Luo Meow Meow: China’s viral smelly river snail noodles now in JB, featuring tantalising deep-fried egg
My experience with Chinese food has always been tantalising; I’m often left drooling on my phone while watching videos. Luo shi fen (river snail noodles) has held a coveted place on my food bucket list ever since I discovered this dish. After hearing comments about its distinctive aroma, my curiosity grew stronger.
Just last year, I was lucky enough to discover it being sold at Luo Meow Meow in KL, and I quickly became a fan. Recently, I was thrilled to find it available in JB at Eco Palladium, and I’m eager to introduce it to everyone!
Celebrated for its bold and distinctive flavour, this dish has a dedicated group of enthusiasts, though its strong aroma may not appeal to everyone. Upon entering the establishment, you’ll immediately detect its unique scent in the air, derived from the pickles and fermented bamboo shoots used in the dish. If you enjoy robust flavours, you’re sure to appreciate it.
Just by looking at the interior design, one might mistake this joint for a cafe due to its modern concrete aesthetic and minimalist decor— making it ideal for Instagram-worthy photos. The restaurant was predominantly filled with young people when I visited, clearly targeting a youthful audience.
What I tried at Luo Meow Meow
The default preparation of this dish is usually in soup, so I opted for a bowl of Meat Meat Luo Si Fen (RM14.90), which came with sliced pork, rice noodles, sour bamboo shoots, pickles, kangkung, peanuts, fu chuk, and a deep-fried egg, all submerged in the translucent, brown-hued broth.
As soon as it arrived at my table, the aroma wafted up, instantly heightening my appetite. However, personally, I found that the outlet in KL had a stronger aroma, which I preferred.
Primarily cooked with river snails, the soup exuded a robust flavour, infused with fermented nuances from the pickles and sour bamboo shoots. Its tangy and spicy notes were particularly appetising, offering a distinctive and bold flavour profile overall.
The deep-fried egg was the highlight of the dish; the cooking process imparted a crisp texture, while the hot oil enhanced the fragrance of the egg. It expertly absorbed the flavourful broth, delivering a burst of flavours in every bite.
However, the meat seemed slightly bland compared to the other ingredients, almost as if it had been lightly blanched in water. Allowing it to soak in the soup longer would have likely enhanced its taste.
While luo shi fen is widely recognised as a soup dish, did you know there’s also a dry-tossed version? Intrigued, I went on to try a bowl of Meat Meat Dried Luo Si Fen (RM14.90), which included the same ingredients but in a tossed preparation.
The portion of ingredients was generous— it didn’t skimp on the bowl’s size and everything was perfectly coated with the flavourful sauce. I particularly enjoyed the smooth, slippery texture of the rice noodles, which were cooked to perfection. Combining them with the vegetables improved the overall mouthfeel.
The dry-tossed sauce imparted a more robust flavour compared to the soup version. If you prefer a stronger flavour profile, this is definitely the way to go!
Final thoughts
After trying this dish at several eateries, Luo Meow Meow remains my favourite so far. While many find luo shi fen to have a distinct smell, it’s precisely that aroma that I enjoy the most. Admittedly, I have a fondness for China food, which might influence my preference. Nonetheless, the flavour definitely lives up to expectations.
I’m pleased to discover that JB now has my favourite luo shi fen spot, and it has maintained its quality quite well. Have you ever tried this exotic dish? Share your experience and thoughts in the comments below!
Expected damage: RM15 – RM25 per pax
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