The Story Behind Our Salted Egg Chicken Pasta (Not Too Jelak!)
“It’s not too jelak!”
This is probably the most common praise we receive for our Salted Egg Chicken Pasta. In a sea of salted egg dishes that can feel overwhelmingly rich, we’ve found the balance that keeps customers coming back. Since opening Bubbs & Bites Cafe in late 2022 as a “Muji-themed” sanctuary here in Dataran Sunway, this dish has quietly become our bestseller. Check out our complete pasta menu for all our Italian-Malaysian fusion dishes.
Here is the story behind how we built a version that you can actually finish.
The Malaysian Obsession (And The Problem)
Salted egg has taken Malaysia by storm over the last decade. You see it everywhere, from chips and croissants to crab and burger sauces. The savory, umami-rich profile of salted duck egg yolk hits a specific spot in our local palate that cheese alone can’t satisfy.
But there is a common complaint.
Many salted egg dishes are simply too “jelak.” This local term perfectly describes the feeling of being unpleasantly full or nauseated by food that is too rich, oily, or sweet. You enjoy the first two bites, but by the third, your palate is exhausted.
The Science of “Jelak”
We wanted to understand why this flavor fatigue happens before we started cooking.
Food scientists call this “Sensory-Specific Satiety.” When you eat something with high fat content and a uniform texture, it coats your tongue and blunts your taste buds. Your brain signals you to stop eating it to seek nutrient variety, even if your stomach isn’t full yet.
Most cafes make the mistake of relying on heavy cream and oil to carry the flavor. This creates a “fat-on-fat” layer that triggers that jelak feeling almost immediately.
How We Cracked the Code
Our goal was to engineer a sauce that delivers the punch of salted egg without the heavy aftermath. We tested different ratios of salted egg, dairy, and aromatics until we found our sweet spot.
The Sauce Specs
We use real salted duck egg yolks, not just the powder. Powdered mixes often contain fillers and excessive salt that lead to a flat, one-dimensional taste. Real yolks provide a granular texture that grips the pasta naturally, reducing the need for heavy thickeners.
Aromatics play a massive role in cutting the richness. We infuse our oil with fresh curry leaves and a hint of bird’s eye chili (cili padi). This subtle heat doesn’t just add spice; it cleanses the palate between bites, preventing that heavy coating from building up on your tongue.
The Texture Factor
The chicken is just as important as the sauce. We season our chicken chunks heavily before frying them to a crisp golden brown.
This crunch provides a necessary counterpoint to the creamy sauce. If the chicken were soft or boiled, the entire dish would feel mushy.
Our pasta is cooked strictly al dente. Firm pasta requires chewing, which releases more flavor and prevents the sauce from soaking into the noodle and becoming a soggy mess.
Comparison: Us vs. The Rest
Here is how our approach differs from the standard cafe serving.
| Feature | Typical Salted Egg Pasta | Our Balanced Version |
|---|---|---|
| Base Ingredient | Salted egg powder (high sodium) | Real salted duck egg yolks |
| Spice Level | Often zero or mild | Infused with Cili Padi for a “cut” |
| Texture | Smooth, oily, and heavy | Creamy with granular yolk bits |
| Finish | Oily separation on the plate | Emulsified and clinging to pasta |
| Aftertaste | Heavy coating (Jelak) | Clean savory kick |
A Sanctuary for Work and Pets
We know that great food tastes better in a calm environment.
Bubbs & Bites was designed as a quiet escape from the bustle of Kota Damansara. Our minimalist decor and reliable WiFi make this a favorite spot for remote workers who need to focus for a few hours.
You don’t have to leave your furry friends at home, either. We are a pet-friendly establishment, so your cats or dogs are welcome to join you while you enjoy your meal.
What Customers Say
Our Salted Egg Chicken Pasta has developed a loyal following among Dataran Sunway locals.
“Finally, a salted egg dish I can finish!”
“Rich but not overwhelming — how do you do it?”
“My go-to order every time I visit.”
The Secret? No Secret, Just Care
There is no magic chemical ingredient here.
Success comes from attention to detail. We balance the fat with heat, the creaminess with crunch, and the salt with aromatics. Every element serves a specific purpose in keeping your palate interested until the very last bite.
Try It For Yourself
If you have avoided salted egg dishes because of past “jelak” experiences, give ours a try.
We promise it is different. Visit us at Bubbs & Bites Cafe in Dataran Sunway to see why this dish has become a local staple. Come for the pasta, stay for the cozy vibes (and maybe to pet a cute dog or two).
The proof is in the pasta — come taste the difference!
