Ah Tek: Kuching’s claypot mushroom chicken mee legend since 1987

Lau (right) and his sister pose for the camera at their stall in Thompson Corner food court.

By Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, March 5: Sixty-year-old Lau Eu Kwee, affectionately known as Ah Tek, has been winning hearts and appetites with his signature Claypot Mushroom Chicken Mee, crispy noodles bathed in a savoury broth, since 1987.

Lau first made his mark at his Kolo Mee stall in Thompson Corner, Jalan Nanas, which he established in 1985, and has become a beloved culinary fixture in Kuching.

“I’m probably one of the few food stall operators here serving this noodle dish, as back then it was only available in restaurants.

“Not everyone frequented restaurants, so I wanted to make this dish accessible at a food stall. I created my own version and developed a secret broth recipe. That’s how it all started,” he told DayakDaily.

Lau’s signature and renown ‘Claypot Mushroom Chicken Mee’.

For nearly four decades, his noodles have drawn loyal customers. “Many regulars have told me I serve one of the best Claypot Mushroom Chicken Mee in town, but I remain modest,” he said with a smile.

“‘No soup; habis!’ is the common response when I run out for the day, which can happen almost daily. I’m glad, but I do feel a little embarrassed,” he added.

Beyond his famous claypot noodles, with savoury chicken slices, Chinese mushrooms, crab sticks, and other ingredients, Lau’s stall also serves Kuching’s iconic Kolo Mee and West Malaysian Wanton Mee, a dish he fondly remembers enjoying as a college student in Kuala Lumpur.

He believes he may have been the first stall in Kuching to serve Wanton Mee, offering it since 1985.

“I’ve been in the noodle business for a long time. The three main dishes I serve have been on my menu for decades. I’m also one of only two tenants remaining since this food court opened in 1985.

“This used to be a bustling food court, and many public figures have dined here and enjoyed my dishes. Some still come back today,” he added.

Lau’s popular ‘Wanton Mee’.

Reflecting on the area’s transformation, he said, “It’s hard to imagine that this place used to be secondary forest beside the primary schools I attended. I’ve seen a lot of change over the years.”

Lau’s sister, Lau Mee Eng, is an essential part of the operation, helping him run the stall. Both siblings inherited their culinary passion from their parents, who moved the family craft from Sibu to Kuching in 1972.

“When our parents retired, we continued their legacy. We found this spot in the eatery and dove into the noodle business, making it our profession.

“We still work well together and have no plans for retirement. Our children have grown and are either working or studying,” he said.

Lau’s Kolo Mee Stall at Thompson Corner, Nanas Road, operates daily from 6am to 1.30pm, except one Wednesday each month and on public holidays. For inquiries, call 011-3634 1591. — DayakDaily