Hot Jack Cafe @ Pasir Puteh, Ipoh
June 30, 2010 | 17,713 views
Hot Jack Cafe – A hard to missed corner lot with a catchy signboard facing Jalan Pasir Puteh, before one reaches Shatin Court on the right.
Finally … Thanks to recommendations from a few readers, I came to know about Hot Jack Cafe; a barely half a year old cafe situated on Jalan Pasir Puteh of Ipoh. Though it took me a considerably long, loooonnnggg period of procrastination before making my way over for lunch on a Sunday afternoon.
The cafe serves an array of Western and Asian delights; and thankfully far from the generic, washed-up choices like Chicken Chop, Lamb (or Lamp … :)) Chop, and Fish & Chips.
Instead you get ambitious fusions such as Mediterranean Pizza Chicken Chop, Cajun Spice Chicken/Fish, Turf & Surf (funny it’s not listed as Surf & Turf …. but, oh well), and even Almond Crumbed Fish with Butter and Raspberry Sauce.
Everything on the menu appeared to be reasonably-priced, with nothing beyond RM20/USD6 each. With 12 varieties of chicken chops, 8 methods to serve their fish, and 3 types each of steak and lamb, you know you’re in a fix if you’re one of those indecisive species …….
Grilled tender chicken chop with a tangy and creamy salsa-like dressing on top, the Italian Marinated Garlic Lemon Chicken Chop (RM13.90/USD4.20) came with fries, toasted baguettes and coleslaw
Pan Grilled Fish with Walnut and Grape Dressing (RM13.90/USD4.20) may look dainty in portion, but sufficient for a light lunch. The ladies will love this.
Turf And Surf (RM16.90/USD5.10) – A slab of steak served with grilled prawns, fries and coleslaw
For an additional RM4/USD1.20, you can complete your mains with a glass of iced lemon tea, a serving of mushroom soup, and a scoop of ice-cream for desserts. No doubt value-for-money, as the beverages at Hot Jack will cost you from about RM3 upwards each.
The presentation of the food was pleasant and taken into account. No doubt the chef went to great lengths in matching up the ingredients and sauces, whip up a storm, then meticulously placing them all on the huge white plates. Though it did make portrait-oriented photography slightly hard when everything’s lined vertically with the main item positioned in the middle of the ensemble.
Taste-wise, we had nothing much to lament about. And talking about feedback, good to know that the staff were well-trained and able to throw recommendations, explain in concise details about the foods served at Hot Jack Cafe, and at the end of the meal politely asking for our comments.
The Medium-Well steak came a little overdone, but still manageable considering that I did not break my jaw while devouring all the proteins. And the delicious garlic dressing with essence of the prawns complemented the steak so well.
My steak was supposed to be 70% done, but instead arrived in a well-done manner. Tougher to chew, yes. But still nothing that requires laborious work of the jaw. Moreover, the robust dressing seated on top of the slab of beef (sirloin, my guess … sorry, not good with the parts) reeked of a garlicky aroma, with generous lashings of olive oil (you can see how generous were they in the picture above … and let’s hope it was olive oil!), and a sweet, umami flavour from the grilled prawns. Delicious combination of steak and seafood, though the freshness of the prawns was slightly compromised.
The Mushroom Soup that I did not taste (I abhor canned soups, or instant soups), Iced Lemon Teas that come with the sets, my Jelly Susu Banana (what a name?!) and the Mixed Berries Ice-Cream to cleanse your palate.
I came to the knowledge that the chef came back from New Zealand, as told by the waitress. The place was empty the moment we arrived, but the crowd came in throngs thereafter. It will be a nice touch if the chef comes to the table and mingle with the customers; to establish bonds and generate a pleasant customer-appreciation notion.
Hot Jack Cafe is certainly offering the residents of Pasir Puteh a worthy Western diner for consideration, because so far I do not see any in the neighbourhood. This place does remind me of Capucino Cafe opposite of Ave Maria Convent school with pricing in the medium range, presentation of food in an aesthetically pleasing manner, and quality of the Western dishes above average. Another viable option would be Folie-Folie Cafe in town, or you can try Olivenz Cafe in Ipoh Garden East or the newer branch in Greentown Business Centre.
HOT JACK CAFE (Pork-Free)
No 1, Jalan Pasir Puteh 1,
Pasir Puteh,
31650 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.
Telephone : 605-322 1090, 6016-867 1884
Business hours : 12.00pm – 4.00pm, 6.00pm – 10.30pm.
Closed on Tuesdays.
Directions : Coming from town’s direction towards Pasir Puteh on Jalan Pasir Puteh, you will pass by SMK Jalan Pasir Putih on your right, then Mun Choong Restaurant also on your right. Go straight and you will see the police station on your right, and soon you will reach a row of shops on your RIGHT. The corner shop is named Golden Mouse Hotel (which is a restaurant famous for Kampar Lou Shu Fun). Go straight and slow down for the turning. Once you’re able to turn RIGHT, take that. And immediately head LEFT. You will see Hot Jack Cafe at a corner lot, facing a tyre accessories shop. If you have reached Shatin Court food centre, then you have overshot. Make a U-turn and look for Hot Jack that faces the main road.
the cheese baked rice doesnt taste good…i try it b4….it is nt cheese baked rice actually…more to cheese fried rice…haha..
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
Cheese fried rice? Hmm …. probably they wanna do something different? Hehe …
Anyway, most “char chan teng” fry the rice lightly, before baked with the cheese in the bamboo basket.
Maybe to add extra fragrance to the rice.
[Reply]
ah…. i shudn’t read this in the middle of the night… now im hungry before i go to sleep =/ those food is delicious especially that Italian Marinated Garlic Lemon Chicken Chop… i wish to eat it so badly now.. hahaha 😀
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Haha, never read food blogs before you go to sleep. Seriously.
You’re gonna have cravings in the middle of the night ! Haha …
[Reply]
Jelly Susu Banana? Ermm…. Sounds weird! haha… How is the taste?
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 2:11 pm
It’s like sirap bandung with cuts of jelly, and sliced banana. Nothing major, but the name is intriguing. Haha .. it’s RM4.90 per glass, anyway.
[Reply]
the portion looks normal and pretty small. Maybe i used to Melbourne portion already, die 🙁
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Yeah … definitely not enough for a filling lunch. Or to feed a famished soul.
But decent portions lah … for the price paid.
[Reply]
James..the western food looks good. Will go there to try one day with Claire :p Thanks for the recommendation. Busy at the moment..will fix a day to meet up with you together with Claire 🙂
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Hey Elin … yeah, PLEASE come someday to old town. And have lunch or breakfast. I am free for any meals.
[Reply]
I not lunch leh….hungry now after read your post!!
[Reply]
Good food with well-trained waiters & good service are important but not many restaurant can provide, WHY?
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Mostly they hire part time workers, or students.
Hence it’s hard to properly train the staff to provide first class service.
[Reply]
Jelly Susu Banana is just wrong.. but erm, cumi will LOVE it:P
[Reply]
This is something new to me! Yes, one day will go and try out with Elin during lunch.. pretty far from our office though.. anyway, our motto is, have food will travel, right? 😛
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 2:43 pm
Yeah !!!! Where actually is your office ah?
[Reply]
Oh, I went there for yoga every week, but only dine at Hot Jack once.
Love their Potato salad with egg!
Jelly susu banana? LOL, might go for this one next time.
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 2:42 pm
Haha … the Jelly Susu Banana sounds like fun only, but it’s like sirap bandung with susu, and bits of jelly and sliced banana.
[Reply]
I remember someone say it’s far to go to Ipoh town from home… actually from our place to Pasir Puteh takes about 20-25 mins on clear traffic. Which one is further ah? :PP
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
Ahem. A little out of the way ma ….don’t you think so?
This was okay on a weekend, since the traffic not that bad.
[Reply]
but the rice taste horrible….hm….doesnt have cheese taste at all..fail….@@
[Reply]
I love the food there… you can’t even find in KL, the taste is so unique… delicious….
I like going during weekday, even though is still crowded but chef does have time to come out mingle around with clients…
It’s also advisable to go in weekday as weekend is forever superpack… the only comment I can give is the boss chose the wrong location…
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
July 10th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
But why the wrong location eh?
I think it’s good that not all cafes are opening up in Greentown or Ipoh Garden East.
Catering to the needs of residents around Pasir Puteh sounds like a fine idea really.
Though I am staying a good 10-15km from this cafe myself.
[Reply]
i also can’t imagine… pp actually do compare Melbourne and Malaysia… they are paying at least 4X more
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
July 10th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Well said, you get what you give.
Unless they’re charging RM30 or so for a chicken chop, then maybe we can lament.
[Reply]
hi! i went there two weeks ago..the mee hoon chicken wine soup super super yummy..
[Reply]
My favorite and weekly dine-in restaurant, can’t find elsewhere as good as here.
Alice is right… the wine mee hoon, one of my favorite…Balinese Chicken rice very delicious too….
I like the vietnamese chicken rice and my boyfriend likes Hot Jack Pizza Chicken, it is soso… good, portion is big…furthermore… the unique taste… you can’t get elsewhere…
[Reply]
I saw your food blog and tried the food in Hot Jack cafe..you are the man…food here are absolutely the best compared to others cafe espiecially the western food is something different..i will introduce my friends to Hot Jack cafe and ur food blog..p.s..everyone that seee this comment.,you have to try the cowboy chicken..lamb with mint and mayo..and the lemongrass chicken rice…
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
July 19th, 2010 at 8:25 am
Thanks ‘food expert’ for that compliment.
I was merely sharing my personal experiences.
[Reply]
I had been rob there on 18-07-2010 (Sunday), I just want to advice people please be aware sitting outside HOT JACK CAFE corridor. This place really not safe cos those shops around the cafe all close and dark. The shop have no CCTV, if anything happen, there will have nothing to prove even the robberies are with appearance! After I had been rob, I just tell the boss & the boss only said got someone told him had saw 2 indian guys with motorcycle just wait long time opposite the cafe & ask him to be careful! After he had knowing this also he didn’t advise his customers to beware for their properties & safety still just let me & my friend (2 girls) only outside the cafe! Also the cafe inside with curtains & sealing glass can’t even look outside!! I shout so loud for my handbag been rob, inside cafe no one can listen what had happen outside!!! I really aversian the boss at HOT JACK CAFE didn’t take any action that he already know his shop had been a prey for the robberies! That time is my first time to go & try for the food even the food haven come yet, my handbag had been rob, this also will be my last time to go & never go this place again! Hope the boss will be more beware not even by his own & also for his customers with all safety & properties, now robberies are in mad, mostly will be make you injured then only they rob. I’m still lucky that didn’t get injured.
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
Hi Sheryl,
I read your story with much sympathy.
At that time when we went for dinner, there were no seats on the outside. And we went rather early, about 6-7pm. Hence it was still bright.
One word of advice to everyone; Do be careful with your belongings wherever you are.
[Reply]
You can’t only blame the shop for no security system even some of the franchise cafe don’t even have CCTV and also being rob..by the way if everyone who pass the shop or wait their friends (no matter the skin colour)…should the boss keep on telling the customers to becareful??? wa lao ,the boss in the whole world must be super busy And Now the Country Promote 1 MALAYSIA.The Boss told me this situation before and i’m confuse why they don’t come in on the spot and tell the Staff…and the boss will make an action(by the way the lady call in after an hour)… if i am not wrong .at that time ,must be a lot of people walking towards to fun-fair .
P.S every way in malaysia not safe now a day so need to learn how to protect our self and don’t show valuable things outside
[Reply]
I saw the blog from sheryl, i m so sorry for her… but i need clarify that she only inform us of d robbery after 1 hour though d handphe…..but she didnt mention anything at d meantime,when she came in 2 pay d bill….it is only a misunderstanding from both party..if she had inform us immediatly ,v would have definetly help her….
v apolozie 4 d inconvience…
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 10:01 pm
Okay. I hope Sheryl have read this reply from the management.
[Reply]
I just want to advice those people who want to sit at the corridor at this cafe cos of the corridor just have only 3 tables & there have no other shop still opening around. As I said above that when what had happen, my friend & I have shout so loud also inside the cafe have no one can hear or saw too! This is what the cafe should be take note of! I didn’t said I have a racial discrimination just that time the robbery was an Indian. Its just not hard that the staff at the cafe to tell their customers to be extra careful when you knowing there have people doubt on, especially at the corridor only few tables? If you feel you have the responsibility, you will advice, it really not hard for few person outside your cafe. This cafe is not really so close to the fun-fair use walking so around the cafe is still in dark mood & now a days fun-fair is not much people going so is still quite silent. When this case happen, I was in a call to cut all my cards & postpaid line & my friend is to paying the bills, I’m in thinking of what having in my bag & I thought she have told you what happen & I thought the shop didn’t do any action so I just keep calling to few bank to cut all cards & straight to the police station. When in the police station just thinking whether there will have CCTV so only ask my friend to call back. What would you can help if you really know on the spot as you all didn’t hear or saw? Call police to come over? But how long will be wait for the police? Actually what I comment on this blog just want to let this cafe to be more take note on the security around (I know the country is in bad situation even in our own house), luckily I’m not injured in this case but still to advice people to be more more more careful if you really want to sit at the corridor (penelope maybe a staff at the cafe as I think he/she seem like mad on what I said but if you think you have the responsibility just to notice your customer with someone you doubt on?) Just think, if really happen an injury rob outside the cafe, do you know on spot when all people inside the cafe? Is just for the safety for the shop & also customers having so nice food in your shop, please make your customers feel more rest assured when having your food! Am I wrong just to notice for the safety? Hence is just me not to go for the shop again…
[Reply]
First, at that time, there still got some customer inside, even nobody notice that case(At that time There’s about several customer(8ppl) which i can prove.
Second, u say food haven’t came than been rod, but why u didn’t mention our staff (it only take few 2nd) when food was out. That’s people will do next
Third,ur friend didn’t told us about this unlucky thing so what can we do. we sure that we would help what ever we can.
Fourth, i don’t sure about mon-thu but sat n sun quite pack to fun-fair. Even full of car at the front of my cafe. (a lot of witness)
Every one in this world, don’t want this case to be happen. Even me n my staff, from my bottom of heart, we felt Sympathy n sorry about these, if there’s any misunderstanding, we would to explain detail.
Thank for ur advise we now take alert at ppl who sit outside.
[Reply]
Im just a regular customer..coming here every week…y would u thinnk im a staff here..i came here to have my meal and the boss of Hot Jack told me bout the case…im not mad of you sherly…but im just telling about how dangerous if we dont take care of our belongings..thats all i want to take note..please don insult that im mad..thanks…
[Reply]
1. As you said your cafe just have few person, all didn’t notice what happen even me & my friend shouting outside, that because of the sealing glass & curtains covered all outside!
2. Actually, before the rob happen, me & my friend are going to order some snack food, we are concentrate on waiting your staff to get order & that time I already find out people inside is hard to notice what happen outside. Then so fast my bag has been grab & just saw the Indian guy run to his friend riding motorcycle using high speed on the road…
3. This is the first time we meet up & hope is the last, so what we think of is what important things inside my bag & what cards I need to cut off on spot & also go to police station to report as fast as possible. But if we told you what happen on time, what you can do only can ask me to go report police, cos nothing you can do without CCTV to support or should I think you will pay compensation? I want to highlight is as a staff or boss as you know someone doubt on, do you feel you have to take more alert on your shop too?
4. The case is on Sunday night… but I don’t think there have much car… Robbery is happen always at late night maybe on 9pm something is not much people around even fun-fair too.
[Reply]
i’m so curious 1 thing so long d.at 1st time me n my frend cum 2 the shop taste the food.then we finish d,then i say bill,got a big guy cum then say he is boss,then he ask us how was the food taste.we say not bad,then i say who cook the food,he say he cook,then i no hav ask again.pay the money then go out.i ask my frend the food is he cook,my frend say not,coz before the food cum out,my frend say he edi sit on front of the computer got some time,when the food cum out he oso sit at there,how he cook,then i oso c him sit of front of the computer 2,then my frend say the boss lie us.then we laugh a while,the go back d.
[Reply]
every 1 hv their point of view, whs rit or wrong doesnt matter,inportant we netd to look at future .
but the food gambar lok good .make me hugry liaw
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
July 29th, 2010 at 8:07 am
Thanks hello kitty for clearing that up. I am sure most would be glad to let bygones be bygones.
[Reply]
do the restaurant eccept any visa card ???? or take any group booking ????
want to try on my birthday………….
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
July 29th, 2010 at 8:07 am
Hi Samsen Boy, you can try to call their number from the contact given at the end of the post.
[Reply]
been tried the food tonight. well lucky they didn’t let me down. we purposely drove from menglembu to there. well done hot jack.
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
August 1st, 2010 at 10:11 pm
From Menglembu to there? Not very very far also ma … 🙂
But glad that you liked the food there.
[Reply]
been dine ther couple times,every things taste unique n good. but don’t know why the menu still the same (a piece of paper).ha ha ha, funny ..the huge guy must be a good money saver.
it look good with proper menu . i sure bring my family next time . hopefully they got menu next time
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
August 5th, 2010 at 8:13 am
A piece of paper?
Wait, when we were there, the menu came in a bound manner.
Maybe papers in folders, but still more than a piece if I’m not mistaken.
[Reply]
[…] Hot Jack Cafe @ Pasir Puteh (NEW!!) […]
thks, for ur blog, this place r good especially i order the chicken chop with lemongrass sauce n my boy boy had walnut fish. i bit different with other western food. i wonder where the chef from?????
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
August 11th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
The chef had experience working in NZ, or so I was told.
Hence the meticulous preparation and aesthetic presentation of the food.
Good to have a place like this in Ipoh, especially in Pasir Puteh which is dominated by hawker fares and Chinese restaurants.
[Reply]
when tha first time i went there,(the first opening of that restaurent ) ,the food that were not that great, but everyone derserve a change
So i decide to go one more times, wow, a lot of improvement and choice, i tried the burger steak , well, three patties with different variety of taste, (taste nice), n my others collegue also love it , but only 1 things that not pass ,need to wait long when the place full.. ….
Sure will come back again…………………….
[Reply]
yesterday ,saw the ur blog about the hot jack cafe , so went there and tried .well , i’m so happy in this area can find a great food plus also a lot of variety to choose that r so uniqe .a bit suprise their hot chocolate taste so nice .n staff told me that the chocolate powder is mix by the owner .
J2Kfm::::: How many times u been there ?
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
September 1st, 2010 at 10:27 pm
hi MIMI. I have only been there once. Why are you asking this? You thought you saw me there? 🙂
[Reply]
Just discovered your blog a month ago & Hot Jack’s the second reviewed place I’ve visited (first was VNam Kitchen… yum!). The pan-grilled fish with garlic prawns (RM14.90) was substantial & quite yummy but the honey yogurt drink (RM5.50) tasted rather weird. Told the staff about the drink; wonder if they’ll do anything about it. Other things ordered were so-so. The staff were friendly but they need to do something about the menu presentation; it’s just a stack of papers stapled together!
They gave me a redemption card where every RM30 spent entitles you to one stamp. Collect 6 stamps and get a house entree; collect 10 and get a voucher. The card is valid for 3 months. I doubt that I’ll be visiting Hot Jack that often to take advantage of the offer. The card itself was hilarious though: it’s written that for 6 stamps collected, you get a “house on tray”!! Only discovered this at home so did not get a chance to tell the staff.
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
September 7th, 2010 at 8:05 pm
House on Tray?!!! Whatever does that mean. Maybe a house bread or house soup, or something?
[Reply]
TLS Reply:
September 8th, 2010 at 9:42 am
My best guess is that they mean house ‘entree’ a.k.a. main course. Being in the F&B industry, you would think that at least one person working at the cafe would know how to spell the word correctly!
[Reply]
Dear TLS,
Sorry for confusing ,When our royalty Customer Collect 6 Stamps ,We going to give them Either salsa cheese Bruchette or Hot jack sausage (Wrap with Spring roll Skin with cheese ,camelised onion and sausage which deep fry in tempura batter),
By the way ,Thanks for inform us the word “House of Tray” is not appropriate. We sure will inform our staff about that,
Thanks a lot TLS,
i have a look the honey yogurt drink n improve it . sure might come something different.
thanks a lot J2Kfm for create this blog . which a lot of help for the F n B industry .
All the best for both of U ,Hope will see u again
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
September 9th, 2010 at 10:49 am
You’re most welcomed. And that’s a prompt feedback to the customer’s complaint. Kudos, for good customer/PR skills is essential in order to survive in this F&B business.
Keep it up. And you can update the readers here if let’s say you have any ongoing promotions or such.
[Reply]
TLS Reply:
September 9th, 2010 at 4:41 pm
I’m glad that the management of Hot Jack Cafe has responded positively. Nothing annoys me more than an establishment that gets defensive whenever they get negative feedback from customers. Other businesses should learn a thing or two from Hot Jack Cafe. Well done!
[Reply]
I did try Mediterranean Pizza Chicken Chop and it is nice, with the combination of cheese, ham, and mashed potato. The chicken meet was tender and not over cook. The salad was that good and refreshing. But the soup really taste like canned soup.
In overall I really satisfy with it.
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
October 20th, 2010 at 7:57 pm
Thanks baron. Seems that Hot Jack’s a hot favourite amongst the diners. Except an occasional blunder or two.
Good to see that even Pasir Puteh’s not left out in the cafe scene.
[Reply]
went there today (mothers’ day)
had to wait a bit but totally forgivable since it was packed..
tried their chicken maryland; duo chicken salad and chicken de paris butter; pan grilled fish n butter prawn with pesto&pineapple.
it was GOOD and the portion is ok. i’d say big. every steak comes with a bed of mashed potato, coleslaw and crinkle fries. so tt will really fill u up
their price has increased since. RM5 top up for the set now. but still very reasonable.
the lady boss was really nice. waiters/waitresses r well trained too.
definitely coming back
[Reply]
Does this cafe still open? the other day i passed by it looked closed and all dark (forgot what day). can’t even see the inside and it looked deserted. but comments on the food sounded not bad. maybe i’ll try it one day.
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
May 13th, 2011 at 11:36 pm
I think so. Since the last comment from a reader was rather recent.
[Reply]
They should have tea time special….n also more finger food like sandwich etc. They should also improve on their menu…
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
April 23rd, 2012 at 9:37 pm
Are they still around? I passed by and did not notice much of Hot Jack.
[Reply]
Dear Pauline ,, actually we do a special toast ,,, when we r not that busy,,, u can request from our staff ,, they might happy to inform the chef . we got two choices : Garlic toast with ham N homemake egg Mayo,N also Tuna spread with wasabi kikomon sauce,,
Dear J2Kfm,,
been long time this review be posted in ur webpage ,,, How about come n Try our new dishes which might not let u down ..we also have lunch promotion which got 14 choices… THANK. looking forward to c u
[Reply]