Cowan Street Ayam Tauge & Koitiau @ Ipoh
March 28, 2010 | 2,305 views| 69 Comments » |
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I was brought up believing that Lou Wong and Onn Kee serve the best Bean Sprouts Chicken aka Tauge Ayam aka Nga Choy Kai in Ipoh. If you have doubts, just hop over to Jalan Yau Tet Shin area (they’re situated opposite of each other, somewhat at each other’s neck, if you will) come dinner-supper hours on weekends or public holidays, and I’m sure you’ll be eating your words faster than politicians making empty promises.
Don’t doubt the number of chickens hanging in front of the stall, in all their glistening glories. They poach the chickens on-the-spot once the chickens hanging on the hooks are sold off.
Then people started to argue and fought over the BEST Tauge Ayam (or Ayam Tauge, whichever suits your fancy) in Ipoh. For one knows that holding the crown means a lot, as this is unofficially Ipoh’s most famous food, bar none.
So where does Cowan Street Ayam Tauge & Koitiau come into the picture?
The boss, Ah Meng in his element. The compulsory accompaniment of chopped ‘cili padi’ in soy sauce, and the metal pot of delicious braised chicken feet.
Many locals swear by Cowan Street’s version of the signature Ipoh fare. Even trumping the BIG TWO mentioned earlier in the post. Of course, there are detractors as well, some swearing allegiance to Fifteen Tower’s version (which coincidentally, is the brother of Cowan Street’s), some patronize the Buntong Ayam Tauke instead, while I personally kind of like Kam Hor‘s smooth Sar Hor Fun (Ipoh’s famous kuey teow/flat rice noodles).
The Price List on the wall, so you know you won’t get ‘chopped’, no matter which state or country you’re from.
But Cowan Street Ayam Tauge is notorious for their random business hours. Yes, so random that you have to literally push your luck, and keeping your fingers crossed for the restaurant to be opened on the day you crave for Bean Sprouts Chicken the most.
Which kind of explained why I have yet to blog about this place after 2 years of blogging. But this time I was adamant. I put my heart into it, and paid them a visit on a Sunday evening.
Firm, smooth and tender chicken poached to perfection, then served with soy sauce, shallot oil, a dash of sesame oil, and garnished with the usual scallions and coriander.
Thankfully, the trip was worth it. For a variety of reasons. The shop was opened and business was booming (we had to wait a good 5-10 minutes for a seat), yet the proprietors were friendly, and not as grumpy as I had pessimistically expected.
The ordering is simple. Just mention the number of portions, and you’ll be served with the uniformed dishes of poached chicken, blanched bean sprouts, and a bowl of Sar Hor Fun in soup. Of course, if you’re seeking for something more, go for the extra dishes; Braised Chicken Feet and/or Mixed Gizzards.
Plump and juicy, I can’t find any fault with Ipoh’s bean sprouts. Nor any worthy contender elsewhere!
The Braised Chicken Feet may look unpalatable, with a thick layer of oil on the surface of the pot, and some chicken feet even came ‘unpolished‘ (nails/claw intact!), but the gravy was absolutely lovely. Redolent with spices, most notably star anise and five-spice powder, I can imagine having a plate of rice with these gelatinous limbs of the chicken!!
The Poached Chicken and Blanched Bean Sprouts at Cowan Street’s tasted fabulous, almost to the point of no laments. Seriously. Whereas there were times when Lou Wong under-cooked their chickens, resulting in a bloody serving, and many others tend to over-cook theirs, Cowan Street Ayam Tauge poached their chickens almost perfectly. Smooth, firm and tender, yet every single part was cooked. And the sauce complemented the chicken very well, being neither too oily, nor salty.
This will slither down your throat. So don’t worry much about chewing. 
More impressively, the bowl of Sar Hor Fun (Kuey Teow Soup) was unlike the generic version. At Cowan Street’s, the soup resembled Thean Chun’s “Kai See Hor Fun” more, with a sweet-ish, aromatic hint of prawn (heads, shells and all) in the stock. That killer ingredient was what made me going over and over again to Thean Chun in Old Town for my fix of Kai See Hor Fun. No other place comes close, really.
Comparing Cowan Street Ayam Tauge, Lou Wong and Onn Kee (which I will write about soon enough, be patient, ya?) head to head, my vote goes to Cowan Street indefinitely. Yes, this place may be lacking in popularity with regards to media coverage, or exposure among the outsiders. But if you’re seeking for a really, really satisfying Nga Choy Kai meal, I would suggest Cowan Street’s.
Address & Contact Number :
COWAN STREET AYAM TAUGE & KOITIAU
44, Jalan Raja Ekram,
30450 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.
Telephone : 6012-520 3322 (Ah Meng)
Business hours : Opens for dinner only, from about 7pm onwards. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
* Sometimes they close without prior notice, for a week or more. So call ahead to avoid disappointment. *
Here’s a GOOGLE MAP to Cowan Street Ayam Tauge & Koitiau
## OKAY, SO WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE AYAM TAUGE OUTLET IN IPOH? ##
the cowan street’s chicken seems a bit different from the generic nga choi kai in ipoh… i’m placing my bet that they may have used some aromatic groundnut oil…which gives a nutty taste to the chicken sauce,,, unlike the generic type which mostly uses sesame oil..
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J2Kfm Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 8:14 am
Groundnut oil ah? Oh, I did not notice that. But indeed, the chicken was good. At least no bleeding pieces.
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Sighs. I guess I’ve never really tasted bean sprouts until I’ve tasted Ipoh’s, eh? Can’t remember the taste anymore to be honest — been years since I last did!
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J2Kfm Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 8:19 am
Probably time for you to revisit Ipoh soon enough?
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I been there before, but sometime they’re closed. Did you know what is the occupation time?
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J2Kfm Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 8:18 am
They’re closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. But sometimes they close for a week, or up to 3 weeks at one shot. So better call before that if you’re not sure.
They open for dinner, so go around 7pm onwards is safest.
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i havent tried the place yet.. one day i will! =)
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Many year ago when Lou Wong was still operating from a stall near where they are now. The Cowan Street Kai Si Hor Fun was THE place to go to for your fix. They had their stall just opposite the present Cowan St shop under a big tree and the ice kacang then was fabulous and further on near the traffic light was an outdoor eating place where a lot of people had their dinner/supper and was a great eating place too. That was probably in the 60′s and before your time. Maybe your parents would remember.
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J2Kfm Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 8:17 am
In the 60′s?!!!! Wow, now THIS is old. My parents might remember, but they were still in their childhood days back then.
I can almost sense the nostalgic wave of memories flooding over you. If only there was photography back then.
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ipohWorld Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
If you stories or photographs of the older day, please let us know. We’ll be happy to document it.
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J2Kfm Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 7:19 pm
Older day? Erm, how old exactly? I only have current photos, and I was not born in the 60′s.
Sorry.
Anyone else can contribute those priceless images?
ipohWorld Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
There’s no time frame to be old. Our tagline “Saving Yesterday for Tomorrow” mean what happened yesterday can be considered old and worth to be documented for future generation’s knowledge. For example, you can refer to our Archive at http://www.ipohworld.org/search8/result.asp?strid=1061
bushido Reply:
March 30th, 2010 at 9:52 am
In the 60′s there was this “Under the tree” ice kacang stall with a great nonya laksa stall.( Where United Policlinic is now ) and where Foh San is now, was the Mayfair Hotel with lots of eating stalls & a great alfresco supper spot.
Ah Meng’s kuey teow stall came much later, in the 80′s on the street.
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J2Kfm Reply:
March 30th, 2010 at 11:23 am
This is great. I never knew much about the history of the older eateries back in the days.
However, ipohWorld’s efforts are certainly commendable and I hope that you guys can keep doing what you’re doing now, to preserve those memories. Great job.
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Wow good to know another contender for Nga Choi Kai.. I still haven’t found the perfect place for that bowl of perfect hor fun. Perhaps this is it!
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J2Kfm Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 8:15 am
Yeah, come and try this. Maybe you’ll like the combination. After all, it’s rather hard to find the perfect combination of good chicken, good bean sprouts, and good hor fun.
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bushido Reply:
March 30th, 2010 at 10:10 am
Actually, there are 2 types of Ipoh chicken kuey teow;
1) Ngah Choy Kai, which is typically Lou Wong’s style and consists of kuey teow in clear broth, chopped up chicken & ngah choy served separately.No prawn !
2) Kai See Hor Fun which consists of chicken shreds with slices of big prawns. In the old days, the soup comes with a few blobs of orange prawn oil floating on the surface.No Ngah Choy was served separately, and no cut pieces of chicken. This is still served at your favourite Thean Chun though I prefer the one at Kong Heng. At night, you can find it at the open air eating place in front of Little Genting. ( Formerly from Wah Nam )
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J2Kfm Reply:
March 30th, 2010 at 11:21 am
You prefer the one in Kong Heng? Hmm, I’ve tried both before, almost back to back (I work in old town after all) and came to the conclusion that Thean Chun’s version is slightly superior. The broth very sweet, and addictive.
To each his own, I guess.
[...] Cowan Street Ayam Tauge & Koitiau @ Ipoh | Motormouth From Ipoh … [...]
I’ve tried this before… compatible to their other 2 rivals.
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wah, why so random ar? they no need to make money one ar? must have already built their empire eons ago. Wow, since u praise this place so much, u btr take me here when I am next in ipoh:)
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J2Kfm Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
Erm, seemingly, they’re actually quite well-off now, after years of slaving it out poaching, steaming and chopping away. Their offsprings are rumoured to be overseas, hence the frequent long breaks.
Sometimes, the passion drives a person to work, more than the money.
I wish I can attain THAT level of satisfaction from MY job.
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bushido Reply:
March 30th, 2010 at 9:57 am
Ah Meng has made it alright and has trained his Indo maids to take over whenever he disappears to his favourite getaway…..overseas cruises. He cruises regularly at least twice yearly.
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I have been eating the hor fun & chicken from this fella since decades ago! Yep, long time ago, it was just a shack across where they are now, under a tree and Ah Meng was much much younger then. There’s also a fabulous asam laksa stall next to his, owned by a malay lady. I think one of the reasons why this place operates so randomly is becoz of Ah Meng’s health. I always eat at this place whenever I’m back in Ipoh
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J2Kfm Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 6:38 pm
Oh so it’s about his deteriorating health? Kinda pity, but he and his wife (I suppose?) run the place very well, with help from the foreign workers.
At least they got the orders correct, and not in a mess.
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This is where the locals go to for chicken sprout, only tourists go to lou wong and ong kee to be slaughtered.
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J2Kfm Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 6:40 pm
Slaughtered? Hahaha, not really lah. After all, a meal at Cowan and a meal at Lou Wong came to about the same price, roughly RM10-RM per pax.
Just that at Cowan Street’s, I felt that I got what I paid for.
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Hehehe. Told ya it’s one of the nicest that i’ve ever tasted. Same with me as well. In this past 2years, i’ve managed to try it once only!
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Cowan Street Ayam Tauge & Koitiau @ Ipoh | Motormouth From Ipoh – A Malaysian Food Blog…
One of the BEST Ayam Tauge in Ipoh, and I’m not joking. Locals swear by this, even better than Lou Wong and Onn Kee!!!!…
Another choice, good!
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Agree, I love Cowan Street Nga Choi Kai the most, but sometimes I find the flavour abit overwhelming, especially the oil they put, I used to love it but now I just feel like it’s sickening (is 23rs old considered ageing?) and my mom is a little reluctant going there these days because the boss was a little fierce towards her the last time she went. The portions are a little too small, especially the noodles and a bowl is never enough, prices have gone up and we live near Ipoh Garden so usually it’s Kam Hor for us also.
I have to admit as an Ipohan that has never tried Onn Kee before, I should be ashamed, should I?
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J2Kfm Reply:
March 30th, 2010 at 11:24 am
But I felt that they serve quite a generous portion of noodles, especially if compared to Fifteen Tower’s (must be seen to believe!).
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tAkEmOtO Reply:
March 30th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
Hahahaha really? I thought this was the stingiest one of them all. Well I should fell grateful for not eating fifteen tower then :p
Sob well I think he should have at least Lou Wong’s amount, then I would support them weekly!!!!
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J2Kfm Reply:
March 30th, 2010 at 5:50 pm
Eh, this one considered not stingy jor. Really, really.
Comparable to Lou Wong’s. Or maybe I was busy sipping their soups. Hehehe … very addictive lah. Almost like MSG-laden, but it was NOT.
tAkEmOtO Reply:
March 31st, 2010 at 10:32 pm
U sure? I always thought they overput MSG in their soups coz my mom said so. But i never listen and finish everything anyway.
There’s a very nice wat tan hor ( fried hor fun with egg batter) and fried bee hoon nearby Cowan. It’s on the same lane as Wah Pan and Sin Hup Kee. It only open at night and the crowd is always there. Be warned though, you need to wait ages for it, but it’s worth the wait. Heard abt it b4?
wenxuan Reply:
April 13th, 2010 at 4:28 pm
Hahahaha I’m a true Ipohan coz I had Onn Kee when I did my documentary about Ipoh! hahahaha…but i prefer Cowan Street any friggin time!
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Wah you really know your chicken well. Will check this stall out when I pass by Ipoh next trip balik kampung ….. bored with Onn Kee and Lou Wong d …..
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J2Kfm Reply:
March 30th, 2010 at 11:26 am
Know my CHICKEN well? Hahahahaha… sounds sleazy ler …..
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I must agree with you about the beansprout. Due to the natural mineral water of Ipoh mountains, the beansprouts found in Ipoh are one of the best in the region. Good find James.
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A tourist like me sure go to Lou Wong or Onn Kee
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J2Kfm Reply:
March 30th, 2010 at 5:52 pm
Yeah, first time visitor MUST go to Lou Wong or Onn Kee, or both. If not for the food also can see the AMAZING camaraderie on weekends or public holidays. Not to say the food is bad, but for higher quality Nga Choy Kai, can try the other options.
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wooo nice..
but….
“some chicken feet even came ‘unpolished‘ (nails/claw intact!)”
claws? nails? wah fark?!
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J2Kfm Reply:
March 31st, 2010 at 11:23 pm
Haha, some lah ….. not all. But you’re gonna suck those gelatinous parts only anyway, leaving the bones spitted, and claws or whatnots untouched.
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Good. Was getting bored with Lou Wong and Onn Kee already. That’s where the tourists go not the locals. I want to go to place where locals go.
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hey man….nga choi kai wif hor fun is well known in ipoh. Have you ever try the Nga CHoi Kai fan ?….there is this stall just opposite the cowan street nga choi kai , the kopitiam name restaurant central.
to me it have tihe best ever,,,,they aslo serve hor fun, not bad too, Give it a try and you wont regret it.
It only open at day time
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J2Kfm Reply:
March 31st, 2010 at 11:22 pm
We used to have our lunch in Central, back when we were working around the area. Never noticed the chicken rice stall though. Thanks for the recommendation.
Btw, talking about Central, the Gopeng Lai Fun stall and Mixed Fritters stall from Hua Nam has relocated to Central, since Hua Nam is closing down soon.
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hello! well..well.. I dun like lou wong.. their dishes r very oil. I prefer the stall manned by two old couples at Kedai Kopi Kam Hor next to Woolley food centre.
Really nice to see your blog with lots of food recommendations in Ipoh!
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eunice Reply:
March 31st, 2010 at 7:04 pm
oh yeah will try this stall at Cowan Street next time!
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J2Kfm Reply:
March 31st, 2010 at 11:20 pm
Hi eunice, yeah I’m a fan of Kam Hor as well. Between Cowan and Kam Hor, they’re both somewhat resembling each other; manned by an elderly (and supposedly, loving) couple, and they both serve great Nga Choy Kai for decades.
But the difference? The WAIT. Kam Hor sometimes is so slow, it’s kind of deterring.
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@takemoto – You mean to say Yin Fai Kee? A corner lot, serving crabs, shellfish and noodles. Erm, that one I’m not fond of, really. Got MSG? Haha, strange for we did not feel the thirst woh. Maybe it was slightly salty/oily, hence misintepreted as MSG?
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tAkEmOtO Reply:
April 2nd, 2010 at 4:47 pm
Erm I don’t think so. It’s at the corner lot on the same row as Wah Pan and Sin Hup Kee, they don’t see seafood of any type lo. There’s always a huge crowd there and they previously were from Buntong and moved here after their stall was demolished. Let me try to ask around 1st. Sorry >.<
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J2Kfm Reply:
April 2nd, 2010 at 9:48 pm
Wait, same row as Wah Pan, but at the other end? I thought that is a CLINIC, no?
Or in the middle of the row?
I’m awaiting your response, for I like good wat tan hor.
Sorry to say, Sun Tuck Kee’s version is not my type.
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wenxuan Reply:
April 13th, 2010 at 4:25 pm
hello J2Kfm,
my brother has summoned me to reply your questions.
the restaurant if I’m not mistaken is called zun seng fatt (so many coffee shops with the same chinese name!)
it sells zhap fan by day (you should try it out coz it is DIRT CHEAP around 2.50-3.50 depending on your dishes but go there before 1pm coz it sells out real fast).
By night, and randomly coz I’m not sure when it’ll be closed, sells the famed Wat Tan Hor than looks and tastes like Sharks Fin Soup ( you do not need to use chopsticks to savour it). It was once near the Buntong area which is also around Medan Kidd.
The reason why we HIGHLY recommend you to have it because that it is really good and somewhat less oily than Yin Fai Kee that screams LARD LARD LARD on the banner. But mind you, the waiting time could be around 1-2 hours for your fix. Apart from the Wat Tan Hor, we usually have the fried vermicelli noodles, which both goes well with their chilli sauce!
Although we’re afraid when you promote this in your blog, then the numbers will double and we’ll have to wait longer! Bah! But it’s a good place to chat and order tons of drinks before your food comes, and not to say we’re joking when it comes to the waiting time.
J2Kfm Reply:
April 13th, 2010 at 6:57 pm
Hi wenxuan, thanks for the detailed explanation. Yes, I think I saw the corner coffee shop already. It’s called Sun Seng Fatt (or at least the signboard on the side said that). Okay, I’ll go for the Wat Tan Hor at night very soon. Any other recommendations?
I don’t like Yin Fai Kee, after TWO miserable visits. Sadly.
Hi
I have heard so much about Ipoh food so will take a bus to Ipoh from Singapore. The bus can drop me at Jalan Bendahara or Bercham. Can you tell me how to get from Jalan Bendahara to the Excelsor Hotel? I hear the hotel is near the food spots.
Thank you.
Carl
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Hi Carl,
Sorry I am not well aware of the public transportation system in Ipoh.
But you can easily hail a cab on Jalan Bendahara, or walk a short distance away to the front of Srimaju bus station for some cabs take passengers from there.
You can also charter a cab, by calling 605-253 4188.
You can also take the town bus, but I am not sure of the route, sorry.
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Hi J2KFM
Thanks for advice.
Carl
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I’d give my vote to Cowan- the chicken has this very distinctive flavour. Perhaps some special ingredient in the oil? The noodles are in small portions just so you don’t get filled by carbs but eat more of the protein (chicken) and fiber (bean sprouts).
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J2Kfm Reply:
April 2nd, 2010 at 9:50 pm
Yeah, someone commented that they may use groundnut oil instead. Hmm, maybe?
Noodles not too small portions, really.
Or wait, maybe I was constantly served with smaller portions elsewhere?
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the first store i ever went to is this one…. but i still find lou wong better… maybe due to the name… honestly cant taste the difference.
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J2Kfm Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 7:44 pm
Aiks, seriously, Cowan Street’s better. Maybe grown weary of Lou Wong’s inconsistent quality. One occasion the meal was good, another was bad.
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I agree with ur choice of good Nga Choi Kai…however, have u tried Kai See Hor Fun at Macy, Ipoh Gdn east?? Only mornings, managed by 2 men…My favorite! But b warned tho….these 2 men r quite grumpy!! but wat 2 do… like u, I’m addicted to their soup!!!
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J2Kfm Reply:
April 11th, 2010 at 11:23 am
Yes emkae! The owners are friends of my dad’s. Hence we’ve been eating their kai see hor fun since years ago. Not exactly grumpy la … just cool?
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yes i do agree on yin fai kee…too oily and not tasty at all!
well besides the wat tan hor that we like, my dad loves the wat tan hor at Tuck Kee or Sun Tuck Kee (try Tuck Kee coz its the original owner’s). You do know it’s on the same row as Lou Wong?
Not bad seeing they cook using charcoal, nothing goes wrong right?
Wat Tan Hor’s are hard to come by in Ipoh, so that’s all I can think of actually. So what’s you fave haunt?
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Sigh… I have given up on this good shop being open.. went to town a few times & found it closed everytime i passed thru there. Good on you. Now I know to go to this shop again whenever I come out of my cave… One of the gems of Ipoh, a must try for all food lovers out there!
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C’mon, why do people actually compare Lou Wong or Onn Kee with Cowan Street’s Ah Meng. Unbelievable! I have been in Ipoh all my 40 years and during the 70s during my childhood days, everyone knows that the best Nga Choy Kai are operated by these 2 brothers by the roadside of Jalan Silibin (very near to the 15 stories towers shop) and I still remember my dad always brought friends and relatives from singapore to tastes this 2 brothers Nga Choy Kai and everytime, thumbs up from them and they even bought some of the Sar hor fun (uncooked of course) back to singapore. Later on, the brothers split up and Ah Meng went to Cowan street while his brother operated near the 15 stories towers but somehow it was always Cowan street’s ah meng that comes out top among Ipoh folks and I still remember when I was in my 20s, a cousin of mine from malacca came down and he went to both Lou Wong (which a friend of mine took him there along with me) and then the next day to cowan street (which I took him, of course) and as he was eating his 1st plate of sar hor fun in cowan street, he scolded me about why did I let my friend took both of us to Lou Wong yesterday and wasted his time when it was so clear cut that cowan street version was way ahead and my golly, he ended up eating 5 plates of sar hor fun and I am not even kidding u guys.
there are various reasons why Lou Wong’s and Onn Kee are more popular with tourists and some local folks these days. (1) Cowan street are much more expensive during the 90s and eversince though these days, the price difference are not that glaring anymore but I guess the damages already done on some Ipoh folks mind because the first thing they talked about cowan street is the expensiveness which kind of planted to their mind set. (2) During the 90s, Ah Meng was quite arrogant, to be very honest, unlike now (well, I will come to that later) and he can be a pain in the ass for his customers. During those days, he was the cook while his wife was the one taking the orders unlike these days which the wife took over, and u tried talking or telling your orders to him, he will not reply u and give u a look as if he was telling u to shut the hell up and sit down. A lot of Ipoh folks will still tells u that Ah Meng is arrogant till now as those people never will find the time to eat there anymore, not knowing of course, that Ah Meng has mellowed down so much and he is quite friendly these days and also that its not as expensive nowadays too compared with Lou Wong and Onn Kee (3) A few years ago (cannot remember how many), Ah Meng went for a massive operation (if i am not mistaken its his heart) and if u ask him to lift up his shirt, u will clearly saw how massive it was and during those time, the shop did not operate and when it did, only the wife was there and even then it was not consistently open and even till now, sometimes, u will find that the shop closed and I guess that it has something to do with Ah Meng’s health and because of his health too, one will find that Ah Meng has mellowed down so much and he takes things more lightly these days and he has now became friendly to his customers. And because of inconsistent in opening his shop, that tourists are more familiarise with Lou Wong and Onn Kee and even I sometimes becames frustrated that he did not open his shop when I am craving for Nga Choy Kai but I understand but then to those who doesn’t know, they will be very “angry” and confused (4) As for the tourists, when they ask their hotel staffs about the best Nga choy kee in Ipoh, most of the time, these hotel staffs who are mostly malay and indian (they know nothing) will naturally told their guests about Lou Wong and Onn Kee as they are located in tourist hub where the night market are operated along the road next to Lou Wong and there are many other hawker’s stall there too like the 2 tuck kee’s fried mee shops and also there is one teochew porridge shop there too and also some biscuits and pomeloes stall.
So guys, thats’ why Lou Wong and Onn Kee are more popular these days, not because the Nga Choy Kai are better but because of the various reasons above. Cowan street’s ah meng is the best in town and nothing can beat them, so really, c’mon guys, go and try it if u haven’t taste it before. On thing though, I do admit that nowadays the sar hor fun is slightly less smooth that before he has medical problems but its still far better than lou wong and onn kee and the chicken is the best in town. To me, Lou wong and onn kee do not even feature among the frontrunners in Nga choy Kai. The BEST is of course Cowan Street and others that comes to my mind which are better than Lou Wong and onn Kee are of course (1) his brother shop near the 15 stories tower (2) Buntong ayam tauke (3) the side shop beside the road leading to gourmet squares and woodley hawker centre in ipoh garden but be warn, it is operated by an elderly couple and they are very slow and I do mean, terribly slow and u have to prepare to wait to be serve. If u are in the pengkalan, pasir putih area and doesn’t feel like travelling down to ipoh town area then look for the one near the maybank, pengkalan branch where it is operated by a young dark skin man (well, he and his brother are of chinese/indian parentage) and he speaks cantonese very well. Their Nga choy kai is ok, just in case u feels lazy if u so happens to be staying near pengkalan, pasir putih area.
So guys, cowan street have always been the best and is still THE BEST, hands down!
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J2Kfm Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 9:58 am
Thanks you jude.
Good to hear from an old timer, whom have grown up with all the Nga Choy Kai in Ipoh.
Ditto, I never really liked Lou Wong or Onn Kee for that matter.
Though I beg to differ about the other one in Buntong – http://www.j2kfm.com/buntongs-cheap-eats/
as I did not like the oily chicken and so-so sar hor fun.
The one at Fifteen Tower – http://www.j2kfm.com/fifteen-tower-tauge-ayam-ipoh/
on the other hand was good, but damn small portion.
Side shop beside Gourmet Square and Woolley is Kam Hor – http://www.j2kfm.com/kam-hor-ipoh-ayam-tauge/
which is also good, one of the best, but a little slow …..
I hope this clears the air of mystique shrouding the many Tauge Ayam outlets in Ipoh. It’s disturbing to know that many argue endlessly about this issue. Everyone has their own preference, it’s fine. Taste is subjective, and it’s hard to expect everyone to have the same preference.
So let’s all enjoy the best of what Ipoh has to offer; Street Foods at their best.
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Cowan St is better in taste for their chicken and hor fun (I like the soup). chicken feet was very good. the place was fairly crowded on a thursday night but not to the extend of having to wait-and-stare.
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