Today, I revisited the Food Place food court, located at Pavilion Mall. The food court is located beside the Oriental Kopi Restaurant. It is time to try food from another stall.
This time, I ordered a Fu Zhou fish ball superior soup noodles from the Go Noodle stall, which cost RM16.50 per bowl.
This humble yet elegant bowl from Go Noodle brings together the gentle soul of Chinese comfort food: clear broth, silky bee hoon, crisp greens, and the star of the dish—Fu Zhou fish balls. The bee hoon, a fine rice vermicelli that absorbs the broth beautifully, offering a smooth and delicate mouthfeel with every slurp.
The broth is light and clear, likely simmered with anchovies or pork bones, delivering a gentle savouriness without overpowering the palate. Floating atop are fresh greens, spring onions, and coriander that lift the aroma with subtle herbal freshness.
The Fu Zhou fish balls—smooth and bouncy on the outside, but when bitten, they reveal a savoury minced meat filling, often seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil and a hint of white pepper. It’s a delightful contrast: tender fish paste on the exterior, juicy meat at the core.
Fu Zhou (福州) fish balls originate from Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian Province in China. Traditionally known as “Yuan Xian Yu Wan” (stuffed fish balls), they were created by skillful Fujianese cooks who ground fresh fish paste until springy, then filled them with seasoned minced pork. This unique combination symbolised prosperity—fish (鱼) for abundance and meat filling for richness.
When Fujian migrants travelled to Malaysia and Singapore generations ago, they brought along these treasured recipes. Over time, Fuzhou fish balls became a beloved speciality in local noodle houses and soup stalls, often served in clear broth just like this, celebrating both simplicity and heritage.
This dish is not about bold spices or heavy flavours. Instead, it’s about purity, texture, and tradition—a comforting meal that feels like something a Fujian grandmother would proudly serve. Light, nourishing, and heartfelt, it's perfect for those moments when you crave something gentle yet deeply satisfying.
