Penang.
A Family Affair
FMT Lifestyle dropped by the stall around 2pm – just as they were setting up for the day. But even before the shutters rolled up, eager customers were already waiting in line. Wasting no time, Haleel chatted while swiftly assembling popiahs – a craft he’s been perfecting since he was 14. And for context, he’s now 63.
The Secret to Their Success
According to Haleel, what sets the Penang version apart is that all the ingredients are cooked – unlike the Chinese version popular in Selangor, which typically includes raw vegetables.
Generational Recipe
Haleel told FMT Lifestyle that their generational recipe has remained unchanged through the years. He starts cooking as early as 5am every day.
A Delicious Treat
His popiah features classic ingredients like sengkuang (jicama), long beans, fried onions, sambal, and sweet sauce, all topped with one fresh prawn. But the real secret has to be in their homemade sauces and the popiah skin, made from scratch by Haleel. And the best part? Each one costs just RM1.60.
The Verdict
FMT Lifestyle gave it a try and it didn’t disappoint. The flavours were incredibly fresh, but the real star of the experience was the soft popiah skin. Inside, each bite bursts with layers of flavour and a hint of tang. Finding that one prawn hidden inside feels like a little surprise.
Conclusion
So, while Ramadan may be over, don’t wait till next year’s – remember these popiahs are here for you to enjoy all year round!
FAQs
Q: What sets Penang Popiah Basah apart from other popiah stalls?
A: The Penang version is unique because all the ingredients are cooked, unlike the Chinese version popular in Selangor, which typically includes raw vegetables.
Q: How long has Haleel been making popiah?
A: Haleel has been making popiah since he was 14 years old.
Q: How much does each popiah cost?
A: Each popiah costs just RM1.60.
Q: What are the business hours of Penang Popiah Basah?
A: The business hours are from 2pm to 5pm daily.
Q: How can I contact Penang Popiah Basah?
A: You can contact them at 014-230 7921.
Address
Penang Popiah Basah
Level 1, Kompleks Pasar dan Medan Selera Seksyen 14
Jalan 14/20
46100 Petaling Jaya
Selangor