Kedai Makan Guan

Jalan Kampung Cina

20100 Kuala Terengganu

(Coordinates: E103° 7' 57.3" N5° 19' 56.0")

In the days when we lived in Kuala Terengganu this restaurant was a must for us at least once a month. The cook cum Taukeh (the proprietor) used to prepare my favourite Belacan Fried Tenggiri (locally known as Be-Ka Belacan, which is mackerel fried in shrimp paste) reminiscent to the one my late paternal grandmother used to serve me. Since moving to Kuala Lumpur we made it a point to visit this restaurant each chance we got.

We came back to Kuala Terengganu during the last Chinese New Year holidays and although Kedai Makan Guan was closed during the festival period we managed to catch up with the Tauke-Soh (literally means proprietor’s wife) and it was then that we heard the news of her husband’s demise, may he rest in peace. She assured us that the restaurant will remain in operation and she will take over the kitchen, while her daughter will assume responsibility out front.


 

some things never change

 

family restaurant in every sense

 

right beside the iconic Kampung Cina archway

This time around we were glad to find the place open and left in pretty much the same way as we remembered. The Tauke-Soh took time off from kitchen duties to catch up with Cat, the two shares a kindred spirit on since both hail from Kota Bharu.

 

cute kindred spirits

 

no frills no nonsense restaurant that's to our liking

As usual we ordered the customary Belacan Fried Tenggiri and Herbal Soup with a side dish of Chinese Sausage Omelette and Kangkung (Water Spinach).

 

homemade chrysanthemum tea

 

the chinese sausage omelette

 

the water spinach (meant for only Cat)

 

the main course, the delectable be-ka belacan

 

another shot of our perennial favourite be-ka belacan

 

the herbal soup

 

lunch is served

 

let's sit down and dig in!

Together with a round of homemade Chrysanthemum Tea the total came to a respectable RM41, which surprisingly is still within the range of the everyday food for the every person in spite of the fact that a large fresh fish was the main dish. If you’re curious to know what my grandmother used to cook for me as a child, give this restaurant a try and order the ‘Be-Ka Belacan’.

This has been another walk down memory lane for me.