If you’ve come across Jalan Pudu in the last 70 years, chances are you’ve seen one of KL’s oldest surviving restaurants, Sek Yuen. Founded in 1948 by three brothers, Phang Chew Kan, Phang Meng Yun and Phang Shue Tang, the Cantonese restaurant is now succeeded by more than 80 descendants from the same family. They are well-known for serving traditional Cantonese dishes such as Cold Jelly Chicken and Butterflied Roast Duck, the way it has been made since its inception.
Sek Yuen Began As A Wantan Mee Cart
The Sek Yuen story started in the 1940s during World War II, with the founding brothers selling wantan mee from a humble push cart in a hawker centre. Eventually, they built a simple structure with some shade and started expanding their menu to include the dishes we still see today. Affordable dimsum was also part of their offerings in the morning, for early-risers that didn’t have much money post-war like traders, newspaper vendors and rubber tappers.
Sek Yuen Retains Its Original Decorations
In 1953, they built their first restaurant stall along Jalan Pudu which still stands today. Dining here will transport you back in time – its stall adorned with original knick-knacks, photos, and aged ceiling fans. 20-years later, they opened their second outlet which became one of the first air-conditioned eateries in KL. While the area developed into a modern town, Sek Yuen remained the same.
Before the digital age began, you could find one of the owners manning the cash register with an abacus. He could calculate your bill quicker than if you used a calculator!
You’ll Find Their Special Roast Duck On Every Table
The restaurant is famous for many dishes, but one that stands out from the rest is their Pei Pa Duck – butterflied roast duck. It’s crispy, juicy and served with a side of sweet plum sauce.
Other signature items include labour-intensive dishes such as Cold Jelly Chicken with Jelly Fish, Handmade Crab Balls, Stir Fried Crab Egg wrapped in lettuce, and the Eight Treasure Braised Duck. Some of these dishes require a booking two days in advance and is cooked using wood-fire stove.
“Sek Yuen is our pride. It has been standing strong for so long. We persevere over the years.” – Phang Ee Chin, 67, member of the third generation, reported by CNA.
Sources: The Star, Channel News Asia
Restoran Sek Yuen
Address: 313, Jalan Pudu, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Hours: 11:30AM – 2PM, 5:30PM – 10:00PM (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 016-423 1313 or 03-9222 0903
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