KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 — Chinese cuisine is often associated with Cantonese classics like dim sum, wonton noodles, and congee. However, Ke Kho Authentic Chinese Restaurant in Taman Desa is here to remind us that Chinese cuisine encompasses a rich diversity of flavors and regional specialties.
Nestled within Faber Plaza, Ke Kho is a hidden gem specializing in Dōngběi (North-Eastern Chinese) and Sichuan cuisine. Unlike its more well-known counterparts, this eatery offers a unique culinary journey.
One of their signature dishes, “ròumò qiézi,” features minced pork with eggplant, which is seasoned with a tantalizing “yú xiāng” or “fish fragrance.” Despite its name, there’s no actual fish involved; instead, it relies on a flavorful mix of finely minced garlic, ginger, white scallion, and pickled chilies.
Ke Kho’s strategic location in Faber Plaza places it opposite the popular Bangkok Thai Street Food, where diners savor sweet pork skewers and North-Eastern Thai fermented sausages. Further down the alley lies Taisyu Yakiniku, offering Japanese-style grilled meats over charcoal and specialties like “Jingisukan” or “Genghis Khan” lamb stew.
In contrast, Ke Kho occupies a unique niche with its North-Eastern Chinese and Sichuan dishes. Dōngběi cuisine prominently features wheat flour, showcased in dishes like noodles and dumplings. On the other hand, Sichuan cuisine is renowned for its “málà” or “spicy and numbing” flavors, which awaken the palate.
The Mandarin name of the restaurant, “kěkǒu shíyì,” roughly translates to “mouthwatering cooking” or “delicious cuisine,” setting high expectations for those who venture to explore the flavors of North-Eastern Chinese and Sichuan cuisine beyond the usual Cantonese fare.
