Kuching A to Z (Part 2)

Based on all the comments we've had so far, I think we have enough for a pretty nice post on the "B"s and "C"s of Kuching. Let me know if you have any further items to add.

Here goes ...

B

Belacan Bee Hoon - especially highlighted was the one on Jalan Lumba Kuda (near old Jubilee Grounds). Just imagine the cuttle fish, bee hoon, sauce, tou geh, belacan - mmmm, simply divine.

Bak Kut Teh - our culinary experts report that the best BKT in Kuching can be enjoyed at either Pending or 3rd Mile.

Buntal - little village on the way to Damai Beach. Well known for seafood and other local delicacies. I like the oh luak (oysters) and belacan midin.

Bak Pao (Tua Liap) - many places in Kuching serve paos (and sio bee), but everyone seems to remember Fook Hai (aka Hock Hai) coffeeshop, now located at Padungan, roughly opposite Sky Bookstore. Yes, I agree the Tua Liap (big) paos are quite unique.

Babu - I'm not very familiar with this name, but apparently back in the 70s he was a well-known singer at a Palm Road cafe, near to St Joe Primary School.


C

Cat, as in Kuching the Catcity. In several places of Kuching, large cat statues adorn the street scene, as the city has adopted this feline mascot. Historically however, there is some disagreement as to where Kuching got its name. Many believe it was not from the Malay word "cat", since the local Malay word for cat was "pusa", not "kuching" which was a word used more by the West Malaysians.

Carpenter Street - well known for its eating spots (still) and apparently sports bike shops (back then). Kuching Factoid: Do you realise that India Street and Carpenter Street are perfectly aligned in a straight line? I am told that they used to be joined up as one long road, before the old court houses were built which then seperated the two streets.

Chicken Rice is a popular dish, sold at various places in town. Someone claimed that the best chicken rice was once found next the old Capitol cinema. But I guess these days, lots of delicious Chicken Rice can be found all over Kuching.

Char Kueh Teow is also popular, and if my memory serves me, there used to be a very popular push-stall selling this which usually operated in the evenings on Green Road.

You can now go ahead and start suggesting "D" and "E" items for Part 3