Motormouth From Ipoh – Malaysian Food & Travel

Crispy Fish Fillet in Thai Chili Sauce

Well, there’s no reason to panic. Really. The frequent hiatus between posts does not mean that I’m leaving the blogosphere just yet. Though that devilish thought has been toying around in my mind.

Short of collapsing into a coma (not food coma this time, sadly), the recent changes in life took their toll on Motormouth. Beyond the career shift, my personal life got affected by the turbulent changes as well. However, both happened in a positive light. So, at least that’s compensation enough ….

I won’t bore you with details anymore as these pair of fatigued eyes got gradually debilitated from the hours spent in front of the pc from my day job. If you’re still hunting down for a more down-to-earth restaurant for your reunion dinner, try Bee Gaik in Ipoh Garden South. Here goes ….

Nyonya Kapitan Chicken (note that the names are plucked from the air though …. receipt has gone missing with the wind)

For about two decades now, Bee Gaik has left a strong legacy in the Nyonya-Chinese dining scene in Ipoh. Not that there are dozens of competitors though.

That being said, the still relatively wallet-friendly eatery situated in Ipoh Garden South draws a pretty healthy crowd every night; especially over the weekends or long holidays. Best to reserve a table if you don’t intend or not capable of climbing the stairs to the first floor of the restaurant.

Joo Hoo Char – An instant favourite of many (including children who refuse to eat their greens!)

We settled for a simple dinner here on one of those weekends last month. Or it could be in November for all I remember. (Geez … I tell you, at this rate it will be 2014 before I even manage to finish drafting my Saigon stories!)

We arrived early, before 7pm and already were coerced into taking up the last table on the ground level. Grandma can’t possibly climb up the stairs with her walking aid and all … hence we were glad to grab any vacant seats downstairs.

Butter Mantis Prawns

A tad lazy to go through the entire menu, we settled for the set menu for 5-6 pax (at about RM70 or so). The dishes were a mixed bag of Nyonya and Chinese classics; including the perennial favourite appetizer of ours; Joo Hoo Char.

Now if you are a fan of this, then Bee Gaik’s version could be right up your alley. If you’re very concerned about the robust … sometimes pungent/overwhelming ‘stench’ of the dried cuttlefish and boiled turnip, then Bee Gaik’s version could also be right to your taste. Sweetish, juicy and not as wet/moist or strong in taste compared to some, wrapping the julienned turnip into the pieces of crisp, fresh lettuce before downing a whole gulp of them was a delightful treat.

Deep fried beancurd topped with crispy tiny anchovies

The portions were not exactly enormous; mind you. But sufficient for the 5 of us. You can always request for a serving of their famed otak-otak (steamed fish paste wrapped in banana leaves), perut ikan (a very traditional Nyonya fare not commonly available elsewhere) or my personal favourite Tung Poh Yuk (braised fatty pork belly served with steamed buns).

The dishes here were all executed almost without flaws; shades of their experience over the years in business. The meal came to about RM80 or so (including taxes, rice and tea), an acceptable price given the pleasant dining environment, quick service and quality cooking.

If this review seemed too short to leave an impression, kindly hop to the first review I wrote sometime back in 2008. A safe choice for family gathering, though reservation is almost always a necessity on weekends.

BEE GAIK DINING PLACE (non-Halal)
10-10A, Tingkat Taman Ipoh 11,
Ipoh Garden South,
31400 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.
Tel No : 05-546 8601.
Closed on Tuesdays. Operating hours : 11.30am-3.00pm, 6.00pm-10.00pm.