Outside…

Nope, this isn’t exactly new – it’s only new on the outside. The wrapper…

…as you can see, is much nicer compared to what it was like before…

If I’m not mistaken, the makers of the now-celebrated Sibu instant kampua noodles went to Taiwan and went some place there to see how they packed their noodles and they came back with a machine of their own to do just that.

For one thing, I would say that it certainly looks more presentable, more like those established large-scale factory produced ones and probably, this would make it easier to go through customs if you are bringing any overseas. I was told once that they were very particular with noodles in plastic bags like this…

…if they were yellowish in colour as that would be indicative of its egg content but if they were white like in the case of mee sua, they would let you through. I also heard that they would be more lenient with factory-manufactured stuff so my guess is that they probably would not cast a second glance at the instant kampua in this new wrapper…

…thinking that it would be just another one of those that have flooded their own (Asian) stores and supermarkets all over their country.

However, this is only available for the original kampua noodles, the straighter ones with light soy sauce and not for the curly and flat (mee pok) versions nor the one with dark soy sauce and the vegetarian version (with onion oil, not lard). It is a bit more expensive though – by RM1.00 so a pack of 5 packets would cost RM7.50 instead of the usual RM6.50 (or RM6.90 for the mee pok).

I bought two packs for my godson/ex-student, Andrew, to try – I’m not too sure whether he brought any back with him to New Zealand or not and I got a pack for myself as well. Inside, you will get the noodles and sachets sealed in a plain plastic pack like in the old packaging so it is actually a two-layer package unlike what you will find in the case of the usual instant noodles.

As you can see, it does look good…

…but of course, you will need to add your own slices of meat, fried shallots and chopped spring onions for the complete works.

Many would agree that it is ALMOST like the real thing that one can get in the shops and if you divide RM7.50 by 5, it is only RM1.50 for a plate…or if you are buying this in the old packaging, it comes up to only RM1.30 which makes it a lot cheaper that when you eat at the shops and order the kosong (without meat). Other than that, you can enjoy this anytime of day in the comfort of your own home but of course, you will need to cook it yourself…

You’ve tried yours, Merryn? Nice or not?