This article details a culinary adventure through Prince Garden (太子园), Malaysia, focusing on the local food scene and highlighting some must-try dishes.
Discovering the Food Court and Ambiance
The journey begins at a local food court, characterized by long rows of sheds perfect for a night market. Despite the sweltering 40-degree Celsius heat, the explorers venture out to discover what Prince Garden has to offer. They observed the food court was an open-air area with rows of stalls and tables under long shed-like roofs.
Ice Cream and Low Blood Sugar
First stop: ice cream! A "green tongue" ice cream, a local favorite, is quickly purchased. One of the explorers mentions experiencing low blood sugar and needing a sweet treat urgently. The group jokes about the predictability of this recurring episode around 4 PM, establishing it as a running gag.
Prince Garden: A Foothills Paradise
The area is described as resembling a mini "Big Mountain Foot," nestled at the base of surrounding mountains. There are reportedly several Prince Gardens in the area, with the group currently in Ampang Prince Garden. The area's surrounding mountains create a sense of being tucked away from the hustle and bustle of a big city.
High Temperatures and Rising Food Costs
The high temperatures, expected to last until September, are a recurring topic. They also discuss a recent news story about a man who assaulted a shop employee over the high price of a mixed rice dish (one meat and two vegetables). This leads them to investigate the cost of mixed rice at Prince Garden's food stalls.
Egg Tarts: A Must-Try Treat
A popular egg tart stall catches their attention. The tarts are incredibly cheap, costing only one Ringgit each. They purchase a variety of flavors, including original and coconut. One of the explorers had forgotten to bring cash so needed to use an ATM.
Tasting the Tarts
They sample the egg tarts and are blown away by the "old-fashioned" taste. One says it's better than the ones they had at Starliemall. They particularly enjoy the "kueh dadar" flavor.
Finding Culinary Gems
The explorer marvels at the abundance of restaurants and labels Prince Garden a "hidden paradise." They express excitement about returning to explore more lunch options. They make note to visit Yap Poh Yong Tau Foo.
Mixed Vegetable Rice: A Cost and Quality Investigation
The main mission is to investigate the cost of mixed vegetable rice. They visit Lina Sheng Ji Mixed Vegetable Rice. They acknowledge concerns about rising food costs and humorously attribute weight gain to the abundance of delicious food in Malaysia.
The Vegetable Market
The market is bustling even in the late afternoon. One of the explorers points out the obligatory mask-wearing. They order a variety of dishes, including fish, large intestine, and fried chicken.
The Final Bill
After selecting an array of dishes, the total bill for three meals comes to 36 Ringgit. One meal was a vegetarian selection that only cost 7 ringgit. They note that the portions were generous.
A Chopstick Crisis
The explorers notice their daughter struggling to use chopsticks, humorously blaming it on degeneration. They request a spoon for her and compliment the complimentary soup, calling it the best they've ever had with mixed rice.
The Mixed Rice Experience
The explorer emphasizes the importance of mixed rice as an affordable and filling option, particularly for those on a budget. They reminisce about their early working days in Shenzhen, where mixed rice and Lanzhou noodles were essential for survival. They praise Lina Sheng Ji Mixed Vegetable Rice for its quality and affordability. They felt it was much better than another they had tried recently.
Comparing to Other Areas
They observe that Prince Garden has a different vibe compared to their usual stomping grounds, with a more old-fashioned residential feel and cheaper, more accessible food options.
Freshness and Replenishment
They notice that the stall is quick to replenish dishes, ensuring a constant supply of fresh options. They were impressed the vegetable dish they ordered had recently been stocked.
Pork Intestines and the Importance of Value
They praise the well-cleaned and flavorful pork intestines. They further elaborate on the importance of value and accessibility in mixed rice, emphasizing its role as a staple for the masses.
Reminiscing About the Past
The explorer reflects on their past experiences eating mixed rice during their 20s, recalling the crowded and rushed meals during their early working years. They mention the need to eat quickly to avoid the sweltering heat, leading to their habit of eating fast.
Foreigner Fuel Subsidies and Potential Changes
They discuss the possibility of the Malaysian government removing fuel subsidies for foreigners. They ponder the potential impact on tourism and travel, and question whether the savings from removing the subsidies would outweigh the potential loss in spending.
A Return to the Egg Tart Stall
The food adventure culminates with a return to the egg tart stall to purchase more tarts. They were disappointed to find out they were sold out. They promise to be back soon.
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