Bland kolo-mee in Kuching

Continuing my quest to sample the cuisine of Kuching, I absolutely must try their famous kolo-mee which I have heard is not the same as our local wanton mee in the Peninsular (although they look suspiciously the same.)

I ventured into the Padungan area again and located a rather large shop which was packed to the brim with their lunch crowd. I did not have to wait too long before a small table was cleared for us.

I ordered a plate of kolo-mee and when it arrived at my table, I had a sinking feeling that it's not going to be up to my expectations.

The "maggi-mee" like noodle looks a tad dry and clumpy. When I lifted the noodles with my chopsticks, they stuck together like a tangled mass of rubber-bands. I know I shouldn't compare it with our local wanton mee but surely the test of a good plate of well-made noodles should be that every individual strand should separate and slide smoothly into your mouth?

Looks aside, it also tasted rather bland and if not for the generous amount of cut cili-padi condiment that I helped myself to spice it up, I guess I could not have finished that plate of kolo-mee in front of me.

Yes, it was disappointing. I consoled myself that I have not found the "right" kolo-mee shop. Maybe I'd have better luck next time. Maybe I should just ask Kenny for directions to the best kolo-mee stall in Kuching next time. I'm sure the famed dish so loved by Kuching folks must taste better than what I had.