Lunch in Masjid Tanah With Julie's Top Guys.

Halfway through the factory tour of Julie's Biscuits, Ng Teng Chai, the general manager and his right-hand man, Lee Boon Seng, suggested we lunch at this coffee shop called Jin Lian in Masjid Tanah's Jalan Besar.

The shop, according to Ng had not changed in the past 40 years. The ladyboss, Kee Yock Wa, revealed that it was opened during her grandfather's time 70 years ago.

For drink, we had tea served in dainty Chinese tea cups. It is uncertain what blend they had served as everyone was too engrossed in discussing the current economy of Masjid Tanah. The building of the North South highway was lauded as the best move of all time. Thanks to it, transportation logistics meant that factories could move their goods to all major locations with
ease. And with the onset of traffic, towns like Masjid Tanah had managed to prosper.



If the chicken rendang had not arrived and distracted everyone, the group could have gone on all afternoon. Of course this Nyonya-like dish was well received. Tender pieces of chicken was done
to perfection in a rich sauce of blended chillies, onions, lemongrass and prawn paste.



We also enjoyed a 'pai kwat wong' which is pork ribs lathered in a thick, sweet, piquaint sauce. The meat was very well done with an appetising barbecued aroma.


And the steamed fish head was just heavenly. It was very mindful of the cook to scatter the fried onions and freshly chopped chives and chillies on top the fish for it gave off such an appetising smell.



To complete this very traditional Chinese lunch, we also an egg foo yong and a plate of mustard greens.



Jin Liang is located in Jalan Besar, Masjid Tanah, Melaka. Call them at 06-3845160.