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MEE WANTAN
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Introduction and history
Wantan noodles, also known as wantan mee, is a type of noodle dish that is based on Chinese tradition and originates from southern China, especially the Cantonese region. The history of mee wantan in Malaysia begins with the mass migration of the Chinese community, especially from the Cantonese and Hakka people, who came to Malaya in the 19th century during the British occupation. These immigrants worked as tin miners and traders, while bringing with them their culture, customs, and traditional cuisine, including wantan noodles.
Mee wantan became popular in Malaysia because it suits the local palate who love noodle dishes. Traditional wantan noodles use delicate egg noodles served with light soup or thick soy sauce, and accompanied by dumplings (wantan) filled with meat or shrimp. Along with the changing times and the development of tastes in Malaysia, this dish has experienced several adaptations, especially among the Muslim community. Halal versions that use chicken or seafood are now increasingly popular, especially in Muslim Chinese restaurants. Currently, mee wantan has become one of the favorite dishes of various races in Malaysia and can be found in various restaurants, stalls, and kopitiams throughout the country.
As a daily meal:
Wantan noodles are a staple food that is often eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is easily available and served in various places such as street stalls, kopitiams, and restaurants.
Traditional Chinese food:
Wantan noodles serve as a symbol of Chinese culinary heritage, especially among the Cantonese and Hakka communities, who preserve this traditional recipe from generation to generation.
Halal food options:
With the existence of halal versions that use chicken meat or seafood, mee wantan can now be enjoyed by the Muslim community in Malaysia, making it more inclusive and widespread.
Sources of income for food entrepreneurs:
Wantan noodles become one of the popular and profitable menus for food entrepreneurs, especially in Chinese restaurants, kopitiams, and street food stalls.
Role
Cultural unity:
Mee wantan plays a role in strengthening racial unity in Malaysia. It is enjoyed by various races, making this food one of the elements that unites plural societies in this country.
Introduction of Chinese culture to other races:
This dish introduces the taste and culinary culture of the Chinese community to other races, helping to foster cultural understanding and acceptance through food.
Variations in the diversity of Malaysian cuisine:
Mee wantan adds color to the diversity of Malaysian cuisine that includes many races. This dish offers a variety of unique flavors and contributes to Malaysia's culinary identity.
Tradition connector:
For the Chinese community, wantan noodles play an important role in maintaining the heritage of traditional cuisine. It ensures that recipes and methods of preparation that have been passed down from generation to generation continue to be maintained.
Here are the ingredients for preparing halal wantan noodles in Malaysia:
1. Noodle ingredients
Noodles are used as a base for wantan noodles. These noodles are made from wheat flour, eggs, and water. In the halal version, the noodles used are made from halal certified ingredients.
2. Chicken or Seafood
In the halal version, chicken meat or seafood such as shrimp are used to prepare dumplings (wantan) and side dishes. The chicken is cut into small pieces and used as a filling in the dumplings, which makes this dish suitable for consumption by all communities
3. Halal Dumpling Skin
Dumpling skin (wantan) is made from wheat flour, water, and a little salt. In the halal version, the dumpling skin is made without using any non-halal ingredients. It is filled with shredded and seasoned chicken meat.
4. Soy sauce
Wantan noodles are usually served with thick soy sauce or liquid soy sauce. In the halal version, the soy sauce used is halal certified soy sauce. This soy sauce gives the noodles a salty and sweet taste.
5. Garlic Oil
Garlic oil is often used to give extra aroma to wantan noodles. Garlic is finely chopped and fried in oil until golden. This oil is then used to flavor the noodles.
6. Green Vegetables
Green vegetables such as mustard greens or bok choy are usually boiled and served with noodles to add texture and nutritional value to the dish.
7. Chilli Sauce or Halal Sambal Sauce
Chili sauce or sambal sauce is often served as a complement to wantan noodle dishes. It gives a balanced spicy taste to the noodles and dumplings.
8. Chicken soup
Halal wantan noodles are also served with chicken soup. This soup is usually made from chicken bones that are boiled with onions, ginger, and salt to give it a nice and light taste.
Here are the steps to prepare wantan noodles in Malaysia:
1. Preparation of Dumplings (Wantan)
Ingredients for dumplings:
Minced chicken (or shrimp)
Halal dumpling skin (made from wheat flour)
Finely chopped garlic
Finely chopped ginger
Oyster sauce
A little halal thick soy sauce
Halal sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
How to make dumplings:
Mix minced chicken meat (or shrimp) with garlic, ginger, oyster sauce, thick soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
Mix all ingredients until well combined.
Place a small spoonful of this mixture into the center of the dumpling skin.
Fold the dumpling skin by bringing the ends together and cover tightly so that it does not open while boiling.
Boil the dumplings in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes until they float. Lift and drain.
2. Preparation of Noodles
Ingredients for the noodles:
Halal egg noodles
Water to boil noodles
A little oil to prevent the noodles from sticking
How to cook noodles::
Boil the egg noodles in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes or until the noodles are soft.
Drain the noodles and mix with a little oil so that the noodles don't stick to each other.
3. Preparation of Soup Gravy
Ingredients for the soup:
Chicken or chicken bones to make stock
Garlic (crushed)
Ginger (sliced)
Salt and pepper to taste
Sufficient water
How to make soup:
Boil chicken bones in water with garlic and ginger until the water boils.
Cook on low heat for 30 minutes to get the rich flavor from the chicken bones.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Strain the broth to remove bones and leftover ingredients.
4. Preparation of Wantan Noodles
Additional ingredients for serving:
Green vegetables (such as mustard greens or bok choy), briefly boiled
Halal soy sauce (mixed with a little water, halal thick soy sauce, and sesame oil)
Garlic oil (garlic fried in oil)
Final preparation method:
Put the boiled noodles in a bowl.
Mix the noodles with halal soy sauce and garlic oil until well combined.
Place the boiled dumplings (wantan) on top of the noodles.
Add boiled green vegetables to add color and nutrition.
Serve with chicken broth in a separate bowl.
If you like spicy, you can add halal chili sauce or sambal as a complement.
Reference Source
Bahan Bacaan
Anis Affandi. (2019). Mudahnya Resipi Mi Wantan Ini Yang Dijamin Halal & Sedap, Terliur!. Sirap Limau. https://siraplimau.com/mudahnya-resipi-mi-wantan-ini-yang-dijamin-halal-sedap-terliur/.
Nora Hana. (2024). 17 Jenis Masakan Cina Muslim (Chinese Islamic Cuisine). RONA. https://rona.my/masakan-cina-muslim/
Lee Sook Ching (2014). Malaysian Home Cooking. Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Private Limited
Tokoh (jika ada temu bual tokoh) - TIADA
Location
State JKKN Contact Information
Pn. Shariza Isa
Cultural Officer
Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Kompleks JKKN WPKL,
Jalan Tun H.S Lee,
50000 Kuala Lumpur
03-20726431
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