Hoy Tin Lau Restaurant @ Bercham, Ipoh
July 2, 2009 | 212 views| 20 Comments »Blogged about Hoy Tin Lau Restaurant waaaaayyyy back then, before they relocated to this new location in Bercham in Ipoh. So to those of you who were fans of Hoy Tin Lau’s amazing range of freshwater fishes (albeit at a price, beware …), and the incomparable Sar Kiong Kai (Roast Chicken served with freshly mashed ginger/galangal), but felt dumped somewhat by the sudden closing of the restaurant, don’t fret. About 5-10 minutes away, you’ll find your solace. 
Now the place can seat a larger crowd, compared to the rather cramped cornerlot back then
Steamed Tilapia with Spicy Bean Sauce
The restaurant offers an array of freshwater fishes, from the usual tilapia to the more exotic (in other words, PRICEY $$$ !!!) Ikan Patin and Sultan. Or at least that’s what they’re called in Cantonese, not exactly sure of their English names. Just ask the staff what’s the freshest catch of the day, and enquire about the best cooking style (normally steamed, but there’s a variety of steaming methods as well, so do ASK).
Never failed to deliver in terms of taste, price (hehe), and satisfaction (which also managed to get the thumbs up from my grandma every single time), their steamed tilapia (or fei zhou yu aka African Fish?!) with Spicy Bean Sauce is almost a staple when it comes to simple family dinner at Hoy Tin Lau. None of those repulsive muddy taste commonly associated with freshwater fishes, and the accompanying bean sauce was far from overwhelming; maintaining its role as a complement perfectly.
Stir fried Asparagus with Sambal Belacan
Spicy, piquant, with additional bites from the dried shrimps and chopped onions, the young stems of the asparagus provided much crunch and fibre to the meal. Greens are not necessarily bland; Just like an unattractive ladywith enough make-up, she can even pass off as … decent. =P
Or Chien (Oyster Omelette)
The oysters were enveloped in the fried egg pancake, hence can’t be seen from the picture above, fried with chopped red chillies and scallions. NOT exactly L-sized oysters being used here, but not the dainty, non-existent version either. But I prefer my Or Chien with crispy edges, and a heftier load of oysters, thank you.
Caters well to the young ones, and the older generations ….. Sar Kiong Kai (Roasted Chicken with Crunchy Jellyfish Strands, and Mashed Ginger)
A perennial favourite with the crowd, you can almost see every table ordering a serving of this. Half a chicken should do the trick, for a family of four. Glistening skin, tender meat and tasty marinade, topped off with the piquant mashed ginger (or galangal … anyone?) as condiment, and crunchy strands of marinated jellyfish. A must-try, if you ever stop by this restaurant.
Hoy Mei Pou aka Claypot Seafood Treasures
One of their new entries, the Hoy Mei Pou was excellent in every way. The thick, rich and sweet broth owed to the abundance of seafood in the pot, from mussels to fish maws, as well as mushrooms and canned abalones. Drenching the white rice with the sauce was heavenly, and this dish got the thumbs up from everyone at the table. An economic version, no sweat, without the abalones, sea cucumbers and such.
A list of the fresh catches, and the price per 100g …. Don’t go overboard before checking on the price, remember that. A meal at Hoy Tin Lau maybe slightly pricier than the average ‘dai chow’ restaurants in Ipoh, especially if you order more seafood than meat and vegetable dishes. But given the household name, the quality, and the fresh supplies of fish, you can almost rest assured you’ll be back for more before you know it.
Location : Hoy Tin Lau Restaurant @ Lorong Bercham 19, 31400 Bercham, Ipoh, Perak. Here’s a MAP for guidance. It’s along the main road of Bercham (Jalan Bercham), and situated on the left (if coming from town/highway) at the traffic lights after the Bercham police station.
Aiyo, I think I stumbled in here wrong time… the steamed tilapia, the claypot, even the standing fan looks good!!
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The Steamed Tilapia with Spicy Bean Sauce looks yummy. Btw, how much are all the dishes? If I go Ipoh can u bring me there too?
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"An unattractive lady with enough make-up can even pass off as decent"…true true! Make-up does wonders ya know!
Which Oh Chien is nicer? Ipoh's version or Sitiawan's version? I've never eaten Oh Chien in Ipoh b4…
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Place look huge…
Fried oyster is also my fav… but i prefer it a bit sticky than deep fried dry…
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550ml jar of faith : even the standing fan?!! you must be craving badly!
Steven Goh : total came to less than RM80 I rmbr. But i lost the receipt, so cant be sure.
Bangsar Babe : I like Penang's version more, Sitiawan also not bad. Ipoh til now have yet to find a good or chien.
Wilson : with starch? some dun like that, i'm ok though.
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You remind me those days when I have to drive down to Ipoh alone to meet my customer. My customer is always my guide to lead me where to find for good food. I was more energetic when I was first graduated years back, not now. Hehe…
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nice place if one is longing for fresh water fish…howz the price?
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Thanks for sharing. It is very near my house in Ipoh. Will give it a try when I go back.
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Compared to KL, i think maybe the prices here r still considered reasonable, hehe! The fresh fish definitely is a crowd puller and must try that chicken too!
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once u eat fresh waterfish like those babies on the board..u will nvr go back to fishes like tilapia man!! its that good and smooth..
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I wanna try out the hou mei pou!
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Little Inbox : oww … not that old now, arent you? just a bit lazy to hunt for good food. I'm gettin the same vibes.
Simple Girl : the freshwater fishes prices are up on the cardboard. bout RM6-RM9 per 100g.
soo sean : you might've tried the old outlet before, cz its very popular.
Pureglutton : true, it's not that expensive if compared to KL prices. but even in KL, one can find really cheap food. i was surprised as well.
Joe : yeah, but for a simple dinner, we wouldnt wanna fork out an arm and a leg each …
once in a while is ok … esp like ikan sultan.
allie : i'm salivating as well, lookin at that pot of treasures.
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Oo, yeah yummy :p
the chicken is very unigue, with jellyfish strands…
Yeah, agree, the fish is quite exorbitant, but it's fresh
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Gosh I'm drooling over the roasted chicken! OK tonight I shall hunt for roasted chicken
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totally agree.. price and satisfaction are everything;D
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kevin : yup, gotta pay for freshness and varieties.
iamthewitch : coping well over there?
i'm sure roast chicken's at every nook and corner.
cumi & ciki : true, comfort meal at its best.
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Ginger roasted chicken, excellent! Ginger goes well with chicken esp in for marinade.
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worldwindows : very traditional, comfort food. pleasing to the palate.
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Actually the shop already closed 2 months back due to the boss want to be king of gamblers.
So the shop change to other, but still famous with chinese foods.
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The old ones was my favorite for Steamed Patin. It is not as good on the new restaurant.
Apparently one of the captain still works at the new restaurant, I have given them my feedback, and will visit a second time to see if they are better.
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