Of Tortoise Herbal Jelly, Egg Pudding & Happy Days @ Ipoh
October 31, 2013 | 2,802 views
Gui Ling Gao (called “Tortoise Herbal Jelly”) is a famous traditional Chinese desserts (usually an adult’s indulgence rather than a typical child’s, for the bitter tinge) is believed to be nutritious and a cooling concoction.
Here’s a post on Ipoh food after an extended period of hiatus. I have been contemplating to stop all food reviews until next year, and clear off the backlogs of travel posts for 2013. But then again, that will mean an even longer break between Ipoh food posts … and it’s never my ideal intention to shun away from the reviews anyway.
So, here’s a very short one on Chong Kok Wah Tou Guan.
No, not a name of a temple or monastery, but a desserts specialist on Yang Kalsom Road in Ipoh town. Not mere red bean, mung bean or barley desserts mind you.
Read on to find out more.
The shop also houses an economy rice stall aside from their signature desserts
If I remember correctly, Chong Kok Wah Tou Guan (CKWTG) originated from a shop in Bercham in the late 90’s, or early noughties. That was where I was introduced to their steamed egg puddings and gui ling gao.
After a decade or so, the name evaporated from my mind. Barely discernible from the main road of Jalan Yang Kalsom (actually, you can’t possibly enjoy the view of the surrounding when you’re perpetually stuck in the jam along the maddening traffic crawl), I glanced at the signboard and immediately waves of nostalgia washed over me.
That was a good 2 years ago, and I haven’t had the chance since to pay them a visit. This is along the same side as Yong Suan Nasi Ganja and Wok With Kim, and almost directly opposite of Ayam Golek Manjoi.
Steamed Egg Pudding served chilled, is one of the best thing since sliced bread. Okay, since Thean Chun’s caramel egg custard?
CKWTG offers a handful of choices for desserts; usually for take-away but you can opt to dine in as well. There are a few tables for lunch buddies to gleefully tuck into their plate of economy rice and a bowl of gui ling gao to wash the sins away.
Aside from gui ling gao and steamed egg pudding, you can also opt to taste the snow frog’s jelly, bird’s nest dessert and even bottled herbal tea. Everything screams old school here, mainly traditional tonics for health rather than decadent options.
Anyhow, I had to compare this to that chain of gui ling gao specialist in Klang Valley; Koon Woh Tong, and actually the latter fared much better in terms of taste and texture. But Chong Kok Wah Tou Guan offers more than two types of herbal tea and the mentioned tortoise herbal jelly.
A place that I won’t hesitate to return to again and again, especially after a hearty, spicy meal of nasi ganja down the road.
CHONG KOK WAH TOU GUAN
32, Jalan Yang Kalsom,
30250 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Opens daytime only. Price at RM5 for the gui ling gao, and RM3 for the egg pudding.
Woong Kee Soya Bean House has branches in Bercham and Pasir Pinji too, and a nice alternative to Funny Mountain if you’re not fond of the crazy crowd. This stall is on Jalan Ali Pitchay.
Other food finds along Yang Kalsom Road –
Wing Hoong Lapan Nasi Bubur
Wok With Kim Yee Tan Kow Fish ball Noodles
M. Salim Nasi Briyani Ayam Anarkali
Cathay Mee Goreng & Pasembur
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not to forget the famous “original Restoran Vanggey” Nasi Ganja @ Yong Suan
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[…] Continued here: Of Tortoise Herbal Jelly, Egg Pudding & Happy Days @ Ipoh […]
Have been trying the food u posted in ipoh. This one is awesome. I am trying to find nice Gui Ling Gao all over the place. At last, i found it.
The economic rice is cheap and nice too,can try out.
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