Food: Bak kut teh

Ever heard of businesses that can afford to be located on prime property, and open only for business during evening hours, and still do pretty good?

I haven't... prior to visiting Yu Kee restaurant in Kota Kinabalu, that is.

Yu Kee is just opposite Jesselton Hotel on Gaya Street. Their specialty is Bak Kut Teh (肉骨茶), which literally translates into "Meat and Rib Tea".

For readers whom are not familiar with the local cuisine, it is a dark herbal soup that derives its taste from meat-packed ribs, whole garlic, mushrooms, and "whatever else" stewed up in a hotpot. With it, is usually servings of plain rice, and piles of fried dough ~ You Tiao (油条).

Back where I'm from, every bit of the soup and "stuff" is usually served in a hot pot for every person. Here at Yu Kee, we ordered every part of the pig in separate bowls. I guess that makes sense, since not everyone likes the idea of introducing pork intestines to his or her own...

Excuse the grotesque English...
But a pig is a pig and intestines are intestines right?
How else could I have put it??

Since I've been fed the best stuff from Klang (Selangor) and also quite a memorable one in Kuching (Sarawak), I wouldn't say that this is the definitely the best I have had. But to be fair, it still was a pretty good meal.

Now, back to the art of telling how good a business is...

Just look at the following picture.

I mean dude... while other restaurants are serving their customers toilet paper rolls for wipes, this one dishes out PRIMIER, which is 5 times more expensive!!

Business is definitely bustling at this KK local's hotspot!