Motormouth’s Droolworthy Dozen of 2010
December 30, 2010 | 4,397 views2010 is drawing its curtains to a screeching halt. Well, initially not, given the fact that the week runs until the very last Friday on a 31st. Nobody expected this success story to come true; culminating in a pleasant public holiday being declared nationwide; creating quite a bit of chaos especially to those on a tight schedule before the calendar year officially concludes.
Almost the same time last year, I did a “Motormouth On A Journey” post; revisiting a dozen of the escapades throughout 2009. Travelling has become almost customary owing to the nature of my job. But this year, I have slowed down considerably. And to summarize the year in gastronomy, a “Top 10 Eats of 2009” followed soon after.
From a seemingly endless pool of food reviews this year, I have taken the liberty to pick ONE particular memorable food experience from each month to share with you readers again. Just a brief yet fitting finale to the year that was ……..
January 2010 – Michelangelo’s Pizzeria
A spanking manner to kick the year off, I visited Michelangelo’s Pizzeria when it was still in its infantile age back in January of 2010. And to imagine a year has marched on since their opening on Christmas Eve last year; the business is booming now and perpetually packed with pizza-loving crowd on a daily basis. Serving THE BEST pizzas Ipoh has to offer, I can’t wait to get my hands on a slice of The Hog!
Read on to see what tickled my tastebud throughout the months of February right up to December of 2010 …..
February 2010 – Crispy roasted pork from Wong Fee Kee in Bercham
More towards the almost flawless combination of a serving of crispy ‘siew yoke’, a bowl of pig’s offal porridge (zhu chap chuk), and a roll of egg-skin popiah, lunch at Wong Fee Kee usually denotes a satisfying dining experience, especially when you get irresistibly crunchy roasted pork as your sides (or mains, depending on how carnivorous you are). Only the First Garden’s version comes close (or even triumphant) when we’re talking about ‘Siew Yoke’ in Ipoh.
March 2010 – Cowan Street Bean Sprouts Chicken
If you are curious on where Motormouth actually eats his “Nga Choy Kai” (Bean Sprouts Chicken/Tauge Ayam) in Ipoh, then you should go to Cowan Street’s. Lou Wong and Onn Kee do not even seem like worthy options, partly due to the commercialization factor and harsher means for quality control. But of course, this is still up to be debated since everyone has their favourite in Ipoh. And if you’re wondering where else other than the names mentioned above, hop over to this page for more.
April 2010 – Nam Fatt Fish Ball Noodles
Talk about Ipoh and Yong Tau Foo (or Yeong Liew, as we call them), and almost guaranteed the immensely popular Dai Shu Geok (Big Tree Foot) comes to the picture. But what if you’re dragging someone who is a hygiene freak and the (un)savoury thoughts of eating freshly fried stuffed fish paste under some trees in a shabby shack sounds like suicide?
No sweat. A short distance away on Jalan Kampar, Nam Fatt comes to the rescue. And do try their stewed beef tripes with rice or noodles, aside from their fabulous ‘yeong liew’.
May 2010 – Ristorante Italia Mia
Wait, have I lost it? You mean to say an Italian restaurant is worthy to be mentioned along the legendary street foods of Ipoh? Surprisingly, YES. When their authentic pastas (cooked with liberal doses of wine), delectable Tiramisu and Profiteroles (that cream puff above) actually made Mum’s day; and it was her birthday celebration that got us revisiting the quaint restaurant in Sunway City.
Pity they’re on the verge of selling the business (are they still there?).
June 2010 – Cathay Mee Goreng & Pasembur @ Jalan Yang Kalsom
If someone tells you that the best mee goreng mamak in Ipoh is the one at Padang Ipoh, tell him sorry. You know better. Tried, tested and testified by many, hop over to Cathay Mee Stall at one end of Yang Kalsom Road. I hate yellow noodles (alkaline noodles) and yet I crave for this plate of luscious goodness this very moment. Devilishly delicious.
CONTINUE TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR JULY-DECEMBER PICKS

Pages: 1 2
Okay, good list. BTW 2 days ago some roof tiles fell down from the roof of a neighboring shop in Yi Lai Hong just next to Wong Ko Kee. Luckily nobody was hurt. I think only about 8 shops in the Panglima Lane are still occupied. Come back often you hear? Ipoh awaits you with more food to write about.
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
January 1st, 2011 at 8:48 pm
Hey Tham. SURE thing. I’m in Ipoh at this time of writing, and already collecting materials for the next few posts. 🙂
[Reply]
Well, hope next year will be an even more deliciously droolworthy year for you. 🙂
[Reply]
Wishing you and your family a splendid year ahead with good tidings coming your way. Happy New Year!
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
January 1st, 2011 at 8:47 pm
Same to you babe! Have a tremendous year ahead. Maybe someday we’ll bump into each other in KL?
[Reply]
Happy New Year!
Wishing you a blessed new year with more good food and a smooth-sailing KL life!
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
January 1st, 2011 at 8:42 pm
Thanks day-dreamer. Wish you all the best in life too.
[Reply]
Hi,
I’ve been an avid reader of yours and though I am from Ipoh nearly all my life (I’m studying in Australia now), I never knew where to go whenever I want to find something different for my meal. There was one time where my friends from other states came to ipoh for our famous, good food and I didn’t know where to bring them. And instead, they brought me to those famous makan place! It was so embarrassing . But now with the help of your blog, i can proudly bring my friends around & even to those nooks and cranny they do not know of. And I’m looking forward to go back to Ipoh this saturday and hunt for those food you’ve been mentioning in your blog. Thanks for the many doses of fond memories you injected in my life when I feel really home-sick. You’ve made a difference in my life and for that, i thank you & continue to keep up the good work of yours!cheers~
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
January 2nd, 2011 at 10:31 pm
Hi leah, you can’t even imagine how happy I was, reading your feedback.
Thank you. That made my day.
And happy new year to you.
[Reply]
wow…yummy! I miss the food!
[Reply]
The Siu Yoke make me drool !
Wishing you a Happy New Year , and keep eating !
[Reply]
Just letting you know that, after Feb/Mar this year, Kong Heng building will no longer exist. A new building will be build ove it and not sure if those shops will still exist later.
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
January 3rd, 2011 at 4:57 pm
Thanks Dejase. I have heard of the rumours before I left Ipoh. Pity the legendary Kong Heng building will be gone for good. Let’s hope they preserve the charming facade and the treasures within.
[Reply]