Kampung Kacang Putih, Bentong, Ipoh
Visited Kampung Kacang Putih in Buntong, Ipoh today. Heard about it from a colleague who lives in Ipoh – about it being famous for freshly-made murukus and kacang putih.
As I was entering Buntong, the first image that came to my mind was Dato’ Lat’s ‘Buntong Boys – Lingam & Tara Singh’ (Town Boy).
Loved everything about the place – the homes-turned-into-kacang puteh-stores (Kg Kacang Putih is famous for kacang puteh cottage industry); the small-time Indian eateries lining the streets wherever you go; the flower stalls, temples etc.
The lady wearing a scarf in the picture runs an Indian vegetarian eatery at Kg. Kacang Putih. Good food that’s not only vegetarian but is also onion-and-garlic-free.
The young lady, Sandya, is her daughter. Asked her if she was studying and she surprised me when she said “yes – studying to be a baker.”
Her eggless cake was delicious – too bad she only had one slice left. She told me that she takes orders for vegetarian cakes and cookies and I was impressed by her professionalism when she gave me her business card.
Sandya has definitely found a loyal customer in me. I have a feeling Buntong/ Kg. Kacang Putih is going to see more of me in the near future. I can’t quite put my finger on it; but there’s something about the place that is hauntingly inviting.
Story and photograph by Dr Indrani Ramachandran
#KgKacangPutih #JalanSungaiPari #kacangputihcottageindustry #SandyaVegetarianCakes #Buntong #Ipoh #Perak #HareKrishnaFoodforLifeBuntong
