When somebody sent me a Tiktok video of a “mee tikus viral” in Ipoh, I was skeptical.
They say Ipoh produces phenomenally picky eaters.
I can’t speak for others, but my family is definitely proof of that. Many so-called viral shops and restaurants have failed my mum’s super-high standards.
I finally had some peace and quiet last Sunday, so at lunchtime, I made my way to the stall, which is tucked inside the Medan Kidd bus station.
Woah.
My mouth fell open at the queue. There were at least 30 plates before me.
I placed my order, and quickly grabbed the empty table next to the chef, so I could watch him in action.
Wah. What a showman.
His wok-tossing and flipping skills were a sight to behold. Wah, and check out those guns …. who needs a gym?!
Then he made a move that caught my attention: he ripped off the prawn heads and tossed them into the wok to fry together with the noodles. Ahhhhh … a chef that doesn’t waste the flavour-packed umami in those heads.
This guy knew his kungfu.
After almost 40 minutes, my noodles arrived.
It was, hands down, the most delicious fried noodles I’d eaten for ages. So much wok hei, flavour on point, and nicely saucy. No wonder it’s called Mee Tikus Viral.
I went home, eager to surprise my mum with news of this latest find.
Except … it wasn’t news to her.
“Which part of the bus station? The one on the left? Aiya, you don’t know ah that place is very famous. I used to eat there when I was working! His noodles are really good.”
“But that was over twenty years ago, Mum. He must have been very young then, in his 20s or so only?”
“I think so. If I’m not wrong, before him, his mum was running the stall.”
Trust my mum to be more advanced than even the Tik-tokers when it comes to the best local eats!
If you don’t mind braving long queues, check out Redzuan Ooi’s Mee Tikus Viral at
Gerai Ipoh Ipoh Aje
15 Jalan Tun Abdul Razak
30100 Ipoh
Opens 7am-3pm (Wed close)
+60 16-545 4686
#ChineseMuslim #meetikus #Ipohfood
Alexandra Wong is a Malaysian food writer, recipe developer and the author behind Cook With Ipohbunny. She shares practical family recipes, restaurant recreations and home-cooking tips inspired by Malaysian Chinese cuisine.