Of Nine Emperor Gods Festival, Curry Noodles & Pancakes, Anyone?

Ouch. Going back to work after a pleasantly long break was tormenting. Both Physically (strenuous position in front of the pc all day + dragging myself to my feet at an unGodly hour of 6.40am) and Mentally (the brain's working ultra slow the whole day ... absorbing less, but definitely retained lesser).

Iron Lady flipping her fingers. I meant, her pancakes. =P

Ever heard of the Nine Emperor Gods Festival? In Cantonese, "Kow Wong Yeh" festival, a 9 days extravaganza celebrated by Taoists in the 9th lunar month, depicted by the famous Red Tortoise Buns (scroll to the end of the post for the pics), devotees praying at the temples and going vegetarian, as well as frequent rain throughout the nine days. For Ipohans, the Tow Boo Keong temple is located at Jalan Tokong, Pasir Putih.

Every year, we never failed to flock to the aforementioned temple at least once throughout the nine days. This year was no difference, though my initial plan to pray on the 1st day itself was somewhat thwarted by the dastardly food-poisoning spell.

Peanut and Corn Pancake (RM1.30)

Hence I went on the second day. The crowd was surprisingly not as congested as I've expected. Thank goodness. Previous years' experiences revealed the hidden sadistic nature of humans in their attempts to scar me with incense, and the jostle for placing them on the altar often resulted in burnt hole in my shirt, or scorched skin.

Lunch in Pasir Putih area is an easy task. Everywhere you turn, there's bound to be a restaurant, or coffee shop. The famous Tuck Kee Restaurant, Big Tree Foot's Yong Tau F00, and various other gastronomic delights attract customers from near and far.

Tuna + Onion + Cheese Pancake (RM3.70)

We opted for lunch at a restaurant along the road connecting Jalan Kampar and Tuck Kee Restaurant which is situated on Jalan King. Sorry as I'm not sure of the exact location. But coming from Jalan Kampar (Jalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun) towards Pasir Putih, turn left at a junction where MAXIS Service Centre is located. Tim Shun Loong Restaurant is along the road, before you reach Tuck Kee and Dai Shu Geok (Big Tree Foot) on your right.

Many patrons ordered the pancakes from the stall at the front of the shop. Manned by a lady, she was fast, though rather un-friendly. Her apom pancakes can be filled with many combination of ingredients, from the sweet to the savouries, not unlike Penang's famous AKI Pancakes.

Pie Tee (RM3.00 for 6)

The Tuna/Onion/Cheese combination was wonderful, cheesy and rich, with delectable chunks of tuna. Though my gripe was the pancakes were rather small in portion. We had the Pie Tee (or Top Hats), a famous Nyonya snack with fillings of yambeans, wood ear fungus and carrot strips, garnished with fried shallots. Crispy and light, they serve as good appetizers.

Lou Shu Fan (Rice Noodles) with Yong Tau Foo (Stuffed Fish Paste)

A sinful bowl of Curry Vermicelli

Dry Curry Hor Fun (Flat Noodles)

The wait for the curry noodles was daunting. Possibly the crowd at the restaurant was on the heavier side, being a public holiday and all. But was the wait worthwhile? Hmm, not one of the best I've tasted, but still passed the mark for decent curry noodles. Especially when tonnes of cockles (>10!) were served, in addition to char siew (BBQ pork meat), siew yoke (roasted pork) and even 2 deep-fried wantons. Around RM3.50 per plate, if I remembered correctly.

Witness the power of the gluttons!

Various stalls selling the same stuff - Red Tortoise Buns, and Lotus paste Buns

Rows after rows of Red Tortoise Buns

Some may lament the lack of fillings or taste when it comes to the Red Tortoise Buns, but I'm accustomed to the soft, fluffy and slightly sweet dough, especially when freshly steamed. Of course, you can be creative and dab some kaya, butter, or even cut them into pieces and fry them with some eggs. Yum. A pair for RM1.70-RM2.0o.

The festival only comes ONCE a year, for a mere 9 days. Go on, get a pair of the fluffy stuff before it's too late ...