In the busy Cahaya Food Court of Ampang, a smiling elderly woman known as “Aunty” continues a decades-old culinary tradition.
Despite the loss of her husband, she remains at her stall, Tong Fatt Wine Noodle, serving the signature yellow wine prawn bee hoon that they once built together. The stall has become a local landmark, not just for its rich flavors, but for the story of dedication behind every bowl.
A Recipe From the Heart
The aunty manages the stall alone now, handling every step of the cooking process herself. Her yellow wine noodles are famous for their deep, aromatic broth.
She uses a generous amount of traditional yellow wine, an ingredient that is often quite expensive. Despite the rising cost of ingredients, she has kept her prices affordable for her loyal customers.
A standard addition of pork meat at her stall costs RM 4.00 (approximately S$1.20), while a bowl with fresh prawns is RM 8.00 (approximately S$2.45). For those who want the full experience, the yellow wine itself can be added for RM 5.00 (approximately S$1.55). Many customers say they can taste the care and effort she puts into every serving.
Strength in Every Bowl
The process of making the noodles involves high-heat cooking and heavy lifting. The aunty can be seen tossing ingredients into a flaming wok, creating a rich seafood broth with eggs, prawns, and ginger.
During a recent visit, she became emotional while speaking about her late husband, showing that the stall is her primary way of remembering him. She told visitors to enjoy their meals while they still can, emphasizing the importance of the present moment.
Serving the Ampang Community
Tong Fatt Wine Noodle is located inside Medan Selera 218, also known as Uncle Lim Chicken Rice and Hor Fun. The atmosphere is typical of a Malaysian hawker center, filled with the sounds of sizzling pans and chatting locals. The stall is open from Tuesday to Sunday, starting early at 8:00 am and closing by 2:30 pm.
Regulars know to call ahead to see if she is open, as she sometimes takes breaks to pray for her husband. Her persistence has earned her the respect of many in the neighborhood, who come not just for the food, but to offer her a bit of company.
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