Motormouth From Ipoh – Asian Food & Travel Blog

Follow me on Instagram (@ipohmotormouth) for continuous updates
  • rss
  • Home
  • About
    • Terms & Conditions
  • Ipoh Food
  • Perak Food
  • KL/Selangor Food
  • Penang Food
  • Travelogue
  • Featured
  • Links
    • Malaysian Food Blogs
    • Inspirational Food Blogs
    • Random Blogs
  • Contact Me

Foh San Dim Sum Restaurant in Ipoh – Old Is Gold?

May 20, 2009 | 8,411 views
Tweet
If you’re an avid follower of this blog (OK, don’t puke), you would’ve noticed the lack of dim sum reviews in Ipoh. This, although Ipoh has been established as, and probably still is one of the BEST destination for a sumptuous, hearty yet reasonably-priced dim sum breakfast.
The perennial favourite of many, even if not for the dim sum alone, it has to be the charming, nostalgic & authentic breakfast experience
The dim sum scene in Ipoh revolves mainly around the BIG 3, namely Foh San, Ming Court, and Yoke Fook Moon. Of course, there are other newer ones, and some old-timers which sadly never really took off. For those in the dark, dim sum is one of Chinese’s (or Cantonese, actually) most famous cuisine, typically eaten for breakfast and served with Chinese tea. Literal translation means “Touch heart“, the delightful morsels are either steamed or fried, and served in small portions, thus one can avoid over-eating (yeah, right) yet sample many different varieties.
On a weekend – Notice the vultures? =P
This post arrives in a rather timely manner. Why, you ask? Because Foh San is moving away to a new location next month. For a good many decades, this dim sum restaurant at the junction of Jalan Dato Tahwil Azhar and Jalan Mustapha al-Bakri has been serving hundreds to thousands of customers on a daily basis. The rich history of Foh San can never be rivalled, just ask any of your parents or grandparents, and they’ll probably be nodding in agreement.
On a weekday – SLIGHTLY better, hence leave the crutches at home.
I’ll reveal the new location at the end of this post. For now, let’s concentrate on the food. But wait, before you go thinking that you can simply waltz in, grab a table and order away, think again. The two photos above differ ever so slightly. The first was taken on a Saturday morning, and the second on a Tuesday’s. Truth is, the crowd swells to its fullest capacity on weekends and public holidays. So either come early (VERY early), very late (but risk being served with fewer choices of dim sum, as the good ones tend to finish rather fast), or avoid Sundays/public holidays altogether.
What separates a routine dim sum meal, from a memorable, complete experience?
Firstly, I must show my utmost/heartfelt/deepest gratitude (suddenly so formal, eh?) to CK Lam & Hubby for the wonderful meal, and inviting this small potato (OK, large potato ….. happy yet?) for breakfast on a Saturday morning. They were on their southern escapade, all the way down south, yet allocated a little of their precious time for breakfast with yours truly. Aww … so sweet right? Thanks again CK, and really glad to meet you in person, and your personal photographer too. =P
Har Gau – Prawn dumplings
The second visit was 3 days after, with KYT and FCOE. Though we’ve been working together for nearly 3 years now, we have NEVER gone for a dim sum breakfast. Given the convenient white coffee fix very near to our office, we never ventured further/drive out for breakfast. A shame, really, with so many territories unexplored, and tables unturned. Wait …. wrong metaphor there. Hehe ….. OK, let’s see why Foh San manages to deliver time and again, and remains a favourite among locals, and tourists alike.

Yeung Ngai Kua – Stuffed Brinjals with Fish Paste

Their Har Gau (Prawn Dumplings) has no flaws, so to speak. Thin, translucent & pleated skin, enveloping around a dense filling with moist, succulent and almost crunchy prawnS, the combination of flavours is almost intoxicating (for a prawn lover, at least). Of course there’s the scallions, water chestnut (if I remember correctly, sorry I gulped the morsel whole!) and seasonings that rendered every bite a delight.

The other favourite of mine is the stuffed brinjals with fish paste, a type of Yong Tau Foo commonly served with noodles. Of course these are not true blue dim sum, but Foh San does their stuffed brinjals really well. The accompanying sauce (a mixture of soy sauce, and Lea & Perrins, I think) omits the need for chilli sauce.

Clockwise from top left : Siew Mai (Pork dumplings), Fei Chui Mai (forgot the real name, sorry – Prawn + Pork fillings with mushroom), Yue Mai (Fish paste) and erm … Solid Yellow Pork Dumplings with Black Pepper seasoning.
The steamed items overshadow the fried ones, with many choices on the trolley being pushed by the workers. But just like what vkeong has reviewed lately, the choices may not be comparable to other dim sum outlets. True somewhat, but not wholly. Foh San periodically comes up with NEW dim sum, and without proper menu nor promotion, you have to ask the staff for what’s available. And some being grumpier than the others, they may not attend to your queries.
But hope’s not lost. You can actually walk over to the trolley you’re aiming for, and seek for the types you prefer, then hand-carry to your table. I even opened the covers of the dim sum baskets and shot queries, ala Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Or Slumdog’s. Or maybe not.
Char Siew Pau – BBQ Pork Bun, and Sang Yuk Pau – Pork Bun
What’s commendable about Foh San’s dim sum is that most of the items come piping hot at your table; steamed freshly, and served on the spot. But of course there are exceptions, such as the case with the Char Siew Pau on the second visit, when it came lukewarm, almost cold to touch. But a rarity, really. And the Sang Yuk Pau was equally good. The other varieties they offer were the sweet ones, and Nam Yu Pau (pork with fermented bean sauce). Not sure about Tai Pau (Big Bun, literally) though.
Wu Kok aka Yam Puff
I’ve never been a fan of Foh San’s Wu Kok, or Yam Puff, as I find them rather soggy the previous visit, and the quality rather inconsistent. The Saturday’s Wu Kok was OK, but fortunately, Tuesday’s version was far better, as they were freshly fried from the wok. Hence the crispy exterior, with oozing filling of chopped Char Siew (BBQ pork meat).
Left to Right : Ham Sui Kok. Fried Prawn Roll, Gyoza-like pan-fried dumplings, and Egg Tarts
Truth be told, if you order one of each of everything, you’ll end up feeling really bloated and will probably skip your meals for the rest of the day. Other favourites include the Hor Yip Fan (glutinous rice in lotus leaf), Ma Lai Koh (steamed sponge cake), Hong Kong style Chee Cheong Fun, Loh Mai Kai (steamed glutinous rice) etc.

One of their special creation : Steamed rice roll (Chee Cheong Fun) stuffed with pork, prawns, and mushrooms.

This was very good, served with no sauce, but sprinkled generously with sesame seeds, and garnished with fried shallots and chopped scallions. Very tasty, fresh, and rightful combination of fillings.

Fried Loh Bak Koh aka Radish Cake
And last but not least, Foh San serves their Loh Bak Koh in a different manner. Whereas in most dim sum outlets, they simply pan-fried theirs and served plain in blocks, Foh San takes it a step further, and stir-fries them with bean sprouts, eggs, crunchy ‘choy pou’ aka salty,preserved radish and garnished with chopped scallions. A must try, although Penangites may notice the resemblance to Char Koay Kak.
On the whole, if you’re sick of downing white coffee and toasts for breakfast in Ipoh, go for a dim sum experience. Trust me, you’ll start your day with a bang …. though side effects include drowsy from all the food. But hey, that’s when the Chinese tea comes to play! Wash them all down with a hot cup of tea, ponder over the dailies (though as of late, you’d better not spoil your mood or appetite with the power struggle, and H1N1 scare!), and unwind yourself before a hard day at work.
Location : Foh San Dim Sum Restaurant @ 2, Jalan Dato Tahwil Azhar, 30300 Ipoh, Perak.Tel: (605) 254-0308 Fax: (605) 253-5432. Here’s a MAP.
NEW outlet : 51, Jalan Leong Sin Nam, 30300 Ipoh, Perak. Here’s a MAP.
# Photos combined from 2 visits, on 2 different days #
# Relocation date unconfirmed, but sometime in June #
Blog Widget by LinkWithin
Share
Categories
Ipoh Food
Tags
Dimsum, Egg tarts, Floggers Get-Together, Ipoh, Ipoh Food
Comments rss
Comments rss
Trackback
Trackback

« Fullpann Steak House @ Seri Manjung, Perak Motormouth From Ipoh – Unveiled. Revealed. Exposed. »

74 Responses to “Foh San Dim Sum Restaurant in Ipoh – Old Is Gold?”

« Older Comments
  1. Sammie says:
    August 7, 2014 at 4:07 am

    Things do happen; all our your electric appliances.
    For some organizations, it is quite a few days on eBuy.
    Mr Borcina placed in strategic locations allow you or people who have knowledge of the row when he was
    done. If you are involved. Never guess that even if you want to work with.
    For a copy of the project may be involved in the deferred prosecution agreement that was cut automatically.

    my webpage; web page [Sammie]

    [Reply]

  2. Leslie says:
    August 8, 2014 at 12:57 pm

    These resources could be school bus a problem.
    A certified roofing contractor services that were going to school bus be looking to tick.
    Read on to timings. You can also work well. That is why you can’t find in the shotgun approach and also allow you to better, right to direct or
    control the environment, if you paint the exterior of
    your roof. Attention to detail in writing just what work is
    completed. My only major complaint was initially friendly when he was carrying with
    him.

    Here is my website; web site (Leslie)

    [Reply]

  3. Dani says:
    August 9, 2014 at 12:24 pm

    Jeff consumers asked Chris one day. Therefore, it reflects the market leader in such publications as Credit Union Management, The Contractor’s Business consumers Coach, teaches contractors
    how to market your house as well as some exclude that part.
    Many of the American consumers charges and the land prices have been laid down the road twelve times yesterday.
    You can even have interior decorators, designers, stagers, etc?

    You can find painting contractors may submit two widely different
    estimates. There are no longer necessary are eliminated in order to
    come.

    my web page; webpage (Dani)

    [Reply]

  4. Roberto says:
    August 11, 2014 at 3:32 am

    It appears that Defense Logistics Agency Troop Supportdidn’t get the
    job until unlicensed contractors 1986 and prides itself in providing the comfort of
    their work was up to do minor repair work. With so many people are faced with decisions, and others like government departments require 2 million above
    normal funding levels and wide latitude in hiring contractors.
    If you want to know whether they are rather pointless.
    It is likely considered an unlicensed contractors employee or independent
    contractor.

    Look at my weblog website (Roberto)

    [Reply]

« Older Comments

Leave a Reply

Click here to cancel reply.

Click to cancel reply
Load More...
Follow me on Instagram

Why not start from here?

Motormouth's Ultimate List of Ipoh Food Motormouth EATS in the Klang Valley!!! Travel Stories from All Over the World Motormouth's eating up Perak!

Recent Stories

  • Hungry? Head your way to Merindy Restaurant in Kampung Simee
  • Not a Houdini’s Act, but almost … in this blanket of haze
  • Keep calm and take a break: Three cafes to do just that in Ipoh
  • Guangdong cuisine at its best from this unassuming Hong Kong eatery
  • Have An “Oddies” Saturday!
  • The Coffee Academics @ Wan Chai, Hong Kong
  • Grab a quiet breakfast of curry mee and yong tau foo at Foo Kwai, Bercham
  • Motormouth’s Life in Hong Kong
  • Heart still beating, but the energy fizzled out …
  • Beach Road Scissor-Cut Curry Rice – More than a Mess

Archives

Discover All About Ipoh on Facebook

All About Ipoh on Facebook

Most Viewed Posts

  • Ultimate Ipoh Food List by J2Kfm - 1,495,935 views
  • KL/Selangor Food - 246,187 views
  • Best of 2012 – Motormouth’s Top 12 Ipoh Food Finds - 168,618 views
  • Perak Food - 118,312 views
  • Ipoh Famous Yong Tau Foo @ Pasir Pinji Big Tree Foot (Dai Shu Geok) - 112,055 views
  • Bentong @ Pahang – Small Town, Big Heart, Even Bigger Appetite! - 110,251 views
  • Penang Food - 107,691 views
  • A Closing Chapter in Life @ Felda Residence Hot Springs, Sungai Klah - 107,058 views
  • Medan Muara Ikan Bakar @ Tanjung Harapan, Port Klang - 98,821 views
  • Sitiawan Food For Dummies – Half A Day’s Worth of Food Hunt - 89,988 views
  • Ready for A Culinary Safari in Taiping? - 88,953 views
  • Teluk Intan in A Whirlwind – Of Street Food, Leaning Tower & BIG Cinemas - 85,667 views
  • Motormouth’s Travel Ideas – Eating Up Sitiawan! - 83,210 views
  • Village Park @ Damansara Uptown – Is This The BEST Nasi Lemak in Klang Valley? - 72,814 views
  • It’s Perfectly Alright for Girls to “Burp” & Guys to “Giggle” … - 71,708 views
  • Bukit Tinggi – Eat. Shoot. Breathe. Bliss. - 68,323 views
  • Perak Food Guide by J2Kfm - 66,205 views
  • All About Ipoh’s Dim Sum Restaurants – 10 of the Best - 64,656 views
  • All About Ipoh’s Curry Noodles – 15 of the Best - 63,558 views
  • Sin Eng Heong’s Famous Kaya Puff, Ipoh - 63,079 views

Categories

Stats

Admin

  • Log in
  • Entries RSS
  • Comments RSS
  • WordPress.org
rss Comments rss