Since 1958, Pou Chong KIM has been the backbone of Chinese Hakka cuisine in Kolkata with its iconic sauces. “When my grandfather Lee Shih Chuan started out, he would sell sauces using a spoon to measure one gram to cucumber wallahs, who would buy about 50g at a corner of Lu Shun Sarani,” says Janice Lee, the third-generation running the sauce-producing brand.
Janice Lee with her father Dominic Lee Ashim Paul
Now the brand has opened its fourth outlet at 14/1 Chatawala Lane, Kolkata - 700012. This new outlet is also the one offering the lowest prices, given that it’s selling at wholesale rates. Besides its range of sauces, one can also try out their Chinese Prawn Papad or the Special Egg Hakka Noodles.
The Pou Chong KIM’s fan following includes famous eating hotspots like Kusum Rolls, Tung Fong, street food sellers at the Chinese breakfast market in Tiretta Bazaar and thousands of homes in Kolkata. The other three locations are Tangra, Kasba and Lu Shun Sarani near Tiretta Bazaar.
My Kolkata takes a look at the top five sauces from the cult classic Pou Chong KIM:
Green Chilli Sauce
Ashim Paul
This is Pou Chong KIM’s most famous sauce and thousands of bottles fly off the shelves from across its four stores and via Swiggy every month. “When my grandfather started innovating with sauces pre-Independence, he kept in mind kancha lonka or green chilli, which Bengalis would have with their staple food like rice,” Lee says.
It’s the perfect amalgamation of Indian and Chinese flavours with ingredients such as haldi (turmeric) being used, which has never been a part of Chinese food preparation. When it comes to making the Green Chili Sauce, it’s done using Chinese fermentation techniques, which Lee’s grandfather had learnt from China. You can get a 200g bottle for Rs 30.
Momo Sauce
Ashim Paul
Dominic Lee, Janice Lee’s father, brought the Pou Chong Momo Sauce to Kolkata’s shelves 25 years ago. It’s a traditional Chinese sauce with a strong smell and adds the sparkle of spice to the tongue. The momo sauce is full of chillies and does well with customers looking to prepare a fiery Chinese meal. When purchasing Pou Chong products, look out for the word KIM in the packaging.
“There have been instances where others have started using our logo and selling fake products. To battle this, customers can look for the word KIM, which means gold in Mandarin, as an addition to our new packaging style,” shares Lee. The Momo Sauce is available for Rs 35 for a 200g bottle, and upwards for more.
Chilli Chicken Sauce
Ashim Paul
Just the thing if you’re looking to prepare some restaurant-style chilli chicken. You’re in for a salty, pungent and spicy burst of flavours with this bottle.
Celebrity chefs (left) David Rocco and (right) Gary Mehigan at the Pou Chong KIM stores TT Archives
“Given the popularity of chilli chicken in Kolkata, Canadian cook and host of the globally TV food show Dolce Vita, David Rocco, had visited Pou Chong to try out our Chilli Chicken Sauce among others. He also made chilli chicken using my family recipe with us during his visit,” she says. The price of this all-time favourite sauce is Rs 75 for a 200g bottle.
Dark Soya Sauce
Ashim Paul
The Dark Soya Sauce (Rs 30 for a 200g bottle) also known as ‘black sauce’ is best utilised while dishing out Chinese chicken lollipops. “While creating the same, Chef Ranveer Brar was seen adding Pou Chong’s black sauce to bring out the essence of his dish. The Dark Soya Sauce is brought to perfection by natural fermentation and brewing using natural ingredients at Pou Chong’s factory in Tangra Chinatown,” Lee says.
“This is the reason why our taste is original, and stands out,” added the 35-year-old who lives in Tiretta Bazaar, the oldest Chinatown of India.
Oyster Sauce
Ashim Paul
The Oyster Sauce is a bestseller among the Chinese community, and is used to upgrade braised chicken, stir-fried chicken, and Hakka Chinese dishes like beef with broccoli and steam fish. “The sauce, which is made up of pure oyster procured from the seas, comes to fruition by slow fire and after being stirred to the right texture and taste, using Pou Chong’s secret Asian recipes,” she shares. This is priced at Rs 70 for a 200g bottle.
