This article is part of my 2018 Taiping and Kuala Sepetang trip series.
Pusat Makanan 3939 (3939饮食中心) is a popular hawker center in Taiping. Located at the intersection of Jalan Kota and Jalan Manecksha, it is actually one of the three kopitiams here. Customers are allowed to order from any stall regardless where they are seated.
The Batu Caves Fried Kuey Teow (炒粿条, RM4.00) is surprisingly good, as evidenced by its fiery aroma (镬气). The koay teow here is thinner than usual but still gets the job done. The dish is served over a large daun simpoh air (大叶婆). The leaf used to be the common choice to wrap food before the advent of plastic bags.
Another unique dish at this hawker center is O Bak Rice (黑肉饭, RM6.00). For this dish, the pork slices are fried on a griddle with dark soy sauce. The meal comes with a fried egg and white rice. I think the rice itself should be seasoned better.
As for poultry, Peng Aun Inchi Cabin (平安胭脂鸡, RM8.00) is highly recommended. The Nyonya-style fried chicken is marinated with shallots (红葱头), turmeric (黄姜), lemongrass (香茅) and curry powder. The chicken is succulent to the last morsel.
One of the stall here sells Special Sauce Ikan Bakar (特酱烧鱼, RM14.00). Our choice of fish is the stingray (魔鬼鱼). The grilled fish is dressed with spicy-and-savory sauce, and comes with grilled vegetables on the side. The taste of fish is acceptable but I think it can be made more flavorful.
Yuan Yang Laksa (鸳鸯拉沙, RM4.30) is ordered from the opposite kopitiam, Prima Coffee Shop (百龄美食城). Known locally as “Lemak Sui” (Lemak 酸), Yuan Yang Laksa combines the flavors of asam laksa (亚参叻沙) and curry laksa (咖哩叻沙). Personally, I feel that former’s taste overwhelms the latter’s.
Pusat Makanan 3939 is frequented by locals. This is the type of place that I usually prefer to go as a tourist. Not only are the prices cheaper, the food is also more faithful to the authentic recipes.
Address: 19, Jalan Kota, 34000 Taiping, Perak
Contact: N/A
Business hours: 6:30pm-12:00amTaste