Ol' Skool Makan #6: Mee Combat Taiping -- The Legend Of Jabardeen Lives On
When I travelled to Taiping back in 2020, a few of my fb friends told me, “Bro, you must try Mee Combat.” I thought it was just a fancy name -- maybe something for soldiers, or a mee that could knock you out cold. But no, this was something else. One plate later, I understood why people still talk about it like it’s a legend. It’s not just mee goreng -- it’s Mee Combat. A dish that fights its way into your heart (and stomach) with smoky wok hei, just the right hit of spice, and that unmistakable Taiping flair.
The story of Mee Combat started way back in 1945 with the late Jabardeen, a true Taiping icon. For anyone who went to school or grew up there between the 70s and 90s, his name was practically folklore. His famous mee was packed like a little handbag and wrapped in daun simpok -- the ultimate souvenir if someone brought it home. It wasn’t just food; it was part of growing up in Taiping.
Before his passing earlier this year, Jabardeen had already passed the wok (and the secret sauce) to his children, who have been faithfully continuing the tradition at the Pusat Penjaja Larut Matang. They’ve managed to keep that same authentic taste alive -- the sizzle, the aroma, and the comforting chaos of the hawker centre where locals and visitors alike still line up for a plate of the original Mee Combat.
Today, people come not just to eat but to remember. To honour a man whose simple fried noodle dish became a symbol of Taiping itself. In every smoky bite, there’s a story -- of family, of heritage, and of a legend whose spirit still lives on, one wok toss at a time.
About Ol' Skool Makan
Ol' Skool Makan is my little tribute to Malaysia’s timeless eateries -- the ones that fed us before hashtags, food apps, and fancy plating. It’s about real food, real people, and memories that still smell like sambal and kopi-O.
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