Bentong @ Pahang – Small Town, Big Heart, Even Bigger Appetite!
November 27, 2011 | 19,631 views“Motormouth takes you on an escapade to a small, beautiful town named Bentong in Pahang.”
Funky Lady & the Bentong Ginger – Grown on the soils of Bukit Tinggi in Bentong district, it is believed that the high price of this much-sought after rhizomes indigenous to the town is because the same plot of land used to cultivate this CANNOT be re-used for the same purpose anymore.
A little weary from the usual getaways to familiar tourist traps haunts (Genting Highlands, Malacca, Penang), I started drafting smaller plans of excursions to the humbler unknowns; Janda Baik, Ipoh (ahem, comparatively speaking, of course) and basically all over smaller towns in Perak.
A particularly interesting “cobweb” of a roundabout on Chui Yin Street; one of the 3 main roads in Bentong town. The other two being Jalan Ah Peng, and Jalan Loke Yew.
To throw everyone off guard, I decided to visit Bentong in Pahang for a 2 days, 1 night stint. Why Bentong of all places? If the thought of traveling to smaller, far-fetched towns like this has never sounded appealing, my advice is; Don’t limit your traveling prowess. Let me show you why …..
Bentong is a relatively chilly town, especially when compared to the lowlands in the metropolitan that’s been made worse with carbon contributions from the vehicles plying the roads, the thick smog in the air painting an unpalatable scenery of looming darkness and hazy visions, as well as the incessant honking and screeching tyres on the expressways.
Call me a ‘kampung boy’ in the city if you would, but I grew up in a tranquil town named Ipoh and had very fond memories of Sungkai where my grandparents used to stay; a town that’s even smaller than half of Bentong.
Note : I will cramp everything into ONE post, hence be prepared for the ensuing onslaught of photos. And a summarized itinerary with all contact details at the end of this post.
Kow Po Homemade Ice Cream – A legend in its own right; this decades old institution has been standing strong, and getting even stronger with fan support from all over; especially folks driving down from Kuala Lumpur.
Jumbo Special (3 scoops of ice-cream of your choice + a smattering of canned fruit cocktail) for RM8.40/USD2.60. The ice-cream at Kow Po sells for RM2.80/USD0.90 per scoop.
The ABC (Ais Batu Campur, or Ais Kacang) or Kow Po Special is priced at RM3.80/USD1.20 and came with a scoop of ice-cream. Certainly not cheap, but the difference in the ice-cream here and elsewhere (commercialized and homemade brands) is that the texture leaned more towards a dense, creamier one rather than the average melt-in-mouth variety. In fact, after the various positioning for the (still imperfect) shots, the ice-cream did not melt at all. However, only certain flavours worked and deemed worthy. The pandan (screwpine leaves) flavour was a disappointing lump of sweetness uncharacteristic of the usual fragrance the leaves emit. Go for the peanut, corn, banana or coconut instead.
The main bus station of Bentong; situated directly opposite of Kow Po Ice Cream Shop on the main road of Jalan Ketari towards Bentong town.
Grand Bentong Hotel – Situated on Jalan Chui Yin, the name might sound grand but this is a mere budget hotel along the line of the many hotels I used to stay back in my rounds-in-Perak tenure. Still, for RM80 (double room) to RM125 (family room for four), the hotel was clean, fully air-conditioned, with Astro channels available, and a bright and spot-free bathroom with hot shower.
Sweet Potatoes for Dinner? This trader operated way past the conventional wet market hours. Seen here at a few hours short of sunset on Chui Yin Street.
Clockwise from top left : A very famous chicken rice stall (Bentong chicken rice?!) in a corner coffee shop beside the Bentong Market (red building named Pasar Besar Bentong), the crowd enjoying their roast chicken rice from a stall on Jalan Chui Yin (a “Wai Sek Kai” or Glutton Street from evening onwards), the lady selling various light bites, fried bee hoon and yam cake, and the only Char Kuey Teow stall that comes alive at night.
Various savoury snacks from a stall on Jalan Chui Yin. This road is cordoned off to vehicle entry from evening onwards to accommodate the various hawker stalls there.
More shots from the Glutton Street of Bentong (Jalan Chui Yin) operating from evening onwards, until late night. Look for the Chinese Town Hall; a landmark of Bentong along the stretch of hawker stalls.
Char Kuey Teow (RM3.70/USD1.20) from the first stall; a very famous Malaysian street food done in many ways across the region. At Bentong, the man behind the wok fried his version with lots of cockles, and moist with bits of eggs and bean sprouts thrown in. Oh, not forgetting the sinful crunch of lard fritters.
Economy Bee Hoon – Rice vermicelli noodles simply fried with bean sprouts, and to be served with other accompaniments like spring rolls, yam cake, etc. Don’t forget to request for extra ladles of curry to douse the noodles with. We also sampled the egg tart (horrendous) and yam cake + rice cake with sweet and chili sauce from the same stall.
Be on the extra alert during the evening hours; when the sky turns to a serene hue of darkness. The bombers from above will strike without warning
There are quite a few Chinese restaurants in Bentong town, mostly booked out for wedding banquets and anniversaries on weekends and long holidays. In this case, the HUGE crowd standing in front of the restaurant were waiting to attend theirs slotted for the second shift. The first ended at about 7pm (!).
Tawakal Restaurant @ Jalan Ah Peng – The caffeine-induced fits struck this poor addicted soul. A quick drive around town revealed that not many Mamak (Indian-Muslim) stalls were opened for supper. Ended up a few km’s away from Bentong towards Raub, where we saw Old Town White Coffee! But then again …. that would have gone against my agenda of dumping the usual suspects and embracing the unconventional options.
A breath of fresh air. REALLY, really calming sensation overwhelmed the suppressed village spirit in this Motormouth from the city. Just look at those layers of mist from the hills beyond!
If there’s ONE food that you cannot miss when visiting Bentong, most people (even the locals) would point you to Yuen Kee Kopitiam (without a signboard, in this case) for the famous Bentong’s Hooi Kee Wan Tan Mee.
We were well-prepared for the imminent wait (estimated to be about 30 minutes or more from the several sources) but was surprised to be served within minutes.
It was funny because I was the only one brandishing a camera and snapping around. While the locals and even some out-of-towners were puzzled (in a positive way) by my antics.
You know lah …. this never-give-up/opportunistic spirit would go to all lengths for a satisfactory shot.
Even the 5-odd staff of Hooi Kee Wan Tan Mee stall were referring to me as “the one with the camera” when taking our orders.
Bouncy, crunchy egg noodles without a trace of alkaline water (lye water). Tossed in a sauce that’s best described as a savoury cross between soy sauce-sesame oil-lard. The slices of lean char siew may not suit the pampered KL tastebuds of usually having theirs with caramelized, darker chunks of half fat-half lean (bun fei sau) cuts, but still a notch above the average “dry-as-tree-bark” variety commonly served elsewhere. *RM3.60/USD1.20 for a small portion.
Bentong Yong Tau Foo – If you’re at Yuen Kee Kopitiam for the wan tan mee, and missed ordering a plateful of these, then you’re dumb. Seriously. Go all out and pick your favourite stuffed fish paste (yeung liew), then ask for the thick sweet sauce and generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
Sunday Morning Market – Remember to come on a Sunday morning. Wake up earlier (we had our breakfast at about 8am), and soak in the local environment. The intangible feeling of being transported to a place where everyone knows one another in the neighbourhood, and people actually greet each other with a smile and a chirpy greeting in the morning.
The famous Kacang Goreng Sempalit (red yeast groundnuts from Raub) can be bought from the market. About RM3 per pack. The many brands can be baffling though. Ask the trader for the best, if you want to capitalize fully from the experience.
The Bentong sunday morning market operates very early in the morning, from about 5-6am onwards. We woke up pretty late (for Bentong’s standards, but damn early for KL’s!) and the crowd was already forming across the stalls surrounding the main indoor market of Bentong; the huge red building in the centre of the town named Pasar Besar Bentong (picture below).
Pasar Besar Bentong operates everyday, with separate sections dedicated to fresh produce, dried goods, seafood and poultry, as well as several food stalls on the upper floor. We saw a sizeable group having their dim sum for breakfast upstairs, with the ladies from the stall gingerly carrying aluminium trays filled with baskets of fresh dim sum.
Now you might be thinking of what Bentong is really famous for. There are a few things you need to understand, and memorize by heart. Or you can just print out the summary at the end of this post.
The Bentong ginger, the Bentong-branded beancurd (notice the marks on the soft, supple and wobbly blocks of beancurd in the picture above?) and the pineapple puffs.
Mokie Home-Baked Pastry is a brand that’s almost synonymous with good pineapple and kaya puffs in Bentong. Heck, if you visit Bentong and have yet to come across these squared pillows of flaky puffs, then you won’t know what you are missing.
Find this stall at the side of the Pasar Besar Bentong facing Jalan Chui Yin. This is the back portion of the market, and this stall operates from early morning (about 9am would be safe) until they sold everything off.
*RM8.00/USD2.50 for 10 pieces, RM4.40/USD1.40 for 5 pieces.
Seriously, you can never find this anywhere else. I was skeptical initially, after hearing about this from a colleague. I mean, pineapple tarts and rolls, yes … been there, done that.
But pineapple PUFFS? Gimmicky?
Nope. Just look at the fibrous texture of the pineapple jam loaded into the palm-sized puff, and you can imagine the intense flavour of the pineapples. Certainly something I’d look forward to receiving from friends, relatives or readers (wink wink) visiting Bentong.
And while you’re at it, don’t miss the Hee Kee Shat Kek Ma too, from this stall at the side of Pasar Besar Bentong. At RM3.20/USD1 per pack, the sweet and sticky confectionery loaded with eggs and coated with caramel should go down well with the ones with a sweet tooth. (Read more about the best Shat Keh Ma from Ipoh). Only buy from this stall (as advised by a local), as there is another stall along the same side that’s not very honest.
*When we asked about where to get the famous pineapple puffs, the man selling Shat Keh Mah from the other stall was telling …. “Oh, pineapple cookies only during Chinese New Year. Not something you can buy everyday.”
Guess what? Thankfully, we did not buy his story. And went rounds to search for Mokie Home-Baked Pastry instead. Turned out that both Mokie and the unscrupulous man were both selling homemade kaya (egg and coconut jam). Hmm, what a sore loser ….
A kilogram of the famed Bentong ginger cost about RM14-16 depending on the stall you visit. Beware of impostors though, some ginger can be brought in from China instead, and not grown on the fertile lands of Bukit Tinggi. If you’re not sure? Ask the locals.
The sour notes aside, the overall experience at the Sunday morning market got my mood lifted to an all-time high.
This was the period before the job switch, and various uncertainties were drumming on my mind before the impending paradigm shift.
Many youngsters or travelers would have forsaken the thought of waking up in the ungodly hours in the morning, and take a stroll around a wet market serenaded by nothing but the freshest fruits and vegetables, traders shouting on top of their lungs promoting their goods, and capturing in the essence of what the simpler life truly means in a smaller town.
The dim sum stall above the market, the freshly fried yam puffs (wu kok) that got many lining up for, and the roti canai man making a quick buck serving his form of Halal breakfast from the morning market.
Then again … I am no ordinary youngster. Or old-timer.
Raub Kari Kepala Ikan restaurant is by far the most popular Halal restaurant in Bentong, and they hailed from Raub actually. A town in Pahang about 30km away from Bentong. The breakfast spread here includes various vadai (Indian savoury fritters made from chick pea, lentils and flour), ragi (the imposing black-coloured cones, and of course.. their famous “Dancing Tea” (a frothy milk tea with unmixed layer of fresh milk underneath)
SHL Restaurant – This restaurant along Chui Yin Street, a short distance away from Grand Bentong Hotel was very VERY famous with the crowd. Come breakfast, lunch or even dinner, the place was packed. At least more than 70% occupied. Any idea what’s good there?
A detour away from Bentong town got us to Chamang Waterfalls, about 15km or so from town centre. But the road leading towards the waterfalls may not be the safest, hence proceed with care. Convoluted at some points, with slippery slopes.
Right before we made our way back to the city on the second day, we stopped by Chamang waterfalls off the road towards Raub. About 10km of careful maneuvering the slopes and twisted turns, we reached a sight that’s almost unparalleled; as far as any other so-called waterfalls are concerned …..
Chamang Waterfalls – One that’s unlike any other.
Wondering why the two days, one night trip sounded so much shorter on paper? Because we did spend a considerable amount of time in Bukit Tinggi and the French village (Colmar Tropicale), the Japanese garden and Botanical garden up the hills.
Oh, not forgetting the delicious feast we had on BOTH days for lunch, one at a restaurant named Bukit Tinggi BBQ, another at Foon Lock Restaurant. A full chapter dedicated to Bukit Tinggi in a future post. Promised.
“BENTONG; A town best described as … simple, heartfelt & mesmerizing, yet not commercialized or soulless.“
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2 DAYS/1 NIGHT TRIP SUMMARY
WHAT TO EAT
1. Kow Po Ice Cream House (pork-free)
Add : 2, Bentong Heights, 28700, Bentong. Opens daily 10am-7pm, except Mondays.
2. Chinese Hawker Food Stalls (Wai Sek Kai) @ Jalan Chui Yin
Various stalls open from late afternoon/evening, until late night. Char Kuey Teow, chicken rice, bak kut teh, etc.
3. Bentong Famous Hooi Kee Wan Tan Mee @ Yuen Kee Kopitiam
4. Chee Cheong Fun, Kong Sai-style Yong Tau Foo @ Yuen Kee Kopitiam
Add : Yuen Kee Kopitiam is on Jalan Pasar. A corner coffee shop facing an Indian temple, off Chui Yin Street. Just ask any locals for the famous Hooi Kee Wan Tan Mee, and they will point you to this shop. Opens from 7am onwards, for breakfast only.
5. Raub Kari Kepala Ikan – Breakfast of Vadai, Ragi, etc. (Halal)
Add : 53, Jalan Loke Yew, 28700 Bentong.
6. Mamak (Indian-Muslim) Food @ Tawakal Restaurant (Halal)
Add : At the end of Jalan Ah Peng, close to Hospital Bentong
7. Restaurant SHL – Chinese restaurant
Add : A corner coffee shop near to Grand Bentong Hotel, and almost facing the Pasar Besar Bentong on Jalan Chui Yin
WHAT TO BUY
1. Bentong Famous Ginger
2. Bentong Beancurd (Tofu)
3. Raub Sempalit Groundnuts
4. Mokie Home-Baked Pastry – Pineapple & Kaya Puffs (9am – about noon or until sold out only)
5. Hee Kee “Shat Kek Mah” (Crispy Flour with Egg & Caramel)
6. Fresh fruits (rambutan, buah salak, guava, etc) and vegetables
(All of the above can be bought from Pasar Besar Bentong that operates from early morning until late afternoon-evening daily. Pasar Besar Bentong is located between Jalan Ah Peng and Jalan Chui Yin in the centre of town. Can’t miss this RED building.)
WHAT TO SEE
1. Pasar Besar Bentong
2. Bentong Sunday Morning Market
3. Chamang Waterfalls – Follow the road from Bentong towards Raub. After passing by Hospital Bentong and Pejabat Kesihatan Bentong on your LEFT, you will see a turn off to Chamang Waterfalls/Kampung Chamang on your LEFT. Take that turning and proceed about 10km into the deeper part of the village.
4. Bentong Hot Springs (closed until 2013)
WHERE TO STAY
1. Grand Bentong Hotel – No 112, Jalan Chui Yin, 28700 Bentong. Tel No : +609-223 1388
2. Hotel Kristal – Jalan Chui Yin, nearer to the Hentian Mara Bentong bus station.
OUT OF TOWN EXCURSIONS
1. Bukit Tinggi – UPDATED (26 Dec 2011), READ THIS !!!
2. Genting Highlands
3. Janda Baik
4. Raub
5. Hutan Lipur Lentang (Lentang Recreation Park)
6. Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary (website) (directions)
**Here’s a GOOGLE MAP to most of the places above. Please bear in mind that the locations may NOT be accurate. But should not be too far off. Please send me corrections if you know of them.
** To reach Bentong, follow the Karak Highway from Kuala Lumpur towards Kuantan. On the way, you can stop by Bukit Tinggi for food or a visit to the French Village (Colmar Tropicale). You will also pass by Janda Baik which is a village best suited for various back-to-nature activities. About 90km away from KL city, and 30km away from Janda Baik.
Awesome and details post about Bentong.. I like and will used it soon..
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Awesome write-up! I consider Bentong my half hometown as my family was from Bentong before moving to Mentakab, where I was born. I used to go back Bentong to visit my grandma but I was still too young back then to really explore the town. You didn’t visit any durian farms?
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J2Kfm Reply:
November 28th, 2011 at 8:58 pm
Durian farms?! No woh … but we did see many durian trees along the way to Chamang waterfalls. Didn’t really do much preparation, aside from the food aspect.
Maybe you can recommend me some good, not-to-be-missed stuff?
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Will like to visit Bentong on next trip after have a great read on this post.
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I just had the wantan mee last Tuesday morning on my way back to Kuala Lipis
love the texture of the noodle but char siew was normal…
Although I passed by Bentong on my way to KL everytime, I hardly stop… maybe at Kow Po for their ice cream… if you are coming to Bentong or Raub anytime soon, let me know ok?
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J2Kfm Reply:
November 28th, 2011 at 8:56 pm
Sure Thule! I referred to your blog a lot for recommendations around this area and Bkt Tinggi.
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Although my family name will be a giveaway that I originated from Penang, I actually spent a lot of time in Bentong in my younger days.. tapping rubber and my ‘away’ home was in Perting New village.. a small road that starts from the middle of Ah Peng street…thanks for the memories.. the ice cream… it originated from the old Cathay cinema ! Time for me to go back to my roots !
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J2Kfm Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 11:18 pm
Sure … I am sure there are MANY Bentong origins around in KL or other states working. This post should serve as a reminder that their hometown’s NOT dead but going to be bustling with characters and development.
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So much food… so little time!
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sigh, i never have luck on the famous bentong wanton mee. always sold out early
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May Chen Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 2:22 pm
You have missed one stall beside the Chinese Town Hall selling Chee Cheong Fun and Fried Mee, be ready to wait, opened around 11 am, sold out anytime. Wan tan mee at Yuen Kee which operated in the evening is just as nice. Hooi Kee was recommended by Jason (Astro) that’s why.
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J2Kfm Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 11:17 pm
I see….. thanks May Chen. But I did read a few reviews from locals on Hooi Kee. And truthfully, the noodles ain’t too shabby either.
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Yes, I knew it! I knew the ice-cream shop would be part of this!
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Chrys Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 10:42 pm
and the wantan mee shop! too bad this time i didn’t have time to go back to my hometown, otherwise, i would have stopped in bentong!
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J2Kfm Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 10:58 pm
Next time, you should. And write all about it from a hometown chap’s POV. It’s bound to be different. And good.
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SHL restaurant famous hokkien mee.another dish is pork cook with sweet & sour sauce , even the fried rice also not bad. u can try next visit to bentong . let me be your tour guide. haha…
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J2Kfm Reply:
December 5th, 2011 at 10:52 pm
Oh okay!!!! Good to ask the locals eh?
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why no TAK ice cream ??
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J2Kfm Reply:
December 5th, 2011 at 10:51 pm
Hehe…. coz we had Kow Po the day before. Wanted to actually, but did not have time. Maybe next time. Better than Kow Po”?
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May Chen Reply:
December 6th, 2011 at 6:46 pm
About the ice cream, all are from the Tan Family, there are two behind Yuen Kee which is just as good, TAK is opposite the market.Another one is next to UOB bank. Kow Po special is Groundnut flavour which the others don’t have.I think all these are run by the 3rd generation. For your info things sold at the market on Sunday and PH will be higher. Try the pork mee below Grand Bentong Hotel.
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J2Kfm Reply:
December 6th, 2011 at 10:17 pm
Thanks May Chen. Still, the Sunday market is a sight to behold, especially for those very used to the city life instead.
I love wet markets for the stimulation to the senses.
Mr. J2Kfm,Dear
I do wonder whether that I do address you correctly by your user’s name….
Your user’s name has this orange vertical line with a grey quarter circle around it in the first alphabet……
Somewhat, I am quite vary of people going into the Internet with names in a queer way…..
No offence is meant to you….
Right,,, I must tell you that my wife, son and myself as a family are the owners of the Mokie Home-Baked Pastry. There is a long story about our bakerary business…
Some 26 years ago as in 1985, I was working as a limousine operator at the Subang Airport, while my good wife was a house keeper for a Caucasian family in Petaling Jaya.
My wife had had been working as a maid, cook, cleaner and housekeeper since she was 12 years of age in numerous expatrite families, for her mother was a divorced mother who had had six other children to take care of. In those years, only my wife, who was the first born, and her mother took the responsibility to earn enough to support the other six children….
In those years of working with chiefly Austrailan families as military attaches at The Austrailian High Commision, my wife came to learn the makings of cakes and pastries from her mistrises…Thus, she has had skill in bakery….
Then, there was the time in 1984 when my beloved mother in Bentong was sickly in her old age. And, I thought that my good wife could come to take care of her. So, I moved my good wife with our first-born daughter and my son back to my home-town in Bentong.
In those days, my mother lived a rural life, and our present house was considered as in a rural setting in those days. Thus, there were many ducks and chickens raised in about our house by my mother.. This was natural in a rural setting in a village…
Thus, so, from these numerous ducks and chicken, there were plenty of eggs!
My wife had had plenty of free times after taking care of my sick mother and our children, and with her free times and those fowl eggs, she made kaya jam into baked pastry and sold them at the front of our village house at my younger sister’s cold drinks hawker store.
This was the time when I was forced out of the limousine service by the Alibaba Syndrom of Malaysia.. And in this period,, fortunately, I was recalled to work in the Jalan Rasah-Port Dickson Interchange in Seramban in 1984 by The Sato Company which came to chiefly build the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway way back in 1974. After this construction project was completed and there was the recession of 1985, no highway construction project was tendered out by our government… Thus, I was jobless and came back to Bentong home town to rest..
But, hoey! From my reclining chair,, I heard customers ordered bulks of my wife’s kaya and pineapple pastries and I did seem to sense that my wife could not cope with those orders of her pastries.. I somewhat woke up to see how I could help her. The rest was history!
There and then,,, I learned from her about making this kaya and pineapple jam pastries…
And I came to see the weaknesses and faults in her primitive ways of producing her pastries and I applied some common sense innovations to her methods. and business sense in all these years….
There, that was some twentysix years ago and I am still glad to have jumped at the idea of working with my wife at our home to bring up a family of five togather!
Now my only son, who is 28 years of age, is a graduate in Business Studies and Accounting from TAR University,,,,I did reccomended him to major in those subjects with the view of he taking over and expanding our bakery business in times to come…After graduation, I did encouraged him to work for some years in Kuala Lumpur to feel the hardships of earning a living in the City away from the comfort of our home…
Now, my wife and I are feeling oldden.. every day is becoming our weaker day..
My son is over ambitious,, thinking much about expansion with machinazed production without heeding my advice of slow sustained progression. Young bulls are not having patience..
Sigh….
Anyway, thanks for your kind review of our products…
Cheerios, do have a good food journey and bon apertite!
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J2Kfm Reply:
December 23rd, 2011 at 8:38 am
Dear Mr Mok,
Thanks for the elaborate history behind the brand. That was a handful of insights into the hardships, dwelling in the legacy behind the one-of-a-kind pineapple and kaya puffs; a signature of Bentong town that’s almost as hidden and under-rated as it is. And part of me wished that this exclusivity stays with Bentong, so that we can enjoy the same old, authentic taste that your customers have grown fond of.
I could show you some examples of commercialized products gone wrong from Ipoh, but from a sustainable business POV, that should be the way to go. Like the Old Town outlets and Yee Hup ‘heong peng’ for example. The local folks, and the discerning eaters would be fuming mad to have their pastries baked in a modern oven; a ‘cold’ contraption churning out endless lines of generic pastries. But this opens up a whole new opportunity for the brand to extend to the other states and even countries. It’s a compromise, really.
I am glad that I took the advice of a friend’s to pay Bentong a visit, and came back with more than just local produce; we were blessed with pleasant memories of the simple town.
Merry Xmas and Happy New Year.
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Thanks,,, my good man….
My son, my wife and myself do say…..
We strive to produce good quality products….
We strive to touch human hearts with grace from our products…
We strive to maintain our quality in our products….
We strive to maintain the low cost for our products…
We strive to maintan value for money for our products.
These, I do assure to you all…………..
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[...] *A second chapter to the Bentong-Bukit Tinggi retreat, here’s an endearing take on Bukit Tinggi (literally translated to High Hills) in Pahang. For the first chapter in the series, jump to Motormouth’s Food & Travel Guide to Bentong [...]
Thanks for this post, my hubby and I went on a day-trip to Bentong and Raub. Bought roasted chestnuts, had pork noodles, pan mee, ice cream but missed out on the wanton noodles, yong tau fu, pineapple puffs as we arrived at around lunch time. As it’s slightly more than an hour’s drive from KL, we could always make the trip again. And today being the eve of Chap Goh Meh, most chinese shops did not open.
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J2Kfm Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 2:36 pm
Good to hear that Celine! What did you have in Raub? We gave that a miss, maybe next time.
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Dear Celine,
Regret that you might have missed our pineapple jam pastry….
Since you are living in Kuala Lumpur and from there to Bentong is just an hour drive….
Then, you and your hubby shall not have any problem coming to Bentong to may come to taste my products….
Usually and as matter of personal principle, I do not want to promote my products at someone’s website,, that is the reason that I do not come to respond and promote my products at Chaih’s website in the Virtual Tourist all these years…
However,,, as more people in the Internet come to appreciate my products and express their sentiments,,,I could not help but to thank them….
Dear Celine And Your Hubby,
You can come anytime to my house and have a free taste of my pastries,,, you do not need to buy anything from us,,, and do not come to feel obligated,,, You are welcomed to our house as our guests
Do come anytime,,,,
Our address:
No. 5, Jalan/Lorong Aman 1
Kampong Kemansur,
28700 Bentong, Pahang
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Mok Say Kuang Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 4:32 am
Telephone numbers:
09 222 4825
010 366 4825
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Mok Say Kuang Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 5:31 am
Moreover, this invitation is open to all other people in the Internet who may come to have the feel of my products and may want to taste them..
I take this opportunity to thank the blog owner of Alit’ Fat Monkey for favourable mentioning of my products in his blog…I take the opportunity to thank Chiabk for his kind comments for my products and Ling De House in somewhat a fifty-fifty sentiment…..
Thanks, my good people,,,
You are most welcome to my home to take a taste of my bakeries….
For free and without obligation…..
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J2Kfm Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 2:29 pm
A Lil Fat Monkey? … Erm, knocking on wrong doors eh, Mok?
Not quite,,,,,
Just google on Little Monkey…
Maybe, search for Mokie Home-Baked Pastry… in that blog…
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I am sorry,, Correction….Errata…..
Just google A Little Fat Monkey…
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J2Kfm Reply:
February 8th, 2012 at 9:28 pm
I know Mok, Jonathan’s a friend of mine. Never mind …
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Mok Say Kuang Reply:
February 11th, 2012 at 3:33 am
In revisiting The Little Fat Monkey’s blog,,,,
Indeed, you are his friend by being a regular commentor, who are commenting in profound manglish of all these years in his blog….
One aspect that I do come to know The Little Fat Monkey is known as Jonathan to me now from your goodself,,,,,
Surely, when I did come to meet this Little Fat Monkey in his blog in wearing a night-cap at the wee hours of the early morning, certainly, I am not so observant about hidden name…
Nevermind as you applied to me as nevermind, I do respect you in your food blog….
Though I am not a gourmey, I do come to see what is all about a pastry which could attract some attention……
Thanks,,,, good people…
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Mok Say Kuang Reply:
February 11th, 2012 at 3:57 am
I am sorry, there is another mistake in my last passage…
Please read the word Profound with the substitute Profuse….
ho Reply:
March 21st, 2012 at 2:24 pm
hi mok. a good story of the history of pastry. you mentioned that we can visit your shop or house. are they somewhere near the market. thanks ho
hello~.
im one of bentong 90′s baby…
its quite happy actually you introduce bentong’s food to everyone~
however~ you should try more food in bentong~
bentong’s tao fu fa~ bentong’s tom yam~ bentong’s porridge( actually my family is selling porridge and it’s ardy more than 80 years~)~ you sound come and have a try~
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hi j2k, your post is very informative. We went to Bentong last week on Sunday (4 families) my family members and parents all are very much happy and the food in Bentong was so good. We found the wantee mee and chee cheong fun shop. Also went to Chamang waterfall, its a bit risky thoug with the rocks. We like to go again to stay overnight and enjoy the night scenery. Would you be able to tell me more about night life and what we can see and visit at night time (apart from enjoying the late night food). Do you have pasar malam on Saturday night ? Appreciate any advice from you. Thanks Ho
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Dear Ho,
Hello to you!
Yes, indeed, that we open our welcome to anyone who is interested in our pastries at our home..
Not that the anyone does nessecerily need to buy our products….
All throughout these 27 years, we did have many visitors who came to our house to buy our products
Most were ordinary people just like you and me…
But then,,, there were some people who were rich and well-known in high society of our country and when they did come into our house, we did feel extremely uneasy!
There were media people who would want to get a good story of some famous food in any locality to fill up their occupation, such as from those about tourism like the local Chinese newspaper and magezine establisments. Such ones had had done reviews of our products in their magezines and newspapers, when in those days in the by-elections in Bentong with the deaths of Tan Sri Chan Sing Sang and KK Loke, the then state assembly man in Pahang Then, there was this Jason of Astro through his company agent in Subang Jaya, Selangor, wanted to video the process of the manufactoring of our products and show it in his programme in Jiayu Channel….
We politely rejected his agent’s proposal, simply for the reason that the whole process of videoing our methods of production and showing in Astro throughout our country and other countries was tatamount to be a revailing of our trade secrets….
Then, again,,, there is this Popular Book Store of Kuala Lumpur will want to feature my products in its year book about famous foods in Pahang next month…
We do not ask for these limelights, however, these limelights do come to ask of us…
Dear Ho,
Thanks for being interested to coming to our house to feel our products..
Do take these directions…..
When you drive to Bentong town from Kuala Lumpur, you will be directed by the traffic to enter Jalan Ah Peng beside the Bus Station. Just as you pass the Bus Station, you will notice Kentucky Fried Chicken Shops on your left. Then, drive futher some three hundred feet till the Bentong wet market. Just after the wet market, turn left and drive straight pass the Khai Mun Chinese School, the.Hindu temple and food stalls to the Perting Village Bridge in quater of a minute. From there, do follow the crooked road a little distance away, take the first right turn.
Do go through the road pass the big wooden house on your right after this turning till you come to the No. 5, Lorong Aman 1 another short distance away. Our house at this address is a semi-brick-wooden two story house where a tall bottle brush tree stands infront…
Alternatively,, when you do pass the Perting Village bridge, do park at a safe place just there and telephone me, I shall come to lead you to our house in tweenty seconds…
You are most welcome at any day!
Yours truly,
Mokie
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Wow, such an informative review on Bentong. My grandparents live in Bentong, and we frequently travel there on weekends, in other words, I kind grew up in this little town.
It’s so interesting to see the pictures on your post, places that I visit almost everytime I am back, but I don’t actually have a single picture on it.
There is another ice kacang place on the main road which is as good as Kow Po. We have stopped visiting Kow Po after one bad experience. Will look through my pictures and see if I have some pictures on this place, if not I will stop by to take some.
If you are around KLCC area, I can most certainly buy you some Mokie kaya puffs!
cheers-
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Mok Say Kuang Reply:
April 24th, 2012 at 3:33 am
Dear Amanda,
Thank you for your effort in offering to buy and convey my products to friends of yours in Kuala Lumpur,,,,,
Thanks for potential sales in our business….
Thanks again…Am glad to have met another denizen of Bentong Town in the Internet, who does need to reside and earn a living and a life in another city…but never come to forget nor to forsake her roots in Bentong home town…..
Cheerios, Do Have A Good Day!
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Ur post is awesome and making me feel like going there for trip so much! thanks for ur sharing! =)
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Oh my goodness!!….. All the photos you posted here about Bentong truly reminds me of my childhood memories…. Well guess what, we used to rent at the 2nd floor of Persatuan Kowchow at Chui Yin street arnd the early 80′s…. had my first Neslo in Kedai Kopi Kow Pow…. went to the wet morning market with my late grandfather… remembered the branded beacurd my ah-kong used to buy from market… Lee Dental Clinic (Pembuat Gigi Palsu Lee) has been there even before 1979….
So nostalgic!!! Looking at the photos you posted makes me feels like walking down the memory lane where all my childhood memories are….. makes me miss my ah-kong so-so-so-so-so much….. RIP Ah-kong. Thank you so much for posting it here…. This is totally awesome. Bentong is a great place to stay if you want a slow pace life…. people there are very nice and friendly….
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J2Kfm Reply:
June 26th, 2012 at 11:34 pm
You’re most welcomed, Tina. Your comment has made my day.
I’d love to visit Bentong again, and this time will go to Raub or further … simple getaway with no directions.
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Dear Tina,
So, then, why not return to Bentong Home Town once in a while to relive your life with your Ah-kong?
Tours truly,
Mokie
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I am impressed with your write-up here.
Please provide / add more comments about durian there?
I heard it is great but no further information.
Regards,
Alexander
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J2Kfm Reply:
July 24th, 2012 at 10:50 pm
Raub’s durian is better, if I am not wrong. Raub is a short distance away from Bentong only.
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Mok Say Kuang Reply:
July 25th, 2012 at 4:32 am
Raub is just 27 miles from Bentong via the old road, whilest by the new road, it is five miles shorter and be covered in less than 20 minutes……
Durians in this mountainous region of West Pahang, from Bentong District right up to Gua Musang through Raub, Benta, Kuala Lipis and Kuala Kria, are the best grown, having excellent tastes and flavours! The reasons for these facts are that durians grow best in high and well-drained lands as in this mountainous region. Take D24 for instance, there are three kinds of this species,,, brown husk, green husk and the misty husk. Brown husk is tasty in a more moist texture of its pulp and is found in lowlands of Penisular of Malaysia,, Green husk has a drier texture with stronger flavour and the misty husk is more dry with the most heavenly flavour, these are found in the highlands. More dry is actually come as in the Cantonese version term as Yellow pulp in dry larky flavour. This flavour is the most sought after one for the World lovers of durians! Misty husk D24 durian is greyish in colour with grains of fungus living on the surface of it husk…It is unique in the mountains of Sungai Ruan in Raub district and the first durian species that is approved for importation to Australia by the Australian Government.
This mountainous region of West Pahang grows the best Miew Sang Wong, the Qua Musang King…..for the reason that this species of durian needs to grow in a high and well drained hills and mountains…Qua Musang King originates from the jungle of Qua Musang some 300 kilometre from Bentong. It is a natural hybrid of at least three species of durians, namely, the black pulp, the brown pulp and the red plup….It is evident in its pulp with this tricolour as in a part of its pulp blackish, another part as in brownish and the other part as in redish! Blackish imparts the bitter taste, brownish comes with chocolate taste and the redish provides the indiscrible taste, in all of these combinations come the full, heavenly flavours, so wonderful in our taste buds!
Mountanous West Pahang is the natural habitate of Durians, durian lovers must come to taste durians in West Pahang for its freshness…
To scout for good durians, go to Bentong to the old road to Raub, then, to Sungai Ruan and to Sungai Kilau and back to Bilut Vally.
For durain economics, do let me show you a lesson…….
Take this Miew Sang Wong, Gua Musang King, durian,,,,One kilogramme will most probably cost some 30 ringgits, that means that an average fruit of two kilogramme will cost some 60 ringgits… Now, take notice,,, a Miew Sang Wong is eaten partially at a place of the fruit by a squrrel, this durian is considered a spoilled fruit and not as salable. If you come across this so-called spoilled durian, you can bargain for a 60 ringgits worth of a durian to a ten ringgit price. For the unconscienable people, they can bargain down to five ringgits. A so-called spoilled durian by a squrrel is really in a small part of the fruit. The damage is just atmost ten percent. Squrrel damage and worm damage are minor part, Squrrel is known to pick the best durian, worms in the durain means that the durian contains less chemical or no chemical at all. But do have a heart for these sellers, they do lose much, give them their prices at the rock bottom. Durian worms are harmless, in fact they are nutricious, it is a fact that orang aslis feed their babys with smashed durian worms mixed with cooked rice for good growth..
These are all facts that I can imput from my experiences about durians.
Maybe, in the future when someone in here needs the knowledge of knowing the signs of choosing a good durian, I would certainly impart my experiences to you.
Cheerios,, do have a good food journey,,, Bon Aperite…
Your truly,
GLADDEN SAYKUANG MOK
[Reply]
Made a short food trip to Bentong recently. Because of time constrain we managed to sample only a few food outlets you mentioned.
While it was thumps up for Kow Po Ice cream and char kuey teow at Jalan Chui Yin the same cannot be said for Hooi Kee wan tan mee. The chaotic ordering system did not improve my eppetite either and first come first serve was not in their vocabulary. A 1 hour wait is not uncommon.
Drove a liittle further to Raub and sample Fish head curry at Ratha restoran. It was worth the journey.
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
August 21st, 2012 at 9:16 pm
Thanks for the Raub tip. Will definitely drive much further next round. I still remember this Bentong trip with a very fond heart. Indeed, the wantan mee took some time to arrive, but it was barely half an hour, I remember.
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Mok Say Kuang Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 3:05 am
Hooi Kee Wan Tan Mee is not the best Wan Tan Mee in Bentong….
Hooi Kee sells in the morning and early afternoon…
Do go back to this coffee shop at the late evening and throughout the night till 11 pm, when another wan tan mee hawker comes to serve this dish…
If your body could tolerate some more baked lart, do ask for some spoonfuls of Char Siew Lart to be added to your wan tan mee!
This combination would taste like having been in heaven!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Lok Reply:
March 9th, 2013 at 11:03 pm
Ha Ha. U are right. I never miss the wan tan mee sold at night whenever I go back to Bentong.
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I grew up in Bentong. Left town in 1964, yes 1964, and I live in Canada now. Good to see the old little town still thriving. I thought I may even know some of the older folks in your beautifull coverage on the town. Thanks.
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peter Wong Reply:
December 30th, 2012 at 11:15 pm
Your name sounds familiar. i grew up in Bentong and my late father used to be CC Wong. We used to live in the government police quarters below MES and then moved to Sungei Marong……..ring any bells???
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Wong Mun Kong Reply:
December 31st, 2012 at 1:43 pm
If you are I think who you are, you must have been briefly my teacher at Catholic High School. I of course didnt know you were Peter because kids in Chinese schools were not allowed to address their teachers by name. There were all Sirs!
Are you that sir?
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Mok Say Kuang Reply:
January 4th, 2013 at 4:50 am
Mr. Wong Mun Kong,
Does it happen that you are the son of Mr. Wong Mook Sang, the son of Mr. Wong See Sen, who firstly held the franchise of Bata Shoes in Bentong Town?
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Hi J2Kfm [and all Bentongites reading your very interesting & informative email]
I was born and bred in Bentong but now reside in Australia. Reading your article
about all the yummy food makes my mouth salivate! Pity you were not there in
the 60′s. The yeong tau foo in Ah Ping St. [eaten with the most unique sauce]
was out of this world! The beef-ball noodles soup, the chicken[ intestines] satay,
the black hokkien noodles with heaps of lard, the [old woman's]beef curry mee
are long-lost treasures. Pity! Pity because the younger generation [descendants]
did not want to continue the family businesses.
But there IS one hitherto not mentioned family business that is still thriving i.e.
the BLACK beef rendang [eaten with pulut rice]. It’s run by a Malay family [one of
the sons was my classmate]. Ask Kow Po about this shop. One bite of this unique
rendang and you will agree the trip to Bentong is worth it.
Enjoy!
SM
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Thank you for this wonderful write-up, and the pictures speak a thousand words – makes me reminisce Bentong so much, where I was born. The Chamang Waterfalls was where the movie The Mountain of Cannibal God starring Ursula Andress (the James Bond girl in Dr No) was shot in 1978!!
I find the ice-creams in Kow Po not that great now, preferred the one opened by the brother(?), T.A.K. – next shop to the wan-tan-mee stall you mentioned.
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